Tools, Gadgets, and Widgets: Software Review and Giveaway

I have lots of photographs, some print copies in boxes and digital copies on disks and thumb drives. I thought I'd do something with the digital copies, but I never did until I was contacted by MyMemories Dgital Scrapbooking Software to do a review of their product. In exchange for the review, I was given a full working copy of the software. In addition, I have a copy to give one lucky reader. You'll see your part when it comes by.

Directions to download the MyMemories Suite were easy to follow and the product downloaded and installed without a hitch. You can chose to download either a Windows or a Mac version of the program.

The program wasn't as intuitive as I thought it would be, but there is a lot of help and tutorials from MyMemories.com. or by typing My Memories tutorials into your favorite search engine.  After watching a tutorial, it didn't take long to get started. I thought there would be a limited number of things to work with. I was surprised to learn there are 1300 embellishments and 1500 backgrounds to use. You can also import your own images either in .jpg or .png format.

If that's not enough, there are tons of free goodies you can download from the MyMemories.com site. You can download one or all. Donwloads are available in Windows, Mac, and formats for other programs like Paint Shop Pro. Packages had to be downloaded individually, but they downloaded and installed quickly.

There are also lots of templates and packages you can purchase at the MyMemories.com Store. I know there are some of you who want the tactile experience of paper and embellishments, but once you use up your favorite brads, you have to buy more. With the digital backgrounds and embellishments, you can use them over and over again. As many times as you need. Digital scrapbooking is also neat. There are no paper schnibbles to clean up. When you're done for the day, you close the program and all your brads, buttons, bows, and papers are stored away neatly.

I chose to start my first page from scratch, but there are lots of templates where you can either drag and drop your photo or upload your photo to create your page. You can create your album in 12 inch x 12 inch, 8 inch x 8 inch or 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch format. I used a picture of my maternal grandmother. She's the young woman on the right. Her cousin is on the left. The photograph was taken when Grandma first arrived in this country somewhere around 1910. When I first saw the photograph as a child, I thought she was playing dress-up with her cousin. I always thought of the photo as The Grandmas Playing Dress-Up. Didn't the scrapbook page turn out great?

Besides being able to create scrapbook pages, the MyMemories Suite can be used to create cards and photo books. Sound can also be added to create a very special memento.

So, here comes your chance to win a copy of the MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking software. You can enter as many times as you like to increase your chances. The contest will remain open until noon EST on Friday, 30 September 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Saturday, 1. October 2011.

First visit MyMemories.com. Look at the wonderful packages they have in their store. Then come back and leave a comment. Tell me which digital scrapbook kit(s) you liked.  Easy!

If you can't wait to get your hands on the MyMemories.com Suite software, MyMemories.com is offering readers a special discount. Use the promotion code STMMMS65809 and receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software. Plus you'll receive a $10 coupon to use in the MyMemories.com store. That's a $20 savings! Jot down the promotion code STMMMS65809 or copy it and click the MyMemories.com graphic at the top right of this page to go to the MyMemories.com store.

You can also follow MyMemories.com on their blog, Facebook, or Twitter page.

Do you scrapbook?