Category: Photography

For y'all that are interested in the digital scrapbooking gig, here are two pages from our trip to Appleberry farms that I did. here and here.

To do the first one, I just filled the background with a ginham pattern, then I made the text, and applied another pattern to it. Then I did the postcard, grouping it as a layers set so after I was done I could move it around as a group. It's mostly polygons, lines and text, but the stamp is an image with a white border around it, that then has a round brush with 150% spacing around it to take away some white and make that scallopped stamp border.

The apple I got from microsoft's design gallery (or maybe from google's image search?) and then I took away all of the background and let photoshop resize it nicely (photoshop is gooood at that!).

The photo is a regular photo, but I added a white border to it by increasing the canvas size. Then I used a rough brush around the edges to make it look a bit more realistic … and that is it.

On the second page, I did the same technique with the photos. The other elements were done by using the rectangle tool. Then on top of each, I used a symbol from the dingbat (font) called “Counter Scraps” and put them on red, and then messed around with the layer opacity until I liked the effect.

The text around the edges is just that … text. I did it in four pieces, since PS7 doesn't let text follow a path. Continue reading “More Scrapbooking”

I got a couple of questions about digital scrapbooks, so I thought I'd write about 'em a little.

The idea behind digital scrap books is that instead of using the tangible 3D objects (papers, embellishments, pens, scissors, etc.) you would normally use to make a neat-looking scrapbook page, you instead use your computer. You take photos, and textures, and lettering, and clipart and combine them using a graphics editing program (photoshop, or paint shop pro) to make a simliar layout. Once your done with the layout, you can either print it or just save it digitally to view on a web page or to burn to a DVD or something like that.

Obviously, this scenario has it advantages. For one, if you're a digital photographer (like me), it makes lots of sense to simply import your images into a program and play around with them. For another, it's hugely excellent have your best friend, ctrl-z with you at all times. The “oops” factor is big with digital cropping. Another thing you've got to love is the cost … around $1/page if you print them yourself. Which is a huge savings in comparison to traditional scrapbooks. Another thing I really love is that I get to use my favorite fonts … and other digital elements that would be a super-pain to use with traditional scrapbooks. Another reason for me is that it's yet another way to keep my skills sharp. Continue reading “Digital Scrapbooks”

Matt and I went for a walk and I was inspired to take a few pictures. There were some cool mushrooms and a really pretty sky that's getting poised to storm like crazy. I love this time of year. Everything is green and gorgeous and flowering. Kudos nature. Another great spring.

I'm planning to work on our paper scrapbook for the France trip but for some reason I can't find the sticky letters we bought for the cover which is making me mad because I know I put them in some sensible place yesterday but now I can't remember what that place is. Oi. I guess I can continue without them, but I'd really rather have everything to start them.