This is the first in a series about Shadows in Digital Scrapbooking.
Most software programs come with standard options for adding shadows to items. And shadows make a BIG difference. Here is a layout without and then WITH shadows: Shadows add realism and make a layout POP!

But the reality is that shadows are different.  Papers have smaller shadows than flowers.  Buttons have smaller shadows than strings.  Vellum & acrylic have unique shadows.  If you use Photoshop Elements or full Photoshop, you can use layer styles to quickly tweak your shadows so each item will have a shadow that fits with its style.
First you need a set of shadow styles.  For example, Me & My Shadow:

You should pick a shadow direction and stick with it.  At least use the same direction on a single layout.  But I use the same direction on ALL of my layouts for continuity.  Here’s an example showing all three of the shadow directions in Me & My Shadow.  My favorite is Upper Left.

Next you need to install the styles.  That is a little complicated because the directions are different depending on which version of photoshop/elements you use & which operating system your computer uses.  If you use PSCS or PSE 8 & lower, the Daily Digi has this tutorial.  If you use PSE 9 or 10, I would google “install layer styles in PSE 10 Windows Vista” (but use your version & operating system)  There will be plenty of tutorials for your specifics.
Finally you can use the styles.  Here’s a quick video showing how I used the styles to shadow this layout.

Here’s some inspiration from the CT using Me & My Shadow.

From Ronnie using On the Trail

From Jenn using Under Construction

From Kayla using Kick It! and Rainbow Reds

From Melissa using Girl Power