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"My Wildflower" by Amy Flanagan
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
For this layout, I wanted to do something really unexpected. I thought using a highly graphic and bold paper from a brightly colored collection would make a fun and unusual backdrop for a nature-themed layout. I selected a fun paper from the Xtreme Vibe Collection Mini. I wanted a couple of the photos to be highly blended into the background with parts of the bold paper peeking through and giving texture and fun, bold dimension underneath it all. To do that, I placed both blending photos onto the layout approximately where I wanted them. Then I changed the Blending Mode to "Overlay" on both of them. Then I duplicated both photos. I placed a layer mask on both layers of both photos - that's four layer masks! Then, using a soft brush with a layered Opacity of about 75%, I just painted away portions of all four layer masks until I found the blending balance that looked right.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS4
Name of challenge: Create a layout that is inspired by nature.
"Daddy's Girl" by Kara Swanson
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I loved the look of this collection and wanted to use it for this precious photo of my husband and baby girl. However, the colors in the photo just didn't go with the kit. My first step when editing this photo was to adjust the levels. Second, I converted the photo to black and white and added a simple edge burn to give it a more timeless and dramatic feel.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0
Name of challenge: Free Scrap
Other Ingredients:
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"Grandfather" by Jennifer Wight
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I wanted some of my grandfather's photos to appear as if they were really sitting on the pages of the book in the background paper from Assemble Your Own Zoom Pages: Chronicles. To acquire this look, I did a lot of playing and messing around with the Distort Tool. My first step was playing with the shear tool located under Filter> Distort> Shear. Playing with Options in the dialog box, I was able to achieve a bend in my photo to follow the bend in the book pages. Next, I played with the Distort Tool under Image> Transform> Distort. While playing, I kept an eye on the bottom, top, and sides of the book so my photos' edges aligned perfectly with the edges of the book. Once I distorted the photo to my liking, I added a drop shadow. It took a lot of patience and trial-and-error. But I achieved my desired effect, and it was well worth it.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0
Name of challenge: Father's Day
"Blessed Father" by Jennifer McCabe
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
This picture left a lot to be desired. It was taken at night on the beach, and it was pitch black! I used a flash, but of course, it was still not enough light for a good picture. It was grainy and not acceptable for anything but some Photoshop magic! I wanted to salvage this precious moment of my husband with our children, so I placed the photo on a completely black background. I erased the top part of the picture, left my family and the water, which actually had a nice reflection of them in it. I reduced the Opacity to blend it in a bit better. Then to mimic the refection of the family, I used ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mirror Reflections Mini 8501 to create a reflection of the word FATHER in the water.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0
Name of challenge: Father's Day
"First Trailer Trip" by Shari Payne
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
The Start to Finish eBooklet - PS: The Beauty of Blending Modes: Using them with ScrapSimple Products isn't just for ScrapSimple products. In this layout, I used four different papers from two different collections to make one background paper. I played with the Blending Modes and Opacity of the three top paper layers until I found just the perfect combination for the look I was trying to achieve. I played with the Blending Modes on the word art element to soften the look. Blending Modes work on anything you have in your stash of supplies! Play and experiment - you just might like the surprises that await you!
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Lightroom 2
Name of challenge: Create a layout that is inspired by nature.
Journaling: We got a new travel trailer in April 2009. This is our very first trip in the new trailer. We went to Mormon Lake and it was still very cold but we had a great time just being a family out in the wilderness!
"How I Met Your Father" by Armi Custodio
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
One way to add some punch to your scrapbook page is through an interesting title treatment. In my layout, I used several types of alphas from the Just Be You Collection Biggie. It's much more visually appealing and dynamic than just a typed title.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS3
Name of challenge: Father's Day
Other Ingredients:
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"Water's Edge Photography" by Becca Hauck
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I wanted to draw attention to the photo that my son took of a crawdad in the creek. To do that, I placed a paper from ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Big Arrows on top of my large photo. I used a layer mask to hide the parts of the paper template that I didn't want and then applied ScrapSimple Tools: Styles – Glass 6101 Super Biggie to the paper template. This allowed me to draw attention to the smaller photo without distracting attention from the entire page.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS3
Name of challenge: Create a layout that is inspired by nature.
Journaling: Just across the road and down the hill from our house, we can find this creek. The kids and I take walks here on many warm days, always with a camera or two. On this day, I was taking photos of Josh while he was documenting all the interesting things he found that day.
"Daddy" by Charlene Crowder
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:
I loved the paper in 1 Scrap Girls Splendor Collection Biggie. For this layout, I decided to remove the middle section of the paper. I used the Rectangular Marquee Tool to make the selection and hit Delete. I decided to make the remaining part of the paper darker. I duplicated the layer. On the upper layer, I changed the Blending Mode to "Linear Burn" and lowered the Opacity to 44%. This made the greens and blues darker and more vivid.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0
Name of challenge: Father's Day
Journaling: Daddy. That's a name that will suit you well. So far, you have been "Dad" to Ethan and Hunter. And you've been a wonderful Dad to them. I have been thankful for your Godly example. Now you are preparing for our baby and I look forward to hearing him call you "Daddy."
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