Frequently Asked Questions I have to say thank you to all of you for your interest in these things. I plan to update this page quite often…as more questions come my way. Please take the time to browse this section, as it might have the answer you are looking for.   Q: What software package do you use to create your kits? A: I use a couple of different programs…the main one being Adobe Photoshop CS3. This is ALWAYS open on my computer – LOL!  I also use Adobe Illustrator CS3, Corel Painter, Adobe InDesign...and various other software packages in my work :) Q:  May I use your kits for commercial purposes (website, albums to sell, kits to sell, etc.)?  A:  I'm sorry, but all of the Shabby Princess kits (elements, papers, etc.) are for personal, non-commercial use only.  They may not be used in the creation of websites, albums or any type of art that will be used for the purpose of selling.  There are many reasons for this policy and I appreciate your understanding and respect.  I will, on occasion, grant permission to use my kits for your personal websites...HOWEVER, only if it is a NON scrapbooking related site (i.e. family site, etc.).  Thanks. Q: What software do you use to create your layouts? A: I also use Adobe Photoshop CS3 for my pages! There are, of course, other software packages available…many that are much more reasonably priced as well as less complex. Q: How did you learn to use Photoshop? A: I am completely self-taught in Photoshop. I first started using it for photography purposes only…and then discovered digi scrapping…and realized that I could do sooooo much more in PS! It is not the most simple program ever – but through much trial and error – you can really get good at it! Q: I am a paper scrapper and have NEVER scrapped digitally – but am really wanting to try it…however, I have NO IDEA where to start? Please help. A: This is one of the most common questions that I get! Here is my answer – LOL! Getting started...well - it CAN be a bit overwhelming!  So...take it slow and remember that you are not going to learn everything overnight :) At the Shabby Shoppe, we have a TUTORIALS section that can be a GREAT resource when starting out!  We have both screen-shot tutorials and video tutorials - whichever you prefer :) I also use “GOOGLE” quite often while searching for specific tutorials and techniques. Q: What size pages do you create and do you print them or have them printed? A: This is also a very popular question. I find that one of the main reasons many paper scrappers are hesitant to try digital scrapping is because they are so used to having BIG pages to put in their albums…and do not want to lose that! I’m with ya! I HAVE to have my pages printed – LOL! I scrap in 12”x12”…occasionally creating an 8x8 or 6x6 gift album. For printing - I send the layouts out to a digital lab - www.whcc.com - they are for professional photographers – but also accept amateurs like myself :) They are AWESOME! The pricing for 12x12 printing is quite reasonable, and I cannot tell you how beautiful they look! I have also heard that Kinko's will print them for a little less...or you could crop to 11x11" (and mount to cardstock) and it will cut the cost a bit at Kinko's! Of course - you could opt to go with a wide format printer...Epson's are WONDERFUL! Finally – I have also been told that Costco will print them for under $3, I believe (great quality, too!). Then – I just slip the prints into a traditional 12x12 album and VOILA! Q: Are you CRAZY? Why are you sharing these kits and your site for FREE? A: LOL – this is my favorite question. NO – I’m not crazy – I just TRULY love creating these kits and LOVE SHARING them even more! I sooo enjoy seeing what all of you talented scrappers make with my “stuff”! And…I also LOVE to learn new things and challenge myself! Every time that I make a new kit – I learn so much – that alone is worth it. Q: Do you SELL digital scrapbooking kits anywhere? A: Yes :)  you can find more Shabby Princess products at the Shabby Shoppe! Q: What is WINZIP and how do I get it and why do I need it? A: WinZip is the software that allows you to "unpack" all of the files that are included with my kits. When you download the kits - they are all "zipped up" in a ZIP file...so you use the WinZip software to unzip them...and then you will see all of the individual paper and element files :) You can download the evaluation version of WinZip here for free: http://www.winzip.com - I'm not sure how long you can keep it for free - but I know you can at least get a free trial! Q: I’m trying to download one of your kits and it will not work…what do I do? A: If you are attempting to download a kit and you get an error message…please wait a while and try again later. Sometimes there are problems when A LOT of users are downloading at the same time…or else maybe the system is just down temporarily. After trying for a second time…if the downloads are still not working, please view the Shoppe's technical FAQ here as that might help as well.  Please know that we monitor the SP site daily to make sure everything is working :) Q: Do you do design work outside of digital scrapbooking? A: Well, yes AND no :)  For the past couple of years...I have had a paper line/collection with Bo Bunny Press (sold online and at local scrapbook stores).  However, I recently resigned so that I could dedicate my 'work' time to digital designs.  I have also done work for various companies like Sony and Picaboo...as well as serving on the board for Simple Scrapbooks Digital Magazine. Q: How long have you been digi scrapping? A: I started digi scrapping in April of 2004. Q:  May I submit my layouts using your kits to magazines for publication? A:  Absolutely...I'd be flattered!  As with all published layouts (paper and digital) - just remember to credit the designers for their products.  Also...I would LOVE an email letting me know when/what you will be in!  GOOD LUCK and SUBMIT AWAY!