ScrapbookBytes website has some great tips on how to use Photoshop to make digital elements for your pages.
For example - check out their tutorial on how to use Photoshop to make RickRack.
Also worth a look is how to create plaid paper from striped paper.
What I like most about the site (from a scrapbooking perspective), is that the tips and techniques are relevant to scrapbooking itself, not just vanilla image manipulation.
One of the great things about digital cameras is the instant gratification they give - you can immediately look to see how the picture came out - and whether you need to reshoot.
With kids - it’s almost a necessity! Also, the theory goes, that you only have to pay for the good shots. Well, why is it August and I just sent some of my 2006 photos to be printed?
I guess it’s no different than the rolls of film that sat in the drawer for months before they got developed. It just feels like the extra step in selecting what pictures to have printed slows down the process… Oh well…
How do you avoid having your pictures of your summer memories end up with a different fate than 80% of all film developed? Get them out of their development envelopes and into albums where they can be enjoyed.
In this article about preserving your vacation memories, tips are given about what to do before, during, and after your vacation to capture the memories you want.
I save and categorize scraps of paper. I just can’t bear to throw them away.
ScrapJazz has published some layout ideas on how to use all those scraps of paper you’ve been collecting.
(Read the full article...)Pre-made templates can be a quick and fun way to put together pages. This tutorial will show you how to use layered templates in Photoshop, adding papers and photos. To add the background paper, open desired paper & holding the shift key to center, drag paper into layered file. Rename layer to background and move to the bottom of the layers palette. Delete the original background template layer. To add papers to the shapes, open new paper and drag over holding the shift key to center. Place paper above the desired shape layer, in example Layer 11 is the yellow paper to be masked by Layer 2.
I love finding blogs of other scrapbookers where they take the time to give instruction on a particular technique.
Here is a nice description of how to use chalk and clear embossing ink to get more use out of your rubber stamps.
My favorite local scrapbooking store, Memory Lane PA has just launched their blog at : memorylanepa.typepad.com.
Here’s their first post introducing what they’re all about. If you’re ever local to Quakertown, PA - be sure to stop in!
Journaling is usually one of the most difficult parts of coming up with a compelling scrapbooking page.
Here’s a tip from ScrapJazz about how to start with journaling, and then design the layout around it.
(Read the full article...)Taken right out of the office and brought into the world of paper crafting, brads have quickly become a staple embellishment for craft projects. So what is it about these little paper fasteners that paper crafters just can't get enough of? I love brads because everything about them is completely versatile. To make inserting a brad super simple, start by punching or poking a hole in your project wherever you'd like to add the brad. For mini brads, a 1/16" hole punch works great, and for larger brads, a 1/8" hole punch should do the trick.
Creating Keepsakes magazine reviewed 90 (yes 90!) adhesives for use in your scrapbooks.
If you’re looking to decide on what adhesive you should use, or are just curious what’s new in this area, check out their two articles on adhesives: