Memory Makers

Quick idea for scrapping baby

2010-08-24T08:44:21.715-05:00

Today I bring you my take on how to use this summer’s newest and cutest scrapping supplies.

Just a couple months ago—eight months pregnant—I envisioned myself happily relaxing in my craft space, playing with all my yummy supplies and recording my baby’s first year. Now that my daughter, Eleanor, has actually arrived, I realize that making time to scrap pretty pages is somewhat of a pipe dream. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make use of my goodies.

Little Yellow Bicycle sent over samples from their adorable new baby collection, Snugglebug—perfectly appropriate for my scrapping needs. Instead of using the embellishment on layouts, however, I decided they would make the perfect addition to Eleanor’s monthly photos.

Each month, I’ll use the tags to identify her age in the photo. Then I plan to print an enlarged photo, attach the actual tag to the photo and include her monthly stats on the tag. At the end of the year, I’ll place each photo creation in an album.

If you have ideas for quick and easy scrapping, post them here! And for more great ideas for scrapbooking baby, check out Oh, Baby!.

click here
~Kristin

P.S. This is my last post for Memory Makers, as I am leaving to become a stay-at-home mom. Thanks for joining me on this blog each week! The rest of the MM team will continue to bring you news, product info, tips, free projects and more!

Techno Tuesday: Organizing Your Digital Files

2010-08-17T09:42:16.686-05:00

Organizing my various crafts was one of my New Year's resolutions for 2010, and at the halfway point, I'm about halfway there. I've already stored my yarn by fiber content and color, and purchased a set of sliding storage compartments for my scrapbooking paper. Now, it's on to the piles of files I have for digital scrapbooking. Maybe Michelle Coleman can help me out!

Point. Click. Get Organized.

When I first started digital scrapbooking, I collected every single freebie I could find. (I couldn’t believe what people were giving away!) Then, when I started collecting and purchasing kits from my favorite designers, my hard drive quickly became a tangled mess of digital products. After a couple of months—and two external hard drives later—I realized I needed to get serious about organization.

Quest for Order
I found that the best (and quickest!) way to organize is to use a program created specifically for digital organization. Depending on how much time or money you’re able to devote to organization, here are some great options:

ACDsee 10 Photo Manager • acdsee.com (This program is not Mac compatible.)
This program lets you attach keywords and categories to your files and search within those keywords. You also can make minor corrections to your photos, such as red-eye removal and erasing blemishes. ACDsee 10 Photo Manager retails for $49.99.

iPhoto • apple.com/ilife/iphoto (This program is not PC compatible.)
iPhoto (included in iLife) organizes your entire photo library by event, and you can attach a rating or keyword to your digital files to make finding them a snap. You also can quickly create calendars, cards and photo books. iLife retails for $79.

Adobe Bridge • adobe.com/products/creativesuite/bridge
Available in all six editions of Adobe Creative Suite 3, Adobe Bridge allows you to categorize your files using groups and keywords. With the latest version, you can preview multiple files at once (perfect for coordinating patterned papers) and make corrections to your photos. Price varies depending on the creative suite purchased.

My Take:
I like using Bridge because it’s already on my computer, it’s easy to use and it was created specifically for Photoshop.

Categorization
Once you’ve settled on a program, the next decision is whether to keep your digital kits together and categorize them by designer, or separate the elements into groups, such as buttons, ribbons, metal, etc.

Michelle’s Categorization System:
I have a main download folder where I unzip my files, and subfolders organized by designer. I like leaving each kit intact. I don’t separate my elements or papers because it makes it easier for me to find the correct credit information after I’ve completed a layout. I do, however, delete any paper or element that doesn’t fit my personal taste.

In Bridge, I add keywords to all products in a kit. The paper gets coded with the pattern/style, the color and the designer’s name. Elements are coded this way, too. If a kit is themed, such as Christmas or birthday, the entire collection gets coded with that keyword. (Helpful hint: In Bridge, to add keywords to more than one item at a time, hold down Control as you select the items.)

Keyword suggestions: color, pattern, designer, element type, shape, kit name, store name, theme

You also might find it helpful to make a special folder or category for favorite items you use again and again, such as your favorite solid papers, or those cluster frames you just can’t get enough of.

Organizing your digital kits and elements lets you spend less time searching for the perfect embellishment and more time actually creating with it. You might even save money because knowing what you have means fewer duplicate purchases.

Freshen Up: Layout Prompt
Organizing your digital files can give you a fresh design perspective. Easy access to files provides instant inspiration in the form of patterns, colors and shapes. Take a look at the Fresh Start layouts here. Then (as a reward for being organized) make your own Fresh Start layout, celebrating a new beginning in your life.

Whatever method you choose, don’t be afraid to delete digital papers and elements that no longer fit your personal style. And be sure to delete your .zip files after you’ve unzipped your downloads. The more space you can save for usable files, the better. You can start getting rid of some of those freebies, too. (Yeah, you know the ones I’m talking about.)

fresh start
by Michelle Coleman
Draper, Utah
supplies: Patterned papers and embellishments (Michelle Coleman, littledreamerdesigns.com)

our first tree
by Michelle Coleman
Draper, Utah
supplies: Patterned papers and embellishments (Michelle Coleman, littledreamerdesigns.com)

fresh blankets
by Tana Coleman
Layton, Utah
supplies: Patterned papers and embellishments (Michelle Coleman, littledreamerdesigns.com) • Misc.: Century Gothic and Pea Olson fonts

----
Bio: Michelle Coleman is a contributing editor to Memory Makers and co-owner of Little Dreamer Designs (littledreamerdesigns.com). This article appeared in the May/June 2008 issue of Memory Makers magazine. Visit our online store to order a copy of the May/June 2008 issue.

Tell the story with letters

2010-08-11T08:52:18.149-05:00

Adding a letter to your layout can add a truly personal touch to your scrapbook layouts. Whether it's a family missive from your grandmother to your grandfather, or a letter you write to your little one today for the future, Ronee Parsons has a few ideas for incorporating letters to tell your story in the book

Modern Memory Keepers.

Write a Letter

Sometimes you’ll find that you have to venture outside your immediate family to find the information you are looking for. This is when you can turn to good old-fashioned letter writing. Using a letter to approach distant relatives has many advantages. First, it gives you the chance to introduce yourself without sounding like a salesperson on the phone. Second, it gives your relatives a bit of time to mull over your request and dig through their records before they get back to you. Plus, it’s fun to write letters!

Begin by stating who you are and why you are contacting them. Be specific about what you are looking for to ensure they will reply with useful information. Also include a large pre-stamped, self-addressed manila envelope to make it easy for your relatives to respond. Include copies of any research or information you’ve found up to this point to share with them and to get them excited to do some digging for you.

Artwork: Katrina Simeck

Use the letters you receive back from family members as your journaling. Katrina used an e-mail from her mother for the journaling on this page. This option adds more personality to finished albums because the reader is able to experience memories and stories from more than one source. If you don’t have the story in the storyteller’s original penmanship, use a font that resembles handwriting to print the journaling.

Artwork: Crystal Jeffrey Rieger

Of course, an entire layout could be about the letter itself. Think about how much insight you get into your relatives’ lives by seeing what they find important to include, the type of language they use, how they close their letters and even what their handwriting looks like. Letters, like photos, are little windows into the past and should definitely be included in your pages whenever possible.

Artwork: Karen Bowers

If you are lucky enough to have information that a family member has gathered before you, don’t hesitate to scrap with the letters he or she has collected as well. Every tidbit of information that you can get your hands on is worth saving and sharing. Here, Karen has used a letter written by one of the subjects in the photo to his niece as her journaling.

Artwork: Ronee Parsons

When searching for original letters and notes from relatives for your layouts, be sure to also look for writing on the backs of photos, notes at the bottom of jewelry boxes, etc. Anything you can find that will add a missing piece to the puzzle is worth saving.

Artwork: Lana Rappette

Old love notes make excellent embellishments for heritage pages. There are endless ways to include them. You can make them the focus of the page, or fold them and tuck them into a small pocket the way Lana did here. Either way, a handwritten love note is a perfect way to tell the story of a happy couple in love.

Creative Techniques: Scanning a letter to include handwriting on a layout

Often it’s not possible to include an original letter or note on a scrapbook page, but thanks to technology it’s easy to scan these treasures.

1. Scan your note or letter at 300 dpi or greater and then open it in image-editing software.

2. Adjust the image size to fit your layout.

3. Print onto cardstock if you are creating a traditional paper layout. Continue with the following steps for a digital layout.

4. Select the white area of your image using the Magic Wand tool, or make sure your foreground color is set to white and in the tool bar go to Select --> Color Range (with a value of 100).

5. Invert the selection. Select --> Invert

6. Copy the selection. [Ctrl + C]

7. Open a new document with a transparent background and paste the handwritten note on it.

8. Move the handwriting onto a digital layout.

If you want more unique ideas, helpful tips and creative step-by-steps to help tell your family’s story, check out

Modern Memory Keepers.

Happy Scrapping!

~Julie

How-to: Gift card holder

2010-08-04T09:52:05.8032162-05:00

I love the free project for August: Making your own gift-card holders!

I like to give gift cards to people for their favorite places to shop, but handing over a gift in the dinky little sleeve they provide gives the gift all the fizz, but no bang. I could buy a card, but the gift card usually just fall out (another sigh); and I'm not often impressed by the "money card" and "gift card" cards I find at the stores — sure, it's hold the card in, but they are typically chee-zy.

But this how-to has everything I need to trumpet a special occasion and give a gift I know the recipient will love! The basic concept for making the gift card holder can easily be morphed into different sizes, color schemes and any occasion! Click here to get the details.

This free project is featured in 175 Fresh Card Ideas, the latest book from papercrafting guru Kimber McGray (click here to go to her blog)! It features more than 175 card ideas to take you through the year and special occasions, with step-by-step instructions for more than 50 cards. Plus, plenty of gift ideas for coordinated giving and gallery cards for inspiration.

Click here to learn more about the book.

Happy cardmaking!
~Julie

Winner: Journal Junkies Workshop give away

2010-08-02T08:46:32.8006322-05:00

Thanks to the random number generator at www.random.org, we have a winner of the free copy of Journal Junkies Workshop.

Congratulations are in order for Sandy P!

Sandy said:

"I'm new to scrapbooking so, I use just about every new technique I find. My last project was an altered book for my son's trip to Montana. He volunteered to dig up dinosaur bones for one month (his childhood dream)...so, I found a kids book entitled "The Big Dinosaur Dig" and made it "his" story!" <<< How cute is that?

Sandy, I've sent you an e-mail with information on receiving the book. Please respond by Aug. 11.

Lot's of you had great ideas for using mixed-media techniques in your scrapbook layouts. Here are a few ideas:

Debi Devitt: "Right now making books out of recycled items: game boards, old boxes found at yard sales, light bulb boxes, etc. Also just finally tried bubble wrap as a stamping pad. Love the effect for backgrounds."

Jenny McMahon: "Love that you can find uses for stuff just laying around your house...bottle caps...can tabs...different objects to emboss with or decorate your page with by inking. Thanks for the opportunity to win."

Theresa Amlong: "I use non-industry items on my scrapbook pages. I live in Japan so love to incorporate Japanese rice papers, washi tapes, and mizuhiki chording into my pages."

Trina B: "I love to re-purpose things- old jewelry, using pieces of old clothing, packaging from things I buy, whatever I get my hands on- on scrapbook projects and canvas wall art projects. I love looking at projects people have made and reading about new techniques- it's great inspiration!"

There are so many more ideas on the contest entry page!Click here to read them all.

You can check out the free project that kicked off this give away by clicking here. Also, if you still want a copy of Journal Junkie Workshop, head over to the MyCraytivityStore, where we're having a sale! Click here to get this bargain!

Happy scrapping!
Julie

Get ready for new American Crafts products!

2010-07-27T09:35:57.6776407-05:00

Woohoo! New scrapbook supplies are coming!!!!!

Start looking at your favorite scrapbook and craft stores for the five new American Crafts product lines at the end of July. These papers and supplies are absolutely inspiring and drool-inducing (at least, they were for me)! And grab a copy of "Remember This" to get some great layout ideas for using these beautiful new products.

Click here for a copy of

The "Dear Lizzie Enchanted" line will feature big, beautiful flowers, teacups, keys, and butterflies, all somewhat inspired by Alice in Wonderland. These will be the perfect supplies for a whimsical, fairytale-style layout, maybe using photos from a child's birthday party. The papers are beautiful, but my favorites are the gorgeous rose brads!!!!!

"City Park" is full of the bright, modern colors that I love - green, olive, aqua, and pink. The accompanying embellishments feature fun, colorful buttons that will give your layouts that accomplished-but-handmade look. Inspired by Central Park, this line will be perfect to set-off your photos of a day outdoors at the park, zoo or backyard barbecue.

If you're like me and playing scrapbook-catchup during the summer months, you may find some Halloween pictures from last year that still need to be scrapped. "Boo" features papers that are bright and vibrant, and embellishments and stickers that have a little hint of Tim Burton spookiness . . . .

"Dear Lizzie Christmas", co-designed by Elizabeth Kartchner, will give your Christmas photos and memorabilia a timeless and classic feel. I love the gingerbread men, holly, popcorn garlands and beautiful calligraphy-style letters, but my favorite is the sheet music paper!

Last but not least, "Love" will have you making Valentine layouts year-round. The papers have a vintage feel, but there's a modern pop of aqua thrown in for added effect. Everyone knows that aqua and red is my current favorite color combination, so I'll probably be picking some of this line up soon.

These new lines from American Crafts will be in stores in late July. Grab some of your new favorite materials and a copy of "Remember This" and you'll scrap some beautiful memories!

- Kelly

Techno Tuesday: Highlight Part of a Photo

2010-07-20T08:10:26.181-05:00

Digitally highlighting part of a photo is a great way to focus on one area of a picture while keeping the background visible. This look can be achieved using a transparency or vellum paper, but using Photoshop to create the look is less messy and requires only one tool!

It is clear that this photo of my friend's son during a Memorial Day parade is filled with many other people that distract from her son. My friend wanted to see if I could come up with a unique approach that would highlight her son's participation. I chose this technique, which makes him the focus while still allowing the reader to see that he was riding in a yellow Corvette.

1) Open your photo. Got to Layer>New Fill Layer>Solid Color. Click OK to create a new layer entitled Color Fill 1. Select the color for your overlay (I used white) and click OK.

2) Go to the Layers palette and move the Opacity slider to about 50 percent. Make sure the color fill layer is selected.

3) Select the elliptical marquee tool in the toolbar at left; a cross will appear in place of your cursor on the screen. Hold down the shift key and draw a circle around your photo's focal point. Do not deselect the marquee (i.e. you should still see blinking dashes).

4) Go to Edit>Fill Selection. Under Contents, select Black and click OK. Make sure your marquee circle is still selected (the circle should be blinking). Then go to Layer>New>Layer> and hit OK. Set your foreground color as white by going to the boxes at the bottom right of the toolbar and double clicking on the top box. Select white as your color.

5) Go to Edit>Stroke (Outline) Selection. Type a wide width (such as 20 pixels) and click OK. Now you can deselect the circle. Flatten the layers (Layer>Flatten Image) to finish.

Here's another example of the technique in action:

The problem with Janet's photo was not a distracting background, but a subject that just faded away. Janet used the highlighting technique in order to draw attention to the subject. It not only highlights the subject, but adds depth and dimension to the design and helps the words become an important part of the page.

---

For tips, tricks and techniques on how to handle your "sour" photos, check out When Life Gives You Lemons by Sherry Steveson. Get your copy here.

~Rachel

Enter to win: Journal Junkies Workshop

2010-07-08T08:05:57.186-05:00

We have a winner! Check out all the details here.

You told us, and we heard you: The free project from Journal Junkies Workshop was a hit. That's why we're giving only lucky person a chance to win their very own copy!

Just leave a comment below telling uswhat your favorite mixed-media technique is and why. Contest closes 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 30. We'll pick randomly from all the eligible entries and announce the winner on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010.Winner announced here.

Miss the free project?Click here to get it!

Want more info on the book?Click here to find it!

July FREE project: Block-Out Journaling

2010-07-06T07:49:55.5492048-05:00

This journaling technique will add an edge to your scrapbook pages. July's free project features a block-out journaling technique sure to help you highlight the importance of your words. Want a see through option: use highlighters or watercolor markers to make all your writing visible!

Get more info about this FREE block-out journaling project!

July's free project comes from Collage Playground by Kimberly Santiago. Get ready to play with your art as Kimberly shows you how to create 10 tempting types of Collage Elements. Put those elements to use through 25 fun pieces of art! This mixed-media book shows you how to make your own stickers, rub-ons, vellum art and more!

Learn more about Collage Playground here.

Scrap Away the Gloom!

2010-06-28T15:19:33.794-05:00

It's hot, it's muggy, it's rainy, and we all could use a little inspiration to liven up our art! Whether you're in a scrapbooking rut, or are just itching to try a new technique or product, look no further. Sherry Steveson's Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook is overflowing with ideas to keep our scrapbook layouts looking cool.

This week, challenge yourself to go 3-D with your pages by adding interesting and odd embellishments to help tell a story. Here's one to try from Sherry's book: Try brushing ribbon stiffener onto a length of ribbon, and then twist it around a pencil. Attach the result—a cute curl of ribbon—to your favorite scrapbook page.

I bet you'll forget all about the humidity!

- Kelly

Techno Tuesday: Working with Layers

2010-06-15T09:46:44.6493323-05:00

Digital Expressions author Susan Tuttle has some great techniques for working with layers in Photoshop Elements.

Layers in Photoshop Elements are like the layers of paint and paper you build up as you create a mixed-media collage, where some of the new layers completely cover what is below, while others allow lower layers to show through. In Photoshop Elements any new layer you add will cover the layers below. You can reveal the layers beneath by using the Eraser Tool, reducing the Opacity of layers or by applying blending modes.

Layers Palette
The Layers Palette (see below) shows each new layer you create; essentially they are stacked one on top of the other. These layers can be manipulated in a variety of ways (as you will see). You can turn layers on and off while you work—just click on the “eye” icon to the left of a layer in the Layers Palette, experimenting until you find just the right look. You can delete a layer by selecting it in the Layers Palette and then clicking the trash can icon at the top of the Layers Palette.

Converting the Background Layer
To protect the original image, the Background layer is locked. To alter the layer, you must unlock it by converting it to a regular layer. Double click on the Background layer in the Layers Palette and rename it Layer 0 (the default name).

Creating a New Layer
Whenever you add an image to your piece (e.g., dragging a new photo into your working file) the program automatically puts it on its own new layer. You can also create a new layer manually by going to Layer>New>Layer, which is helpful when you are adding brushstrokes.

Duplicating a Layer
Layer>Duplicate Layer
You can make a copy of any layer in your piece with this command. Select the layer you want to duplicate first by clicking on it in the working file or in the Layers Palette. The copy will appear directly over the layer you have copied. Use the Move Tool to click and drag it to your desired location.

Arranging Layers

There are two ways to arrange layers, which refers to moving a layer forward or backward in a file: (1) select the layer in the working file and go to Layer>Arrange; (2) click the layer in the Layers Palette and drag it up to move it forward and down to move it back.

Merging Layers
To organize and simplfy working files, you can combine multiple layers, making them into one layer. (Just be sure you will not want to manipulate the layers later on.) To do this, select the layers you want to merge in your Layers Palette by holding down the Command key (the Ctrl key on a PC). At the same time, click on the layers you want to merge. They will be highlighted once you click on them. Release the Command key when you have finished selecting the layers. Then, go to Layer>Merge Visible (see below) to merge them. Keep in mind that once layers are merged, they cannot be changed (only added to). Flattening an image (Layer>Flatten Image) merges all layers, and also turns transparent areas to white.

Layering techniques can be applied to any digital scrapbooking layout. Try combining these techniques with others to create layouts like the ones below.

For more fantastic digital scrapbooking techniques and tips, check out Digital Expressions by Susan Tuttle. Buy it here.

Happy Scrapping!

~Rachel

June FREE project of the Month: Nature Stamps

2010-06-02T07:19:41.738-05:00

Get into the groove of summer by finding your favorite nature items and turing them into stamps! June's free project is all about finding new ways to add to your scrapping kit for fresh layouts. You can't get any fresher than nature stamps!

Click here to download this FREE project!

If you're looking for freshideas for scrapping annual events like birthdays, holidays, vacations, graduations and more, check out Remember This by Kimber McGray and Summer Fullerton. You'll get 150 new layouts, step-by-step techniques, layout sketches, checklists and templates — everything you need to scrap throughout the year! Click here to buy your copy!

Techno Tuesday: Download Layered Files from Scrapbook Page Maps!

2010-05-18T08:48:50.232-05:00

Available in the MyCraftivity store this month: digital downloads of layered files from Scrapbook Page Maps! You get 20 12" x 12" page sketches in layered files, usable in any computer design program, including Photoshop Elements.

Download the files here.

Not a digital scrapbooker? We still have something for you! Check out Becky Fleck's bestselling Scrapbook Page Maps, which features easy-to-use "maps" for making fast, fabulous-looking scrapbook pages.

Click here to buy.

~Rachel

New papercrafting books on sale

2010-05-13T07:51:10.425-05:00

New titles are on sale in the MyCraftivityStore! Who doesn't love a good sale? Especially when it's on yummy crafty goodness with tons of ideas and inspiration.

Check out these new releases to add to your papercrafting library:

The Journal Junkies Workshop
Visual Ammunition for the Art Addict

Find great art techniques you can add to your scrapbook and art journal pages.

You can download a free project from Journal Junkiesright here.

And take a look inside the book here.

Remember This
Fresh Page Ideas to Scrapbook the Year

Get ideas for scrapbooking holidays and seasons throughout the year.

Visit co-author Kimber McGray’s blog here.

Digital Expressions
Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements

Learn new techniques for altering photos and creating digital collages.

You can download a free project from Digital Expressionsright here.

Happy shopping!
Kristin

Bazzill iPhone app giveaway winners!

2010-05-11T11:38:55.7252467-05:00

Due to technical issues, we're just a tad late in announcing the Bazzill iphone app giveaway winners. So, without further ado, here they are:

Celina
5/1/2010
I had to tear out the ad for this app. It looks so fun. - I'm hoping to fit in some time this afternoon. I'm going to keep the kids busy with leftover supplies making Mother's Day cards for Grandma.

Christie
5/6/2010
I went to Archivers and did their NSD make and takes.

Congratulations to both our winners! (You will be receiving an email shortly with your coupon codes.)

If you weren't one of our lucky winners, visit iTunes to download the app.

~Kristin

Download a FREE watercolor journaling project

2010-05-06T10:40:31.502-05:00

Bombard your scrapbook and journal pages with color. Eric Scott and David Modler, authors of The Journal Junkies Workshop walk you through May's free technique: The basics of using watercolor paint. Create vibrant backgrounds by blending, bleeding, sponging and stamping.

Click here to get this free technique.

The Journal Junkies Workshop gives you all the covert inspiration and know-how you’ll need to get started. They are on a mission to arm you to explore artistic ways of recording your life and thoughts. Part sketchbook, part diary, part notebook, part dream journal, part daily planner, part to-do list and part doodle pad, the art journal is different things to different people. Uncover your own path, your own voice, your own style. Click here to get your copy today!

If you're looking to break away from tradition scrapbooking styles, check out the Mixed Media + Collage books! Lots of times, you can use the same tools and materials you already have, or learn about great new stuff to try. Have a look at the Mixed Media + Collage books.

National Scrapbooking Day Giveaway!

2010-04-30T06:34:47.3911205-05:00

National Scrapbooking Day is tomorrow, May 1. To celebrate, we're hosting a giveaway!

Thanks to our friends at Bazzill Basics, we have the new Bazzill iPhone app to give away to TWO lucky readers. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post telling us: What are your crafty plans for National Scrapbooking Day?(And be sure your e-mail address is included with your comment.)

Giveaway closes next Thursday, May 6 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the blog on Friday, May 7.

The new Bazzill iPhone app puts more than 500 Bazzill cardstock colors at your fingertips. Browse the colors by name or color family, find the perfect match for photos, create a save color palettes from hues picked from photos, and more! (Retails for $9.99.) Visit iTunes to download the app.

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

~Kristin

Techno Tuesday: Download FREE Digital Kits

2010-04-27T14:54:28.3723186-05:00

For this month’s Techno Tuesday, we want to remind you that there are FREE digital scrapbooking kits available for download! Whether you’re looking for holiday elements, cheery patterned papers or romantic details, you’re sure to find a kit that suits your needs. Mix and match kits to fit your own personal style!

Check this out: With bright colors and floral elements, Michelle Coleman’s Wild Sorbet kit is perfect for spring.
Click here to download the kit.

Not a digital scrapper? Here are a few tips for going hybrid and making the most of the goodies:
•    Print out the papers to use on traditional pages.
•    Print out the elements and create your own epoxy embellishments. Simply print, cut and add a layer of dimensional gloss medium.
•    Frame digital photos with one of the papers. Insert the paper of your choice into Microsoft Word and resize it to just larger than your photos. Then insert a digital photo and place it over the paper. Then print!

For more great hybrid techniques be sure to check out Paper + Pixels, available here.

See you next month for more great techno tips!

~Kristin

Online registration open for GASC Chantilly

2010-04-19T11:55:18.7133544-05:00

Online registration is now open for the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Chantilly, Virginia, June 25-26, 2010.

GASC Chantilly is a two-day getaway where you can reconnect with friends, learn new skills, recharge your batteries and get inspired by the creativity of thousands of other scrapbookers. Highlighs include great workshops, cropping parties, and, of course, lots of shopping! Plus, see the latest products and kits from your favorite manufacturers, get great ideas for using new products and stuff you already have, and enter to win fabulous door prizes.

Visit the Great American Scrapbook Convention page to register and to get more info for the Virginia show.

(You can also register for the Arlington, Texas show June 3-5. Click here.)

~Kristin

Download a FREE digital photo project

2010-04-09T09:19:46.2317777-05:00

As you know, we’re posting monthly free projects to get your creative juices flowing. April's project, from Digital Expressions, teaches you how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements to apply a texture overlay to digital photos (and other images) to give them interest and depth.

Click here to download the FREE digital photo project.

Digital Expressions guides you through 25 digital art projects created with Photoshop Elements. With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll get inspired to tackle all kinds of digital mixed-media techniques using stock photography, custom brushes, textured backgrounds and your own digital photos. Plus, the book includes a bonus CD with assorted brushes, photos and textures you can use in your own digital artwork.

Click here to learn more about Digital Expressions.

Happy Friday!
Kristin