Note from Heidi: When I first saw this Photoshop tutorial, it was an amazing "light bulb" moment for me! It was one of the things that finally convinced me to take the Photoshop plunge. I have since used this trick in almost every layout I've done, and I totally appreciate Melissa for sharing it with me. Since it's been a few years since this was first shown in our newsletter, I wanted to run it again and make sure everybody sees what a great trick it is!

Melissa Renfro

Using Layer Masks to Create the Illusion of Layered Items

This free digital scrapbooking tutorial was created using Adobe Photoshop CS2 with Windows, but should be able to be adapted easily to other operating systems. If you have questions about how to do this, just ask on our Scrap Girls Message Board!

Have you ever tried to use a Custom Shape such as a clip or a frame and wanted to make it look like it was clipped to the paper, or maybe having a picture come out of the frame? If you have any Styles attached to your element (even drop shadows or strokes), you know that when you try to erase part of the shape to give the illusion that it is behind something, Photoshop will treat all edges the same. There is a quick feature in Photoshop that allows you to preserve your Layer Styles and still give the illusion of wrapping objects together.

For this tutorial I used ScrapSimple Tools: Custom Shapes – Swirls 5001 Mini. Custom Shapes can be resized to any dimension without losing their crisp edges. To begin, I selected my background and placed my photograph. I used the Shape Tool to draw out my shape.

I want it to appear that the Swirl Shape wraps around my photo, but I want to apply Layer Styles to my shape. I chose a Layer Style (ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper 4901-Biggie) and applied it to my shape. If I were to erase the part that goes behind the photo, it would look like this.

That does not give the illusion that the shape layer wraps behind the photo. Instead, it looks like the Swirl simply stops at the edge of the photo. To fix this, select your shape layer. At the bottom of the Layers Palette is an icon that looks like a rectangle with a circle in it. Click once on it, and it will add a Layer Mask to your Shape Layer.

The Layer Mask is the white square between your color and your shape in your Layers Palette.

When you select this Layer Mask, you are able to "hide" parts of the image. We will do this by painting on the Layer Mask with a black brush. Everything that is white will show through. Everything we paint black will be hidden or "masked." Before we start, open up your Styles Dialog Box by clicking on the circle with the f in it in your Shape Layer. You want to make sure the box is checked that says "Layer Mask Hides Effects."

Select "OK." You will want to select a Square Brush if you want to make a smooth, flat edge like on our picture here. Begin to paint the area you wish to hide. If you make a mistake, you can select white for your paint color and "paint back in" on the shape where you made your mistake. As you paint, you will see that your Layer Style is not affected, and you will get the illusion that part of the shape goes behind the photo.

Use this technique to clip paper clips or pins to your papers or to create unique frame effects. For example:

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Digital Scrapbook Samples by Heidi Dillon
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Edgings 4901 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Construction Paper 5101 Super Biggie are also available.

The great part about using Layer Masks is that with your Shape Layer still intact, you can change the Layer Style or apply more styles, such as Inner Glows or Drop Shadows, without affecting your "wrapped look." I applied a Drop Shadow and an Inner Glow to my shape. I then linked the Photo Layer and the Shape Layer so that I could rotate them together. I then finished off my layout with another photo, some brushwork and a title.

Have fun!

Layout by Melissa Renfro

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Natasha Bold, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper 4901-Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Swirls 5001 Mini and Brush Set: Joy are also available.

Free digital scrapbooking tutorial written by Melissa Renfro

P.S. Here are some other shapes that work really well with this technique!

Swirls: Wrap around photos, embellishments, journaling, etc.

ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Stylish Swirls 5001
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Calligraphy Swirls 5001 Biggie
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Swirls 2101

Frames: Make pictures come out of corners or sides; layer frames in a pile on top of each other, etc.

ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Photo Frames 6301
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Photo Frames 6302
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Frames 2102
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Slide Mounts Biggie 5401
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Frames 2101

Dimensional Photos: Use these with frames to create realistic dimension. Have photos come out of sides, bottoms, corners, etc. of frame shapes.

Lifted Photos: Weathered and Worn Embellishment Biggie
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Photos Biggie
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Photos 2 Biggie
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Photos - Doubles Biggie
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Retro Frames

Clips: Pin or clip photos or embellishments to papers, each other, journaling boxes, alphas, titles, etc.

ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Embellishments 1801 Biggie
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Clips Biggie 5401

Miscellaneous: Thread slides and bookplates with ribbons, wire, raffia, paper strips, etc. Make frames from tabs like in sample above.

ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Slides 8301
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Bookplates 2101 Super Biggie
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Slim Tabs 5701

Are you new to digital scrapbooking or do you want to take your digital layouts to a new level? Check out the incredible tutorials on Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

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 Durin Eberhart 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!

ScrapSimple Craft Templates

For Christmas, I bought my husband a machine that will transfer videos from VHS tapes to DVDs. It didn't take long for me to figure out how to incorporate digital scrapbooking into the endeavor. That's right - custom DVD labels and envelopes!

I perused the ScrapSimple Crafts section of the Scrap Girls Boutique and found exactly what I needed. Let the fun begin!

The particular templates I used for the DVD label and envelope did not come with a preassembled PSD file. When this happens, I assemble the template and then "Save as" a PSD file using the name of that template. I save it in the Template folder so the next time I want to use the template, I just open the layered PSD file.

I like designing DVD labels with photos and related Scrap Girls digital scrapbooking products. When I look at the label, the guessing is over. I no longer have to wonder what's on the plain DVD. I also like having the envelope because it is cost-efficient compared to buying jewel cases, plus an envelope takes up less space. Together, they make a wonderful gift!

Have fun creating with your imagination and ScrapSimple Crafts!

Want to learn more about using ScrapSimple products for your computer scrapbook layouts? Check out the tutorials on Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

Layout by Julie Moberly
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Card Templates: 5x5 Square, ScrapSimple Craft Templates: Altered CD Graphic, Brush Set: Winning Words, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Far East, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and Lettering Delights Grunge Font are also available.

Article written by Julie Moberly

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 Valerie Randall
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Designer Freebie by Valerie Randall coordinates with her A Different Color 2 Collection Mini,
a FREE GIFT that you'll receive when you spend $15 or more in the Boutique by Midnight, April 13th (MST)!

* 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

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!

Project SG Chat
Thursday, April 8th - 5:00PM MT

Have you heard about Project SG yet? This challenge is all about creating an album for 2010 and scrapping your most current photos. Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and April Showers on Thursday, April 8th at 5pm MT for this month's Project SG Chat! 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!

ScrapSimple - Use It! Chat
Friday, April 9th - 6:00PM MT

Strengthening our abilities in scrapbooking is essential to becoming a better scrapbooker! Learning to utilize the ScrapSimple Tools available here at Scrap Girls will give you so many more unique and fun options with your layouts! Join angelaNussbaum and Becca for this monthly chat and challenge on Friday, April 9th at 6pm MT.

Recipe Swap Crop
Saturday, April 10th - 8:00PM MT

Join April (April Showers) at 8pm MT in the chat room for our Monthly Recipe Swap Chat. Please check the message board on Thursday, April 8th for this month's theme and the swap details!

Quote Challenge Crop
Sunday, April 11th - 6:00PM MT

Come join Pat (PBarnes) for the Quote Challenge Crop at 6pm MT. Including a quote on your layout can be a touching and meaningful addition, especially if you use the quote to create your own word art. Here's how it will work. On Sunday, Pat will post a thread on the Chat section of the board giving you the quote that you will use to make your own word art. It's not hard, and she will have a layout with a Word Art example in the gallery. Then we'll meet in the chat room to have fun, chat, and create our Word Art layout! Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there!

Aussie Chat & Challenge
Monday, April 12th - 9:00PM Australian Eastern Standard Time

Please come join Karen (kazbar73) and Jo (scrappingjo) at 9.00PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on Monday 12 April for the Easter/Passover Challenge Crop. With Easter/Passover having just been celebrated, it is an ideal time to scrap those wonderful photos. Is it all about the children and how much chocolate they can eat in a day, or do you celebrate Easter/Passover another way? Create a layout and come along and chat with us about your creation. For our International ladies, the chat will be held at 7.00AM New York time.

Photography Focus Club Chat
Monday, April 12th - 7:00PM MT

Do you want to challenge yourself and improve your photography? Check out the Scrap Girls Photo Focus Club. No membership required - Everyone is welcome. Note that this is not a class but an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and try something new. If you are looking for tips, techniques or inspiration to help you take better images, this is the chat for you. Join Mary Elizabeth O'Toole (NS_Scrapper) and Melissa Renfro (LissaD) for a monthly conversation about photography. This month, Melissa is going to focus her designer's eye on photography as she shares some tips on Composition and Perspective - and the impact those have on your images. She'll also be answering your questions related to these key photographic strategies. Join us for what is sure to be an informative session.

New Member Chat
Tuesday, April 13th - 6:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) and Carol Ann (Zaz) for the New Member Chat at 6pm MT in the Live Chat room lobby. This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. All are welcome, new and long time members included.. You do need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

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!