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"Cousins" by Amy Flanagan
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
To give the layout the last finishing touch, I wanted a small delicate frame around the photo to emulate the gentle swirls of the ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Scrollwork. To do this, I highlighted the photo mask layer from the template. Then, I hit Ctrl+Click on the thumbnail of that layer. This gives me the marching ants. Then, on a new layer, I went to Edit> Stroke (Outline) Selection. I chose the width and color of my stroke, and "outline" in the dialog box that popped up. Then I selected "OK." Voila! This gives me a perfect outline of my photo, on its own layer! Then, I simply added the same style that I had applied to the scrollwork, and I now have a perfect frame complementary to the scrollwork.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
"Blessings" by Janine Buckles
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
A really large photo can add punch to a layout but can also be very overwhelming. I chose to blend my photo into the background paper. To do this, I clicked on its thumbnail image in the Layers Palette and then set the Blending Mode to "Lighten." This allows it to maintain its presence as the focal image but lets the text, which is part of Valerie Randall's transparency from the 1 Scrap Girls Blessed Mega Collection, and the smaller images, share prominence in my layout.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
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"Something Different" by Elisha Barnett
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
This year, I was tired of the same old wimpy candle display for my Thanksgiving mantle. I wanted something bold, something different. I used Valerie Randall's ScrapSimple Craft Templates: Centerpiece - Holidays: More to make a new display. However, I didn't want the entire "Happy Thanksgiving," so I switched the template around to make my centerpiece say, "Give Thanks." It was shorter and quicker, and said what I wanted to say.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
Journaling: This year I made a mantle decoration using my scrapping supplies!
"Family Memories" by Christy VanderWall
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I wanted to use the strings and bow from the Beachin Collection Biggie to make the papers look tied together. The original embellishment has the bow at the end, but I wanted it over the papers. To get the look I wanted, I duplicated the string layer and flipped it horizontally. I moved the flipped layer below the original layer and moved it to line up with the opposite edge of the paper. I then erased (masked) the parts that I didn't need. Last, I used Edit> Transform> Warp to squeeze the strings together under the bow.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS3
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
"Very Thankful for You" by Joann Brown
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I love Valerie Randall's suncatcher brushes! They really are a cool element, plus they are a ton of fun to use and create. To color the suncatcher brush, use your Magic Wand tool to select the areas inside of the suncatcher that you would like to have all the same color. Create a new layer (Ctrl+Shift+N). When you've selected the spaces with your Magic Wand tool, marching ants appear – you want them to still be showing for this next step. Now that you are in a new layer, fill your selection using Edit> Fill. Now, it's easy to apply a stained-glass style. I like to use Amanda Sok's ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Cathedral Glass 6401 Biggie or ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Opalescent Glass 6401 Biggie for my stained glass effects. When you are ready to do a new color, make sure the main suncatcher layer is active, make your selections, and apply a different style. By changing your opacity, you can easily adjust the darkness of your glass, which gives the suncatcher a fabulous multi-hued stained glass effect. I love it!
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS4
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
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"Blessed" by Kara Swanson
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I clustered papers and elements around my photo to draw the viewer's eye to it on the page.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
"Thankful" by Julie Moberly
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I wanted the journaling to stand out just a bit from the background. I applied a drop shadow on the text layer and set the Size to "5," Distance to "5" and Opacity at 50%.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
Journaling: I am thankful for my mom and dad. Through the years they have shown support, loyalty, and love for each other and our entire family.
"Thankful For You" by Armi Custodio
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
Originally, the ring embellishments behind my photo was brown and with a paper texture. To turn them into acrylic-like embellishments, I applied Amanda McGee's ScrapSimple Tools-Styles:Water 6101 to it.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS3
Name of challenge: Thanksgiving
Other Ingredients:
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