Our condo went on the market today. The good news is we had several people come take a look at the place. The bad news is Jamin and I had to vacate each time someone came through which means I got very little computer time (and Jamin got no nap). I know the blog has been a little short on the tutorials and freebies recently, but hang with me as I hope to get back to writing about scrapping as soon as things settle down a bit.
I didn't even have time to do a proper ad, but my That's My Boy papers, elements and brag book, as well as a couple of other boy themed items are on sale today (June 1st) at Scrapbook-Elements.
5.31.2007
5.30.2007
Template Sale at Scrapbook-Elements
As part of Scrapbook-Elements Blue Moon Events, I'm having a template sale today. The sale ends at midnight Central time Thursday May 31st.
I've also put several of my newer combo packs on sale through midnight Saturday June 2nd.
Finally, I've posted a little challenge in the SBE forums. Those who take part will receive this participation bonus.
Its worth browsing around the SBE store and forums as many of the designers have sales, chats and challenges planned for the Blue Moon Festivities.
LAYOUT: The Hands Tell the Story
I came across these photos in my 'unscrapped' photos file a couple of days ago and remembering the moment made me laugh so I just had to scrap them. Barron's father had come over for a visit and Jamin was very emphatically relating a story or incident to him. None of us could understand what he was saying, but he just when on and on; being very serious at times, laughing at times and all the while gesturing emphatically with his hands. By the time he was done we were all in stitches and he received an eager round of applause for his performance.
Credits: Brown Bag Art and Clean Lines Templates both by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements
I've also put several of my newer combo packs on sale through midnight Saturday June 2nd.
Finally, I've posted a little challenge in the SBE forums. Those who take part will receive this participation bonus.
Its worth browsing around the SBE store and forums as many of the designers have sales, chats and challenges planned for the Blue Moon Festivities.
LAYOUT: The Hands Tell the Story
I came across these photos in my 'unscrapped' photos file a couple of days ago and remembering the moment made me laugh so I just had to scrap them. Barron's father had come over for a visit and Jamin was very emphatically relating a story or incident to him. None of us could understand what he was saying, but he just when on and on; being very serious at times, laughing at times and all the while gesturing emphatically with his hands. By the time he was done we were all in stitches and he received an eager round of applause for his performance.
Credits: Brown Bag Art and Clean Lines Templates both by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements
5.29.2007
New Releases, Layout and Free Sample
I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We spent most of the time cleaning, organizing and getting our condo ready to go up for sale on Thursday. We were able to relax a bit yesterday and spent the afternoon at a church picnic.
Upcoming Sale
For those of you who have been asking about an SBE sale, be sure to stop by the blog or SBE each day for the next few days as the SBE designers are hosting Blue Moon sales and events for the rest of the week. The specials change each day so stop by everyday to find out what I have on sale that day. I'll post the first ad tomorrow.
Layout - Expressions
I did manage to get some scrapping in. This is a compilation of some of the photo's Holli took of Jamin that I think really capture his personality.
Credits: Misty's Templates - Clean Lines, Whispers, Veranda Breeze (several items recolored), all by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements; Photos by Holli Dunn Photography
NEW RELEASES - Templates and Summer Capers
Clean Lines is my latest template offering. These template feature clean compositions that are designed to keep the focus on your photos and include lots of room for journaling. If you are new to templates, I recommend working through the template tutorial to get your feet wet before purchasing.
It's time to get ready for summer! New at SBE, Summer Capers (page set, quick pages and combo pack) perfect for the pool, beach, bright summer clothing and happy, sunlight days.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a sampler from the Summer Capers page set. Enjoy!
Upcoming Sale
For those of you who have been asking about an SBE sale, be sure to stop by the blog or SBE each day for the next few days as the SBE designers are hosting Blue Moon sales and events for the rest of the week. The specials change each day so stop by everyday to find out what I have on sale that day. I'll post the first ad tomorrow.
Layout - Expressions
I did manage to get some scrapping in. This is a compilation of some of the photo's Holli took of Jamin that I think really capture his personality.
Credits: Misty's Templates - Clean Lines, Whispers, Veranda Breeze (several items recolored), all by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements; Photos by Holli Dunn Photography
NEW RELEASES - Templates and Summer Capers
Clean Lines is my latest template offering. These template feature clean compositions that are designed to keep the focus on your photos and include lots of room for journaling. If you are new to templates, I recommend working through the template tutorial to get your feet wet before purchasing.
It's time to get ready for summer! New at SBE, Summer Capers (page set, quick pages and combo pack) perfect for the pool, beach, bright summer clothing and happy, sunlight days.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a sampler from the Summer Capers page set. Enjoy!
5.25.2007
Work Weekend and Freebie
This weekend (a holiday weekend here in the US) is a work weekend for our family. Our condo will go on the market next week, so this weekend it's time to clean and organize and get it ready for showing. I probably will take the next few days away from the blog.
Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a set of papers. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a set of papers. Enjoy!
5.24.2007
Sale and Events at Scrapbook-Bytes
Thanks everyone for your well wishes. I had a rough day Tuesday and assumed it was morning sickness, but I feel better and the nausea hasn't returned, so I don't know what it was. Thanks again for all your concern.
There are lots of sales and activities planned for Saturday at Scrapbook-Bytes. I'll be having a sale; 25% off the purchase of $10.00 or more in my store. The sale will be advertised on Saturday, but the coupon works now if you want to get your shopping done early and scrap over the long weekend. Use coupon code newlook20 at checkout. There are lots of chats and sales planned for Saturday so stop by if you get a chance.
There are lots of sales and activities planned for Saturday at Scrapbook-Bytes. I'll be having a sale; 25% off the purchase of $10.00 or more in my store. The sale will be advertised on Saturday, but the coupon works now if you want to get your shopping done early and scrap over the long weekend. Use coupon code newlook20 at checkout. There are lots of chats and sales planned for Saturday so stop by if you get a chance.
5.23.2007
Father's Day is Coming: Desktop Computer Wallpaper
One reader posted a request for a tutorial on creating desktop calendar wallpaper. This post won't be a step-by-step tutorial, but it will provide some guidance for getting started. Remember Father's Day is just around the corner. A set of computer desktop calendars or wallpaper might make the perfect gift!
Creating a computer desktop background is pretty much like creating a layout, except rather than sizing it for your scrapbook, you will size it for your computer monitor. I'm not very familiar with the various versions of Windows and I know nothing about Macs, but I can tell you how I find the monitor resolution on my computer. I right click on the desktop (all programs minimized) and select "properties". I click on the 'Settings' tab of the dialogue box and look at the screen resolution slider. This is the slider I use to set or adjust my screen resolution. Once the screen resolution is set as desired, read whatever the pixel measurements are below the slider. This should be the size of your final layout.
You'll find most commercially available desktop calendars are 1600x1200 pixels which is easily resized to fit monitors set at 1280x960, 1152x864, 1024x768 and related ratios. If you are creating for a monitor of any of these setting I recommend starting your layout with a 10x7.5 inch, 300ppi canvas. If you are creating for a monitor of 1280x1024 or related ratio, I recommend starting with a 10x8, 300ppi canvas. While this starting size is much large that your final page, this will allow you to use your digital scrap supplies without having to resize each one for a smaller canvas. It is easier to scrap the larger page and then resize the whole thing when you are done.
Once the canvas is set, create your page as you would any other layout. You can add a calendar element or calendar grid if you want. I find creating the grid and calendar tiresome, so I cheat and use my chipboard calendars (I just released the 2008 set at Scrapbook-Bytes).
Once your layout is complete, flatten the image (Layer -> Flatten Image). You can now resize the canvas down to the size of your computer desktop. In Photoshop go to Image-> Image Size (Alt+Ctrl+I). The top two fields in the pop-up dialogue box are for setting the pixel dimensions. Enter the width of the your computer desktop. If the 'contrain proportions' box and the bottom of the dialogue box is checked, the height of your page should have automatically adjusted in proportion to the new width entry. Click 'OK' and save your desktop wallpaper.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a 1600x1200 pixel desktop calendar for June 2007. Enjoy!
Page Credits: Eternal Romance, Misty Cato, SBB, 2007 Chipboard Calendars, Misty Cato, SBB, frame cluster from Raincoats on the Beach, Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements
NEW RELEASE
As I mentioned above, I released the 2008 set of chipboard calendars at Scrapbook-Bytes. Of course the 2007 set is still available.
Creating a computer desktop background is pretty much like creating a layout, except rather than sizing it for your scrapbook, you will size it for your computer monitor. I'm not very familiar with the various versions of Windows and I know nothing about Macs, but I can tell you how I find the monitor resolution on my computer. I right click on the desktop (all programs minimized) and select "properties". I click on the 'Settings' tab of the dialogue box and look at the screen resolution slider. This is the slider I use to set or adjust my screen resolution. Once the screen resolution is set as desired, read whatever the pixel measurements are below the slider. This should be the size of your final layout.
You'll find most commercially available desktop calendars are 1600x1200 pixels which is easily resized to fit monitors set at 1280x960, 1152x864, 1024x768 and related ratios. If you are creating for a monitor of any of these setting I recommend starting your layout with a 10x7.5 inch, 300ppi canvas. If you are creating for a monitor of 1280x1024 or related ratio, I recommend starting with a 10x8, 300ppi canvas. While this starting size is much large that your final page, this will allow you to use your digital scrap supplies without having to resize each one for a smaller canvas. It is easier to scrap the larger page and then resize the whole thing when you are done.
Once the canvas is set, create your page as you would any other layout. You can add a calendar element or calendar grid if you want. I find creating the grid and calendar tiresome, so I cheat and use my chipboard calendars (I just released the 2008 set at Scrapbook-Bytes).
Once your layout is complete, flatten the image (Layer -> Flatten Image). You can now resize the canvas down to the size of your computer desktop. In Photoshop go to Image-> Image Size (Alt+Ctrl+I). The top two fields in the pop-up dialogue box are for setting the pixel dimensions. Enter the width of the your computer desktop. If the 'contrain proportions' box and the bottom of the dialogue box is checked, the height of your page should have automatically adjusted in proportion to the new width entry. Click 'OK' and save your desktop wallpaper.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a 1600x1200 pixel desktop calendar for June 2007. Enjoy!
Page Credits: Eternal Romance, Misty Cato, SBB, 2007 Chipboard Calendars, Misty Cato, SBB, frame cluster from Raincoats on the Beach, Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements
NEW RELEASE
As I mentioned above, I released the 2008 set of chipboard calendars at Scrapbook-Bytes. Of course the 2007 set is still available.
5.22.2007
Nothing New Today
I've been feeling pretty rough today so I'm going to curl up with some tea and watch NCIS and Dancing with the Stars. I'll be back with more tomorrow.
5.21.2007
Reader Layout and free template
A few of days ago, Leda sent me a link to a couple of pages she made using my Matted Story Board Templates. The layouts made me smile and reminded me once again the scrapping doesn't have to be complicated to produce stunning, poignant pages. These photos don't need much decoration and the journaling takes that page from a set of adorable photos to a memory that I know will be in Leda and her children's hearts forever.
The journaling reads, Somehow I knew that getting that perfect picture for our official 'new daughter' announcement wasn't going to be easy! I tied the "It's a Girl" balloon to Kaylee's hand so I could try to get it in the picture, but she was convinced she needed to hold it herself. I wondered how long it would take before it would fly away. When it finally left us, Taylor said, "It's like Kaylee sent it up to Grammy in heaven." Austin thought about that for a moment and replied, "It's too bad she couldn't have put a note on it to let Grammy know she's here!" I smiled and told them, "I'm pretty sure she already knows..." We all stood and watched the balloon until we couldn't see it anymore...and it finally disappeared into the clouds.
Thanks so much for sharing your pages with me Leda. Reader's can see more of Leda's layouts and read all about her journey to adopt Kaylee on her blog, China to California: Journey to a daughter.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a storyboard-style template to showcase your own treasured photos.
The journaling reads, Somehow I knew that getting that perfect picture for our official 'new daughter' announcement wasn't going to be easy! I tied the "It's a Girl" balloon to Kaylee's hand so I could try to get it in the picture, but she was convinced she needed to hold it herself. I wondered how long it would take before it would fly away. When it finally left us, Taylor said, "It's like Kaylee sent it up to Grammy in heaven." Austin thought about that for a moment and replied, "It's too bad she couldn't have put a note on it to let Grammy know she's here!" I smiled and told them, "I'm pretty sure she already knows..." We all stood and watched the balloon until we couldn't see it anymore...and it finally disappeared into the clouds.
Thanks so much for sharing your pages with me Leda. Reader's can see more of Leda's layouts and read all about her journey to adopt Kaylee on her blog, China to California: Journey to a daughter.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a storyboard-style template to showcase your own treasured photos.
5.20.2007
Creative Team Member Profile - Marlie
Its long past time for me to shine a little spotlight on some of the wonderful members of my creative team. For anyone who isn't familiar with creative teams, often abbreviated CTs, creative team members are scrappers who create layouts with a designers work and post their layouts in multiple online galleries. Every designer runs their team a little differently, but most ask for a set number of layouts to be completed in return for free product. Depending on the designer members may also be asked to help with quality assurance, brainstorm product ideas, help with advertising, leave comments in galleries, promote a designer in forums etc.
I have a wonderful team of ladies who create layouts for me on a weekly basis that I can use in promoting and advertising my designs. Their work can always be seen in the the sliders on the sidebar showcasing the newest products. My team also plays a big role in contributing product ideas and giving me feedback. In my latest About a Boy kit the crayons, puzzle pieces, trikes and phrases on the word art were all the result of ideas that came from the team. Whenever I'm feeling uninspired or not very good about my work, there is always someone there to cheer me up. I am very blessed to have a wonderful group of ladies who are willing to work with me. Every now and again I will showcase the work of one of these talented scrappers.
Of course I have to start with Marlie.
Back when I first started selling my work in early 2005, Marlie was the first scrapper who expressed an interest in being on my creative team. I didn't even have a team, but she agreed to join me as the founding member and has been scrapping with my designs ever since. Fortunately she and her son Isak live just north of me in Vancouver, BC so I have had the opportunity to get together with her on several occasions. Her love for her son, enjoyment of scrapping and jovial personality are a delight.
Marlie has worked in the Social Services for 28 years, works out at Curves 3-4 times a week (I should follow her example), and watches Spongebob Squarepants everyday.
I asked Marlie to show me her favorite layout. Here is what she had to say, "This layout entitled Great White North. Isak and my mom were leaving to go to the Northwest Territories to visit my brother. It was going to be Isak's first trip on the plane. These are the two people whom I loved the most in the world. I would have never guessed in 5 short years my mother would no longer be with us."
Credits: Winter Morning by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements
Marlie credits her son as the inspiration for her scrapping. He is involved in so many activities that she is never at a loss for scrapping material. She also loves to scrap photos of scenic British Columbia. She likes to drink caffeine free diet Coke while she scraps.
In addition to being an integral part of my team. Marlie is also on the creative team for Dea Spina and writes tutorials for PSP. She and her son love to visit the Woodland part zoo and someday Marlie would love to move to Washington State.
Here is one of my favorite pages by Marlie. I love the use of the dotted circle stamps to add the feeling of motion to the photo. The additional stamped borders along the perimeter of the page are a great touch.
Credits: Meredith Fenwick, February newsletter freebie, Font - Artistamp Medium
Thanks Marlie for all you do and for being such a support to me over the past couple of years!
You can see more of Marlie's work in her SBB Gallery.
I have a wonderful team of ladies who create layouts for me on a weekly basis that I can use in promoting and advertising my designs. Their work can always be seen in the the sliders on the sidebar showcasing the newest products. My team also plays a big role in contributing product ideas and giving me feedback. In my latest About a Boy kit the crayons, puzzle pieces, trikes and phrases on the word art were all the result of ideas that came from the team. Whenever I'm feeling uninspired or not very good about my work, there is always someone there to cheer me up. I am very blessed to have a wonderful group of ladies who are willing to work with me. Every now and again I will showcase the work of one of these talented scrappers.
Of course I have to start with Marlie.
Back when I first started selling my work in early 2005, Marlie was the first scrapper who expressed an interest in being on my creative team. I didn't even have a team, but she agreed to join me as the founding member and has been scrapping with my designs ever since. Fortunately she and her son Isak live just north of me in Vancouver, BC so I have had the opportunity to get together with her on several occasions. Her love for her son, enjoyment of scrapping and jovial personality are a delight.
Marlie has worked in the Social Services for 28 years, works out at Curves 3-4 times a week (I should follow her example), and watches Spongebob Squarepants everyday.
I asked Marlie to show me her favorite layout. Here is what she had to say, "This layout entitled Great White North. Isak and my mom were leaving to go to the Northwest Territories to visit my brother. It was going to be Isak's first trip on the plane. These are the two people whom I loved the most in the world. I would have never guessed in 5 short years my mother would no longer be with us."
Credits: Winter Morning by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements
Marlie credits her son as the inspiration for her scrapping. He is involved in so many activities that she is never at a loss for scrapping material. She also loves to scrap photos of scenic British Columbia. She likes to drink caffeine free diet Coke while she scraps.
In addition to being an integral part of my team. Marlie is also on the creative team for Dea Spina and writes tutorials for PSP. She and her son love to visit the Woodland part zoo and someday Marlie would love to move to Washington State.
Here is one of my favorite pages by Marlie. I love the use of the dotted circle stamps to add the feeling of motion to the photo. The additional stamped borders along the perimeter of the page are a great touch.
Credits: Meredith Fenwick, February newsletter freebie, Font - Artistamp Medium
Thanks Marlie for all you do and for being such a support to me over the past couple of years!
You can see more of Marlie's work in her SBB Gallery.
5.19.2007
New Release - Paper Overlays
One request - I love, love, love the comments you all leave on the blog, but please refrain from posting comments with the intent to advertise a site or product. This includes events, challenges, special offers, contests, new products, etc. There are plenty of other avenues for advertising. If you have something that you think blog readers might be interested in, you are welcome to email me at mistycato@mistycatodesigns.com. If it is a free tutorial or other free scrapping resource I may write about it one of my posts. Thanks so much!
Now having asked readers not to advertise - here's my latest product (but hey, it's my blog right?). This set of 6 overlays are tools for creating your own papers. The product comes with a commerical use license to allow for the sale of papers and other digital scrapping supplies created using the overlays. See the store description for complete terms of use. The set comes with complete instructions for use in PS and PSE (with screen shots). The technique is very similar to that described in the last part of the Creating Texture from a Photograph tutorial.
Free Sample
No longer available. This grunge circle border is great for framing photos or adding an inked edge to circle paper cut outs. Included in the download is a layered .psd file containing both the border and a circle that you can use just like a layered template to crop a paper or photo to fit the border. The circle and border are also included as separate .png files for those who's programs are not compatible with layered .psd files. For information about using layered templates, refer to the Getting Started section of the tutorials index.
Now having asked readers not to advertise - here's my latest product (but hey, it's my blog right?). This set of 6 overlays are tools for creating your own papers. The product comes with a commerical use license to allow for the sale of papers and other digital scrapping supplies created using the overlays. See the store description for complete terms of use. The set comes with complete instructions for use in PS and PSE (with screen shots). The technique is very similar to that described in the last part of the Creating Texture from a Photograph tutorial.
Free Sample
No longer available. This grunge circle border is great for framing photos or adding an inked edge to circle paper cut outs. Included in the download is a layered .psd file containing both the border and a circle that you can use just like a layered template to crop a paper or photo to fit the border. The circle and border are also included as separate .png files for those who's programs are not compatible with layered .psd files. For information about using layered templates, refer to the Getting Started section of the tutorials index.
5.18.2007
Creating Borders and Trims
Today's tutorial is on creating scalloped borders and other types of borders and trims. This tutorial works in the full version of Photoshop.
The first step is to create a border template. Go to File->New and set your dimensions to 1 inch height and the width to whatever length you want your border. Mine will be 12 inches.
Click on your brush tool in the tools palette and select a hard round brush at your desired diameter. I will be using 100 pt brush.
Open your brush palette, Window -> Brushes. Move the slider labeled "Spacing" to the right until the edges of the circles are just touching in the preview image.
Optional: You can adjust the width/height (roundness) of the brush by manipulating the circle on the axis in the dialogue box. Squeezing in the sides of the circle will create an oval brush, rotating the circle will effect the orientation of the brush.
Create a new, empty layer, Layer -> New -> Layer. Holding down the shift key, click and drag your cursor from one side of the canvas to the other.
You now have the basics of a scalloped border. If you want a straight edge on one side, select the rectangle tool. Click and drag to draw a long rectangle that overlaps the top half of the scalloped border.
Now your template is done. At this point you may want to save it for future uses with any layout for which you want a scalloped border. To customize the border, open a background paper.
Click and drag the background paper onto the same canvas as your border template.
Key Ctrl+G (Ctrl+Alt+G in PSCS2) to attach your background paper to the template shape.
Right click on the paper layer in the layers palette and select Merge Down from the drop down menu.
You can delete any remaining layers and save your border as a .png file or click and drag it directly onto a layout.
This tutorial uses a round brush as the simplest example, but you can make a variety of different borders using this technique by using different brushes. You can also create you own brush to use in making trims and borders. See the Creating Brushes tutorial for more information on making your own brush.
The first step is to create a border template. Go to File->New and set your dimensions to 1 inch height and the width to whatever length you want your border. Mine will be 12 inches.
Click on your brush tool in the tools palette and select a hard round brush at your desired diameter. I will be using 100 pt brush.
Open your brush palette, Window -> Brushes. Move the slider labeled "Spacing" to the right until the edges of the circles are just touching in the preview image.
Optional: You can adjust the width/height (roundness) of the brush by manipulating the circle on the axis in the dialogue box. Squeezing in the sides of the circle will create an oval brush, rotating the circle will effect the orientation of the brush.
Create a new, empty layer, Layer -> New -> Layer. Holding down the shift key, click and drag your cursor from one side of the canvas to the other.
You now have the basics of a scalloped border. If you want a straight edge on one side, select the rectangle tool. Click and drag to draw a long rectangle that overlaps the top half of the scalloped border.
Now your template is done. At this point you may want to save it for future uses with any layout for which you want a scalloped border. To customize the border, open a background paper.
Click and drag the background paper onto the same canvas as your border template.
Key Ctrl+G (Ctrl+Alt+G in PSCS2) to attach your background paper to the template shape.
Right click on the paper layer in the layers palette and select Merge Down from the drop down menu.
You can delete any remaining layers and save your border as a .png file or click and drag it directly onto a layout.
This tutorial uses a round brush as the simplest example, but you can make a variety of different borders using this technique by using different brushes. You can also create you own brush to use in making trims and borders. See the Creating Brushes tutorial for more information on making your own brush.
5.17.2007
Puppies, Babies and Freebie
I've been feeling a bit uninspired for things to blog about. Fortunately you all leave me so many wonderful comments and questions, I always have something to fall back on. So I'll go with comments and questions again today.
anonymous wrote, Doncha think its time for Jamin to have a puppy too (I'm always pestering you to make more doggy things).
Jamin has a puppy. He's a 7 year old pug named Roscoe. Roscoe was my 'baby' until I had Jamin. Unfortunately he is no longer in the spotlight and gets a little mopey about it sometimes. Here is a layout I did of Roscoe and Jamin back when Jamin was about 6 months old. I had it enlarged and it still hangs in our living room.
Credits: Fonts - Scriptina and Trajan Pro
Laurie wrote, My OB said that often if a child is under the age of 5 they already know the sex of the baby. Sometimes they can tell you but even if they're too young to understand boy vs. girl they'll still act accordingly. If the new baby is the same sex as them they'll become a lot more Daddy needy and not want Mom as much. If the new baby is the opposite sex then the toddler will become hyper-Mom needy... I'd love to know if Jamin's actions have changed like this at all and if they turn out to fit with what you really are having!
That a predictive theory I hadn't heard before! Over the past 3-4 days he has been really clingy toward me. However I can't say this is anything new as he seems to go through independent phases and 'I need mom' phases with some regularity. As for actually finding out the gender, we are still a few months away.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. The comment about dogs got me thinking about some of my early kits, many of which had dog themes. I dug this little set out of my archives. It's some of my older work, but I still think you could do some groovy stuff with it. Enjoy!
anonymous wrote, Doncha think its time for Jamin to have a puppy too (I'm always pestering you to make more doggy things).
Jamin has a puppy. He's a 7 year old pug named Roscoe. Roscoe was my 'baby' until I had Jamin. Unfortunately he is no longer in the spotlight and gets a little mopey about it sometimes. Here is a layout I did of Roscoe and Jamin back when Jamin was about 6 months old. I had it enlarged and it still hangs in our living room.
Credits: Fonts - Scriptina and Trajan Pro
Laurie wrote, My OB said that often if a child is under the age of 5 they already know the sex of the baby. Sometimes they can tell you but even if they're too young to understand boy vs. girl they'll still act accordingly. If the new baby is the same sex as them they'll become a lot more Daddy needy and not want Mom as much. If the new baby is the opposite sex then the toddler will become hyper-Mom needy... I'd love to know if Jamin's actions have changed like this at all and if they turn out to fit with what you really are having!
That a predictive theory I hadn't heard before! Over the past 3-4 days he has been really clingy toward me. However I can't say this is anything new as he seems to go through independent phases and 'I need mom' phases with some regularity. As for actually finding out the gender, we are still a few months away.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. The comment about dogs got me thinking about some of my early kits, many of which had dog themes. I dug this little set out of my archives. It's some of my older work, but I still think you could do some groovy stuff with it. Enjoy!
5.16.2007
Early Learning
Joni wrote, Do you think you will put all of [the About a Boy sets] in one MEGA kit?
While I haven't totally ruled it out, I doubt it. The entire series as planned will have 8 kits. With each kit averaging 80MB I couldn't get the entire collection on a CD. Add in the alpha and quick pages and we're talking at least a 3 CD set. I haven't totally ruled it out as I think a CD of these sets would be a great baby shower gift for an expectant digiscrapping mom. Since it has taken me 2 months to get the first 3 sets out it will likely be 4 or 5 months before the series is done.
AmyW wrote, This new jellybean of yours needs to be a girl so you can start making cool kits like this one for girls!
*Giggles* I'll let you all know as soon as I know. Most of my relatives are predicting or at least hoping for a girl. I'm really ambivalent. I like the idea of two boys chasing each other 'round the place. Jamin keeps asking for a 'baby sister'. Barron and I can only agree on a girl name at the moment. Sigh .... I just wish I knew one way or the other.
anonymous wrote, Thanks, Misty! I have a boy that's 2 1/2 that THINKS he's 5...I think this will work!
Oh sure the kit will work for a 2 1/2 year old. Each set is inspired by a particular phase, but there use certainly extends beyond the age range. I couldn't wait until Jamin turned three to use the set either.
Here is a page I made yesterday.
Credits: About a Boy 3 to 5 Years by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Bytes, Fonts - Anhedonia, Trajan Pro, Photos by Holli Dunn Photography
One final note, Ikeagoddess has posted a great ribbon wrap tutorial on her blog.
While I haven't totally ruled it out, I doubt it. The entire series as planned will have 8 kits. With each kit averaging 80MB I couldn't get the entire collection on a CD. Add in the alpha and quick pages and we're talking at least a 3 CD set. I haven't totally ruled it out as I think a CD of these sets would be a great baby shower gift for an expectant digiscrapping mom. Since it has taken me 2 months to get the first 3 sets out it will likely be 4 or 5 months before the series is done.
AmyW wrote, This new jellybean of yours needs to be a girl so you can start making cool kits like this one for girls!
*Giggles* I'll let you all know as soon as I know. Most of my relatives are predicting or at least hoping for a girl. I'm really ambivalent. I like the idea of two boys chasing each other 'round the place. Jamin keeps asking for a 'baby sister'. Barron and I can only agree on a girl name at the moment. Sigh .... I just wish I knew one way or the other.
anonymous wrote, Thanks, Misty! I have a boy that's 2 1/2 that THINKS he's 5...I think this will work!
Oh sure the kit will work for a 2 1/2 year old. Each set is inspired by a particular phase, but there use certainly extends beyond the age range. I couldn't wait until Jamin turned three to use the set either.
Here is a page I made yesterday.
Credits: About a Boy 3 to 5 Years by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Bytes, Fonts - Anhedonia, Trajan Pro, Photos by Holli Dunn Photography
One final note, Ikeagoddess has posted a great ribbon wrap tutorial on her blog.
5.15.2007
New Release - About A Boy 3 to 5 Years
I've just released the next in the About A Boy series at Scrapbook-Byte - About a Boy 3 to 5 Years. From riding trucks and big wheels, displaying his 'creative side' with crayons on the wall, being wild and crazy one minute and sweet and cuddly the next, this set has everything you need to scrap the comings and goings of your preschool boy.
There is a coordinating alpha and quick page album.
There is a coordinating alpha and quick page album.
5.14.2007
Easier to Find Tutorials
I finally got around to creating a listing of all the tutorials I've posted so far. The post is just below this one. I will update the index each time I add a new tutorial. You can always access the tutorial index via the link in the second paragraph in the "About Me" section of the side bar.
Rachel wrote, I'd like a tutorial on "blending techniques" that all these amazing scrap-ettes are using to make these dreamy layouts where elements fade into the background.
Check out the Blending a Photo into a Background tutorial to get started (the tutorial starts about halfway down the post linked). The feathering tutorial may also be a useful technique for you. If you still have questions or are looking for a different technique, leave a note and I'll see what I can do. As a side note, I've tried to email you on a couple of your other questions, but I keep getting a bounce back. Just wanted you to know I'm not ignoring you. Your questions are always so great! My email address is mistycato@mistycatodesigns.com.
Anonymous wrote, how do you make the alphas with what seems like paper designs on them?
Take a look at the Creating a Border II - Making Stickers tutorial and see if that gets you where you want to go. If not feel free to leave me another note. I think I have another alpha tutorial tucked away somewhere that might be useful.
Rachel wrote, I'd like a tutorial on "blending techniques" that all these amazing scrap-ettes are using to make these dreamy layouts where elements fade into the background.
Check out the Blending a Photo into a Background tutorial to get started (the tutorial starts about halfway down the post linked). The feathering tutorial may also be a useful technique for you. If you still have questions or are looking for a different technique, leave a note and I'll see what I can do. As a side note, I've tried to email you on a couple of your other questions, but I keep getting a bounce back. Just wanted you to know I'm not ignoring you. Your questions are always so great! My email address is mistycato@mistycatodesigns.com.
Anonymous wrote, how do you make the alphas with what seems like paper designs on them?
Take a look at the Creating a Border II - Making Stickers tutorial and see if that gets you where you want to go. If not feel free to leave me another note. I think I have another alpha tutorial tucked away somewhere that might be useful.
Index of Tutorials
Getting Started
Creating Your First Page in PSE
Using a Layered Template
Layered Template Tips
Journaling
Making the Most of Your Scrap Supplies
Basic Recoloring
Colorizing Grayscale Items
Messing with Straight Stitching
Creating Trims and Borders
Creating a Pattern and Alpha from a Background Paper
Creative Clipping Masks
Layout/Scrapping Techniques
Pin Tutorial (sticking a pin through a paper/element)
Color Burning Edges (layer style)
Color Burning Edges (burn tool)
Rounded Corners
Threading a Ribbon through a Buckle
Threading Charms and Tags
Threading Ribbon through Eyelets
Segmented Photos
Blending a Photo into a Background
Feathering
Creating a Dotted Line
Easy Photo Tinting
Selective Colorization
Text Effects - Outer Glow
Text on a Path
Text Fill
Free Form Text Paths in Photoshop
Customizing Brushwork with Background Papers
Using the Alignment Tool
Creating a Border Part I
Realistic Drop Shadows
Brushed Edge Photo Effect in PSCS2
Drop Shadow Layer Styles in PSCS2
Text Formatting in PSCS2
Fun with Layer Masks
Blending Made Easy
Creating a Corner Fold in PSCS2 or PSCS3
Making Your Own Stuff
Creating a Quick Page from a Layout in PSE
Creating a Quick Page from a Layout in PSCS2
Creating a Template from a Layout
Creating a Texture from a Photograph
Make a Tag
Creating Brushes
Creating a Border Part I
Creating a Border Part II - Making Stickers
Creating Trims and Borders
Word Art
Patterned Paper
Creating an Overlay
Photo Editing
Impact Portraits in PSCS2 and PSCS3
Other
Tour of the Bevel and Emboss Settings in PSCS2
Loading and Using Layer Styles in PS
Loading and Using Layer Styles in PSE
Creating Your First Page in PSE
Using a Layered Template
Layered Template Tips
Journaling
Making the Most of Your Scrap Supplies
Basic Recoloring
Colorizing Grayscale Items
Messing with Straight Stitching
Creating Trims and Borders
Creating a Pattern and Alpha from a Background Paper
Creative Clipping Masks
Layout/Scrapping Techniques
Pin Tutorial (sticking a pin through a paper/element)
Color Burning Edges (layer style)
Color Burning Edges (burn tool)
Rounded Corners
Threading a Ribbon through a Buckle
Threading Charms and Tags
Threading Ribbon through Eyelets
Segmented Photos
Blending a Photo into a Background
Feathering
Creating a Dotted Line
Easy Photo Tinting
Selective Colorization
Text Effects - Outer Glow
Text on a Path
Text Fill
Free Form Text Paths in Photoshop
Customizing Brushwork with Background Papers
Using the Alignment Tool
Creating a Border Part I
Realistic Drop Shadows
Brushed Edge Photo Effect in PSCS2
Drop Shadow Layer Styles in PSCS2
Text Formatting in PSCS2
Fun with Layer Masks
Blending Made Easy
Creating a Corner Fold in PSCS2 or PSCS3
Making Your Own Stuff
Creating a Quick Page from a Layout in PSE
Creating a Quick Page from a Layout in PSCS2
Creating a Template from a Layout
Creating a Texture from a Photograph
Make a Tag
Creating Brushes
Creating a Border Part I
Creating a Border Part II - Making Stickers
Creating Trims and Borders
Word Art
Patterned Paper
Creating an Overlay
Photo Editing
Impact Portraits in PSCS2 and PSCS3
Other
Tour of the Bevel and Emboss Settings in PSCS2
Loading and Using Layer Styles in PS
Loading and Using Layer Styles in PSE
5.13.2007
New Element Pack
WOW thanks everyone for all the congrats and well wishes on our pregnancy. I'm really touched and overwhelmed by all the wonderful words and blessings.
Here are responses to a few comments left by readers.
H.Green wrote, Congratulations!!! Send some of that baby dust my way, lol. We've been trying for our first for over 17 months.
Baby dust coming your way :) My thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone else who shared about their desire to have children or more children. It took us 2 years of wanting to get pregnant before God blessed us with Jamin, but he was definately worth the wait. I don't have any answers, but I said a prayer for each of you.
sherryd wrote, The kit you made for your mother is almost my school colors - well, Virginia Commonwealth University is black and gold - so I wonder, would it be okay to change the purple to black?
Of course you can change the colors. If you need help, check out the Basic Recoloring tutorial. You could also desaturate the paper or element and then try the Colorizing Grayscale Items tutorial. This will leave you with a monochromatic element/paper in the color of your choice.
acash wrote, ...the photo taken is just wonderful. I love how the colors stands out. Looks like you are getting even better at taking photos.
I wish I could take credit for that one, but the photo is the work of my friend Holli Dunn, who has an amazing knack for capturing kids being kids. This expression is classic Jamin. The layout is a little dramatic license on my part. I'm not sure if he really gets the whole big brother concept, although he is already asking for a 'girl baby' (this week anyway).
NEW RELEASE - TAGGED
I released an element pack of tags at Scrapbook-Elements this weekend. There are 36 in total each topped with a link of silver and coordinating bow.
Here are responses to a few comments left by readers.
H.Green wrote, Congratulations!!! Send some of that baby dust my way, lol. We've been trying for our first for over 17 months.
Baby dust coming your way :) My thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone else who shared about their desire to have children or more children. It took us 2 years of wanting to get pregnant before God blessed us with Jamin, but he was definately worth the wait. I don't have any answers, but I said a prayer for each of you.
sherryd wrote, The kit you made for your mother is almost my school colors - well, Virginia Commonwealth University is black and gold - so I wonder, would it be okay to change the purple to black?
Of course you can change the colors. If you need help, check out the Basic Recoloring tutorial. You could also desaturate the paper or element and then try the Colorizing Grayscale Items tutorial. This will leave you with a monochromatic element/paper in the color of your choice.
acash wrote, ...the photo taken is just wonderful. I love how the colors stands out. Looks like you are getting even better at taking photos.
I wish I could take credit for that one, but the photo is the work of my friend Holli Dunn, who has an amazing knack for capturing kids being kids. This expression is classic Jamin. The layout is a little dramatic license on my part. I'm not sure if he really gets the whole big brother concept, although he is already asking for a 'girl baby' (this week anyway).
NEW RELEASE - TAGGED
I released an element pack of tags at Scrapbook-Elements this weekend. There are 36 in total each topped with a link of silver and coordinating bow.
5.12.2007
Mother's Day Announcement
Barron, Jamin and I have a special announcement. I'll let Jamin tell you -
Credits: Talk Bubble from That's My Boy by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements, everything else from About a Boy 3 to 5 Years by Misty Cato, coming to Scrapbook-Bytes 5/16/07, folded paper tear created using Atomic Cupcake action, photo by Holli Dunn Photography
We are pregnant and expecting our second child mid-December; an early Christmas present. I have lots to celebrate this Mother's Day!
Credits: Talk Bubble from That's My Boy by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements, everything else from About a Boy 3 to 5 Years by Misty Cato, coming to Scrapbook-Bytes 5/16/07, folded paper tear created using Atomic Cupcake action, photo by Holli Dunn Photography
We are pregnant and expecting our second child mid-December; an early Christmas present. I have lots to celebrate this Mother's Day!
5.10.2007
In Honor of Mothers
There will be no blog post tomorrow as we will be out celebrating Mother's Day with my mom a day early. Do stop back by Sunday though for a very special Mother's Day post.
No longer available. Meanwhile here is a little something in honor of mothers and all women who have taken the time to love and mentor others.
No longer available. Meanwhile here is a little something in honor of mothers and all women who have taken the time to love and mentor others.
5.09.2007
Tutorial Sites
It was a beautiful day here so Jamin and I spent it out and about. We went to Jump Planet (a place with a bunch of inflatable bouncers) with his play group then to McDonalds, followed by an afternoon in the park and then a nap for both of us. I'm not sure who had more fun me or him. I can tell as the whether gets nicer its going to be harder and harder to spend time on the computer.
So many people seemed to appreciate the tutorial link in yesterday's post that I thought I'd share a few links to digiscrapping tutorial sites. My first recommendation is to check out your favorite digital store as many of them have a tutorials section as well forums where you can ask for help if you get stuck. In addition to stores, here are some other sites you may want to check out.
DigiScrappingTutorials
DigiScrapping with Jen (list of tutorial sites)
Escrappers
Just Mommies Digital Scrapbooking
So many people seemed to appreciate the tutorial link in yesterday's post that I thought I'd share a few links to digiscrapping tutorial sites. My first recommendation is to check out your favorite digital store as many of them have a tutorials section as well forums where you can ask for help if you get stuck. In addition to stores, here are some other sites you may want to check out.
DigiScrappingTutorials
DigiScrapping with Jen (list of tutorial sites)
Escrappers
Just Mommies Digital Scrapbooking
Reader Question and Freebie
Rachel wrote, [I] wanted to show you this AMAZING layout I came across. This is the designers, and there's a set of 3 layouts all together of this family. First of all, this is adorable, and terribly unique, but I also wondered if you might know or be able to steer me toward some sort of a tut for this page break away thing. I love the "peeled back" look and I can't find anything to teach me how to do it!"
The layout and quick pages are from Alice Koh, one of the talented designers I get to design alongside at Scrapbook-Elements. Her Superhero Quick Pages are available here.
You can find a tutorial on the Bursting Through the Paper technique (and many other techniques) at Janee's Tutorials.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here are two metal trims for you. Enjoy!
The layout and quick pages are from Alice Koh, one of the talented designers I get to design alongside at Scrapbook-Elements. Her Superhero Quick Pages are available here.
You can find a tutorial on the Bursting Through the Paper technique (and many other techniques) at Janee's Tutorials.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here are two metal trims for you. Enjoy!
5.08.2007
Creating a Quick Page from a Layout in PSCS2
I did my National Scrapbooking Day shopping at Sophia Sarducci and found several really versatile items that are going to work great for scrapping my little guy. Here is the first page I did with my new 'toys'. My mom took these photos as Jamin was traveling with them his weekend stay at their house. Notice the blanket - it STILL goes everywhere. I should have named him Linus.
Credits: Background paper, frames and mats from Stationary from Sal's Library, Sophia Sarducci, twine heart and stitching from Twine Things by Sophia Sarducci, beads from Iron Beads by Sophia Sarducci, Alpha from Beach Walk by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements; fonts - Times New Roman and Artistamp Medium
Today's tutorial is on creating a quick page from a layout. In order to use this technique, you'll need to work with the layered layout (i.e. not a flattened page). A big thanks to Jenn Trippetti for sharing with me the technique on which this tutorial is based. You can see Jenn's work at Scrapbook-Bytes.
The layer style used in this tutorial is only available in Photoshop. As far as I know this technique will not work in PSE. For the sake of example I will be using my Ferry Boat page. This will work with any layout in which all the photos are still in their own layers.
Start by deleting the layers that are layout specific such as the title, journaling, dates, etc. You can delete the layers by dragging each layer in the layers palette to the trash icon at the bottom of the palette. Do not delete the photos.
Set one of your photograph layers as the active layer by clicking on it once in the layers palette. Click on the layer styles icon at the base of the layers palette. The layer styles icon is a circle with a lowercase script f in it. Select 'Blending Options' from the drop down menu.
Midway down the pop-up dialogue box, in the section titled, 'Advanced Blending' click on the down arrow to the right of the word 'Knock-out' and select 'Deep' from the drop down menu. Click okay.
With the same layer active, lower the 'Fill' Slider at the top of the layers palette to '0'. There should now be an open space where your photo is.
If you have more than one photo on your page, right click on the layer of the photo (the one that is now a hole) in the layers palette and select 'Copy Layer Style' from the drop down menu.
Hold down the control key and click on the other photo layers in the layers palette. Right click on any one of the them and select 'Paste Layer Style' from the drop down menu.
Now there should be holes for all of the photo spaces. At this point your quick page is just about ready to go. Go to Layer -> Merge Visible to flatten the page.
Save your quick page as a .png file to preserve the transparency of the photo spaces and you are done!
Important Note: If you are creating quick pages for others, either for sale or to give away, you'll need to use your own designs or have the necessary licenses and/or permissions of the designers whose work you are using before you distribute the quick page.
Credits: Background paper, frames and mats from Stationary from Sal's Library, Sophia Sarducci, twine heart and stitching from Twine Things by Sophia Sarducci, beads from Iron Beads by Sophia Sarducci, Alpha from Beach Walk by Misty Cato, Scrapbook-Elements; fonts - Times New Roman and Artistamp Medium
Today's tutorial is on creating a quick page from a layout. In order to use this technique, you'll need to work with the layered layout (i.e. not a flattened page). A big thanks to Jenn Trippetti for sharing with me the technique on which this tutorial is based. You can see Jenn's work at Scrapbook-Bytes.
The layer style used in this tutorial is only available in Photoshop. As far as I know this technique will not work in PSE. For the sake of example I will be using my Ferry Boat page. This will work with any layout in which all the photos are still in their own layers.
Start by deleting the layers that are layout specific such as the title, journaling, dates, etc. You can delete the layers by dragging each layer in the layers palette to the trash icon at the bottom of the palette. Do not delete the photos.
Set one of your photograph layers as the active layer by clicking on it once in the layers palette. Click on the layer styles icon at the base of the layers palette. The layer styles icon is a circle with a lowercase script f in it. Select 'Blending Options' from the drop down menu.
Midway down the pop-up dialogue box, in the section titled, 'Advanced Blending' click on the down arrow to the right of the word 'Knock-out' and select 'Deep' from the drop down menu. Click okay.
With the same layer active, lower the 'Fill' Slider at the top of the layers palette to '0'. There should now be an open space where your photo is.
If you have more than one photo on your page, right click on the layer of the photo (the one that is now a hole) in the layers palette and select 'Copy Layer Style' from the drop down menu.
Hold down the control key and click on the other photo layers in the layers palette. Right click on any one of the them and select 'Paste Layer Style' from the drop down menu.
Now there should be holes for all of the photo spaces. At this point your quick page is just about ready to go. Go to Layer -> Merge Visible to flatten the page.
Save your quick page as a .png file to preserve the transparency of the photo spaces and you are done!
Important Note: If you are creating quick pages for others, either for sale or to give away, you'll need to use your own designs or have the necessary licenses and/or permissions of the designers whose work you are using before you distribute the quick page.
5.07.2007
Quick Goodie
It's getting late and I realized I haven't written my post yet, so I'm just going do drop off a goodie and run. I hope to get an article or tutorial written up for tomorrow. Weekends just seem to get away from me.
No Longer Available.
No Longer Available.
5.05.2007
Happy National Scrapbooking Day
Happy National Scrapbooking Day. The scrapbooking world is a huge frenzy of sales, events, contests and anything else you can imagine. Personally, I'm taking the day away from the computer. We are having hardwood floors installed so we are going out for the day to let the contractors do their work. All the sales and events overwhelm me anyway, so it is probably just as well. I did want to mention two NSD-related places for layout inspiration. DigiShopTalk is hosting their first Scrappers' Choice Awards and I've already received tons of ideas for my own pages while browsing the nominations. My favorite has to be the "Best Use of Multiple Photos" categories as I am always looking for great ways to use lots of photos. It's also worth stopping by the Queen of the Crop gallery at ScrapbookGraphics. These scrappers are competing for over $1000 in prizes as well as charity and they've definately put their hearts into their pages. You can cast a vote too. It costs $2.00, but you get a really great goodie bag that is worth the money (I voted and received mine).
The Scrapbook-Bytes designers have put together a collection of products celebrating our love of color. Each designer chose a focus color and just about every color imaginable is represented. Stop by the World of Color section of the store to pick up sets in your favorite colors, most of which are on sale today.
Here's the little set I put together, 25% off through the weekend.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a little sampler for you. Enjoy!
Have a great weekend everyone!
The Scrapbook-Bytes designers have put together a collection of products celebrating our love of color. Each designer chose a focus color and just about every color imaginable is represented. Stop by the World of Color section of the store to pick up sets in your favorite colors, most of which are on sale today.
Here's the little set I put together, 25% off through the weekend.
FREE SAMPLE
No longer available. Here is a little sampler for you. Enjoy!
Have a great weekend everyone!
5.04.2007
Help a Reader Out
2rejoyce left the following comment on the "Getting Started with PSE" post - I have not yet gotten PSE and wondered if I should get #4 at reduced price or would I be disappointed that I didn't buy #5?
I only have PSE4 and am not at all familar with PSE5. I usually use PSCS2, but keep PSE4 around to test tutorials. Are there any readers out there that are familiar with PSE4 and PSE5 (or perhaps the impending PSE6?) who are willing to share their perspective? Just leave a comment to this post and hopefully 2rejoyce will see them.
OFTEN REQUESTED TUTORIALS
I frequently receive requests for bent photo and corner fold tutorials. Everything I've learned on these topics, I've picked up from fellow designers so I'd much rather refer readers to the already existing products and resources for accomplishing these effects.
Corner Folds
There are several great corner fold templates out there, but the first ones I came across and still my favorite are those made by Karah Fredricks, Blue Flombingo.
If you prefer to let an action do the work check out Terry Maruca's Corner Bend Actions at Scrapbook-Bytes.
Vizros is a free plug-in that allows you to create your own page curls.
Photo Bends
Debbie Knorr has some wonderful bent photo frames and templates in her store at Scrapbook-Bytes.
You can find photo bend actions in Jen Caputo's store at Scrapbookgraphics.
Here are a few related tutorials you may want to try. I haven't tried these, I just came across them trying to find resources on the topic.
Paper Curl by Photoshogurus
Corner Paper Fold found on Tutorials Expert.com
I only have PSE4 and am not at all familar with PSE5. I usually use PSCS2, but keep PSE4 around to test tutorials. Are there any readers out there that are familiar with PSE4 and PSE5 (or perhaps the impending PSE6?) who are willing to share their perspective? Just leave a comment to this post and hopefully 2rejoyce will see them.
OFTEN REQUESTED TUTORIALS
I frequently receive requests for bent photo and corner fold tutorials. Everything I've learned on these topics, I've picked up from fellow designers so I'd much rather refer readers to the already existing products and resources for accomplishing these effects.
Corner Folds
There are several great corner fold templates out there, but the first ones I came across and still my favorite are those made by Karah Fredricks, Blue Flombingo.
If you prefer to let an action do the work check out Terry Maruca's Corner Bend Actions at Scrapbook-Bytes.
Vizros is a free plug-in that allows you to create your own page curls.
Photo Bends
Debbie Knorr has some wonderful bent photo frames and templates in her store at Scrapbook-Bytes.
You can find photo bend actions in Jen Caputo's store at Scrapbookgraphics.
Here are a few related tutorials you may want to try. I haven't tried these, I just came across them trying to find resources on the topic.
Paper Curl by Photoshogurus
Corner Paper Fold found on Tutorials Expert.com
5.02.2007
Fonts and Sale
Several people left comments yesterday asking about the font in the "My Little Man" layout. The font is called Undecapped Vinyl. If you like it, I recommend checking out all of the fonts by Gyom at dafont.com. They all have a great grungy feel to them and are free for personal use. I've updated yesterday's post to properly credit the layout.
NSD Sale at Scrapbook-Elements
Scrapbook-Elements is having a storewide sale May 3-5 in honor of National Scrapbook Day. All of my products at SBE are 20% off for the next three days.
FREE GIFT
No longer available. Here is a stained wood alpha for you. Lowercase letters, numbers, flower and blank included.
NSD Sale at Scrapbook-Elements
Scrapbook-Elements is having a storewide sale May 3-5 in honor of National Scrapbook Day. All of my products at SBE are 20% off for the next three days.
FREE GIFT
No longer available. Here is a stained wood alpha for you. Lowercase letters, numbers, flower and blank included.
5.01.2007
Creating your First Page in PSE
Note - You've reached an outdated tutorial. An updated version of this tutorial is available here.
This tutorial is written to help the beginning digital scrapper create their first page in Photoshop Element. This tutorial will use a quick page as a starting point. If you've opened up Photoshop Element gotten frustrated or felt overwhelmed, I invite you try one more time with this tutorial.
Before you begin, download, unzip and save the following file to your computer; Inspire Quick Page. All you need is Photoshop Elements, the quick page from the download file and one photograph.
Start by opening Photoshop Elements. The screenshots are from Photoshop Elements 4.0, but you should be able to follow along in other versions.
On the right side of the screen you'll find three main sections titled, "How To", "Styles and Effects" and "Layers". We won't be using the first two, so click on the small downward pointing triangle to the left of the "How To" and "Styles and Effects" titles to minimize those sections. These sections are each called palettes. The Layers palette is the one we will focusing on in this tutorial.
On the right side of the screen you'll see a set of icons. Each of these represents a tool available to you in PSE. This section is referred to as the Tools palette.
If for some reason, you can't see the Tools or Layers palettes, go to the Window main menu and select Tools from the drop down menu. Repeat for Layers.
Start by opening up the quick page from the download file. Click on File from the main menus at the top of your screen and select open from the dropdown menu. (File -> Open). Navigate to the download file and select the file titled "mistycato_inspire_quickpage" and open it.
The quick page should now appear in the working section of your screen. You'll also see a small version of the quick page in the layers palette.
Think of layers much like a paper scrapping page. A traditional paper scrap page is comprised of many layers; a background paper, photos, embellishments, lettering, etc. Digital scrapping is much the same and you will track each layer via the layers palette. In this case you only have one layer - the quick page, but we will be adding two more (a photo layer and title layer) as we move through the tutorial. In order to manipulate a specific layer, it must be 'active'. You can set any layer as the active layer by clicking on it in the layers palette.
Before we move on, go to the File main menu, select "Save As" and give your page a new name. This will prevent accidentally overwriting the original quick page.
Time to open your photograph. Go to File -> Open. Navigate to your photo and open it. The photo will automatically open it's own canvas.
At the top of the tools palette there is an icon with an arrow. This is the move tool. The move tool is used to move, rotate and resize objects on the canvas. Click once on the icon. Now use your move tool to move the photo onto the same canvas as the quick page. To do this click once anywhere on the photograph and drag your cursor on to the quick page.
You'll notice there are now two layers in your layers palette; the quick page and the photograph. The photograph layer is blue, showing it to be the active layer. Now click on the photograph on your main canvas and drag to move your photograph to be about centered on the opening of the quick page. Don't worry about being exact or if the photo is too large or too small for the hole. We'll fix that in the next two steps.
Now we need to switch the order of the layers so the photograph is sitting under the quick page. To do this click on the photo layer in the layers palette and drag it to below the quick page layer.
Note that even though my photo is bigger than the hole there is a dashed line indicating where the edges of the photo are. This is called the bounding box. To resize your photo, hold down the shift key and click and drag any corner of the bounding box. Holding down the shift key assures your photograph stays in proportion.
You can also rotate you photograph using the move tool. To do so, move your cursor just outside a corner of the bounding box until the cursor becomes a bent two-headed arrow. Now click and drag your cursor to rotate the photo.
Continue to experiment with the move tool to move, rotate and resize your photo until you are satisfied with its position. When you are done, click on the check mark icon near the top of your work space to commit your changes. The check mark icon is located in a tool bar that sits just above your canvas. The items in this toolbar will change depending upon what tool you are using. This toolbar is commonly referred to as the 'options bar'.
Now click on the text tool in the tools palette. The text tool looks like a capital 'T'.
Click once on your canvas near the top right corner and type a title for your page. For now, don't worry about exact placement, size or font. Chances are you won't be able to see what you just typed. If so, take a look at the layers palette. There is now a text layer, but it is likely under the quick page layer. To fix this click on the text layer in the layers palette and drag to the top spot, just above the quick page layer.
Click and drag across your text to highlight it. Now look at the options bar near the top of your workspace. You'll see drop down menus for selecting your font style and size. Use these to choose a font for your title and select a size. If you don't like any of the sizes in the drop down menu, you can type in a number of your choice.
At the bottom of your tools palette you'll see two color boxes - these are your foreground and background colors. With your text still highlighted, click on the top box to open the color picker dialogue box. You can use the color picker to select a color for your text. If you want to match a color on the quick page click once on the quick page on the color your want to use and the color picker will select that color for you. When you are satisfied with your color choice, click 'OK' to close the color picker and change the color of your text.
You can adjust the placement of your text as needed by clicking on the move tool in the tools palette and moving, rotating or resizing the text just as you did the photograph.
When you are happy with the final results of your layouts, save your page (File-> Save).
Prior to printing or saving your page, you'll want to save a flattened version. Go to Layer-> Flatten Image. Flattening the image combines all your layers into one.
Congratulations! You've completed your page.
Credits: Quick page by Misty Cato, Photo from Holli Dunn Photography, Font - Undecapped Vinyl by Gyom fonts
This tutorial is written to help the beginning digital scrapper create their first page in Photoshop Element. This tutorial will use a quick page as a starting point. If you've opened up Photoshop Element gotten frustrated or felt overwhelmed, I invite you try one more time with this tutorial.
Before you begin, download, unzip and save the following file to your computer; Inspire Quick Page. All you need is Photoshop Elements, the quick page from the download file and one photograph.
Start by opening Photoshop Elements. The screenshots are from Photoshop Elements 4.0, but you should be able to follow along in other versions.
On the right side of the screen you'll find three main sections titled, "How To", "Styles and Effects" and "Layers". We won't be using the first two, so click on the small downward pointing triangle to the left of the "How To" and "Styles and Effects" titles to minimize those sections. These sections are each called palettes. The Layers palette is the one we will focusing on in this tutorial.
On the right side of the screen you'll see a set of icons. Each of these represents a tool available to you in PSE. This section is referred to as the Tools palette.
If for some reason, you can't see the Tools or Layers palettes, go to the Window main menu and select Tools from the drop down menu. Repeat for Layers.
Start by opening up the quick page from the download file. Click on File from the main menus at the top of your screen and select open from the dropdown menu. (File -> Open). Navigate to the download file and select the file titled "mistycato_inspire_quickpage" and open it.
The quick page should now appear in the working section of your screen. You'll also see a small version of the quick page in the layers palette.
Think of layers much like a paper scrapping page. A traditional paper scrap page is comprised of many layers; a background paper, photos, embellishments, lettering, etc. Digital scrapping is much the same and you will track each layer via the layers palette. In this case you only have one layer - the quick page, but we will be adding two more (a photo layer and title layer) as we move through the tutorial. In order to manipulate a specific layer, it must be 'active'. You can set any layer as the active layer by clicking on it in the layers palette.
Before we move on, go to the File main menu, select "Save As" and give your page a new name. This will prevent accidentally overwriting the original quick page.
Time to open your photograph. Go to File -> Open. Navigate to your photo and open it. The photo will automatically open it's own canvas.
At the top of the tools palette there is an icon with an arrow. This is the move tool. The move tool is used to move, rotate and resize objects on the canvas. Click once on the icon. Now use your move tool to move the photo onto the same canvas as the quick page. To do this click once anywhere on the photograph and drag your cursor on to the quick page.
You'll notice there are now two layers in your layers palette; the quick page and the photograph. The photograph layer is blue, showing it to be the active layer. Now click on the photograph on your main canvas and drag to move your photograph to be about centered on the opening of the quick page. Don't worry about being exact or if the photo is too large or too small for the hole. We'll fix that in the next two steps.
Now we need to switch the order of the layers so the photograph is sitting under the quick page. To do this click on the photo layer in the layers palette and drag it to below the quick page layer.
Note that even though my photo is bigger than the hole there is a dashed line indicating where the edges of the photo are. This is called the bounding box. To resize your photo, hold down the shift key and click and drag any corner of the bounding box. Holding down the shift key assures your photograph stays in proportion.
You can also rotate you photograph using the move tool. To do so, move your cursor just outside a corner of the bounding box until the cursor becomes a bent two-headed arrow. Now click and drag your cursor to rotate the photo.
Continue to experiment with the move tool to move, rotate and resize your photo until you are satisfied with its position. When you are done, click on the check mark icon near the top of your work space to commit your changes. The check mark icon is located in a tool bar that sits just above your canvas. The items in this toolbar will change depending upon what tool you are using. This toolbar is commonly referred to as the 'options bar'.
Now click on the text tool in the tools palette. The text tool looks like a capital 'T'.
Click once on your canvas near the top right corner and type a title for your page. For now, don't worry about exact placement, size or font. Chances are you won't be able to see what you just typed. If so, take a look at the layers palette. There is now a text layer, but it is likely under the quick page layer. To fix this click on the text layer in the layers palette and drag to the top spot, just above the quick page layer.
Click and drag across your text to highlight it. Now look at the options bar near the top of your workspace. You'll see drop down menus for selecting your font style and size. Use these to choose a font for your title and select a size. If you don't like any of the sizes in the drop down menu, you can type in a number of your choice.
At the bottom of your tools palette you'll see two color boxes - these are your foreground and background colors. With your text still highlighted, click on the top box to open the color picker dialogue box. You can use the color picker to select a color for your text. If you want to match a color on the quick page click once on the quick page on the color your want to use and the color picker will select that color for you. When you are satisfied with your color choice, click 'OK' to close the color picker and change the color of your text.
You can adjust the placement of your text as needed by clicking on the move tool in the tools palette and moving, rotating or resizing the text just as you did the photograph.
When you are happy with the final results of your layouts, save your page (File-> Save).
Prior to printing or saving your page, you'll want to save a flattened version. Go to Layer-> Flatten Image. Flattening the image combines all your layers into one.
Congratulations! You've completed your page.
Credits: Quick page by Misty Cato, Photo from Holli Dunn Photography, Font - Undecapped Vinyl by Gyom fonts
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