Scrappy Luv

till death do us part - gothic style

2012-02-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, Wicked Princess Scraps has a new tag kit called Till Death Do Us Part, created at 300 dpi, and featuring 4 Gothic bride posers from Lisa K. Now, goth isn't my style by any stretch of the imagination, but this time I got some immediate ideas

.
I did a quick page for you, as well as 2 tags. I used Adobe PSCS 4 with "show transform controls" enabled, starting with new transparent canvases, 700 pixels x 700 pixels.

Tag 1 started with filling the canvas with paper 2. I then used copy and paste to add paper 7 so I could change the positioning

Using a dark paper over a bright background helps create an illusion of depth. Lowering the opacity level of background elements (cake, champagne bottle, and goblet) also adds to the illusion of depth.

Now the poser (Gothic Bride satin) seems to pop out more.

I used 3 different fonts: Franklin Gothic Medium for main text, GE Scrim Script for the accented word in the main text, and GE Travel Script for the name. I used a smaller size of Franklin Goth to add the tag information.

Tag 2 began with a circle filled with paper 3.Then copy and paste added the elements I chose (piano, bench, piano keys, and music notes.) I added an edge effect and drop shadow to the music notes. I added the poser (Gothic Bride lace 2), and applied bevel & emboss & outer glow. I used GE Travel Script for all the text, simply adjusting font size.

Enjoy

Fun Fun Fun

2012-01-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

Got the winter blues? Wacky Winnie Designz has a cheerful & colourful kit called Fun Fun Fun. It certainly cheered me up & I had fun making an alternate February 2012 desktop calendar, a quick page freebie for you to download.

I also made 2 tags, using Adobe PSCS, with "show transform controls" enabled, both tags started as new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels.

Tag 1: Fill the canvas with your background of choice (paper 1 at 30%). Add a 2nd layer & use a selection tool to create a shape (circle) which should be filled with a background of choice (paper 17).

At this point you can choose the elements you want to use - there is an amazing quantity to choose from - one of the times the visibility toggle comes in handy -helps you decide between various elements.

Your choice of tube or poser will influence your other choices. I used a poser (sunkissD1) by Angelic Poserz.

I placed the kite behind the poser; it proved a good place to put the name.

I copy, paste, resize by manipulating the bounding box, & then play with positioning. Cupcake 2 was the element that needed the most resizing - it filled the entire space!

I also used flowers 1, 2, 3, dragonfly 2 & butterfly 1, and applied the bevel & emboss effect to each of these elements.

When I added the sunglasses 1, I reduced the opacity to better determine where to erase to make it appear the sunglasses were stuck in her hair. While I was doing this I noticed the sunglasses looked better at 74% opacity.

Tag recipient name uses GE Travel Script. The tag title uses Harmonica Bold, with a fire style applied. Tag information used Arial Narrow.

Tag 2: I wanted to showcase the range of this kit, highlighting the music elements. I created a circle which I filled with paper 20.

Then I hunted out the poser first, using the work of Luscious Digi Dolls (pink 4). I put music notes 1 behind her, added guitar 1, using the eraser to make the hand look like she was playing, & added wrap 1 as a guitar strap.

I added individual music notes 8 and 9.

Tag theme used Chantilly Medium font, while the name used Fidelio MN with both the bevel and emboss effect and outer glow applied. Tag info used Arial Narrow.

This kit truly is fun and a great cure for winter blahs.

Enjoy

Love or Lust

2012-01-30T15:29:00.000-08:00

I worked with a tag kit from Stargazer Musings. The kit was created at 72dpi, so it wasn't suitable for quick pages. Don't let the fact that I used certain elements in both tags - there are plenty of elements in this kit.

Both tags began as blank 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas in Adobe PSCS 4, with "show transform controls" enabled.

Tag 1: I filled the canvas with paper 4, added frame 1, & filled the frame with paper 1. I placed top swag 2 at the top of the frame & added knot 1 & rose 2 to each end of the swag. I used a poser called goth bride 5 by Digicats Imaging, used the outer glow effect, & added diamond heart 1 to the poser's hand. Diamond heart 2 served as a name plate, decorated by rose 2. I used a font called Starbabe HMK Bold for both tags. Always remember to add tag information - poser/tube credit & tag maker identity.

Tag 2: I hunted through my files & chose a free psp tube from dicvicbarnes.com (tube 460).

I opened a 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas & created a circle with the circular selection tool, then filled the circle with paper 3 set at 10%. I topped the circle with ruffled heart 1, added the tube, used ruffled heart 2 for the name, applied drop shadow to the name & decorated the name heart with rose 2, with drop shadow applied.

Enjoy

Paris Elegance

2012-01-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

Wicked Princess Scraps has a gorgeous kit, available exclusively at PTE, called Paris. The kit was designed to go with a specific tube, but I hade a set of Marilyn posers from Medi that were perfect to go with the kit.

I made 2 tags & a quick page freebie.

Both tags were made using Adobe PSCS 4, with "show transform controls" enabled & started with blank 700 pixels x 700 pixels canvases. I had to add that doggie in both tags, because I think it is so cute. I also added diamonds to the Marilyn posers. In both tags certain elements were made background elements by reducing their opacity to 70%. Reducing opacity temporarily is a easy way to see what to erase when 'placing' an item in a poser's hand.

Enjoy

Always In Love - February 2012 desktop calendar

2012-01-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

January is speeding by. I decided it was time to do the February 2012 desktop calendar. I ued a kit by Stargazer Musings called Always In Love. I also did 2 tags. I used Adobe PSCS4 with "show transform controls" enabled.

Tag 1 started as a blank 7oo pixels x 700 pixels. I filled the canvas with paper 12 & then added frame 1. I chose a poser by Krissy's Imaging Helena 5. I added gem heart1 & used the eraser to make it look like the poser was holding the heart. I then added the scalloped heart, applied the bevel & emboss effect. I used the font GE Signature Script. I tried different styles to the name on the heart until I found one I liked best (the font only had a number attached to it, so I can give no credit, sorry). I then put rose 6 in each corner. Always remember to include poser & tag information.

Tag 2 also started as a blank 700 pixels x 700 pixels. I used the circular selection tool to create a circle & filled it with paper 4 at 11%. I added a poser from Medievil Creations (medi_luanne6), then placed teddy bear 1 in her lap. The key trick when using the eraser to make it look like a poser is holding something is to temporarily lower the object's opacity so you can see the poser's hand, erase the overlap area & then return the object to 100% opacity. I used the GE Signature script font again.

Enjoy

Strawberry Kisses

2012-01-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, shout box has discontinued their free plan & at this time I can't afford to pay, but you don't have to do any image verification to leave a regular comment, so please consider doing so. I will appreciate it.

I entered an abc challenge this month that featured the letter "P". I decided to use some adorable pictures I snapped approximately 30 years ago. I chose Strawberry Kisses by Wicked Princess Scraps to do the layout.

Isn't she cute? Jen, I will always love you.

Then I made a simple tag, making copies for friends. As always I used Adobe PSCS4 with "show transform controls" enabled. After opening a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, I used the heart wreath frame as a base, filling the opening with paper 14, then applying the bevel & emboss effect to the frame. I adorned the frame with satin flower & butterfly, applying the bevel & emboss effect to both, then additionally applying drop shadow to the butterfly. I used a poser by Mystical Illusions (miz-Sarabeth cookie 2010-5). The font is Renaissance. Always remember to include tag info, usually in a smaller font.

Hope you like it.

For the Love of Jewel

2012-01-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Ok. I also played with Shani's kit For the Love of Jewel. The result: 2 layouts with matching quick pages & some snag tags. Download on mediafire.

Both tags use posers from Medievil Creations. I used Adobe PSCS4 with "show transform controls" (or your program's equivalent).

Both tags bagan with a blank canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels.

Tag one used paper7, rose, rose 2 & butterfly along with medi_plumloving6 & ATOldFashionedScript. I applied a hard edged effect to the text to help it stand out. I also use a small font to add tag information.

Tag two used paper9, birdhouse, bird1 & 2, teacup3, teapot, tray3, cupcake, pitcher, sugar bowl.

I used posers: Springflower1, Plumloving5, Alba5, Starla4 & added flower & rose2 to the 2 posers that did mot come with flowers in their hair.

Enjoy

Winter Frost

2012-01-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

Last winter I made a desktop calendar using a kit called Winter Frost by Stargazer Musings. Soon after Shani invited her to access the Wicked Princess Scraps CT. I injured myself last week & have been playing off & on with my Adobe PSCS4 to distract myself from pain. I revisited Winter Frost & created a quick page, a layout, & a tag.

For the tag open a new blnk canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels and make sure "show transform controls" or your program's equivalent is enabled.

I filled the background with paper 2, then added frame3, and filled the inside of the frame with paper1.

I love Medievil Creation posers & for this tag I used Medi_odetteserenade2. Next I embellished the frame with branch6, poinsttia1, and pinecone1, and applied the bevel & emboss effect on all 3.

The font is called Diamond & I applied the hard edge effect I imported from photoshop elements.

Enjoy.

a Romantic quick page & some tags

2011-12-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ok - last post I shared the January desktop calendar I made with Shani's Golden Nights. I played around more with the kit & made 2 tags & a quick page freebie. I had to do a grocery run today & my wheelchair bumping over the crumby sidewalks has given me quite the backache, so I'm not going to type out tutorials. The tags are basic copy, paste, resize & position as desired.

This kit has loads of potential & I would recommend it.

Enjoy & please stay safe tonight.

Start 2012 on the right note!

2011-12-29T01:05:00.000-08:00

I know I already posted a january desktop, but then I got a look at Wicked Princess' new kit called Golden Nights, tagger size, 300 dpi.

For some reason mediafire absolutely refused to cooperate, so this one went into my 4shared account. Starting on the Right Note

If you haven't already done so, bookmark Shani's blog; don't let the "Wicked"part fool you, she's a talented designer, caring friend and wonderful person.

Enjoy

January 2012 desktop

2011-12-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

I used Rena Designs Magic Night Frosty Winter to make the desktop calendar for January 2012.

Enjoy.

Quick Page contest

2011-12-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

Cool Scrap Digital is having a quick page contest which means you get my entry as a freebie. I used a kit by Scrapper's Delights called Papillions.

enjoy (& consider voting for my entry)

cute kids - a Christmas Tradition

2011-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

My friend has a very cute littke boy & she likes to set up cute photos - so, licking the gingerbread house was mommy's idea! The visit with the big guy in the red suit was taken at Devonshire Mall. I was very picky about what kit to use to scrap these photos & picked Christmas Traditions by Broken Sky Dezine.

I made the gingerbread layout into a quick page for you.

Enjoy.

corrected December 2011 calendar

2011-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Ok. I screwed up - I used an inaccurate calendar grid for my December desktop. Corrected version here.
Sorry about that.

December 2011 desktop calendar

2011-11-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

Cherished Moments, one of several new kits from Wicked Princess Scraps, made a wonderful December 2011 desktop calendar.

Enjoy

It's Snow Good

2011-11-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

DSO colour challenge

It's Snow Good

5 zips:6 papers & 112 elements

enjoy

November 2011 desktop

2011-10-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

ok both my laptop and desktop need to go into the shop but I decided to send them in one at a time

unfortunately my winzip is not allowing zipping up, so the 2 sizes of November desktop calendar are in separate files

full

laptop

I used Golden Autumn from Kissed by Cari

enjoy

October desktop calendar

2011-10-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

ok, a couple of days late because my computer is trying to drive me insane! but i do have an October 2011 desktop calendar freebie in 2 sizes, for desktop or laptop.

enjoy

autumn quick page

2011-10-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

My CS4 has crashed & also refuses to install on my laptop - I'm practically pulling my hair out trying to figure out the problem. I had just finished some work but had saved it in psd & had to get things into a more user friendly format.

I used Autumn Fantasy by Diva Designz, available in tag or full sizes, with lovely posers included.

I made a quick page freebie & I made a tag for Mandy.

My muscles are extra spastic today & I can hardly type, so no tutorial this time.

Enjoy

September 2011 desktop calendar

2011-09-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am back, sort of. It's been a couple of difficult months. My furry baby, Smudge turned out to have late stage mammory cancer & I had to take the agonizing step of having her put to sleep. because I plunged into depression, my brother got me a new furry baby from a rescue organization & her name is Emily. Not long afterward, my apartment was hit by bedbugs & Emily & I had to evacuate to my parents. The organization that manages my care hired a company to prepare my apartment for the pest control steps. Almost everything was thrown out so I am trying to replace the essentials. Although the company agreed software & accompanying manuals as well as my computer equipment did not need to be discarded, all my design software disappeared along with 2 flash drives & 2 MP3 players. Add in health problems & doctor appointments & it'll be awhile til I'm back into my groove.

I hunted down a kit by Babycakes Scraps called Love Song to do a September desktop because still having June on my desktop was confusing me - lol.

2 sizes, desktop & laptop

please bear with me as I struggle to get my life back in order

Enjoy

July 2011 desktop calendar

2011-06-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

Monday was the worst day of my life - I took my beloved Smudge to the vet because she hasn't seemed to be feeling well & was bleeding from her tits. I thought she was worrying an allergic reaction to the point of bleeding (happened last year) but instead I got a bombshell - late stage mammory cancer. There was absolutely nothing that could be done, even painkillers would increase the bleeding. I had to make the agonizing decision to euthanize her. I plunged into depression. My brother brought me a new rescue cat Tuesday evening, so I now have a new reason to get out of bed.

I put together a bunch of stuff from my 'assorted' file to create a July 2011 desktop calendar.

Enjoy

DSO colour challenge - Waiting for Warm Weather

2011-06-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's unseasonably cool here, & it doesn't feel much like summer. I've been sick all month with way too many ambulance rides to ER (I HATE going to the ER). So I managed a kit for the June 2011 colour challenge at DSO, only 5 zips this time - lol. Waiting for Warm Weather is in a folder at my mediafire account.

If you download, please leave a comment either with the post or in my shout box - I need cheering up.

Enjoy.

another batch of tags

2011-06-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

ok first is a tag made months ago using Wicked Princess Scraps "Sweet Pea"

Second a tag using Shani's (Wicked Princess) Breathless Moments.

A tag for Shani's daughter Otelia using "Bee My Honey" by Gina (KiKeKa).

A tag for Shani's other daughter using Choubinette Designs "A Gentle Sweet Taste"

Last, but far from least, using Shani's Everybody Loves Chris" a tag for her son.

tags are about sharing one's original vision & expressing oneself, or expressing one's impression of a tag recipient - it's fun

Some Forgotten Melody qp set & tag

2011-06-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ok. Been spending more time in hospital ERs than at home lately, but have managed to get a little bit of work done. Dare's Design has a new heritage type kit available called Some Forgotten Melody.

I've made a set of quick pages & done a tag.

I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 to make the tag. Make sure "show transform controls" is enabled. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, use the circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with background of choice (paper2).

Select your elements. I used musical notes (22) & victrola (23). Copy, paste, resize as needed, & position each element as desired. I used 5 copies of the musical notes - 4 copies were placed around the circle with parts overlapping the edges of the circle & then moved to layers below the circle, while 1 copy of the notes was placed on the layer above the victrola. I used a metallic style on these notes so they showed up against the background.

I then added my poser of choice (dnscraps' little lolita doll5) & applied an effect called 'hard edge' which is an exaggerated drop shadow.

I used different fonts on this tag: Bangle for the theme, Baroque Script for the name, & Arial for the tag information. I used an effect called 'groovy' on all the text, which is inner shadow+ outer glow+inner glow.

When I was finshed, I saved the tag in my program's default format (psd) & in a web friendly format (png).

Enjoy.

June 2011 desktop calendars

2011-05-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have a choice of June 2011 desktop calendars for you. Calendar choice 1 is made using Tamaso Fantasy by Wacky Winnie Designz. Calendar choice 2 is made using Fairyland by Wicked Princess Sc raps.

Enjoy

A bunch of new stuff

2011-05-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

okay

Let's see if I can get all my new tags posted here. As I mentioned in the previous post Shani is making so many new kits, I can hardly keep up. Check out her blog.

Going Deep is a gorgeous nautical themed kit. I made a quick page set & a couple of tags.

As usual I used Photoshop Creative Suite 4, with "show transform controls' checked to allow easy resizing of elements.

Going Deep tag 1

Open a blank 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas. Fill with background paper of choice (paper 10). A gorgeous cluster frame provides an excellant starting point for an easy tag. I positioned the palm tree & boat 2 behind the frame, showing in the opening of the frame. I placed the ship in a bottle on top of the frame & then added 2 FTU tubes (sea-sight2 & shipping&handling2) from Popeye Wong. For Shani's name I used Antsy Pants font & applied an elegant grunge style by Carmel Creations Designs. Even when using FTU tubes or posers be certain to put proper credits on the tag, using a small font.

Going Deep tag 2

Open a blank 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas, use circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with background of choice (paper 4). I used the sos lifesaver as a focal frame, applying bevel & emboss to make it stand out. In the layers beneath the frame I placed the sailboat with opacity reduced to 75%, the rock, rotated & with opacity reduced to 75%, & the lighthouse with opacity reduced to 70%. On the layers above the frame I placed the barrel, with bird2 atop the barrel. I applied bevel & emboss to the bird. The original colour of the anchor clashed with the liesaver, so I applied another elegant grunge style to the anchor. I used Sailorette4 by Krissy's Imaging as my poser of choice. I used Arial 4 for tag credits, right clicking on the text in the layers palette, choosing warp text, & slightly bending the text. for the main name I used Candice Script with a rusted blue metal style from Darq Illusions applied. The speech bubble is found in preset shapes. I used Cooper Black font for the 'Ahoy' & Comic Sans for the rest of the speech.

With Shani's tag kit Smokin' I made 2 tags, but the adult content of the tube I used in the first tag makes it inappropriate for posting here. I will post it on the CT blog for Wicked Princess Scraps. The second tag is called 'Girls Night Out'.

Smokin' - Girls Night Out

Start with a blank canvas, 700 pixels x 700 pixels. fill with background of choice (paper 20) then add new layer, create a circle with the circular selection tool & fill with background of choice (paper 6). I created a bedroom scene with the armoire, lamp, highback chair & mirror. I added outer glow on the lamp. I also added 2 copies of the matini glass, the polka dotted shoes & 2 copies of the other shoe. I used ftu tubes from Popeye Wong (forbidden path & lost-in-between). To create a reflection in the mirror, copy the appropriate area & paste onto the layer above the mirror, then decrease image opacity until the reflection looks right to you (57%). The wording uses Calamity Jane NF while the name uses CaslonNo540SwaD. I then applied an effect found in Photoshop called 'wow neon red on' to the text.

I used Shani's New Orleans Mardi Gras flavoured freebie 'laissez les bon temps roulez' & a free to use tube by Popeye Wong (grab life by the pole) to make a fun tag for a friend. I used paper 1 as a background filling a 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas, added the stairway (bevel & emboss & drop shadow), the balcony railing (bevel & emboss) & placed the feathered mask in the figure's hand. the main wording is in Annabel Script, while the name is in Baroque with an effect called 'wow neon green on'. Check out Shani's blog for many wonderful ftu kits.

I've wanted to do an anti-bullying tag & found the right tubes for the tag from Popeye Wong (ballet teacher & black eye). I used paper 1 & drapery from Wicked Princess' Dark Angel kit.

The font is Gweet Hmk bold, the sentiment is mine.

You know what - I added a single rose to my other tag made with 'Smokin' to create a 'G' version. The tube is a ftu from Popeye Wong called 'a sharp kick'. I used paper 4, buildings, drapery, champagne bottle bucket, champagne flute, lips, & stand, with rose being added to hide the slight adult content (or you can skip the rose).

Enjoy

whole buncha tagging goin on

2011-05-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Shani has been busy making kits - I can't keep up! Check out her blog & definitely check out her section at Twilight Scraps right now - she has a BOGO (Buy One Get One) sale in conjunction with the store's anniversary celebration.

So a hacker has sidelined my laptop til I can get it into the shop & my desktop keyboard is still suddenly going into all caps without any move on my part - driving me nuts. In addition, the arthritis in my hands is making typing painful. I hope nobody really minds if I just post a bunch of tags without accompanying tutorials.

My basic tag making is:

1. Set your software program to show a bounding box around an element when hightlighted in the layer palette, so you can resize the element by manipulating the corners of the bounding box (some people refer to these boxes as 'marching ants').

2. Try to start with a mental picture of what you want your tag to look like; choose your papers & elements accordingly. Copy, paste, resize as needed, & position as desired. The visibility toggle can help you decide if an element is working or not without backtracking multiple steps.

3. Never be afraid to play & experiment with things like opacity, effect, styles. I don't like using templates & I have yet to figure out the best way to use masks, but eventually I hope to figure it out.

4. Most important is to have fun & end up with a tag that you like.

So, in this post I will share tags made with 3 of Shani's latest kits - Lil Bo Peepers, Nature's Tea, & Ride a Cowboy.

With Lil Bo Peepers, I made a simple tag for all the girly little girls out there. In childhood, I had both a tomboy side & a girly girl side which some adults found strange. I still love tea parties, playing Barbies. The poser is CIZ-Candy4 by Creative Intentionz.

With Nature's Tea, I made a tag, & then experimented with what I had the poser hold & it made the tag look very different. The poser is Shea 4 by Luscious Digi Dolls, aka Luscious Scraps.

With Ride a cowboy, made a tag & a quick page freebie for you. I couldn't resist sticking a photo of my cousin Mark's baby boy into the quick page - he is so cute! The poser in the tag is cowgirl2-1 by Sinful Mindz.

If any of you have a specific question about how I made a particular tag, leave me a comment.

Enjoy

May DSO colour challenge - Puppy Love

2011-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

My mojo has not been itself this month. I am struggling creatively. I stared at this month's colour swatch at DSO & nothing really came to mind for a kit, so I settled for a quick page that uses all the colours. I put a picture I took of a friend's puppy into the page.

Enjoy

Charity Kit Now Available

2011-04-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Blue Skies & Butterflies collab is now at The Creativity Box.The kit is in memory of Mandy's mom, who asked for memorial donations to the North West Air Ambulance in lieu of flowers. An air ambulance service means the difference between life & death for many critical patients, so it is a good cause. I am proud to be on the TCB creativity team, & I consider the cause to be so important, I contributed one of my mega kit efforts - 20 zips worth, & I made sure it was a fun kit with many uses. Check it out.

My portion is 36 papers & 447 elements - I was having so much fun creating it was hard to stop! Plus, it was a labour of love. In my country, air ambulance service is crucial to many geographically remote areas - a reality proven to the world when actress Natasha Richardson died because there was no air ambulance service available in Quebec at that time (the government of Quebec has since rectified that unfortunate situation). Please consider purchasing this collab. Mandy & I will both appreciate it.

May 2011 desktop calendar

2011-04-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

argh - 3 days ago when I was too sick to be at the computer more than 10 minutes at a time I had ideas for ct work, but now my mojo is mo-gone - lol

so I decided to actually work with my own newest kit - I made the May 2011 calendar from my Spring Wishes

Enjoy

Spring Wishes

2011-04-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a hard month for me, I am so sick of being sick. Plus someone hacked my laptop & it is completely out of commission until I can get it fixed. I've gotten very little accomplished. I have to get my taxes done, usually something I would have taken care of over a month ago, but it's hard to concentrate when you're sick.

I did get my portion of the Blue Skies & Butterflies collab done & when the whole collaboration is up in stores I'll give you more information about it & show you the preview for my portion.

Both the Studio & DSO had colour challenges with interesting pallettes, but I just wasn't sure I could get anything done. I don't have the knack for mini kits - I get going with,"do this, this & that" & then the creative part of my brain nudges me "this, this & this would go great in this project'' & then my creative conscience gets into the nagging "you'll be shortchanging people if you don't put these things in". By the time my rational half finally manages to put the brakes on my creative half - I've got a mega.

Well I completed a kit for the Studio challenge - 13 zips worth (25 papers, 240 elements & 3 posers). The colours made me think of my mum's garden this time of year with tulips, crocus, & daffodils. There aren't any flowers out here yet, so the kit is called Spring Wishes.
The individual zips are in a main folder on mediafire. easiest way is to right click on zip01 & select "open in new tab", so a new tab with zip01 download opens, leaving the main folder tab open to go back to for zip02 & so on. Hope you like it. Please leave a comment, it helps me to keep going & making these kits available.

Enjoy

Easter Teaser - cute alert

2011-04-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a charity kit contribution, but when I saw the preview for PSP Girl's new tag kit Easter Teaser, my brain immediately kicked me with ideas & wouldn't let me be, so I quickly did 2 quick pages & a simple tag. It's a kit suitable for more than just Easter layouts. When your brain is really fired up pages & tags seem to fly up onto the screen & I really love the pages I came up with, just need pics of the new baby in my extended family (HINT).

I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite, with 'show transform controls' enabled.

1. Open a new canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, use the circular selection tool to create a circle, & fill with background of choice (paper 9).

2. Choose your elements (1,6,11) & copy, paste, resize as needed & position as desired. I also applied a bevel & emboss effect & inner glow to each element. I did the same with my poser of choice (ws-nixie gown 2-3) from Wyked Soulz.

3. I used Arial 3 for the tag information, & Chopin Script 14 for the rest of the tag, with a style from Harold designs (christmas style7) applied.

4. Save in both your program's default format as well as in a web compatible format.

Enjoy

Sweet Madeline

2011-03-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

(Please note - I extracted the teddy bears on top of the boxes from an element in the kit.)

Yesterday, I worked with Sweet Madeline, a kit from Wicked Princess that comes in full or tagger. Check out Shani's blog for links to where she sells. I did a layout featuring each one of Shani's precious children, & then made a matching quick page freebie for each layouts - which means this quick page set features 3 pages instead of my usual 2 - bonus!

I also made a very simple tag. As usual I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite, with 'show transform controls' activated.

Start with a blank 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas, use your circular selection tool to create a circle & fill it with your background of choice (paper 2).

I chose a single element, the moped, to copy,paste, resize & position, then applied the bevel & emboss effect. I did the same with my poser of choice from Medievil Creations (medi huggles 4).

I used Campanero font for the main saying, right clicking the text in the layers palette & choosing warp text, arch. Adjust the degree of arch to fit your circle. I then applied a glitter style to the text, & used the same glitter on the name which used a font called Candice. The tag information was entered using Arial3. (Told you it was a very simple tag.)

Enjoy

Irrisistable

2011-03-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Shani aka Wicked Princess is being really productive lately & that means fun for her creative team & goodies for you. Tonight I worked with Irrisistable You.

My care worker was amazed at the different creations I made all from one kit. I had fun with this one. I made you 2 quick pages. And I made 2 tags - the first tag was inspired by the Grant Designs poser I bought today - I took one look & the tag line popped imto my head & this kit had the perfect colour palette. After completing the tag & 2 quick pages, I still wanted to play with this one, so I made a second tag.

I know most tag makers use Paint Shop Pro, but while I love my PSP for creating scrap kits, I really prefer Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4. I always enable "show transform controls" for easy resizing of elements. I also make frequent use of the one step bevel & emboss feature. For my ease in typing I'm going to use 'b+e' for bevel & emboss & CPRP for copy, paste, resize, & position. I recommend saving your finished tag in both your program's default format & a web friendly format.

tag 1

1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Fill with your background of choice (paper 14).

2. Select your elements (cutain, chaise lounge, champagne bottle) & your poser (GrantDesignsPosers - nana set 2b), CPRP.

3. Enter desired text. I used Havix HMK Bold 10 for the theme text, & Jagger 32 for the name. I then applied an effect called sunspots. I used Arial 4 for the tag information.

4. When you are satisfied with your tag, do a final save.

tag 2

1. Open a transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, use your circular selection tool to create a circle, & fill it with your background of choice (paper 2).

2. Select a background element (clock 2) & adjust opacity (50%). Choose other elements (umbrella, camilla, fancy butterfly) & a poser (Wyked Soulz - vanda 3_5), CPRP and b+e all elements & poser.

3. I used a font called Carousel 23 for the name & applied b+e. I then used Arial 4 for the tag information.

4. When you are satisfied with your tag, do a final save.

Enjoy

Almost April

2011-03-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping an eye out for a good kit to make my April desktop calendar with & I finally found one - it's by Gina's Gems Scraps & it's called "Orange You Glad It's Easter". I don't celebrate the holiday Easter because the pagan origins conflict with my beliefs (I do observe a celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal, an occasion most of you are probably familiar with as the Last Supper.) I chose this kit, however, because of its cheerful colour palette of oranges & yellows with some greens - springtime colours.

In addition to the April 2011 desktop calendar, I created a quick page for you, & made a simple tag.

I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 to create the tag, with 'show transform controls' enabled. Enable the equivalent in whatever graphics program you use & you can easily resize elements by simply manipulating the 'box' that forms around the element - I greatly prefer this option to calculating percentages by which to resize, because math has never come easily to me.

1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels & use your circular selection tool to create a circle. Fill the circle with your background of choice (paper 28).

2. Select the elements you wish to use. I used grassy knoll, baby duck 1 & 2, & daffodil 9. I also used a poser by Medievil Creations (Medi-Easter 4). Copy, paste, resize, & position each element as desired. I also applied a 'bevel & emboss' effect to each element & the poser.

3. Enter the desired text. I used a font called Havix HMK Bold for all the text, including the tag information, simply using a smaller font for the text I wished to be less prominent.

4. When you are satisfied with the tag it is a good idea to save in both your program's default format as well as a web friendly format like png. It makes it easy to make another tag with a different name.

Enjoy

Irish Rose

2011-03-03T04:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I played with Irish Rose from Honored Scraps. I made 2 quick pages & a tag. The kit includes some lovely posers by Medievil Creations.

The tag is basically simple. I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4. Make sure that "show transform controls" or whatever your software program equivalent may be is enabled so you can adjust the size of elements & text by simply moving the corners of the 'box' that forms around the item. If your program doen't include the one step 'bevel & emboss' effect, experiment to find something to make things stand out a bit from the background.

1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, use the circular selection tool to create a circle & fill the circle with your background of choice (paper 7).

2. Choose a pot of gold as your background element (pot of gold 3), copy, paste, resize as needed & position as desired. I applied bevel & emboss & outer glow.

3. Choose your other elements to copy, paste, resize & position. I used St.paddy puppy, 2 copies of blossom, poser medi-erynn 6 & rose 2. I applied bevel & emboss to each element. I erased part of the rose stem to make it appear the poser was holding the rose.

4. Choosing the right font & what text effects, if any, to use is often the area I experiment with most, backtracking & undoing until it is just the way I saw it in my mind. I eventually settled upon GE Signature Script. To curve the text right click on the text layer in your layer palette & choose warp text, then play with the settings to get the right amount of curve for your circle. I applied a default Adobe style called 'sunspot', then added bevel & emboss, as well as inner glow. I also used Arial font in a small size for the tag information.

5. It's a good idea to save your original in your program's default format & save a copy in your choice of web-compatible format.

Enjoy

Steampunk Style

2011-03-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today I played with the 3rd kit in Wicked Princess' steampunk series called Cornelia Marie Quincy. It comes in both tag & full sizes & includes posers by Lisa of Sophisticated Imaging.

Steampunk kits are great for heritage style pages & I've made a 2 quick page set for you.

I also made a tag - these kits are a chance to play interior decorator. Since I was planning to do a 2-floor view, I made the tag a bit larger than usual, 800 pixels x 800 pixels. I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 with "show transform controls" enabled. Use different papers to create the illusion of floors & walls (paper 5 floor, paper 19 1st floor, paper 21 2nd floor). There is a large variety of elements to furnish your rooms with. I used grand curtain, staircase, balcony, grandfather clock, table, & rosecandle. I applied the bevel & emboss effect to each element & to the poser (Cornelia standing), but drop shadow will work if you are using a different software. I used Annabel Script 14 for the theme words & name, & Arial 4 for the tag info.

Enjoy

March 2011 desktop calendar

2011-02-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

I know I already posted a desktop calendar for March 2011, but I'm so sick of the grey snowy scene outside my window, I needed a real pick-me-up to look at each day, plus I now have a laptop, so I can put one calendar on the laptop & have a different one on the desktop.

I looked through my files & decide to use Marriegold Surprise by Puddicat Creations. (I actually bought the kit at an online store I don't ct for, but the link is to the kit in a store I do work for - I really like just about everything Cindy does so if she has a really good sale, I'm there!) This tagger size kit is bright & sunny & features lovely posers by Medievil Creations.

Enjoy.

Angels Above quick page

2011-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

I've made a special quick page using Wicked Princess' Angels Above kit.

available in both tag & full sizes

Losing loved ones hurts - this kit was created in memory of a miscarried pregnacy, my quick page is dedicated to the friends I have lost to terminal illness.

enjoy

Cuddle Hug Love

2011-02-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

Enjoy

Garden of Hope

2011-02-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

I did a family layout using a FTU kit from Wicked Princess Scraps called Garden of Hope.

I decided to make you a freebie quick page based on the layout.

Enjoy.

Stepping Out

2011-02-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

Today I got to work with JT's Designs' latest kit "Stepping Out" - it's a fabulous kit, very diverse. Check out Jane's blog for a list of stores where she sells her designs She also makes lovely commercial use items.

I've made you a set of quick pages & done a tag. I couldn't decide if the art deco page looked best with the writing or without, so both versions are included.

I made the tag using Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4, with "show transform controls'' enabled for easy resizing of elements. I've imported the effects from my Photoshop Elements into Creative Suite so I don't need to close my work in the one program & reopen it in the other if I want to use an effect available in the one software but not the other.

1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels & fill with your background of choice (paper 4 at 80%).

2. Choose your elements (dress 3, shoes 1, purse 2) & copy, paste, resize & position each as desired.

3. Choose a poser or tube. I'm using a poser by Medievil Creations (medi-boopsie 1). Copy, paste, resize & position, then apply bevel & emboss effect. (If you are using a different software, drop shadow is a suitable substitute.)

4. I decided to use the title banner instead of theme text. After the copy, paste, resize & position stage, I applied bevel & emboss followed by outer glow.

5. I used a font called Diamond for the name & applied an effect called groovy, which is a one step effect that applies inner shadow, outer glow & inner glow. I used Arial for the tag info & again applied the groovy effect , to make the text more visible.

6. When satisfied with your tag, do a final save.

Enjoy.

quick page set & tag with Elna

2011-02-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

Nannie Bernie has a new kit called Elna & she has graciously allowed me to play with it.

I've made 2 quick pages & a tag.

I created the tag using PSCS, with "show transform controls" activated. All the major graphics programs have the equivalent of this - "show bounding box" (PSE) or the pick tool (PSP) which creates a box around the element, allowing it to be easily resized by manipulating the corners - much easier than calculating percentages to resize.

1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, & use the circular selection tool to create a circle. fill the circle with background of choice (paper 20 at 30%).

2. Select a background element (dangle 2) & copy, paste, resize, & position as desired. I simply repeated the element twice more. You might choose to use a variety of elements.

3. Choose a poser to copy, paste, resize & position. I used Angelic Posers avaloniaD3 & applied the bevel & emboss effect & an outer glow.

4. Enter desired text. I used Johannes 10 for the main text. To curve the text, I right clicked on the text layer in the layer palette, selected warp text, & arch. i then applied a style called rainbow rust 1-1 by Dana Conditt. I also applied the same style to the name, but used a font called 'Love ya like a sister' in size 12. For the tag info I used Minion Pro for the tag credits.

5. Final step is a final save.

Enjoy.

Love Joy Bliss goodies for you

2011-02-02T00:34:00.000-08:00

Gina's Gems Scraps has a lovely new kit called "Love Joy Bliss" that comes in full & tag size.

I've made a set of 2 quick pages, a desktop calendar for March 2011, & a tag. Download

Tag Tutorial

I'm using Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4. Make sure "show trans form controls" (or your graphics program's equivilent) is enabled for easy resizing of elements.

1. Begin with a transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels & use your circular selection tool to create a circle, then fill with background of choice (paper 16).

2. Choose your background elements (fan 1, torn heart 1) & copy, paste, resize as needed, & position as desired.

3. Copy, paste, resize & position your poser of choice (Medi-aysia 2 by Medievil Creations). Choose elements to embellish the poser, if desired. I put flowers 1, 3, 4 to cover the flowers in her hair, applying the bevel & emboss effect; I also put vintage rose 1 into her hand, erasing the portion of stem over her thumb, & applied the bevel & emboss effect to the rose.

4. Choose any other elements desired. I really wanted the vanilla flower 1, which after copying, pasting, resizing & positioning, I applied bevel & emboss effect.

5. Enter desired text. I used Splendid font size 10 for the saying & Shardee 24 for the name. I then used a style from Creative Intentionz, exquisite 4 on both the saying & the name. I used Arial 2 for tag information.

6. When you are satisfied with your tag, do a final save.

If, like me you live in an area being hit by the massive storm, stay warm & safe.

Enjoy.

A Steampunk Kinda Love

2011-01-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

Sweet Occasion Scraps has a new kit called A Steampunk Kinda Love. I've made 2 quick pages & a tag.

I'm up with insomnia & a headache, so the tut for the tag is gonna be brief. CPRP stands for Copy-Paste-Resize-Position, so I don't have to type so much.

1. Start with a transparent 700 pixel x 700 pixel canvas, use the circular selection tool & fill with background of choice (cm sj2).

2. Choose a circular frame (image1), CPRP, adjusting so the frame encircles your tag base.

3. Choose a center element (I chose image 3, a heart). I applied a drop shadow, & an outer glow, changing the default yellow to pink.

4. I chose a rose (image12), CPRP x 4, playing with the positioning until it was the way I wanted. I applied bevel & emboss to the roses.

5. I just found the perfect poser, by Wyked Soulz, MissValennia set4-3. I applied bevel & emboss to the poser.

6. A special thanks to SandieLuvsBears who introduced me to a cute font called LokiCola 20 that I used for the name text. I applied the bevel & emboss effect to the text. I switched to Arial 3 for the tag info.

7. When your tag looks the way you want it, do a final save.

Enjoy

Diagnosis Love Sick

2011-01-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Ok - the title of Stacey's Designs latest kit has me flashing back to high school & my best friend's chronic condition, but the actual kit, available in both full & tag sizes, is cute, & currently on sale.

I've made a set of 2 quick pages, as well as a couple of tags.

As usual, I've used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite to create everything, with "show transform controls" enabled. I love working with my Paint Shop Pro to create from scratch, but for tag making I prefer PSCS with its one touch style effects.

1. Tag 1 begins with a 700 x 700 pixel canvas & the heart preset shape, checking off "use previous layer to create clipping mask" in order to fill the heart with background (paper14).

2. Next I chose the double heart frame. besides the usual copy, paste, resize & position, (hereafter referred to as CPRP), I applied the following effects: bevel & emboss, drop shadow, inner glow, & outer glow, changing the colour associated with the effects to light pink.

3. To make whatever images you put into the frame stand out, you may choose to put a swatch of a contrasting colour behind the frames. highlight the swatch area & selectively erase any contrasting colour outside the frames. if you use photos in the frames this step may not be needed.

4. Choose the images to go into the frame & CPRP. I used the head & shoulders of posers by Medievil Creations, from a special fairytale collab (medi-cartiere1 & medi-evangeline6), but small personal photos would also work well. I applied bevel & emboss to the posers.

5. Choose a word art for the tag (be mine) & CPRP or type text in the font of your choice. I applied the same effects as in step 2 to the word art, but changed the colour used in the effects to white. I used Baroque 8 for the additional text, in white, with no additional effects.

6. Choose another element (engagement ring), CPRP & apply bevel & emboss effect.

7. Use a small font (Arial 3) for the tag information.

8. When finished, do a final save.

1. Tag 2 begins with a 700 x 700 pixel canvas. Use the circular selection tool to create a circle & fill it with your background of choice (paper 11).

2. Choose a word art (hugs and kisses), CPRP, apply bevel & emboss & outer glow, changing the colour from default yellow to white.

3. Choose your poser(s) & a cuddly-type element. I'm using posers from PSP Girl, one ptu (Kirsy6) & one ftu from her blog (Troll6), & the teddy bear element from the kit. Besides the usual CPRP, I applied the bevel & emboss effect to each.

4. Depending on posers & elements used, you may or may not have room for additional text. In this case I felt additional text would appear too crowded, so i simply added the tag information in a small font (Arial3).

5. When finished, do a final save.

Enjoy

Love Whispers

2011-01-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Wicked Princess has a scrumptious new kit out called Love Whispers, available in both full size & tag size.

Even though I'm still sick I had to play with this one & I have a host of goodies for you.

Besides 2 tags with tutorials, I did a romantic February 2011 desktop calendar & 2 quick pages.

The zip with the goodies is on mediafire.

Both tags were made using Adobe PSCS. Make sure "show transform controls" is checked.

Tag 1 ended up being rather different than it started out as my original idea just didn't look right, but I'm going to just give you the steps to the end result. There are 3 lovely posers by Lisa of Sophisticated Imaging included in the kit, & I used them in tag 1 & the calendar, but in tag 2 I used a lovely little ballerina poser made by Medievil Creations.

Begin with a transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels.

Tag 1 fill with background of choice (paper 2) & then on a new layer use custom shapes to create a heart you will fill with another background of choice (paper 14) by checking "use previous layer as a clipping mask". I applied a plastic acrylic style to the heart.

Tag 2 use your circular selection tool to create a circle & fill it with your background of choice (paper 2).

Tag 1 now needs the background elements of choice (champagne, champagne glass, diamond scatter) by copy, paste, resize as necessary & arrange as desired. I used 2 champagne glasses & had to rearrange the diamond scatter several times before it looked the way I wanted. Next, copy & paste the doors. Choose a decoration for the door (rose heart wreath, with a small swatch of paper 3 positioned behind) & copy, paste, resize & position the decoration as desired. I placed a small swatch of paper behind the decoration I chose because I wanted to put text within the wreath & the text didn't show up well on the door glass. Choose the poser you wish to use (Lisa -Starlet 1) & copy, paste, resize & position as desired. Placing elements in the poser's hands (champagne glass, heart key) depends upon your poser choice & element choice. I applied the bevel & emboss effect to all the elements & the poser in tag 1.

Tag 2 is much simpler. After copying, pasting & resizing, I placed the heart wreath frame so that it encircled the tag. I chose a center element (winged heart) to copy, paste, resize, position & apply bevel & emboss to. I also applied bevel & emboss effect to my poser of choice (Medi - flake ballerina 8) after I had copying, pasting, resizing & positioning.

I always experiment with different fonts before deciding what looks best & I often use a different font for the tag message than for the name. Tag 1 used NimbusSanT for the text & OttumHmkBold for the name, while tag 2 used Johannes for the text & MilanoLet for the name.

I applied the same blue acrylic style I used on the heart in tag 1 to the text in tag 1, while in tag 2 I applied an effect called groovy, which is a one step application of inner shadow+outer glow+inner glow. I used a small font for the tag information in both cases.

When you are happy with your tag do a final save.

Enjoy.

Fairy Tale - goodies 4 U

2011-01-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, I picked up this really cute kit by Rebellious Scraps called Fairy Tale & I was really excited to work with it because it has some really cool background papers.

Unfortunately I have been really hammered by the impact of bacterial & infections, & I decided that, if at all possible, I wanted to actually get a colour challenge kit finished in time for others to potentially use my kit in the challenge. So I told myself I couldn't work with the Fairy Tale kit until I finished the challenge kit.
So, the colour challenge kit is finished & posted & although I feel really crumby & my body is screaming "Go back to bed!", my creative drive has screamed back "Play, play, play."
Play won out. I'm going to do the tutorials for the tags first, before I crash & am too tired to type.
I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite for all of my projects with this kit.

Tag 1 acually inspired both quick page 1 & a February desktop calendar. I added extra elements to the page & calendar. The poser from Lisa of Sophisticated Imaging, made it onto my calendar, but I also dipped into my poser tube collection (part of the fun).

1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. For tag 1 use the entire canvas, for tag 2 use your circular selection tool to create an oval shape. Fill with the background of choice (tag 1>paper 4, tag 2>paper 1).

2. Choose your elements. The choice of detailed fantasy background papers in the first step means a small number of elements can make a bigger impact, especially if you experiment with effects. I love using the one step effect found in Creative Suite called bevel & emboss. If using Paint Shop Pro, experiment with the various 3D effects, but I wouldn't recommend the emboss tool in PSP since it works very differently in PSP than in Photoshop. For tag 1 I used frog 2 & butterfly 2 & applied bevel & emboss effect to both, while in tag 2 I used the ladder, flipped horizontally. In tag 2 I selectively erased lower bits of ladder so the weeds and grass of the background appear in front of the ladder, but when I madethe quick page using the same setting, I chose not to erase any bits of ladder. I can't decide which way I prefer the ladder to appear.

3. Choose your poser(s). If, like me, you collect fairy posers, it may be difficult to choose. It is important to remember to properly credit the poser designer.
For tag 1 I used a poser made by Lisa K, of Sophisticated Imaging, the same designer who created the poser included in the kit. I used a poser called Cookie - Candy Fae - Strawberry 2.

For tag 2 I raided my file of posers created by Luscious Digi Dolls. I used Santa's Christmas Pixies4 -5, Sno 5, Shea 4, and Enchanted Autumn 4. In tag 1 I simply applied the bevel & emboss effect, but in tag 2, I applied the bevel & emboss effect & an outer glow effect.

4. Now it's time for your text. For tag 1 I used Nuptia BT. I applied an effect called groovy, which I copied from Photoshop Elements. the one step effect applies an inner shadow, an inner glow, & an outer glow to the name portion of the tag. I reduced the font size to 2 for the tag information. For tag 2 I used a font called Lynda Cursive for the name & applied the bevel & emboss effect & an outer glow. The tag information is in Minion Pro size 4.

5. When you are happy with your tag, it's time to merge visible & save in png format. You may also choose to save an unmerged version in your software's default format so you can easily make duplicate tags with different names.

I also created 2 quick pages & a February 2011 desktop calendar & placed them in a mediafire folder. There are also individual download links for quick page 1, quick page 2, and February 2011 desktop calendar.

Please keep in mind that these quick pages & the calendar are personal use only.

Enjoy.

DSO colour challenge - Ooo-La-Love

2011-01-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

This month I was inspired by some scripts by PSP Girl. I have created a virtual barbie doll I design outfits for to relax & playing with some dress scripts reminded me of the fun of dress-up.

You know how sometimes you are trying to figure out an outfit for an occasion & you end up with half your closet strewn around the room... that's what this kit is about. It's a special evening with a very special guy, so - which dress, which shoes, which purse? This may be the night he pops "the" question...ooo-la-love!

main folder on Media Fire

zip01 zip02

zip03 zip04

zip05 zip06

zip07 zip08

zip09 zip10

zip11 zip12

zip13 zip14

zip15 zip16

zip17 zip18

Thank you to the 4 people who took the time to say thank you last month. Sometimes it gets really discouraging & I do occasionally think of quitting. So, please take a moment or so to leave a brief comment.

Enjoy.

zip repaired

2011-01-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

the link for zip 10 now jeads to zip 10
sorry it took so long to get to - I'm really sick with a nasty virus

December 2010 DSO colour challenge

2010-12-31T04:58:00.000-08:00

Despite getting an early start on the December 2010 colour challenge at DSO, illness sidelined me enough this month that I just finished the kit last night & set it to upload to Mediafire while I slept.

I really had fun making this one, & as usual, it is far from being a "mini" kit.

C-C-Cold is loaded into a main folder, but in case there is a problem with that download link, I'll also list the links for each of the 20 zips - 36 papers & over 300 elements.

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04 zip05

zip06 zip07 zip08 zip09 zip10

zip11 zip12 zip13 zip14 zip15

zip16 zip17 zip18 zip19 zip20

Just a few gentle reminders - the zips are sized 28-30mb for the benefit of those on dial-up; the kit is strictly personal use only; don't share the download links, share the link to the post on my blog; please consider taking a moment to comment because it's easy to get discouraged when nobody bothers to say 'Thank you".

Today is the last day of 2010. Everyone stay safe tonight.

Enjoy

A Christmas Wish

2010-12-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

qp 2

qp 1

Broken Sky Dezign has a cute tag kit A Christmas Wish, currently on sale at Digifoxs Studio for $1!

I've made you a set of 2 quick pages. I've also made a simple tag.

Enjoy Winter tag (I used PSCS4)

1. Open a new transparent canvas 600 pixels x 600 pixels. use circular selection tool to create a circle, fill it with the blue from the colour swatch included in the kit.

2. Create a new layer, using whichever selection tool you feel most comfortable with (I used the circular selection tool, holding down the shift, because i couldn't keep a steady enough hand to use the lasso), create a hill shape & fill with paper 7 set at 20%.

3. Copy & paste the tree, resizing as needed & positioning as desired. Apply an outer glow.

4. Copy & paste the snowboarding poser from Creations by Rain, http://creationsbyrain.blogspot.com/ . Position him on your hill.

5. Enter desired text. I used Kingthings Christmas 12 and applied a blue style. The poser credit information didn't look legible with that font, however, so I used Arial 3.

6. That's it - do a final save.

Enjoy

Winter's Blush

2010-12-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

I may hate real snow, but winter theme kits do make pretty pages & tags. Kissed by Pix has a very nice new kit called Winter's Blush, available in full & tag size.

I've made a set of 2 quick pages using the full size kit.

I also made a tag in 2 versions, but in order to get the tag exactly as I envisioned, I imported effects from one software into another, so it's not a tag I choose to make a tut for.

Enjoy

Winter Frost

2010-12-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Brrr. Pass the cocoa, someone, please.

I've been working with Stargazer Musings newest kit, Winter Frost.

I made a set of 2 quick pages, another January 2011 desktop calendar, & a tag with tutorial. The download link for the quick pages & calendar set is on mediafire.

Tag tutorial:

I used Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite because I knew I wanted to use styles. Make sure "show transform controls" is checked for easy resizing of elements.

1. Open a blank transparent canvas 600 pixels x 600 pixels. Use circular selection tool to create a circle, & fill with the background of your choice (paper 3).

2. Choose a circular frame (diamond frame 1), copy, paste, resize & position so the circle is framed.

3. Choose a word art (word art 4), copy, paste, & resize to your liking. Set opacity to about 40%. Repeat 2 more times.

4. Choose a complementary background element (poinsettia cluster), copy, paste & resize, setting opacity to 70%.

5. Choose a poser. I used Snow elf 1 by Medievil Creations. Copy, paste, resize as needed, & position as desired.

6. Choose a decorative element (pinecone 1) 7 copy, paste, resize, & position as desired. Add a star (star 1) if desired.

7. Enter desired text. For the main captioning I used Kingthings Christmas 12 & applied a blue glass style. for the name I used Baroque Script 8 & applied a coloured foil style from Krissy's Scraps. For tag credit I used Arial size 3.

8. When you are happy with your final tag, merge visible & save.

Enjoy

gorgeous Georgetta Cartrite

2010-11-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

A while back I played with Wicked Princess' kit Victoria Dove & really enjoyed working with it. Well, she has a new kit along a similar theme, called Georgetta Cartrite, available in both tag & full sizes, & it is so gorgeous! I just had to play with it! There are so many wonderful elements, it's hard to choose which ones to use. there are also some lovely posers by Lisa K of Sophisticated Imaging.

I decided to get the January 2011 desktop calendar done early & I've also made you a quick page to go with it. I put them both in the same zip, so I hope you like both.

I also made a tag. I used Adobe PhotoShop Creative Suite 4, but this simple tag can be made using any of the major graphic programs. With PSCS, make sure "show transform controls" is checked, while with PS Elements, it's "show bounding box" & with PSP, it's having the pick tool enabled - this allows for easy resizing of elements.

1. Start with a transparent canvas 600 pixels x 600 pixels. Use your circular selection tool to create a circle & fill it with the background of your choice (paper 11 at 30%).

2. Now you pick your elements, each of which you will copy, paste, resize as needed, & position as desired in turn. It's always best to have your layer palette loaded & visible off to the side. I actually started with the door & moved about in the layers palette to add the largre compass underneath (set at 55% opacity) later.

3. I used bevel & emboss effect on the door, as well as outer glow, to imply the door is slightly ajar. There are a variety of elements to choose as your traveler's luggage. I used trunk, hatbox, round hatbox, round box, birdcage, & compass, but you may decide to use a different combination.

4. Choose your poser. I used Georgetta turned, flipped the poser horizontally, & applied the bevel & emboss effect. I had to delete the flipped copyright & recopy & paste it so it was legible.

5. Choose your font for your text. (If you are using PSP, you may choose to create your initial circle with preset shapes in order to use the curved text on a vector shape feature, with the curved text icon prompt. In this case it will be easier to do the curved text as step 2.) I used a font called Victorian for the main text, right clicked on the text in the layers palette & chose warp text, arch, adjusting the amount of curve to taste. then I applied a style from Wetfish designs. I used a font called Whimsical for the name & applied another style from the same set.

I adjusted the font to a small size to add tag info. Never forget to include the crucial credit information. If you use licensed posers it is also crucial to include your licenxe number.

6. When you are satisfied with your tag save it. I save in the program format with layers intact & then save a merged copy in png format.

Enjoy.

December 2010 desktop calendar

2010-11-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

I backtracked to Stacey's Designs kit Cold Hands, Warm Hearts to make the new desktop calendar freebie.

Enjoy.

Snowflakes of the virtual kind

2010-11-21T04:03:00.000-08:00

It's one of my inherent contradictions - I hate snow but love snowmen. Snow may look pretty, especially when it's newly fallen, but any sense of enchantment is short-lived thanks to the cold and the mess. So I prefer virtual snow, like the kind in Digicats (and Dogs)'s latest kit Snowflakes

I've made 2 lovely quick pages to share with you I also made 2 easy-to-do tags. Both are simple, you choose your background paper, decide your basic shape and fill with that background, then choose your desired elements and "copy, paste, resize as needed, position as desired". Choose your poser, if desired, and copy, paste, resize, and position. Whether you use one of the posers included in the kit, or different poser, please be certain you credit the poser creator properly on the tag - it's very important. I use a small, inconspicuous, but still visible font for tag information, usually Arial 3-4. For any desired text or name, you may need to experiment.

For "Good friends" I used paper 19 filling a circle shape, added a snowman cluster, the snowman you see holding the water globe, and the water globe, and used the font ‘Kingthings Christmas’.

For "Season's Greetings", I used paper 18, the wreath, bauble 1, bells, and kitty, along with a poser from Angelic Posers (Brynn3). After much experimentation, I settled on a font called ‘Christmas Card’.

Enjoy.

Cold Days Warm Hearts

2010-11-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

photo credit Joe Tyson

Stacey's Designs has an adorable new kit Cold Days Warm Hearts jammed packed with snowmen & skating teddy bears.

I did 3 layouts - for 2 of the layouts I scrapped photos from a skiing party in January 2009, for the other I used a stock photo from Joe Tyson. Thanks for a great photo, Joe.

I then made a set of 3 quick pages based on these layouts.

Then I made a tag. This time I used Paint Shop Pro, because I wanted to wrap words around the tag.

Open a new blank canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Set your background of choice (paper 6 at 10%) as background & foreground & use preset shapes to create a circle.

Choose the text tool, then change the background & foreground colour to the text colour, choose the font (Kingthing's Christmas 52), when the text icon for curved text appears, type the desired text.

Create new layer, choose background & foreground material (paper 10), choose preset shapes & create a heart.

Choose a snowman element (lighted snowman couple), copy & paste, resizing as needed.

Use a smaller font for name (Antsy Pants 24) & tag information (Arial 05).

Merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

Working on a new kit - quick page freebie

2010-10-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a new kit, inspired by the October colour challenge at Divine Digital's forum. The challenge is layouts only, so I used some of what I have created thus far to do a layout. I also made the layout into a quick page freebie for you.

Enjoy.

November 2010 Desktop Calendar

2010-10-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Time to post the November 2010 desktop calendar freebie. I used Rieka Rafita's Love of Autumn, currently on sale for only $1.

Personal use only, please.

Enjoy

missing link for Sweet Summer Memories

2010-10-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

so sorry I don't know why zip08 didn't load into the folder
I've got it in there now

Sweet Summer Memories

2010-10-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

New freebie kit Sweet Summer Memories

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04 zip05 zip06 zip07

zip08 zip09 zip10 zip11 zip12 zip13 zip14

Enjoy

October 2010 DSO colour challenge

2010-10-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

DSO colour challenge time again. Got this one down to 6 zips - lol - not quite a mini, but smaller than I usually end up with.

Tea Party in the Playroom takes me back to the days when I was very young & loved to play tea party.

zip1 zip2 zip3 zip4 zip5 zip6

Please leave a comment either with the post or in the chat box if you download?

Enjoy

tags with The Wings of Spring

2010-10-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

I bought Crazed Creations' Wings of Spring many months ago & finally got around to working with it -lol. Currently the kit is on sale for a low price at Scraps With Attitude.

This kit was very enjoyable to work with. And the posers from Luscious Scraps are so cute!

Enjoy

some new tags - Total Eclipse

2010-10-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm having trouble with my wrist & typing hurts, so for the next little while I'm going to be posting tags without accompanying tuts.

Nette's Night Owl Works has all her kits at The Creativity Box. I was drawn to her kit Total Eclipse because of the colour scheme. I love that particular shade of blue.

These were both simple tags to make, basic Copy & Paste, although I did play with the opacity of the tree in the Dream of Me tag & applied a style to the name to make it show up on the candle.

Any questions can be left as comments or in my chat box.

Enjoy

Victoria's Musings

2010-10-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Scrappin With Lil Ole Me has a really great sale on right now. I put her Victoria's Musings tag kit to very productive use. Created at 300 dpi, it works as well for layouts as for tags. Right now it's on sale for 75% off, $0.75!!

I made 2 layouts, then turned the layouts into a set of quick pages for you.

I also made 2 tags. The kit comes with 4 lovely posers from Wyked Soulz but I used a poser from Medievil Creations for one tag and a poser from Dark Moon's Dreams for the other.

Personally, I like to use Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 to make my tags. I like using the bevel & emboss effect to make elements stand out. I'm not tuting these tags, but it's really simple - choose the elements you want to use, then copy, paste, resize & arrange to fit your

vision. Apply effects like bevel & emboss if desired. Experiment, play, have fun. Keep your layers palette visible & you can turn any given element's visibility on or off to deside if it looks right.

Enjoy.

Awaiting Autumn

2010-09-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Awaiting Autumn is a vividly coloured kit & I used the kit to make 2 layouts, along with a matching set of quick pages for you to download.

I also created a tag & wrote a basic tutorial for it.

Meet Me Under the Moon

-using Awaiting Autumn by Mystical Illusionz, which includes posers by Lisa of Sophisticated Scraps

-software: Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (note - ensure "show transform controls" is checked, for easy resizing of elements)

1. Open a new transparent document 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use circular selection tool to create a circle. Fill the circle with the background of your choice (paper 4, at 10% setting).

2. Select your elements of choice (moon, leaf 1, 2, 3). One by one copy and paste each element, adjusting for size as needed, and positioning as desired. I applied bevel & emboss effect to each element, as well as outer glow.

3. Copy & paste your poser of choice (cookie by Lisa 4). Position as desired, apply bevel & emboss effect and outer glow effect.

4. Enter desired text in font of choice (Renaissance 12). To curve text, right click on the text in the layers palette, choose "warp text" then "arch". If desired apply a style to the name. For tag information I use Arial4.

5. Merge visible & save.

If you are interested, this kit is currently on sale 40% off.

Enjoy

October 2010 desktop calendar

2010-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

I used Autumn Memories from Designs by Ali to make this October 2010 desktop calendar. Ali has retired from designing & her designs are no longer available to purchase.

Enjoy.

September 2010 DSO Colour Challenge

2010-09-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

Ok I worked a little bit at a time despite having a lousy recuperation period from surgery & managed to complete a kit for the September 2010 Colour Challenge at DSO.

main file

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04 zip05 zip06 zip07

file sizes are geared for those on dial-up

feedback appreciated

enjoy

Love Bug

2010-08-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

Shani has a couple of new kits out, one of them is a cutie called Love Bug.

I made a tag using just the kit.

Tutorial for Love Bug Tag 1

I used an adorable new kit from Wicked Princess Scraps called “Love Bug”.
I used Adobe Creative Suite 4 to make this tag, but it can be created in any of the major graphics software programs. Have transform controls activated (in PS Elements, show bounding box, in PSP, activate the pick tool.)

Open a new blank document 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use the circular selection tool to create a circle. Fill with background of choice (paper 6).
Copy & paste your choice of elements. Resize elements as needed & arrange in a way you like.
Don't hesitate to move elements' layers up or down or to make layers invisible during the creative process. I applied the bevel & emboss effect in the CS4 program to each element in this tag. You may want to experiment with effects.
. I used Ottum Hmk Bold as the font for all the text. To curve the text, right click in text layer, choose warp text, followed by arch.
When you are happy with the results, merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

Fairy garden quick page & a sale

2010-08-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've made a quick page from a cute new kit by Sweet Occasions Designs called Fairy Garden.

The poser I used is included in the kit & is created by outlaw by design.

check out a fantastic sale at The Creativity Box

starts tomorrow - don't miss it!
Enjoy.

September 2010 desktop calendar

2010-08-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

I decided to make sure I got the September desktop calendar finished & posted early since I am going into the hospital for surgery later this month.

I tried something a little different this time & used Wicked Princess' tag kit called Victoria Dove. It's on sale right now, if you're interested. There was so much in the kit it was hard to choose what to use.

Last month I tried uploading to Media Fire & couldn't find the file after it said it was uploaded, but I tried again with the desktop & this time it worked (I hope). Anyway I switched because 4 shared has gotten so ridiculous with their wait times for free users & I can't afford a premium account (with its premium price tag). September 2010 desktop

Hope you like it.

Enjoy.

August 2010 desktop - Mama's Garden

2010-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I used a lovely kit from Wicked Princess Scraps called Mama's Garden for my August 2010 desktop. My recent injury has necessitated elevating of my leg, limiting my computer time. I haven't been able to carve out enough time to create anything else for you. Hopefully that will change soon.

Enjoy.

Keep Cool

2010-07-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, Wednesday night I slipped when trying to transfer from bed to wheelchair, my leg went under the chair. I was sure I'd broken it after hearing a loud snap along with excruciating pain. After over 5 hours in ER they finally xrayed. Nothing broken, but muscles & ligaments are torn, badly sprained & bruised. Hard to work at computer & keep the leg elevated, plus the pain is exhausting me. But I spotted an email from Tina of Lady Saphire Designs advertising her latest kit & just had to work with it.

Keep Cool is available in both full size & tag size.

I did 2 layouts, created a quick page based upon each for you to download as a set, and a tag with tutorial.

Tutorial for “Keep Cool” tag
What I used:
Kit called “Keep Cool” by Lady Saphira, http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_127&products_id=2695 (tag size)
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_127&products_id=2695
(full size)
Cookie poser by Lisa of Sophisticated Scraps http://sophisticatedscraps.blogspot.com
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (Make sure “show transform controls” is checked for easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use Circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with background of choice (paper 1).
Choose elements to fit your vision. I used tree, sun chair, hat, ice 3, butterfly 4, and shells 1,2,3. Copy & paste each element, resizing as needed & positioning as desired. Copy & paste your poser of choice (Lisa cookie 4), positioning as desired.
Use font of choice for desired text. I used a cute sandcastle font 12 (http://www.ellies-treasures.com/fonts/alphadings-seasons/alphadings-seasons.html) for main text & name. I used a small font (Arial 3) for tag information.
Merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

July 2010 desktop calendar

2010-06-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well, spent most of yesterday in the ER. I've got an infection somewhere; not sure where - but my urine test showed large amounts of white cells, which is apparently a certain sign of infection.

So to be on the safe side, I'm posting the July desktop calendar early.

Enjoy.

number of links - who's on what?

2010-06-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've had a complaint about the number of zips my kits are divided into. The scrapbooking stores require designers keep their zips 30MB or smaller to accommodate those using dial-up internet. I know that dial-up times out on larger downloads - I switched to high speed because I needed to download government documents & I couldn't do it on dial-up, my connection would go down part way through every time.
I've been following store policy to make my kits accessible to dial-up users, but have no idea how many of you are using dial-up and how many are using high speed. I need some feedback - someone has requested larger zips (200 MB). If there are enough of you who would appreciate significantly larger zips, I could combine the smaller zips into larger zips, place them in a folder marked ld (large download), but with all the time I put into making the kits, zipping, uploading; well if you are on highspeed, downloading shouldn't be that much of a problem & hopefully those on dial-up appreiate me trying to make my kits available.
So I need to know - how many want 200 MB zips to download made available? Keep in mind that if I have to do this I may have to delete past freebies to make room in my account, so if there's only a couple of people who want this, it'll be a no-go.
Let me know, please?

Take care

DSO colour challenge June 2010

2010-06-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

This month, I was creating a kit for the colour challenge & realized I had 2 different themes running through my brain, so I split what I had created up to that point & tried to decide which theme to go with. Will it surprise you that I couldn't choose? So, it took almost all month, but I have 2 different kits created with the June 2010 colour palette.

June's Tune is a classic, somewhat elegant kit.

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04 zip05

zip06 zip07 zip08 zip09 zip10

zip11 zip12 zip13 zip14

June Bug Jubilee is fun & playful.

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04 zip05

zip06 zip07 zip08 zip09 zip10

Hope you like both kits. Feedback appreciated.

Enjoy.

June 2010 desktop calendar

2010-05-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

I just loved Kim B's Merry A Round kit the moment I saw it.

I used it to make my June 2010 desktop calendar.

Enjoy

May DSO colour challenge

2010-05-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

I started work on the May colour challenge at DSO early, but illness & various commitments forced it onto the back burner which is why I'm cutting it so close now. What May Be is essentially a garden kit with a couple of unexpected elements tossed in. In case the main folder link fails, I'll also list the individual zip links.

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04 zip05

zip06 zip07 zip08 zip09 zip10

I did a layout using the kit to scrap a photo of a friend's daughter, & then made a matching quick page.

Comments always appreciated.

Enjoy

Country Life

2010-05-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

I've spent my adult years in a city, but I was raised a country girl. The only billboard in the area stayed the same year after year, so I initially tried using billboards in the city as landmarks too find my way around. I had no idea they changed them so often - lol!
Gina's new kit, "Alabamatown" reminds me of my childhood years. It comes in both tag & full sizes.
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_32&products_id=4152 2 (full)
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_32&products_id=4153 (tag)

I've done 2 layouts, made one of them into a quickpage for you, & a tag with tutorial.

Tutorial for “Country Girl” tag

What I used:
“Alabamatown” kit by KiKeKa kits crafted by Gina, available in full or tag
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_32&products_id=4152 (full)
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_32&products_id=4153 (tag)
Poser © Sinful Mindz http://sinfulmindz.com/poser
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4.0 (make sure “show transform controls” is checked for easy resizing of elements)

What I did:
Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with your background of choice (paper 12).
Create a new layer. Use preset shapes to create a multi-pointed star or multi-petal flower in top left corner. With “use previous layer to create a clipping mask” checked, fill shape with background of choice (paper 5).
Choose your background elements to copy & paste; resize & position the elements as desired. I used the barn & corn stalk. I applied a bevel & emboss effect to the corn.
Copy & paste your poser of choice (ellie mae 1-5). Resize as necessary & position as desired.
Enter desired text. I used Simpson 12. I used font size 4 for the tag information.
Merge visible & save.

Enjoy

a gentle soul who lit up our lives

2010-05-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Those of you who aren't animal people probably won't understand, but a very close friend just lost her cat Kelly to illness. Kelly was part of our lives for over 13 years, had a very gentle, loving nature & will be sadly missed. I wanted to do a layout & wanted a kit flattering to her colours. The other day I bought Bright Times by Lady Saphira in full size, & when I hunted down the folder on my computer to use it for this layout, I discovered I had already bought the kit in tag size a few months earlier - lol - I guess I really like it, eh?

It's very bright & cheerful & just what I needed. So I did a layout of Kelly, made a quick page version of the layout as a freebie for you & then made a tag with tutorial.

Tutorial for Beautiful Day tag

What I used:
Bright Times kit by Lady Saphira http://saphirasworld.de/scrapdesign
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_127&products_id=1127&zenid=3d158636ee35a59001e7037e0d83a910 (full)
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_127&products_id=1126 (tag)
Posers by Aisne http://aisne-creations.blogspot.com
Corel Paintshop Pro X with pick tool activated for easy resizing of elements

What I did:
1. Open a new blank canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Create a circle either with the preset shapes tool or the circular selection tool. Fill with background of choice (paper 2). Create a new layer & create another circle slightly smaller than the first circle & fill with background of choice (paper 1).
2. Copy & paste your background element of choice (fence 1). Decorate the background with other elements of choice. I used leaf 5, leafs 2, & flowers 1-4, 6 to decorate the fence, copying the elements multiple times & then pasting, resizing, & positioning as appeared pleasing.
3. Copy & paste another element if desired, resizing & positioning as desired. I used the butterfly, 3 times, applying a bevel effect. You may want to experiment with bevels to find the one that looks best.
4. Copy & paste your poser(s) of choice. I used blossom 1 & dandelion 3 & applied a bevel effect to each.
5. Enter desired text. I used Notnorval HMK 12 for the name. Use a smaller font for tag information, like Arial 3.
6. Merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

Colours of Spring

2010-05-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know about where you live but spring has been slow in coming here thanks to cool temperatures & I'm still waiting to see that burst of colour in neighbouring gardens. So far I've had to settle for PSP Girl's Colori Di Primavera a very colourful kit.

Tagger size made at 300 dpi & complete with a set of posers from Sinful Mindz, it can be used for layouts or tags. To prove it I've made you a quick page & a tag with tutorial.

Tutorial for “Come Play With Me” tag

What I used:
Tag kit from PSP Girl “Colori Di Primavera” http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_164&products_id=2103 which includes lovely posers by Sinful Mindz http://sinfulmindz.com
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (Make sure “show transform controls” is checked for easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
Start with a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels, use the circular selection tool to create a circle, & fill it with the background of your choice (paper 11).
The elements in the kit are numbered & I used #12-14, 22, 25, 25, 37, 59,61 & poser 3.
Let me say now that I applied the bevel & emboss effect to every single element I used for this tag, including the poser. Copy, paste, resize & position your choice of elements as you desire. I will make note of any extra steps I took.
I decide the fence (35) would anchor the tag. When I copied & pasted the fence I didn’t like how it looked when resized, so I left it original size & instead copied a complete fencepost to add an extra fencepost at each end of the fence.
I resized the birdhouse (59) considerably to fit it at the middle of the fence top. Sizing may vary depending upon you placement choices. I then chose a bird (61) to put with the birdhouse.
I used multiple copies of flowers (12-14, 37) & I erased the bows from flowers 12-14 & also copied only the bottom part of those flowers to fill out the covering on the fence. I had trouble deciding where to position my choice of butterfly (25). You may want to play around with it.
I knew I wanted the cell phone (22). I used Arial 04 to type the message on the phone (same as main text). I chose the poser (3) because she was the most appropriate poser to add the phone to.
I usually do the tag information last but since I was using Arial in a small size for the phone, I added the tag information at that time. After the poser & phone were in place, I increased the font size to 10, retyped the phone message, right clicked the text in the layer palette, and chose “warp text – arch”. I applied an italics effect to the name.
When satisfied, merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

Blissful Nirvana

2010-04-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

Wicked Princess Scraps has a beautiful, peaceful kit, suitably called "Blissful Nirvana".

I've made you a quick page, a tag with tutorial & a July desktop - I'm posting a mini "teaser" of the calendar now, & will post the actual desktop in June.

Tutorial for “Blissful Nirvana” Tag

What I used:
Adorable kit by Wicked Princess called “Blissful Nirvana”
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_113&products_id=3962 includes a poser © Lisa of Sophisticated Imaging http://sophisticatedscraps.blogspot.com/
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (make sure “show transform controls” is checked to allow easy resizing of elements).

What I did:
1. Start with a blank canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use the circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with background of choice (paper 22).
2. Choose a background element (bridge), copy & paste, position in center of tag. Adjust opacity to 50%.
3. Copy & paste other elements of choice & position as desired.
I used the arch, the tree, the cattails, & the star trail to enhance the scene.
4. Choose decorative elements (sheer butterfly & fancy butterfly). Copy, paste & position elements as desired, resizing as needed, & applying bevel & emboss effect.
5. Copy & paste the poser or another poser of your choice, resizing as necessary & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
6. If desired, choose an element to embellish the poser (umbrella), copying, pasting, resizing, positioning & applying bevel & emboss effect. Then I added the purple glitter scatter.
7. Enter any desired text in font of choice. I used Easy Street EPS 16 with sunset style applied. Use a smaller font to enter tag information.
8. Merge visible & save.

If I get comments showing interest, I'll post a teaser glimpse of the June desktop, which is using a gorgeous kit by Kim B.
Enjoy.

The Magic of Dance

2010-04-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

Gina aka Kikeka kits has a lovely scrap kit out called Magic of Dance.You can click on either the image or the highlighted title above to be taken straight to the kit.

I've made you a freebie quick page to download & I've done 2 tags with accompanying tutorials.

Tutorial for “Reach For Your Dreams” tag

What I used:
Lovely scrap kit from KiKeKa Kits called Magic of Dance
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_32&products_id=3648
Poser by Lassie’s Designs http://lassiesdesigns.com (I used a PTU poser from her club membership; please do not use this poser without purchasing it. Lassie also offers an amazing selection of FTU posers.)
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (make sure “show transform controls” is checked for easier resizing of elements).

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use the circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with the background of your choice (paper 3).
2. Choose one of the ballerina silhouettes (ballerina 1), copy & paste, positioning a little of center & resizing as necessary. Adjust opacity to 60%.
3. Select other elements (light, beads), copy & paste, resizing as needed & positioning as desired.
4. Copy & paste your poser/tube of choice (LDmct40b), resizing if needed & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect so poser/tube stands out a bit.
5. Choose your font & enter your desired text. (I used Freebooter 18.) Remember to use a small font to enter tag information like poser creator, license number if applicable, & tag creator.
6. Merge visible & save.

Tutorial for “Magic of Dance” tag 2

What I used:
Lovely scrap kit from KiKeKa Kits called Magic of Dance
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_32&products_id=3648
Poser by Lassie’s Designs http://lassiesdesigns.com (I used a PTU poser from her club membership; please do not use this poser without purchasing it. Lassie also offers an amazing selection of FTU posers.)
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (make sure “show transform controls” is checked for easier resizing of elements).

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use the circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with the background of your choice (paper 7).
2. Choose a background element (violin), copy & paste, resizing as needed & positioning approximately at center of tag, adjusting the opacity to 65% or whatever looks good with your choice of background paper.
3. Choose other elements (piano, butterflies). Copy & paste each element separately, resizing as needed, & positioning as desired. Make whatever creative choices seem appropriate. For example I allowed the piano keyboard to overlap the circle without trimming & then applied a bevel & emboss effect. I duplicated & mirrored the butterflies.
4. Copy & paste your poser/tube of choice (LDmc10b9b), resizing as needed & positioning as desired. Apply a bevel & emboss effect.
5. Use font of choice to enter desired text. In this case I used Babylon 14 with a Fruit Cocktail bevel 3 from Krissy’s Scraps applied. Use a smaller size font to enter tag information.
6. Merge visible & save.

While I used cu PTU poser tubes from Lassie's membership club, she also has an extensice collection of pu FTU poser tubes that is well worth any taggers time to check out!
http://lassiesdesigns.com

Enjoy

May 2010 desktop calendar

2010-04-26T19:10:00.001-07:00

May 2010 desktop calendar
I used In Spring, a freebie kit from Fantasy Moments
http://fantasymoments-scraps.blogspot.com/
check out her blog - she has fantastic freebies!
Enjoy.

DSO colour challenge - Vintage Memories

2010-04-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I stared at the colours for April's colour challenge at DSO for a week & a half before I got a spark of an idea, but once I had that spark I coaxed it into another multiple download kit. It's created at 300dpi, although I forgot to check the dpi of a couple items made from greyscaled templates until after the kit was finished & zipped, so some 72 dpi items (the hankies & the lamps) snuck in. Personal use applies as per my TOU. The papers are made from original patterns I created, & most of the patterns in the elements are original work as well.

MediEvil Creations came out with this set of posers while I was working on the kit & I couldn't resist buying them & putting a few into the kit for any of you who like to tag. Her terms of use are included inside the posers folder - please abide by them.

Download links: Main Folder

zip01 zip02 zip03 zip04

zip05 zip06 zip07 zip08

zip09 zip10 zip11 zip12

The folder link worked when I tested it, but after last month, I decided it's safest to post the individual file links as well, right from the start.

I appreciate all the people who took the time to say thank you for last month's kit. It really does help encourage me to keep going & investing in supplies & mking freebie kits for you, so please, if you download, take the time to leave a brief comment, either with the blog entry of in my chat box.

Enjoy.

Spring Fling

2010-04-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Baby V Designs has a new kit, complete with posers by Medi, called "Spring Fling" available in both full and tag size.
Isn't it gorgeous!

I've made you a set of quick pages. I couldn't decide which version of quick page 1 to use, so I've included both versions, with & without sentiment. I also made a tag & finally got the tutorial written. My vision has been a bit extra blurry lately.

Tutorial for “Good 2B Friends” tag

What I used:
Scrap kit from Baby V designs called Spring Fling
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_132&products_id=2122 (full)
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_132&products_id=2123 (tag)
Posers by Medievil Creations http://medievilcreations.blogspot.com are included in the kit
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4.0

What I did:
1. Open a new blank canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use circular selection tool to create a circle & fill with background of choice (paper 5).
2. Choose a background element (fence2), copy & paste, resizing as necessary, & positioning as desired. Trim any portion of the element that overlaps the circle’s edges using the eraser. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
3. Choose other elements to position around the background element. I used flowers 1-4, duplicated twice apiece. I also used grasshopper1, ladybug1, & bee1 & applied a bevel & emboss effect to each of these.
4. Choose desired poser(s). I used Lani5 & Liliay5. Copy & paste poser(s), resizing as needed & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
5. Enter desired text. I used Palatino Linotype 12. Use a smaller font size for tag information.
6. Merge visible & save.

Enjoy

Quick Page set & tag with Yesterday's Love

2010-03-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

If you follow my blog you know I am always extra happy to work with certain designers' new kits because I like everything they make. One such designer is Jane aka JT's Designs. Yesterday's Love is a gorgeous kit & even comes with 4 posers. Check out her blog for a list of the many stores where her work is available.

I've made you a set of 2 quick pages & done a tag with tutorial.

Tutorial for tag with Yesterday’s Love

What I used:
Scrap kit by JT’s Designs called Yesterday’s Love. (See her blog
http://www.jtsdesigns.blogspot.com/ for a list of her stores.)
This kit includes 4 posers by 3 different designers. I used the poser from Outlaw by Design.

Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4.0. Make sure “show transform controls” is checked to allow easy resizing of elements.

What I did:
Start with a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use circular selection tool to create a circle. Fill with background of choice (paper 8).
Choose a background element (clock). Adjust opacity to 70%.
Optionally choose a decorative element. I chose trim. Copy & paste your choice, resizing appropriately. In the case of this trim I moved the 2 pieces to a layer below the clock, kept the trim layers highlighted in the layers palette, & erased the portion that went directly beneath the clock.
Copy & paste your poser of choice (outlaw by design ft254), adjusting for size. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
Copy & paste an element of your choice (rusty heart), resizing as needed. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
Enter desired text. I used old script font for the main wording, curved it & then applied a style (TST cherry chocolate glitters style 2). To make the text curve, right click the text in the layers palette & choose “warp text”, altering the settings to taste. For the name on the tag I used renaissance font & applied a gold style from Karen Stimson. Use a simple font (Arial) in a small size for tag information.
Merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

DSO colour challenge - Hop Into Spring

2010-03-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

Hop Into Spring - link list below

I've been having trouble designing lately because running scripts & actions is triggering absence seizures which leave me needing a nap. I really wanted to get a kit done for this month's colour challenge at DSO though, so I worked a bit at a time over the last 2+ weeks. Working sporadically, just thinking "oh, this would go nice", I lost track of the kit's size - consequently, it's one of my largest (if not the largest) kits ever. I know it will take some time to download, but I worked really hard, & I think it's worth the trouble. I hope you all agree.

I finally figured out how to put all the kit's files into a folder on 4shared & give you a single link to that folder - I've tried before, but this time I figured out how to get a functioning link (although my first attempt produced an invalid link) - I tested the link to be sure!

If you take the time to download, please also take a moment more to leave a comment, either under this post, or in the Shout box - right now I really need the encouragement.

Hope you like the kit & are having a good month - I do not want to see any more white stuff on the ground for a good, long time!

OK - despite my testing the link successfully yesterday - today it doesn't work! 4shared is driving me nuts! So sorry for the problem. Back to individual links:

April Desktop calendar & quick page

2010-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for spring?

Are you as sick of winter as I am?

I was looking for a colourful, cheerful kit to work with & I found it in Miss Foxy's April Showers, available in both full size and tag size.

I made an April desktop calendar freebie with this kit & I love how it turned out. Then I couldn't quit playing with it, so I made you a freebie quick page too.

Bright & cheerful - hope you like them.

Enjoy.

Antique Rose quick pages & tag with tut

2010-03-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

JT's Designs Antique Rose is a great kit for heritage layouts. I enjoyed working with it.

I did 2 heritage layouts, created 2 quick page freebies for you, & then did a tag with tutorial.

Tutorial for “Old-fashioned girl” tag

What I used:
Scrap kit by JT Designs Antique Rose
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_137&products_id=1830
(full)
http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_137&products_id=1831
(tag)
Poser by Sinful Mindz http://sinfulmindz.blogspot.com
Adobe PhotoShop Creative Suite 4.0
(Make sure “show transform controls” is checked to allow easy resizing of elements)

What I did:
Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use preset shape to create a heart shape. Use new fill layer, with “use previous layer to create clipping mask” checked to fill with background of choice (paper 9).
Select a decorative type element to be in the background (doily 1). Copy & paste, resizing if necessary.
Copy & paste your poser of choice (sm_delerium3-5), resize & position in center of tag. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
Choose floral element(s). (I used 2 copies of rose 1.) Copy, paste, resize as necessary, & position as desired around the poser. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
Choose a butterfly (butterfly 6). Copy & paste, resizing as necessary, & position as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
Choose your font & entered desired text. (I used Bix Antique Script HMK Bold.) To make it curve, right click on the text in the layers palette, choose “warp text” & manipulate the setting as desired. I also applied a style (Krissy Scraps True Love Bevel 3). Use a smaller font for tag information.
Merge visible & save.

Enjoy

A change in tutorial style - Feedback welcomed

2010-03-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this tutorial in a different style for 2 reasons:
1. I read a complaint about tutorials being just "copy & paste" step by steps to reproduce the exact tag. I've tried to make my tutorials somewhat concept orientated, but the reality is that as a CT member for various stores & designers, I'm supposed to make the Pay-To-Use(PTU) kits I use look attractive & useful, in the hopes that people will want to buy the kit. I use freebie (FTU) kits sometimes as well, but I've always thought the point of providing the tutorial was to help others make something similar for themselves. I'm not sure what people are looking for, expecting from my tutorials. I've changed my writing style for this tutorial & would appreciate feedback about how you feel.
2. I've combined 2 different tags made with 2 different kits, both by one designer, into one tutorial.

I love Wicked Princess kits & I am thrilled to be accepted onto her CT team. I already had a stash of her kits that I wanted to tag with, so being on her team is simply providing extra motivation to get to them. This time around, I used her self-titled "Wicked Princess" kit as a challenge to myself, because being dark & gothic, it was out of my comfort zone. I also used her "Mysterious Rendezvous" kit because I thought I could make an interesting tag, more detailed than my usual simple tags.

Tutorials for “the Music of Love” & “Wicked Princess”
I recently read a complaint that all the tutorials these days are just “Copy & Paste” & don’t teach anything beyond exact duplication of the tag created, so I am going to write this tutorial a little bit differently, to try & address that complaint.
What I used:
Wicked Princess tag kits:
“Mysterious Rendezvous”
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_113&products_id=2921
“Wicked Princess”
http://www.scrappinbratz.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_113&products_id=3208
Both these kits contain poser figures by Sophisticated Imaging http://sophisticatedscraps.blogspot.com but you can use any poser or tube you feel suits your purpose. In the tag I made with “Wicked Princess” I used a poser from Graphics by Belle (BW9) that I received through membership in her yahoo group. It is important to include a credit to the creator of the tube or poser on any tag you make. I used the one of the posers provided in “Mysterious Rendezvous” (doll 1) for the “Magic of Love” tag.
What I did:
I did both these tutorials using Photoshop Creative Suite 4. I have also done tutorials using Photoshop Elements 6 & Paint Shop Pro X. Whichever program you prefer, adjust your settings to allow easy manipulation of element size. In PSCS, make sure “show transform controls” is checked; in PSE, make sure “show bounding box”; in PSP, make sure pick tool is activated. When you highlight an element in the layers palette, a hyphenated box will appear around that element & you can resize it by manipulating the corners of that box.
It is best to come up with a basic vision of your tag before you start. It will help you choose your backgrounds & elements. You can experiment as you go, by making a layer invisible & try something else on a new layer. Any layers you don’t want in the finished tag can be deleted or left invisible.
Choose your tag size & create a blank transparent canvas. Usual canvas sizes vary between 500 pixels x 500 pixels to 800 pixels x 800 pixels. If you want text on the outside of the tag, you should start larger, but all programs will allow you to adjust your canvas size at any point. Keep in mind some sites that sell posers & tubes specify a maximum size & dpi. Always ensure that your tag complies with any such restrictions.
Both these tags started with a canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels.
Some people like to start with a pre-made template. I sometimes take ideas from templates, but I don’t usually use templates.
Choose the shape you want your tag to be. “Music of Love” (hereafter referred to as tag 1) is a basic square, while “Wicked Princess” (tag 2) uses a circle base, topped with an oval layer. Create the shape(s) & then fill with the background of your choice (tag 1 paper 9; tag 2 papers 19 & 6).
Next comes the “copy, paste, resize & position as desired” steps.
Choose your elements, based on your vision for the tag. My vision for tag 1 was an elegant parlour setting, while tag 2 was a venture out of my usual comfort zone into dark & gothic. So I chose light colours overall, & elements one would find in an elegant parlour used as a music room for tag 1 (piano, piano bench, piano keys, cello, swag, sofa, candle rose, & a rose) & chose dark colours & outside elements for tag 2 (castle, 2 heart trees, arch). Experiment with the various effects available in your program to make certain elements stand out. I applied the bevel & emboss effect to the piano keys stretching across tag 1 & to both the castle & the arch in tag 2. I also applied inner glow, outer glow & inner shadow to the arch in tag 2. In trying out effects & styles, the undo can be your best friend. Just keep playing until you are satisfied with how it looks.
Even when a poser is included in your kit of choice, you may choose to use another poser instead. One of the other things it can be fun to experiment with is adding elements to the poser. Sometimes you may want to discretely erase part of the poser or the element to make it look more normal. I erased the mask from the poser’s hand in tag 1 to add the fan, while I erased little bits of the basket & the lattice heart elements in tag 2 to make the poser hands look like they were holding the elements.
Choose your font carefully. I used Chopin Script 14 for tag 1 & Jewels 14 for tag 2. Choose a colour that harmonizes with your tag, but is still visible. I had problems choosing a text colour for tag 1, experimenting with a wide variety. You may also want to experiment with text warping & other effects or styles applied to the text. With tag 1, each word was on a separate layer, so it could be arranged along the piano keys. With tag 2, I right clicked the text in the layer palette & chose warp, & then applied an “overspray” style.
Use a smaller size font for tag information like poser or tag credit & tag creator. Always include this information along with any license number, if applicable.
Play around with your tag & do not merge & save until you are happy with your tag. It is your tag. Experiment. Practice. Have fun. Oh, & be warned it can be addictive.

So what do you think? Are my tutorials useful? I know the complaint was generic, but keeping track of exactly what you do & trying to communicate it clearly to others takes time & effort. It would be much simpler to just make the tags & forget the tuts, if no one actually gets anything out of the tuts. So I really do want your feedback.
Hope you like both the tags & the tuts. Enjoy

March 2010 desktop calendar

2010-03-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is late, but my computer got hit by a hijack program in late February & my computer had to be wiped - I got it back last night, stripped of all programs etc. I got my design software reinstalled & got to work on a desktop calendar freebie for March.

I used Lucky by Sticky Kisses, I really needed a good splash of colour, I am so sick of snow!

Enjoy

Sweet Times

2010-02-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

Artlor Designs has a new kit Sweet Times http://yourscrapaddiction.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_126&products_id=1828

I've done 2 layouts, with matching quick page freebies.

Enjoy

February DSO Colour Challenge

2010-02-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Pain in my abdomen has been making sitting at a computer difficult to outright impossible, so it was very slow going creating this kit for this month's colour challenge at DSO, but I did manage to finish. Each item in the preview is in the kit in all 6 of the colours, so there are 10 zips this month.

http://www.4shared.com/file/223013926/728fef10/mlc_a_corner_of_the_garden_10.html

I hope you like it.

Enjoy

SWAK

2010-02-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Oh my. I spotted S.W.A.K. by Digicats (and Dogs) & begged to be allowed to play with it. Happy, happy - she said yes!

I did 2 layouts which became quick page freebies for you.

Remember all my quick pages are for personal use only.

I also made 2 tags , with accompanying tutorials.

Tutorial for “Love You Beary Much” tag

What I used:
Scrap kit by Digicats (and Dogs) called SWAK http://scrappinjungle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_121&products_id=820
The kit includes 3 posers by Perfect Posers http://perfectposers.com/.
Adobe PhotoShop Creative Suite 4 (Make sure “show transform controls” is checked to allow for easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels (I later enlarged to 800 pixels x 800 pixels to allow the outside text.) Use circular selection tool to create a circle. Fill with background of choice (paper 38).
2. Select a frame (frame 05). Copy & paste, resizing as needed, positioning at center of circle.
3. Select a decorative element (bow 08). Copy & paste, resizing & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
4. Copy & paste a teddy bear (fuzzy bear 03). Resize as needed, positioning in front of the frame. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
5. Choose a candy heart for the bear to hold, if desired (candy heart 01b). Copy & paste, resizing & positioning.
6. Apply desired text. I used Fiolex Girls, a font that can be found at www.freefonts.com. Use a smaller font for tag information.
7. Merge visible & save.

Tutorial for “Flipped Over You” tag

What I used:
Scrap kit by Digicats (and Dogs) called SWAK http://scrappinjungle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_121&products_id=820
The kit includes 3 posers by Perfect Posers http://perfectposers.com.
Paint Shop Pro XI (Use pick tool for easy resizing of elements).

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use preset tool to create a heart. Fill with background of choice (paper06).
2. Choose a poser (Perfect Posers Very Pink 05). Copy & paste, resizing as necessary. Position as desired. Apply Effects>3D>Inner Bevel>8.
3. Select elements to highlight the poser (candy heart 03b & 03c). Copy & paste, resizing & positioning as desired. Apply Effects>3D>Inner Bevel>8.
4. Enter desired text. I used Fiolex Girls (Freefonts.com). Optionally, apply Effects>3D>Inner Bevel>2. Use a smaller font (Arial4) for tag information.
5. Merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

Girlie Girl

2010-02-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

If you have Paint Shop Pro, you may want to check out the new kit by Tinx Scraps (aka Tonie Posers) called Girlie Girl http://digifoxsstudio.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_108&products_id=1926

The entire kit is in PSP format, including the posers, so those who use other imaging programs are unfortunately out of luck, because while PSP can open almost all image formats, only PSP can open PSP format.

I've made 2 tags, with tutorials.

Tutorial for “Girlie Girl” tag

What I used:
Girlie Girl kit by Tinx Scraps (aka Tonie Posers) http://digifoxsstudio.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_108&products_id=1926
Paint Shop Pro XI (Use “Pick” tool for easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use preset tool to create a heart. Fill with background of choice (paper 16).
2. Choose your photo & a frame (plain frame 3). If you don’t have a photo, copy the head & shoulders of the clipart figure in the next step. Copy & paste photo, then copy & paste the frame. Resize both as needed. Highlight photo & frame in layers palette & merge together. Position as desired & apply drop shadow.
3. Choose a clip art figure or poser (girlie). Copy & paste, resizing & positioning as desired. Apply drop shadow.
4. Copy & paste hearts 1, resizing as needed. Move layer down so that the string is behind the photo in the frame. Apply drop shadow.
5. Enter text. I used Garamond Bold Italics 18. I then applied Effects>3D>inner bevel>soft edge. Use a smaller size font for the tag information.
6. Merge visible & save.

Tutorial for “I Love Being a Girl” tag

What I used:
Girlie Girl kit by Tinx Scraps (aka Tonie Posers) http://digifoxsstudio.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_108&products_id=1926
Paint Shop Pro XI (Use “Pick” tool for easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use preset shape tool to create a circle. Fill with background of choice (paper 9).
2. Create a new layer. Use preset shape tool to create a star. Fill with background of choice (paper 6). Apply effect>3D>inner bevel>bead.
3. Select poser (poser 1), copy & paste, resizing as needed, then apply drop shadow.
4. Choose an embellishment (balloon 2). Copy & paste, resizing as needed.
5. Choose a teddy bear (bear 2). Copy & paste, resizing as needed.
6. Enter desired text (minicar 12), apply effect>3D>chisel>transparent thin. Use a smaller size for tag information.
7. Merge visible & save.

Enjoy

Kupid Kitty

2010-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Valentine edition of the starving artists train is now chugging into stores & Wench Designs' contribution is a really cute tagger kit called Kupid Kitty http://thecreativitybox.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=290&products_id=4774The kit is created at 72 dpi, so I don't have any freebie qp for you, but I did do a layout with the kit, featuring my furry baby girl Smudge, & my brother's two furry babies. I also did 2 tags with accompanying tutorials.

Tutorial for “Tease the Cat” tag

What I used:
Starving Artist tag kit from Wench Designs called Kupid Kitty http://thecreativitybox.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=290&products_id=4774
Adobe PhotoShop Creative Suite 4.0 (Make sure “show transform controls” is checked to allow easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Use the circular selection tool to create a large circle & fill with background of choice (paper 23).
2. Create a new layer & use the preset shapes tool to create a heart in the upper left area. Fill with background of choice (paper 18) by using new fill layer with “use previous layer to create clipping mask” checked. Highlight both the shape layer & the shape fill in the layers palette, right click in the layers palette & choose “merge layers” so the shape & its fill become a single unit. Apply bevel & emboss effect. (If you are using PSE, use the “hard edge” effect; in PSP apply drop shadow.)
3. Select a cat element (cat 2), a mouse element (mouse 3), & a fish bone element (bone 2). Copy & paste, resizing as needed, & positioning so the mouse is teasing the cat with the fish bone. Apply bevel & emboss effect to each element.
4. Choose a candy heart sentiment (candy heart 3). Copy & paste, resizing & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
5. Choose a decorative element (butterfly 2), copy & paste, resizing & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
6. Enter desired text. To make text curve, highlight the text in layers palette, right click & choose “warp text” then adjust settings as desired. In this case I used Cataneo BT 14 & applied a style (true love bevel 3 from Krissy’s Scraps). Use a smaller font for tag information.

7. Merge visible & save.

Tutorial for “Hey babe, be mine?” tag

What I’m using:
Starving Artist tag kit from Wench Designs called Kupid Kitty http://thecreativitybox.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=290&products_id=4774
Poser by Sinful Mindz http://sindfulmindz.blogspot.com
Adobe PhotoShop Creative Suite 4.0 (Make sure “show transform controls” is checked to allow easy resizing of elements.)

What I did:
1. Open a new transparent canvas 700 pixels x 700 pixels. Fill with background of choice (paper 19).
2. Copy & paste heart box 2. Resize & position as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
3. Copy & paste poser of choice (maverick Cherry Luv 3), resizing as needed & positioning as desired. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
4. Choose an element for poser to hold, if appropriate (box 1). Copy & paste, resizing as necessary & positioning in or by poser’s hand. Apply bevel & emboss effect.
5. Choose a candy heart sentiment (candy heart 4). Copy & paste, resizing & positioning as desired.
6. Enter desired text. In this case I used CaslonNo540SwaD, using colours from the poser. I started font size at 14, but adjusted text size manually to be visually pleasing. Use a small font (Arial 3) for tag information.
7. Merge visible & save.

Enjoy.

DSO January Colour Challenge

2010-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

Between a computer crash & illness, I never got the kit I started finished, so I've made a freebie quick page with the little I have completed.

I hope to eventually finish the kit. In the meantime, enjoy.