Easy-to-Use Guides Help Provide Tips and Techniques on Using the Latest Technology for Creating Fun and Innovative Scrapbook Layouts

LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America, Inc. today announced the availability of four digital scrapbooking reference guides -- "Introduction to Technology," "Digital Scrapbooking Kits," "Divine Secrets of the Design Sisterhood," and "Scrapbooker's Guide to Photo Corrections & Artistic Effects" -- which provide consumers with useful instructions on using technology as yet one more scrapbooking technique. From basic techniques describing how to use a digital camera, photo printer and scanner, to more advanced instruction detailing ways to use Adobe(R) Photoshop Elements image-editing software to enhance photos and create digital scrapbook pages, these reference guides are designed for consumers at every skill level.

"Epson has always been dedicated to providing the scrapbooking market with innovative and fun ideas for digital scrapbooking," said Barbara Kotsos, senior manager, scrapbooking solutions. "Our expert digital scrapbooking trainers teach Epson classes throughout the year, and we are excited to now offer their personal insight and expertise in these new guides, which answer the questions asked most often in the classes. They are simple and easy to understand, making them great alternatives for anyone who cannot attend our classes, but still wants to learn the tricks of the trade."

All four scrapbooking reference guides are full-color, glossy booklets containing detailed instructions and corresponding images and diagrams for consumers to easily follow. Each guide will initially ship while supplies last with a bonus CD with printable elements and pages from well-known designers to help consumers with their digital scrapbooking projects, including patterned pages, page layouts, embellishments, fonts, stamps, templates, and more, depending on the corresponding guide.

"Introduction to Technology"
Ideal for beginners, the "Introduction to Technology" guide includes easy-to-follow instructions on retrieving photos from a digital camera and organizing them on a computer, scanning and restoring photos using Epson scanners and turning digital photos into a hard-bound, professional-looking coffee table book using the StoryTeller(R) Photo Book Creator by Epson. The guide's bonus CD features ready-to-print scrapbook pages, such as love and pet-themed patterned pages, from the Epson CreativeZone(SM) Web site.

"Digital Scrapbooking Kits"
The "Digital Scrapbooking Kits" reference guide is perfect for any scrapbooker interested in learning different ways to use a computer to download designer scrapbook kits, or how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements to create unique digital scrapbook layouts. (Adobe Photoshop Elements must be purchased separately.) The bonus CD offered with this guide contains a variety of digital papers, embellishments, stamps, fonts, quick pages, and overlays.

"Divine Secrets of the Design Sisterhood"
For scrapbookers looking for design inspiration, the "Divine Secrets of the Design Sisterhood" guide features different methods for creating various paper designs, digital embellishments, digital "fasteners," and digitally drawn letters and word art, as well as tips on how to save digital elements and layouts once they are completed. Its bonus CD provides a wide array of digital page kits, brushes, templates, textures, effects, alphabets, stamps, borders, and more.

"Scrapbooker's Guide to Photo Corrections & Artistic Efforts"
The "Scrapbooker's Guide to Photo Corrections & Artistic Effects" guide teaches scrapbookers how to organize, edit, correct, and enhance their digital photos using Adobe Photoshop Elements as well as scanning tips. The reference guide's bonus CD features several digital designs, including an array of digital elements and backgrounds that can be used in scrapbook designs.

Pricing and Availability
The "Introduction to Technology" reference guide is available for $6.99, while the "Digital Scrapbooking Kits," "Divine Secrets of the Design Sisterhood" and "Scrapbooker's Guide to Photo Corrections & Artistic Effects" guides are available for $10.99 each. All four guides can be purchased as a complete set entitled "Complete Collection - 2006 Class Books" for $34.99, all estimated street prices.

The guides are currently available on the Epson Store Web site in the digital photography section (http://www.epsonstore.com). For more information on Epson and its products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON (1-800-463-7766) or visit the Epson website at http://www.epson.com . For more creative inspiration for scrapbooking and craft projects, visit the Epson CreativeZone at http://www.EpsonCreativeZone.com .

About Epson
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography, and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America, Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

Note: Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp. StoryTeller is a registered trademark of Epson America Inc. Epson CreativeZone is a service mark of Epson America Inc. Third party brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.