I have tried being a digital scrapbooker, I have! Promise! Cross my heart. My brain (and my budget) tells me that it would be so much easier. Easier to reproduce, Easier to save, Easier to clean up! Less messy, Less expensive, Less space in my house, More portable, maybe even More professional. The list of pro’s for digital scrapbooking huge. I love the look of so many inspired designers going digi lately. I do! So…. I’ve tried learning it, I’ve tried printing it and I’ve tried, really tried to enjoy it.

And I’ve failed.

I can’t do it! The layouts are okay but to me there is always something missing. Yes, I am left feeling accomplished that I got something done and even happier it only took me 15 mins. per layout but I’m also left feeling empty. My heart is not in it. The creative void just isn’t filled for me. It’s like a PICTURE of a beautiful quilt that you can’t cuddle up underneath you or feel it’s softness.  When I create 100% digitally I don’t feel like I’ve touched anything. I know it’s important that the memories are preserved (and ultimately that’s wonderful) but, I don’t feel like the creative outlet side of me gets to come out in quite the same way.

A few weeks ago I got an email from Creating Keepsakes. Telling me that CK has a promotion with Shutterfly through the end of February! A free 8×8 scrapbook! All your digi pages printed and bound. My brain told me to do it. My heart told me I’d hate it. Since I’d only be out the $3.50 in shipping I ordered one to at least try it out. I spent less than an hour and made a 2009 year in review album. Not only did I love it but I found a way to satisfy my head and my heart! Once it came back, I wanted to infuse a little more of my personality into it. So I pulled out a few flat embellishments, my favorite adhesives, a dual brush pen for journaling and got busy! I love the finished look and think I’ve learned that I love hybrid layouts! I’ll definitely be doing more of these in the future. What are you waiting for- go order yourself one and show us your own ‘add-ons’!