Scrapbook Retailers, Don't Dread Digital; New Book Empowers Storeowners to Welcome Digital Scrapbookers into Stores and Classrooms

New book, Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers, provides the first and only turnkey digital/hybrid scrapbooking sales solution for retailers - including a certification program.

Fountain Valley, CA (PRWEB) July 16, 2008 -- Author and instructor Patty Debowski has been talking to scrapbooking store owners - she knows they are concerned about what digital scrapbooking will mean for their stores. Will today's easy-to-use graphic editing programs turn digital camera owners into digital scrapbookers? Will their traditional paper and embellishment stock be able to attract the new tech-oriented crowd? Will they be able to communicate in "geek-speak"? Debowski has not only listened to their worries; she has created a solution. Her new book, Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers, Volume 1: Digi-Degree Program is the first digital/hybrid scrapbooking book written specifically for the retail store owner. It provides precisely the information retailers need to become a resource for their local digital scrapbooking community.

"The book has everything a retailer needs to know about setting up digital/hybrid classes in their stores," explains Debowski. "After teaching digital scrapbooking for a couple of years, I've encountered just about everything!"

Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers: Digi-Degree Program allows local stores to teach digital/hybrid scrapbooking classes to their customers with confidence. Retailers and instructors don't have to come up with their own program - they can use the same field-tested system that Debowski has already successfully used in her own classes utilizing her first book Digital & Hybrid Scrapbooking & Card-Making with Photoshop Elements. Her guide provides five digital scrapbooking lesson plans using Photoshop Elements. Because the lesson plans include step-by-step instructions, they can be taught by someone with only basic computer skills. "I've included tips to make the teacher look brilliant, even if they're just a beginner," says Debowski.

One unique feature of Debowski's new retailer program is the Digi Degree "certification" option. Local store instructors teach the classes based on Debowski's content. At the end of the five sessions, students can receive the "Digi-Degree Program Certificate", which can be personalized with individual store names. "There is a huge demand for these classes," says Debowski. "I can't believe how many people actually want to get their certificate at the end. 90% of people that start these hands-on classes finish the series of five, most in the same weekend."

Low cost marketing tips and product sales ideas are included throughout the lesson plans. The scrapbooking instructor can use the lesson plan as lecture content, while also subtly encouraging students to buy additional product (whether traditional, digital or electronic stock).

Debowski's system offers five class lesson plans that lead to Digi-Degree "certification":
** Organizing Your Digital Scrapbook Supplies and Photos (Windows Only - Mac users substitute a class on installing and using Brushes)
** Laying the Groundwork - working with photo, embellishments, text, and layers
** Making a Basic Digital Page from scratch
** Speed Scrapping with Templates
** Basic Hybrid Page - Custom backgrounds and shapes, applying filters, and using text paths

*As a special bonus a free sixth class is available for wholesale purchases made by August 1, 2008.

Also included in Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers-Volume 1: Digi-Degree Program:
** Sample images of completed class projects to use in marketing and promotions
** Class descriptions in Microsoft Word format for quick additions to a website or newsletter
** Advice on effective class scheduling
** Class preparation and presentation tips
** How to smoothly address digital scrapbooking challenges and common mistakes

Retailers interested in more information on Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers, Volume 1: Digi-Degree Program can visit Debowski in the Creative Imaginations Digital Corner in Booth 1849 during the Craft & Hobby Association trade show in Chicago, July 18-20, 2008, or online at http://www.RetailerDigiHelp.com.

Debowski is available for in-store staff training to help retailers set up digital classes and programs. She also offers product discounts for bulk orders. Find wholesale information here: http://www.RetailerDigiHelp.com.

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