How to Use Digital Printables in Scrapbook Projects

Digital printables are a wonderful resource for scrapbook and memory keeping projects. They allow you to customise patterned paper and embellishments to suit your page perfectly, and you can print exactly what you need when you need it.

In many of my projects I use digital papers and embellishments because they give me flexibility with sizing and colours, while still allowing me to use my favourite designs.

Technique:

Using digital printables in a scrapbook project is simple and gives you a lot of creative freedom. An example of where I used it is on the Life’s a Journey Scrapbook Layout.

Buy or download the digital papers or embellishments that you would like to use in your project. (Find a large selection in our SHOP)
Resize the paper and elements to suit your page.
If you have an A3 printer, it allows you to print patterned paper almost the same size (30 x 30.5 cm) as a traditional scrapbook page (30.5 × 30.5 cm). If you are using a smaller printer, you can simply print the designs at a size that works for your project. For example, I also printed some papers at 15.25 × 15.25 cm to use as smaller design elements.

Prepare the files for printing.
I prefer to work in Silhouette Designer software, because it makes it easier to see how the designs will fit onto the selected paper size before printing.
Print the papers and embellishments.
For best results I print my designs on good quality 160 gsm white cardstock, which gives the printed papers and elements a nice sturdy feel.
Cut out the embellishments.
I often convert embellishments into print-and-cut files in Silhouette Designer software so that my cutting machine can cut them automatically. However, you can also print the embellishments and cut them out by hand.

Use the printed papers and embellishments on your scrapbook page.

Using digital designs in this way allows you to customise the size of your papers and elements and print more whenever you need them.

Why I enjoy using digital printables

Printing your own scrapbook papers and embellishments offers several advantages.

The cost of printing is often similar to buying physical scrapbook paper, but digital designs give you much more flexibility. You can resize the designs to suit your project and simply print more if you need additional pieces.

Another advantage is convenience. You never have to wait for deliveries or visit a shop when inspiration strikes, everything can be prepared and printed from your own desk, at your own pace.

If you would like to learn more about digital files and how they work, you can also read my post about Digital Downloads, where I explain the process in more detail.