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Using Pre-made Textured Backgrounds
Ramie Ahlstrom - Scrapping Deck Cruise DirectorOk, so you're new at this digital scrapping thing...or, maybe you've been playing for a few months but just can't get your layouts to have that much desired "paper" look to them? Are you struggling to make your digital layouts "pop" just a bit more?
Simply adding texture to a plain layout (the backgrounds and/or elements) can make a huge difference! Just as using some textured cardstock (think Bazzill) makes a paper layout go from ok to wow, adding a textured layer to your digital layouts makes them look real, and gives them an extra zing! (And, it doesn't cost you a penny!!)
I have not yet advanced very far in my creation of digital backgrounds and elements, but I've become proficient (to put it mildly) at collecting freebies from around the web, and purchasing backgrounds and elements from others, who ARE proficient in designing! Using "premade" elements couldn't be easier. All I have to do (after downloading, saving and organizing) is open the background or element in my desired software program, then add my photos and other elements, and voila!-- another layout complete!!
For this article, I've created a few layouts with textured backgrounds as well as with "flat" backgrounds. I thought you might like to see the difference and see the "wow" factor for yourself!
Here is a layout of my daughter eating cookies and milk before bed one night. You can see the difference in the background texture immediately (although maybe not in the thumbnails-click on the images for a larger view!).
Here's a few more to show how a subtle difference in background texture can make a huge difference in the overall look of the layout.
Now, if you're wondering why someone would create a plain background, let me just say it's EASY! Most software programs have a "fill background" feature, and with one click, you can create a solid color, flat, background. Using Photoshop Elements or some of the many others available, you can add just one more click to your process, and have a beautifully textured background! Head back to Tara's Digital Cafe for some instructions on how to create your own textured background in Photoshop Elements 2.0.
I've tried a few different techniques in addition to the one Tara mentions and have come up with some really cool, easy-to-make backgrounds! Here's the first one I tried:
In this layout, I used a photo of my daughter that Tara created in her January 2005 article. I then used the Texturizer Filter function to create a matching purple background
I've had a great time playing with backgrounds this month-both the premade (and easy-to-use kind) and handmade kinds. I've learned a lot about using Photoshop Elements in a few days, and I hope that I've helped you see the "wow" factor for yourself! Digital scrapbooking is just as much fun as paper scrapping; it just uses a different medium!
Happy Sailing!
Ramie Ahlstrom
ramieahlstrom@ssreflections.com
Scrapping Deck Cruise Director
S.S. Reflections, Inc.
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