Scrapbooks, Collages, Ecards and More at Smilebox

What exactly is Smilebox?  This is a question I wondered myself until one day I decided to click on the little box and find out.  Smilebox is an online photo service that allows you turn your photos and video into free digital scrapbooks, slideshows, photo collages, and greeting cards.  These products can then be emailed, posted to your Facebook, Myspace or blog for free.  Or for a fee, printed or burned to DVD. 

Smilebox has hundreds of designs to choose from to create your scrapbook, slideshow or ecard.  Personalize and share your Smilebox creation for free, or select premium options for print, DVD burning, and additional music choices.  Additionally, you will need to download the Smilebox program to your computer.

Slideshows

Smilebox offers hundreds of free slideshow designs for all occasions. You are then able to add captions, music and your photos. Then share your free slideshow via email or post it to your blog. For a fee,  you can even print your slideshows at home or at a local retail store.  Learn more about creating a slideshow DVD.

Scrapbooks

Choose from hundreds of digital scrapbooking layouts, add your photos, words, music, and videos, to make an online scrapbook.  You can then email your online scrapbook to friends and family, or post it to your blog. For a fee, you can print your scrapbook. If you join Club Smilebox, you can burn your creation to DVD.  Learn more about creating digital scrapbooks.

Ecards

You can create a free ecard greeting. Just choose a design, insert your photos and send free ecards.

You can select free online cards designs including designs from Hallmark. You can also select music and add your personal message.  The animated ecard can then be shared with friends and family via email or blog. If you purchase a premium design version, you can print your card at home or at a local retail store. If you join Club Smilebox, you can burn it to DVD.  Learn more about creating a free ecard using your personal photos, videos and music.

Photo Albums

Smilebox lets you create a free online photo album. You are able to enter your words or choose music.  You are able to share your photo album via email or blog. With the premium version you can even print the photo album at home or at a local retail store. If you join Club Smilebox, you can burn your photo album to DVD. Learn more about creating online photo albums.

Photo Collage

Creating an online photo collage is easy.  You select the layout and music and then add your photos.  Video can even be added to your collage.  You are able to email your online collages  or post it to your blog. With the premium design version, you can also print your collage. If you join Club Smilebox, you can burn your collage to DVD. Click here to create a photo collage for free.

Post Cards

To create an online post card, you can insert your photos and videos, add your personal message and music selection.  Then share via email or blog. With the premium version you can print your creation at home or at a local retail store. If you join Club Smilebox, you can burn your post card to DVD

Premium Design

A premium design is $2.99 and allows you can choose from thousands of music options, send your creation full screen without ads, and print keepsakes.  Once you buy a premium design, you own it. 

Club Smilebox

Club Smilebox is 5.99/month or $39.99/year and you get unlimited access to all premium Smilebox designs. Plus, choose from thousands of music options, send your creation without ads, print keepsakes, and burn DVDs to play on your TV.

Getting Started

I decided to give Smilebox a try.  First, you're required to download Smilebox to your computer and then register.  You'll then be asked if you want to signed up for Club Smilebox ($5.99/year or $39.99/month). I decided to try the free version.

I was then able to choose my theme, type of project and design.  I decided to go with a Thanksgiving postcard.  I started by adding my photos from Busy Mom's Tips website.  This was pretty straightforward and fairly simple. I saved it and moved onto posting to my website.  At this time, I was offered to enhance my project with additional designs for $2.99.  But I decided to stick with the free version for this review.  Posting to the website was also very easy to do.  

I think the concept of Smilebox is fun.  I've created a free project myself and was able to easily post it.  I would prefer that the free versions didn't come with ads. However, the ads aren't too bothersome. 

I created my own scrapbook of our family vacation.  Take a look at my own Smilebox Scrapbook.

Visit Smilebox.com and create greetings with your photos, videos, and music. Email them free.