Hello all my artsy friends! I'm dropping in today with a quick tip on making custom text boxes to fit specific element shapes in Photoshop. Have you seen the amazing M3 collection this month? It is filled with artsy goodness and Paula Kesselring has some awesome coordinating Speech Bubbles available in today's SOSN Sale for 50% off. You can just type your text directly on top of these speech bubbles in the standard square or rectangular text box, or you can create a more refined custom text box that fills the shape of the element. Here is an example of the custom text box in action: Custom text boxes are super-easy to create with the Pen Tool in Photoshop with just a few steps. Step 1: Place the Element Bring the element onto your page. Start with the element aligned horizontally. You can always tilt the element (and … [Read more...]
Nature Photography
Nature photography fascinates me. Whether I am looking at an expansive horizon or narrowing my field of vision to a small area of interest, the environment is constantly changing and each time I look around me, I see something different. It includes the outdoors i.e. landscape, wildlife, flowers, etc.When photographing outdoors, I utilize the natural light, preferring not to use a flash, but that is a personal preference. My favorite time is early morning or late afternoon (going into the golden hour, as the sun sets). At these times of the day, the sun is lower in the horizon and doesn't create the harsher shadows/contrast that occurs on a sunny day around lunch time. If the sky is cloudy (providing some diffused lighting without the harsh shadows of a sunny day), this is my preferred natural lighting scenario. Photographing during the golden hour provides a magical golden warmth … [Read more...]
Getting ready for Memorial Day!
Memorial Day weekend is on its way - how do you celebrate? For us, first and foremost, we thank every veteran we know and thank them for their service. Please join me in this! We do various acts of kindness for them and try to come up with something creative each time.Second, we grill. We are always looking for ways to make entertaining a little smoother, so this year, we are having a hot dog bar. I mean what's more American than hot dogs and apple pie right? To set up a bar, it's really easy! We grill the highest quality of hot dogs and let our guest choose from a variety of toppings. For the buns, don’t forget that a little toast on the bun goes a long way, and make sure to provide veggie dogs for any non-meat eaters.Now the fun subject - TOPPINGS. For our hot dog spread, we decided … [Read more...]
Say Hello to May’s M3!
Hi Pad Scrappers!Polly Liana here, excited as can be to share our newest M3 for May. For those who are new to the concept, M3 stands for Mixed Media Monthly. Every mid-month, our best and most talented mixed media designers create a wonderful kit using the same palette and three central theme words. This month, the words are STRONG/WOMAN/INFLUENCE. I am totally in love with the palette this month! Check out the main kit:Isn't it just delicious? Then, once the main kit is complete, each designer can create add-on kits that coordinate beautifully with the original kit, but allow the designer to explore her own style. Feast your eyes on some of these amazing add-ons... And best of all, it's all on sale this weekend! That's right-- it's all 20%. And, you can take advantage of another amazing deal if you sign up for the M3 subscription. Here are the … [Read more...]
Making Note Cards using Journaling Cards
Hi scrappy friends!!! It's Monica here with an easy way to use all of those journaling cards you have in your digi supplies AND make cute hybrid note cards!I made both of the cards above using the journaling cards in the April 2018 Storyteller Collection. There are so many options for cards using journaling cards and it's so easy to whip out a card for a friend of loved one.To make cards using journaling cards, just put two 3x4 journaling cards (I like using the filler cards) on a 4x6 canvas and print on 4x6 matte photo paper.Then use a paper trimmer (or scissors) to cut out the 3x4 journaling cards. You can adhere these to cardstock cut out at 4.5x6.5 inches for a small border on all sides.These are just the cutest!!! I can't wait to use them to send some happy mail love to friends!This would be perfect for sending a note after an outing with a … [Read more...]
Inspiration at Work
Hello all my artsy friends! I am dropping in today with a quick tip on finding inspiration when you are in a creative slump. We've all been there, haven't we? You see all the amazing digital goodness in the store but just don't have the motivation to create with it. So how do you get back on track with your favorite hobby? One of my favorite techniques flows from this inspiring (and oh so true) quote by Picasso:The key to getting your creative motivation back is to start working on something. Pull out a favorite kit (or two) and just start creating. I am also a big fan of using templates to get things started, even if my final page looks nothing like it in the end. For example, take a look at this template by Cheryl of Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs (which is available in the Cascade {Dressed Up} set that is 50% in today's SOSN sale): It is a gorgeous … [Read more...]
Spring Cleaning Your Digi Supplies
It's about that time to start thinking about Spring Cleaning again (even though in the Northeast we've gone from winter straight to summer)! The idea of purging your supplies can be a scary one, especially when it’s something you spent money on. If you’re like me, you have a hard time just deleting something that you know you paid for. Another hurdle I often face when I am trying to purge my supplies is the “I’ll use it someday” excuse. You know: that kit is so cute, and I know I haven’t used it, but I’m sure it will come in handy someday, hence saving it from another round of deleting. In the spirit of Spring Cleaning, here are some ideas for getting over those hurdles and purging your supplies. You can’t get a refund. Sure, you may find yourself feeling guilty that you want to get rid of something that you purchased (especially if you never used it…oh the horror!). The thing … [Read more...]
Amazing Burger recipe!
I lived in Texas my whole life and the amazing blend of Mexican cuisine with a southern blend has certainly been missed since I've moved to Georgia. Don't get me wrong, I love Georgia's southern food all the way - - but I miss Texas yall!!So, I searched for a great burger recipe for Memorial Day to help my homesick heart lol and here it is!I'm telling yall right now - THIS bad boy will be on our Memorial Day menu!! Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Hey hey Momma! Free Mother’s Day Printable
This year, I celebrate Mother's Day with my mom in Heaven but I still choose to celebrate it for myself as a Mom, my daughter as one and the other many women who have inspired and guided me through the years. :)I made these 2 printables for you to enjoy for Mother's Day! I made the green one with Treasured Moments by Sahlin Studios and the floral one with Good Vibes kit by Just Jaimee Thank you to all the amazing Moms out there - you truly are changing the world, one child at a time :) … [Read more...]
CCM: Mod Mama
It's May y'all! I can hardly believe it. May is always one of my favorite months, as it signals the end of the school year! This month's Create Crate Monthly is dedicated to the most important lady of May - MOM! I love the black and white look of this kit! There's lots of fun word art here too! This is just the main kit, there are a bunch of great Add-Ons by the designers to check out too! The main kit is $11.99 this weekend and all Add-Ons are 20% off. If you decide to SUBSCRIBE to Create Crate Monthly, the cost of the kit is $8.99 and Add-Ons are 35% off! That sounds like a bargain to me!I checked out the gallery, and I fell in love with these layouts using the CCM kit!Head to the store and SUBSCRIBE to Create Crate Monthly now!! … [Read more...]