A digital template is essentially a sketch. The main difference between the two being that the digital template is usually used within a photo editing program such as Photoshop. For this reason, traditional scrapbookers might not think to take a second look at a digital template. Personally, like any sketch, I find them to be a wonderful tool for days I just need to scrap without much thinking or for days when I want to expand the way I work. In some cases, I feel that digital templates really push the envelope on design and can be quite inspiring.

So how does one go about using a digital template if you are a traditional or hybrid memory keeper? I recommend choosing templates that speak to you in some way. Ask yourself what interests you about the template. Can you easily replicate what you see with physical paper product? Some templates call for blending or other artistic techniques. Some of these techniques can be recreated using art supplies while others require the use of a photo editing program. Can you see the steps needed to create the layout using the template? I like templates which give me an idea of how to layer the product as I work. As with any sketch, adapt the template to work for you. Just because the template has a flower placed just so does not mean you have to do the same on your layout.

When I saw the Fuss Free: Pennants 7 templates from Fiddle Dee Dee designs, I knew they would be a good fit for paper and hybrid scrapbooking. I could easily see the steps needed to layer the products onto the canvas. I liked that the templates were similar to my style. At the same time, the templates called for additional layers of paper and used banners in a creative way. Some of the layout design was a little bit different from the standard way I would place my own photos. In short, the templates were a nice blend of familiar with a little bit of innovation. They invited me to play and create in a comfortable way while experimenting just a bit.

Old School Telephone by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, October Afternoon, Elle’s Studio; Letters, Journal Card: October Afternoon; Digital Paper and Embellishments:Down This Road Designs, Echo Park; Template: Fiddle Dee Dee Designs

I ended up creating this layout based on one of the templates in the pack.I kept the overall design but omitted some of the emebllishment clusters on the right side. I have a ton of patterned paper in my stash. It felt good to layer so many papers onto one layout. I have been quite bored with banners, but this template made me love them again. In short, I had a good time using products in fresh new way. I will be able to practice the layering and the new use of banners by creating layouts based on the other templates. I hope to incorporate some of what I have learned from this template pack into my usual repertoire.

While it’s tempting to just glance at the templates in the shop and use them as sketches, it’s important to consider the designer. They are doing this to make a living. If you want to see more templates from them, show them your support by voting with your dollar. After all, many of us don’t bat an eyelash when we purchase sketch books designed for traditional scrapbookers. If you find a template designer you like, subscribe to their newsletter and/or follow them on social media. Designers often share free templates, new release news and special sale offers with their followers. Templates are usually offered in packs.Most template packs are offered at a lower price or with “buy one get one’ offers when they are first released. You can also show your support of the designer by listing them in your supply notes when posting to online galleries.