Rozanne Paxman

Saving My Grandparents

I recently acquired a photo of my Grandmother and Grandfather Warner, taken on their 50th anniversary. Because I have almost no photos of them, I was delighted when my aunt and uncle agreed to let me take it. (Telling them that I could repair the image with Photoshop helped my campaign.)

Before I get into the details of how I worked on the project, I better tell you that the goal of this tutorial isn't to teach you how to perform the various tasks I performed in my software program, because that would take too long. However, I teach all of these same skills in my Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed tutorials (available for Photoshop, Photoshop Elements), so if you feel like you need a boost, you might consider purchasing them.

After I scanned the photo onto my computer (using a flatbed scanner), I knew I had a lot of work to get it fixed up. The image was full of cracks. It had yellowed. It had a distracting background. Their glasses had photo glare which made it difficult to see their eyes.

I gritted my teeth and got to work.

After I got rid of the cracks and speckles with the Clone Tool, I corrected the lighting. Next, I corrected the color hue of the photo.

(Tip: Correct yellowed photos by carefully adding more blue tones. This works because blue is opposite yellow on the color wheel.)

Then I spent a lot of time fixing the glare on the glasses by using a combination of copying and pasting areas from the "good eye," rotating, transforming, cloning, and adding a little brushwork. (Whew! Getting rid of glass glare requires patience, grit, and determination!)

After that was finished, I still wasn't satisfied with the photo. See the plate behind Grandpa's head? It looks kind of like someone threw a plate at him! And while the Christmas tree in the background indicates the season the party was held, I didn't like seeing it. I decided that the only way out of the mess was to extract my grandparents from the background. I did this with the Polygonal Tool.

Once I had the extraction completed, I decided to attempt to create a pseudo-photographer's background. I did a lot of brushwork on top of a paper from the Daily Bread Collection Mini to create the brown background. I combined brushwork with a paper from Christmas Magic Solids Paper Mini to create the other two options. (I altered the color from blue to green to create the variant.) Then I placed the backgrounds behind the extracted image in the same way you make any layout. I added a fair amount of drop shadows to create a feeling of depth and added a tiny bit of beveling to help.

(Tip: Beveling an extraction softened the edges of the image.)

Once the color options had been created in a layered PSD file, I saved JPGs in the following sizes: 8x10, 5x7, and 4x6. Then I burned them onto four CDs so that my aunt and uncle could share the photos with their children. I printed out the various color options for my aunt and uncle and put one of them in the frame that the original had arrived with. Then I packed it all up – along with the original photo (of course) - and shipped the box out.

It was a good day's work, but I'm extremely pleased that I now have a photo that shows off my dear grandparents!

- Ro

Layout by Ro
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Gold 2201 Biggie are also available.

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 McGee using April's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Amanda McGee

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 Brush Set
2 Designer's Choice Item

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

Layout by Theresa Kavouras using March's ScrapSimple Club
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Created for you by Durin Eberhart and Theresa Kavouras

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!

Creating a Cast Shadow

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

What is the difference between a drop shadow and cast shadow? A drop shadow is a shadow that is created under an object while a cast shadow is one that is cast to the side or behind an object. A cast shadow creates a more dramatic effect and makes the object appear more dimensional.

While a drop shadow is a preset style available for application in Photoshop, a cast shadow needs to be created manually, customized to the shape of the object.

Let's add a cast shadow to this suitcase embellishment from the Expedition Collection Mini.

Select the image by clicking on Select> Load Selection> OK. Then create a new layer on the Layers Palette and fill the selection with a dark brown color.

Move the new image layer below the original image. Then click on Edit> Transform> Skew and use the bounding box to skew the dark brown image into a shape that represents a cast shadow. Once your shape is skewed, hit Enter to apply the transformation.

Now, apply a blur filter to the shadow by clicking on Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur with a radius of about 12, give or take, depending on the size of your image. (This suitcase is approximately 2.5 inches. A larger image will need a larger blur radius.)

Reduce the cast shadow layer to about 60% Opacity. Then, using a large, soft-edged brush set at about 50% Opacity, carefully erase the back edges of the shadow until it appears to have a gradual fading effect. And it is finished!

For more great digital scrapbooking tips, check out the tutorials from Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

Layout by Brandy Hackman
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Transparency Overlays: Street Grunge - Scratches and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Expedition Passport Stamps Super Biggie are also available.

Tutorial written by Brandy Hackman

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:

Scrap Girls 2009 Digital Scrap Link Class:
Let There Be Light

Follow Laurel, Scrap Girls' Layout Artist Coordinator, along as she teaches you the basics of light in your photography. You'll learn about the different types of lighting, about reflectors (including frugal ideas), and secrets on how to photograph small items or embellishments.

ReMix: (Digital Scrapbooking) From Ordinary to Extraordinary! eBook

Have you ever wanted to get a makeover - A layout makeover? Do you ever wonder how someone might decide to make certain changes and why? In ReMix: (Digital Scrapbooking) From Ordinary to Extraordinary! eBook, you have the opportunity to virtually "look over the shoulder" during the remake process.

Scrap Girls Tutorials & Way Cool Stuff eBook Set
2009 - 4th Quarter

Subscribers to the Scrap Girls Newsletter have one thing in common: they love to learn new techniques! Each issue shares ideas, tutorials, and new ways to use Scrap Girls quality digital scrapbooking products. Now you can have all those past tutorials and Way Cool Stuff articles of the 4th Quarter of 2009 in one convenient PDF format.

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PS: How to Combine ScrapSimple Paper & Photo Templates

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 Angela Blanchard
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Designer Freebie by Angela Blanchard coordinates with her Eastertide Collection Mini

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Background Blenders 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, April 2nd - 9:00AM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry (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, April 2nd - 2:00PM MT

Need a little extra motivation to back-up your layouts and stash? Join April Showers in the chat room on Friday, April 2nd 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!

NSBR Chat
Monday, April 5th - 7:00PM MT

What is NSBR? It's a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything, including some scrapbooking and usually chocolate. It's a great chance to meet new friends, catch up on what everyone is up to, and just relax! If you have a problem, we'll lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Have some great news to share? We'd love to celebrate with you. So join Carla (CRS) on April 5th at 7pm MT!

Creative Card Chat
Tuesday, April 6th - 6:00PM MT

Do you use your digi-supplies to make cards? Do you want to? Instead of going to the store every time you need a card, you can save money and have fun making cards with your digi-stash! Make a note of any cards you might need for the upcoming month, and join Michelle (Shelbi) and April (April Showers) for the once-a-month Card Chat on Tuesday, April 6th at 6pm MT. Can't wait to see you there!

ATC Swap Crop
Tuesday, April 6th - 4:30PM MT

Please join Sherry Lynn and Elisha (elibar) in the chatroom for our April ATC (Artist Trading Card) Swap Crop/Chat on Tuesday, April 6th at 4:30pm MT. We're looking forward to seeing you there.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, April 7th - 10:00AM MT

Join your host April Showers for the East Coast High Noon Crop every Wednesday at 10am MT. All coasts and time zones are welcome! 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 April 7th, we'll do a "Use Your Stash" challenge. Create a layout from those irresistible collections you purchased but haven't used yet. 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, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you!

Journaling Challenge Chat
Wednesday, April 7th - 4:00PM MT

Join Becca and angelaNussbaum for a Journaling Chat at 4pm MT on Wednesday, April 7th. Struggle to find the right words for your layouts? Are your layouts more decorative than descriptive of the moments you're trying to capture? Then you won't want to miss this chat - we'll have a special challenge to encourage you to journal on your pages more! See you there!

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, April 8th - 2:00PM MT

What is NSBR? It's a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything, including some scrapbooking and usually chocolate. It's a great chance to meet new friends, catch up on what everyone is up to and just relax! If you have a problem, we'll lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Have some great news to share? We'd love to celebrate with you. So join Michelle (Shelbi) and Shari (Shari PV Mom) at 2pm MT in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

Sketch Challenge Crop
Thursday, April 8th - 7:00PM MT

Join Marnie (sprinklz) for the Sketch Challenge and Crop on Thursday, April 8th at 7pm MT in the Scrap Girls Chat Room! Like getting a little jump start on your layouts? Then this challenge is for you! A few hours before the challenge begins, Marnie will post a sketch for you to use as the starting point for your page. You can be inspired by the basic arrangement, the amount of photos, or copy it literally. All interpretations are welcome and encouraged!

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

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry (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!

APRIL EVENTS

April Message Board Game: Progressive Word Scramble!

The object of the game is to correctly guess the name of a product in the Scrap Girls Boutique by solving clues and unscrambling letters we give you. Each day, you will be given a letter found in the product name as well as a clue. You won't know how many letters are in the product name until it is complete. We will keep giving clues until a correct guess is made.

The designer's name or the word "Collection" are not included as part of the puzzle. Letters from any other words in product names (such as "Biggie," "Brush" or "Transparency") may be given as part of the puzzle.

Be the first to answer it correctly and win a $5.00 Gift Certificate to the Boutique! You are only allowed ONE guess per daily clue, and you are only allowed ONE win per month. When you make your guess, you MUST provide a link to the boutique item you are referencing. We will play the game daily during the entire month of April. When a correct answer is given, the new puzzle will start the following day.

For complete details and examples of game play, visit the "Games" folder on the Scrap Girls message board.

Layout Contests:

April Monthly Layout Contest: It's time to get your silly on! For this month's layout contest, we want to see layouts featuring the silly or mischievous antics in your life. Let us see the silly faces, crazy clothes and hilarious moments. Create your layout and post it in the April Layout Contest Gallery by Midnight on April 30th. 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, it 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!