Rozanne Paxman

White Balance Simplified

I have to confess that the settings on my camera often intimidate me. After struggling to learn them in a half-hearted manner, I decided to stop fiddling with all of the settings at once. Instead, I have practiced changing one setting at a time until I "get it". Once I feel comfortable with it, I move along to something else.

The white balance setting affects the color cast of the photo – the temperature. Typical white balance settings include: incandescent, fluorescent, direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, and shade. Your camera should also have an automatic white balance setting. I use this most of the time, because I use the tool I am going to demonstrate to make it easier to figure out.

Here are some photos I took of my dining room, using various white balance settings. You can see how different they are.

If you don't want to take time to change the white balance settings each time you take a photo, you can use a white balance card as a short-cut tool. To use it, just hold the card in front of the camera and take a photo of it. Then, take your photos as usual. Once you bring the photos onto your computer, you'll use the image with the white balance card as your reference point.

Normally, you would simply hold the card up in front of you or have the person you are photographing hold it. But in this case, I was taking a self-portrait. So I punted and held it in my teeth.

Next, you will use your Photoshop or Photoshop Elements software to adjust the image.

In Bridge: Use the White Balance tool. Click on the neutral gray area of the card. (This is how you will fix a NEF or RAW file.)

To fix JPGs:

In Photoshop: Follow this path: Image> Adjustments> Levels. Use the gray eyedropper to select the neutral gray area of the card. The color will instantly improve.

In Photoshop Elements: Follow this path: Enhance> Adjust Lighting> Levels. Use the gray eyedropper to select the neutral gray area of the card. The color will instantly improve.

Notice the setting changes the tool makes. Write them down, if you need to. Then use the same settings on the rest of the photos, and you're all set.

Perfect white balance!

Here is the white balance card I use. You can find it on Amazon.com

- Ro

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to [email protected]. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

SCRAP GIRLS CLUB

Join the Scrap Girls Monthly Club and you can have fun with the newest traditional digital and printable scrapbooking looks while saving! (A $27.94 value for $9.99 or less!)

The Scrap Girls Club contents are released on the 1st day of the month (or the closest business day to the 1st).

With the Scrap Girls Club, you will receive:

1 Collection Biggie
1 Paper Super Mini
1 8.5x11 Sheet of Word Art
1 Embellishment Set
1 Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set
1 Designer's Choice Item

Layout by Amanda Sok using January's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Amanda Sok

If you prefer not to join a club, the Scrap Girls Club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The Scrap Girls Club contents are always available for sale elsewhere in the Boutique at their regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never seen before product releases for each month!

SCRAPSIMPLE CLUB

Join the ScrapSimple Monthly Club and you can enjoy the newest ScrapSimple looks while saving! (A $13.95 value for $6.99 or less!)

The new ScrapSimple Club contents are released on the 15th day of the month (or the closest business day to the 15th).

With the ScrapSimple Club, you will receive:

1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set
1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template
1 ScrapSimple Embellishment or Word Art Template Set
2 Designer's Choice Items

A commercially licensed version of the ScrapSimple Club is also available here.

Layout by Janine Buckles using January's ScrapSimple Club
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Created for you by Keri Schueller and Ariadna Wiczling

If you prefer not to join a club, the ScrapSimple Club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The ScrapSimple Club contents are always available for sale in the Boutique at regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never-seen-before product releases for each month!

How To Use Illustrated Brushes

Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS3 with Windows Vista.

I like to create coordinating brush sets with all my collections. They are versatile and fun. There are multiple ways to use illustration brushes on your digital scrapbooking layouts. In this tutorial, I'll show you some methods on how to use them.

They can be colorized to create embellishments.

Create a new blank layer and apply the brush of your choice. I am using Brush Set: Rainy Days. Use the Magic Wand Tool with "Contiguous" checked and select the inside of the brush.

Expand the selection using Select> Modify> Expand (2px usually is enough). Create a new layer underneath the brushwork and fill in the selection with the color of your choice. Press Ctrl+D to deselect.

Repeat the steps until you have colorized all the different parts.

Merge all of the layers. You can now apply a style to the merged embellishment. Here, I am using ScrapSimple Tools – Styles: Packaging 9901. Save it as PNG file and use it on your layout.

Here's another fun method to try. On your brush layer, use the Magic Wand Tool with "Contiguous" checked and click on the outside of the brush work. I used Brush Set: Colors of Fall 2 Biggie for this example.

Inverse the selection (Select> Inverse). Create a new layer under the brushwork and fill in with a color of your choice.

Apply a style to the new layer and the brush layer. I used ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Freehand Coloring 8201 Super Biggie on the fill layer and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Felt 8201 Super Biggie on the brush outline.

Experiment using different styles on illustrated brushes for varied effects.

Here I used Brush Set: Trains and Tracks Biggie and outlined it with ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Metals 5001.

This sample uses Brush Set: Trucks and Tires with ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Emboss 5401.

You can also use these brushes to create your own patterned background papers. Here's an example using the Brush Set: Picnic in the Park Biggie.

Apply each brush on a different layer for easy repositioning. Rotate them to create a fun pattern. Use the methods above to colorize them, apply styles to the outlines, or use Blending Modes to blend the patterned paper into your background layer.

Have fun!

Layout by Caroline Kaiser
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Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Poppies and Daisies, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Kitchen Papers, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Packaging 9901, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Freehand Coloring 8201 Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Stitching 6401 Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Edge 6301 Biggie, Lettering Delights Painter's Hand Font, ScrapSimple Tools - Scripts: File Save 1 11101 and ScrapSimple Tools - Scripts: Supply Tracker 11101 are also available.

Tutorial written by Caroline Kaiser

FREE STARTER KIT

Free eBook "starter kit" turns your dreams of digital scrapbooking into reality today!

This dynamite eBook is 65 pages - packed full of the information, ideas, and help people need when they are about to dive into this great hobby. It answers all of the important questions new digital scrapbookers have. They are all here for you - in one easy to use eBook!

Bonus! Download the free "Warning" Label, too. It was created for you by Valerie Randall as a little bit of extra fun!

Would you like a chance to try digital scrapbooking yourself?

Scrap Girls' Refresh Collection Biggie offers you free samples of some of our most popular product types. Try making a layout, your own paper with a ScrapSimple Paper Template, a fast layout with a ScrapSimple Digital Layout Template, or experiment with a brush.

We know you'll love digital scrapbooking as much as we do, and we have thousands of products to feed your new addiction!

Ready to Take Off? In-depth Tutorials Help You Become a Great Digital Scrapbooker

Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop
NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements
Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Paint Shop Pro X (XI)

Find out what tens of thousands of people have already learned: Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed is the fastest way to learn how to create digital scrapbooking layouts. And because this series covers so many topics with one purchase, it is a bargain!

In the tutorials, you'll see Ro working on her computer and hear her talking about why she is doing what she is doing. It's like having Ro come to your home and give you private scrapbooking lessons. You can create digital scrapbooking layouts today!

Download and CD versions available.

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users receive:

30-31 movie tutorials
Companion eBook(s)
Collections
Other supplies

Paint Shop Pro users receive 31 movie tutorials.

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop
MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop Elements

Now that you've learned the basics of digital scrapbooking with Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, you are ready to learn advanced skills for having even more fun while you create digital scrapbooking layouts!

Get a big boost learning how to use ScrapSimple products to make your own backgrounds, embellishments, and alphas with the MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements movie tutorial series. You'll learn so much that your digital scrapbooking layouts will never be the same!

eBooks

Scrap Girls offers a large catalog of eBooks covering topics that will expand your digital scrapbooking abilities to new heights. Here are just a few samples:

Inspirations eBook

With three richly illustrated sections, Inspirations eBook not only offers a virtual gallery of stunning works by EIGHTEEN contemporary digital artists in a variety of styles, but it also describes the techniques they used and gives several key points on how you can recreate each of these TWENTY-EIGHT layouts yourself.

Ten Beginner Tips on Type eBook

If you're creating a digital scrapbooking layout, it's almost guaranteed that you'll be using type on your pages somewhere. But did you know that type can make or break your page? What typeface will you use? What size font? Where will you place it on your page? If you want to take some beginner steps towards improving the type on your layouts, and thereby improving the overall look of your layouts, then this eBook is perfect for you.

digital Photography Simplified eBook

This eBook is full of easy to understand information and photographic examples, and is tailored to the beginning digital photographer who wants to take better photos. More advanced photographers will also benefit from this eBook with the sections that get you out of your comfort zone.

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PS: How to use ScrapSimple Tools: Custom Shapes & Patterns

Nothing could be simpler than learning to scrapbook digitally with Scrap Girls Start to Finish eBooklets. Step by step written guidelines and detailed screenshots will help you learn new digital scrapbooking skills. Included with the eBooklet are the actual digital files you need to create a finished project!

See more titles

Layout by Syndee Nuckles
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Designer Freebie by Syndee Nuckles coordinates with her ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Polka Dot Chipboard 6301 Biggie

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Polka Dot Chipboard 6301 Biggie, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Artful Photo Masks and Dynamic Brush Set: Scattered Words are also available.

* There is a "free download" button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

CROPS AND CHATS

What's New Chat
Friday, January 15th - 9:00AM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry_Lynn at 9am MT on Friday mornings to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. You never know who else is going to show up! What are you getting? What did you kaboodle? And most importantly show us the layouts or other projects you made with your new goodies! There's a thread every Thursday and now there's a chat too!

UFO Chat
Sunday, January 17th - 4:00PM MT

Please join Sherry_Lynn and a special guest co-hostess Amy Flanagan (mimes1) from our Layout Artist Team in the chatroom on Sunday, January 17th at 4pm MT. Let's complete or revamp some of those layouts that are sitting in your "Layouts to be Completed" folder. Post your layout in the UFO Gallery and meet us in the chatroom lobby to get some inspirational suggestions from our incredible professionals here at Scrap Girls!

New Member Chat - Early Edition
Tuesday, January 19th - 1:00PM MT

Join April (April Showers) at 1pm MT for a fun chat to get to know our newest members. We will discuss the message board, gallery, chocolate and so much more! Everyone is welcome, new or not so new! Not sure how to get there? Just click the "chat room" button at the top of this newsletter; you will need Javascript enabled to access the chat room.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, January 20th - 10:00AM MT

Join your guest host April Showers for the East Coast High Noon Crop every Wednesday at 10am MT. These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes, simply giving participants a one hour goal, and a fun, new challenge each week! On January 20th, we'll do a five-photo challenge! Create a layout using five photos - no more, no less! You'll have one hour to create a layout and upload to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'd be amazed what you can get done in just one hour!

Heritage Crop
Thursday, January 21st - 6:00PM MT

Do you have boxes of heritage photos just waiting to be restored and scrapped? Are there family stories just waiting for you to write down and preserve? Then this is the crop for you! Join April (April Showers) and Carla (CRS) at 6pm MT for the Heritage Crop and Chat! We'll help you get motivated to scrap those heritage photos and record your family stories for future generations to enjoy.

Ad Inspiration Chat
Thursday, January 21st - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) at 7pm MT for an Ad Inspiration Challenge and Chat. A few hours before the chat, a magazine ad will be posted on the message board to use as inspiration for a layout. You can use whatever you want to from the ad - the colors, the shapes, the composition. There are no wrong answers!

What's New Chat
Friday, January 22nd - 9:00AM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry_Lynn at 9am MT on Friday mornings to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. You never know who else is going to show up! What are you getting? What did you kaboodle? And most importantly show us the layouts or other projects you made with your new goodies! There's a thread every Thursday and now there's a chat too!

Back-Up Party and Chat
Friday, January 22nd - 8:00PM MT

Need a little extra motivation to back-up your layouts and stash? Join April Showers in the chat room on Friday, January 22nd for a Back-up Party and Chat. We'll also go over several different ways to safeguard your files. You won't want to miss this one!

JANUARY EVENTS

January Message Board Game: Jumpstart January!

Join us on the message board this month for "Jumpstart January!" This is a message board game and challenge to start your year with fun and focus on taking time to scrapbook regularly despite the little speedbumps of life. When the month is over, you'll have completed several layouts and been challenged and treated to some fun along the way.

A member of the Welcoming Committee will post a mini-challenge/task every day from January 1-30 in the games folder on the message board. Check out the game thread titled "Jumpstart January 2010" for complete details and rules.

Those who complete all tasks and submit or post required participation by 11:59PM MT on January 31st will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $10 Gift Certificates to the ScrapGirls Boutique! Those who complete just the layouts will be entered in a separate drawing to win one of three $5 gift certificates. (Those who complete all tasks will have their name entered in both drawings!) Winners will be announced in the newsletter on Saturday, February 6th.

Layout Contests:

January Monthly Layout Contest: Did you have dreams as a child as to what your life would be like? Did you dream as a young adult how you wanted your future to pan out? Do you, as a mature adult, have dreams unfulfilled? The beginning of a new year is a great time to think about the future. This month's layout contest, create a layout about your hopes and dreams. It might center on family, a job or a recreational pursuit, show and tell us what your dreams are and how you are making them come true. Create your layout and post it in the January Layout Contest Gallery by Midnight on January 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. If your layout is one of the two chosen, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls club or the ScrapSimple club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, they will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to [email protected] and we'll get it out to you right away!