As the editor of Paper + Pixels I had the opportunity to read (and reread) the entire book, soaking up all the great—and simple!—digital techniques.  I consider myself pretty computer savvy, but I was pleased to discover several techniques in both Word and Photoshop Elements that I had never used before. Two of my favorite new techniques include loading and using digital brushes and adding overlays to photos. (This layout of Audrey’s from the book includes a digital brush she made multi-colored.) And it’s been said before, but it’s worth repeating: Many of the digital effects in the book can be achieved using Word and you don’t have to be a digital whiz to re-create the looks.



I love the style and variety of all the exclusive digital kits that come with the book.  I had a hard time deciding which to use for my hybrid layout! (I ended up choosing a digital paper, brackets and tag from the Seriously Pink kit by Poppy Andrews). This layout about my recent switch to my married name is truly a hybrid one—I created a page that combines similar amounts of digital and traditional elements. All the digital techniques I used are taught in Paper + Pixels, and I used both Word and Photoshop, just to show it can be done.

I started the layout by creating the photo, using Photoshop to blend two separate images. Then I resized and adjusted the color of the digital paper before layering the photo over it. Then I printed the paper and photo as one page. Finally, I resized and changed the color of the brackets and date tag (from green to pink) in Word and printed them out. (The journaling reads: I feel like I’ve lost myself a little. But it’s exciting to share Paul’s name.  I’m sure the feeling of not knowing who I am will pass. In the meantime, call me Kristin B.)


Want to know more about Paper + Pixels and its authors, May Flaum and Audrey Neal?  Check out their interview in the MM forum!  And visit Christine’s post by noon this Friday to enter to win a free copy of the book.

Happy hybrid scrapping!
Kristin