Hamilton is all the rage at my house since it came out on Disney+. The song that always hits me the most is at the end with these words "Who tells your Story?" Everyone has a story that is all their own. But not everyone tells that story. Do you tell stories on your pages? Do you want to tell stories, but struggle with how to start and what to say?When I create a memory page, it's because I want to document the moment I captured. The main reason I took these photos was to show how excited my previous reluctant reader is today. This particular moment had 3 details that I wanted to include. The first was the book title because it's relevant to his interests. The book is based on video game characters which is also more unique to this time period. The second is the direction the book is read. It's set up similar to Manga with a back page to front page, right page to left page format. … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2020
Shadowing Transparent Elements in Photoshop
Hello artsy friends! I am dropping in today with a quick tip for shadowing transparent elements in Photoshop. There are some quirky and cute Frou Frou tulle flowers in today's SOSN Sale that are the perfect addition to any page. However, adding a drop shadow to a semi-transparent element like netting or tulle can be tricky. Getting the "lift" you want from the shadow on the outer edge of the element ends up darkening the middle. There is is super quick fix for this situation, though.You can see the tulle flower elements on the layouts below (created primarily with goodies from today's SOSN sale): Here is the fix. Add the drop shadow of your choice to the semi-transparent element. Once have it the way you want it (focusing on the effect around the edges of the element, not in the center), separate the shadow onto its own … [Read more...]
How to Build Your Stash
Community member Heather_dw recently asked a great question in the Chatty Pad that I want to discuss here a little bit. She is getting back into digital scrapbooking after being away for a while and is looking to build up her stash of supplies. I remember my own days of being a new digi scrapper with limited supplies.She was given lots of great advice in the forum where great advice is always freely given! I would like to discuss several ways that new and returning digi scrappers can build a stash of products without breaking the bank.{one} SubscriptionsThe Lilypad offers three monthly subscriptions that are excellent for building up supplies! These subscriptions can fit a variety of styles and each is brimming with product for a relatively low price.Storyteller is a monthly digital collection by Just Jaimee. Each month this collection includes 100+ elements, … [Read more...]
Frozen Fruity Pops!
It's blazing outside, so many pools closed. So, I made these yummy popsicles for the family (BUT I'm gonna include a boozy version for any adult that wishes for a bit more. You're welcome)1 C frozen pineapple1 C frozen mango2 C coconut waterblend, pour into molds, freeze - and presto! Boozy version: instead of coconut water, add 1/2 C tequila and 1/2 C lime juice)Enjoy!! … [Read more...]
Mask Magic
Masks are becoming an everyday part of life with the current Covid-19 situation. And while cloth masks are helpful in real life, I want to talk about another kind of mask that's helpful to digital scrappers. I'm talking about pre-made masks like the Painted Masks 1 released today by Rachel Jefferies. These pre-made masks are an easy way to add some magic to the photos on your layouts. Take a look at this layout for example.The instructions and screenshots below were created in Photoshop Elements 2019, but the steps are similar in other versions of PSE and Photoshop.1. Start with a favorite textured paper. It can be mostly solid or as much texture as you'd like. I'm using a textured paper from Rachel Jefferies' From The Rooftops: Mixed Media Paperie.2. Add a pre-made photo mask. I added the 9x12 version of a mask from Rachel Jefferies' Painted Masks 1 and turned it 90 … [Read more...]
National Sugar Cookie Day and Recipe
This summer I've been going to the National Day calendar to find ideas for activities to liven things up.I was excited to see that this Thursday, July 9th is National Sugar Cookie Day!!! Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite, so I'm going to take this opportunity to tell you to mark your calendars for our Christmas in July event here at the Pad on July 17-31. But what I love most about sugar cookies are how easy they are to make because they use simple ingredients that most of us have on hand. They are also versatile and fun to decorate for any special occasion.Today, I'm sharing an easy recipe you can use to make sugar cookies on Thursday. My kiddos and I will be making and decorating them together!Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe:Ingredients:2 3/4 C. all purpose flour1 tsp. baking soda1/2 tsp. baking powder1 cup butter, softened1 1/2 cup white sugar1 … [Read more...]