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...]
Photographing Pets
There's nothing more fun than photographing pets but it can be a bit tricky to capture a good shot. Let me share a few tips with you that have helped me when photographing pets.The two most important tips, in my opinion, are to be prepared and to be patient. Let me explain what I mean.Being Prepared:Look at your surroundings. Do you know what direction you would like your pet to face? Have you figured out where you will be in relation to your pet? Have you thought about the angle or distance between you and your pet? Do you have to adjust any camera settings and if so, take a few test shots beforehand so that when you place your pet into the position you'd like, you'll be ready to take the photo. Have you checked to see if there is any clutter around the area you don't wish to be in the shot? If there is, can you move the clutter out of the framing of your shot?Check … [Read more...]
Do You Reuse Photos on Multiple Layouts?
This weekend, while I was scrapbooking, I started wondering about something. Do most people reuse photos on their layouts? Often, I find myself going back and pulling a photo of one of my girls that I’ve used before to include it on a layout. Is this something that you do, or do you think it’s almost taboo? Reusing pictures is a strategy that I use often, and I’ll tell you why.A good picture is a good picture.Let’s face it, while we take a ton of pictures throughout the year, there are always going to be some that are true standouts. I can’t turn down a great picture, I just need to use it, and I like using it over and over. Why choose a picture that might not be so great instead of one that is awesome, just because I’ve used it before?I’m a moment scrapper.I don’t often scrap events, I spend my time scrapping moments and memories from our lives. This lends itself to a having … [Read more...]
Overcoming Mental Roadblocks to Scrapping
Have you ever had an idea in your mind you just couldn’t get over? An idea that prevented you from doing something else? That’s a mental roadblock – an idea that keeps you from doing something that you want to do. Personally, my head is full of mental roadblocks…tons of them. Today, I’ve put together the four most common mental roadblocks that keep us from scrapbooking, and I’ve come up with some ideas to help you overcome them. I’m so behind, I’ll never catch up – Yeah, know what else, neither will I. I've been scrapping for almost nine years, and there are still tons of things that I haven’t scrapped. I still haven’t finished scrapping our trip to Disney two years ago! One thing I learned is that if I want to get some scrapping done, I have to let go of this idea. Who cares if I’m behind? At least I’m doing some layouts, right? I just don’t know where to start – I’ve … [Read more...]
3 Tips for Mastering Clustering
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about Clustering vs. Layering. I was amazed at the response to the article! So many people sharing which they prefer to do, and tips for each, it was truly awesome.One thing that I heard loud and clear is that some people wanted some tips on how to cluster. Today, I'm going to share with you the top three tips I use when I am clustering.Clusters work when they are anchored to something on the page - Clusters are often more effective when they are touching some other part of the page, maybe the photo, or even the edges of the layout. When the cluster is anchored, it appears to have more purpose on the page. On this page, you can see that my cluster is anchored to both the edge of the page and to one of the photos.Rule of Threes - The Rule of Threes is so prevalent in all design. When you are clustering, the rule of threes means that … [Read more...]
Hybrid Hand Towel
Hi Pad Peeps!! It's Katrina here today to share a tutorial on how to use your digital supplies to make custom hand towels for your kitchen, camper, or gifts (think ahead to Christmas!!). It's pretty easy, but I wouldn't recommend this as a kid friendly project, just for the hot iron. But they could always help you time the steps!Supplies you will need of this project are: Digital editing/printing program aka Photoshop for me! Cotton tea towel. I picked up a pack of two at a local craft store and used a coupon for a deal! Digital elements of your choice Inkjet printer Iron Inkjet Transfer Sheets (I used Therm O Web brand)You will want to wash and dry your towels before putting the transfer on them. This will get chemicals out of the towels and also if shrinkage happens, it won't affect your design.Start off by creating a document in Photoshop at … [Read more...]