Article written using Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 with Windows 7
It’s no secret: I’m a big fan of watching how other people’s layouts come together. I like to see their process and how they go about getting their finished look. Many digital scrapbookers have a signature style, and I like seeing how this is achieved.
The layouts Syndee Nuckles created for her Watercolor series have a very distinct style. The series includes two Paper Minis, a JIF6, and an Artistic Photo Mask action. While I loved the realistic-style watercolor papers, I wasn’t really sure how to achieve the same looks she did, and I was limited in using the papers to their best advantage.
This is where the Watercolor Wonderland Video Workshop comes in. As part of Syndee’s Layout Deconstructed Series, you get to watch Syndee “pull apart” and rebuild three layouts using these watercolor supplies. The Workshop itself contains nine videos covering basic principles as well as specific instructions for recreating the three layouts, 10 PDF printouts to recap each video and guide you, plus detailed instructions for using the Artistic Photo Mask action.
There are two versions of this product:
–Watercolor Wonderland Video Workshop contains the videos and PDFs only.
–Watercolor Wonderland Video Workshop Kit contains the videos, PDFs, as well as all the digital scrapbook supplies required to complete all three layouts in Syndee’s signature style.
As Syndee teaches you, you’ll have plenty of time to follow along and do your own pages. The videos are presented in small steps so you can comfortably achieve success before moving on to the next step. As a point of interest, extra instruction is provided for Photoshop Elements users where the programs differ.
The thing I found the most interesting was watching Syndee pull apart a layout she had done previously and “rebuild” it. The videos provide a view of two windows so you can see the original and the progress of the “rebuild.” There is some coverage of Blending modes included, which will appeal to both novice and experienced digital scrapbookers, as well as some handy tips to speed your scrapbooking along and make it more streamlined.
I was so intrigued watching Syndee’s videos and working along with her that in the space of a day and evening session, I had watched all the videos and completed three pages that I am delighted with! I found that I could use photos I may not normally have considered because these worked really well with the action and the Blending modes Syndee uses.
Syndee has a style I have long envied, and now I know a few of her secrets! I’m looking forward to adapting her ideas and techniques into my own scrapbooking! These are just some of the pages I completed based on her tutorials:
Layout by Jody West uses:
Watercolor Wonderful Video Workshop Kit supplies
Autumn Splendor Word Art
Scrap Girls Playful Notions Collection
Layout by Jody West uses:
Watercolor Wonderful Video Workshop Kit supplies
Altered Life Collection Biggie
Brush Set: Artful
Layout by Jody West uses:
Watercolor Wonderful Video Workshop Kit supplies
The videos are self-paced and full of encouragement, and I would recommend them to beginning digital scrapbookers to show them how easy it is to get wonderful results, as well as more experienced scrapbookers to expand their knowledge and give them techniques that are adaptable to different styles and themes. Plus, Syndee provides email support and encourages students to share their work.
Be sure to post your pages to the Scrap Girls Gallery so we can all admire your latest artistic creations!
Article written by Jody West
To our Free Newsletter
