Hi everyone!
It’s Pollywog Crissy – bringing you a new challenge for this “short” week (thanks, to a long weekend). First thing’s first…last week’s winner…
KellieP with this awesome layout:
Great job, KellieP! Please contact thelilypad_customerservice@yahoo.com to claim your gift certificate.
And, for this week’s challenge, we’re going to focus on a sometimes inconspicuous piece of our projects – shadowing. And, we are showcasing Amy Hutchinson’s Layered Edges Vol 8 – Damask, as they already have awesome shadowing and interesting layers – and you can get them right here at The Lily Pad!
There are a lot of great shadowing actions out there; however, I’m going to give you a couple of manual tips and see what you can do – action-free. I would also love for you to post your “how to’s” in your upload for everyone to learn from, including me! ;-) For anyone not using PhotoShop or the CS suite, I apologize that my tips might not apply, as I am only familiar is PS/CS2 and I am not a PS “teacher.”
Tip # 1 – Shadow Dragging.
In PS/CS, from the Layers palette, select the layer you want to add a shadow.
Click the “f” icon (Blending Options menu) at the bottom and select “Drop Shadow.”
Then, choose the option from the blend mode drop down that says “Multiply” if it isn’t defaulted.
While that window is open, move it aside so you can see your project and click on the element IN the scrapbook page (not in the Layers palette) and drag it as if you were moving it.
Once you start to drag your cursor, you’ll see that – since that blend menu is open – you can drag the shadow. You’ll see an example of this shadowing skill under the string in my challenge layout. You can adjust the degree and color of the shadow w/in the same menu.
Note: Changing the degree of shadow for one element/layer changes it for the entire page for consistency. Therefore, if you are going to have any substantial shadow, like the string, set it at the degree/angel you like then don’t change the degree again. ok. Once you have adjusted the degree, you can adjust the colors and distance, size, etc… for the string, I picked a light grey b/c the black (default) seemed too dark and unnatural, which is obviously, not the point, as shadows are supposed to be very natural.
Tip # 2 – Shadowing Clear or Acrylic Elements.
Adding shadow to transparent elements is difficult b/c the element takes on the color and darkness of the shadow.
Replicate the same steps as Tip # 1 to get to the blend mode options.
Again, select “Drop Shadow.”
This time, set the Blend Mode drop down to “Color Burn.”
A common example for this use would be to set the Opacity at 45% and the Distance at 15 or 20 – depending on which looks best in your project. If it’s Amy Wolff’s Barely There Alphas, I prefer the higher number. If it’s an acrylic element, my preference varies depending on whether it is on top of something light or dark. (I.e. If the acrylic/clear element is on top of something light, I would do the higher b/c it gives a more obvious shadow.)
Here is my challenge layout with examples of both types of shadows mentioned in my tips. I shadowed the string and circles manually.
I hope the tips are helpful. I really look forward to learning from those of you who participate in the challenge. Now, for some more inspiration from the Pollywogs. I’m only including the preview so, please visit the gallery for the tips used in these layouts.
By Emily:
By Lauren:
By Julie:
By Mabel:
by Amanda
Alright, everyone, let’s see your layouts with Amy Hutchinson’s layered edges and your creative shadowing! Again, please include some info on your shadowing techniques in the credits for your layout.
Have a fun and safe Memorial Day!
Remember: To be eligible for the gift certificate for this week’s challenge, you must adhere to the challenge guidelines. Post your layouts to the Lilypad Challenge Gallery and then post your gallery link in the comments section of the blog. Any layout that doesn’t conform to the rules of the challenge will be removed from the gallery. Direct links to any non-TLP product are not allowed.
KellieP says
I’m having fun digging into my lilypad stash! :) The drop shadow tips were great…thanks!
https://the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=4165&nocache=1