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Using S.S. Reflections Tutorials
Ramie Ahlstrom - Scrapping Deck Cruise DirectorI don't, by any meaning of the word, describe myself as proficient at this digital scrapping thing yet. Everyday I see layouts online, or sometimes even in print magazines, that strike my fancy but escape my capabilities! I used to just drool---but now, as I get more and more comfortable using Adobe Photoshop Elements, I'm attempting to learn how to create those "awe-inspiring" layouts myself!
Using tutorials is the best way I've found for learning new techniques! In the early days of my experiments with Elements, I used a few tutorials that covered the very basics of how to build a layout in Elements. I also learned the basics of the software, including what the tools are called, and where to find them! I learned most of what I know about using the Layers function of Elements from those basic tutorials as well.
Since I've mastered, and love, what one can do with layers, I've advanced a bit in my digital scrapping! I've been experimenting more and more with advanced techniques and designing my own elements (I've only done a half dozen so far---does that count?!)!!
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!
Finding tutorials for more advanced techniques is easy as pie---I just head over to Tara's and Tonya's articles, right here at SS Reflections! I started with a few of Tara's more basic tutorials to create tags, eyelets and a filmstrip embellishment.
In this layout, I used Tara's Tag and Eyelet Tutorial from last October, to create the tag that looks like a license plate, and the brads "holding" it in place.
In this layout, I combined Tara's Filmstrip Embellishment Tutorial with Tonya's Digital Stamping Tutorial. I created the filmstrip embellishment and saved it for future use (or repair-I think it might have too many holes on the sides); then I used it to create a fun mat for five photos. When I added the title, I "stamped" the text, to make it appear like a paper layout with stamped letters!
Here's a few more layouts created using Tonya's Digital Stamping Tutorial.
I then moved on to some more advanced (and somewhat challenging) techniques from Tonya's tutorials! While it appears that I have accomplished these easily, I struggled a bit, due to some different command names in the software programs. I had to work my way through a few things, and even had to look in the Help section in the software a few times. Once I found out what the "real" steps were in my software, it was much easier to follow these tutorials! I used Tonya's Distressed Photo Tutorial to create the photo in this layout.
Photos with vignette frames on them have always been appealing to me---but I've never been brave enough to try it on my own (or to pay the portrait studios the extra money to have them do it!). Reading Tonya's July article about them made it look easy as cake from a box! So, I gave it a whirl…but it wasn't nearly as easy as it appeared---but ONLY due to software differences!
Be sure to check out the instructions with this layout for detailed directions for creating vignettes in Adobe Photoshop Elements. Some of the steps have different names!
I hope that some of you digital scrappers are benefiting from all these wonderful tutorials like I am and that you are enjoying your cruise here aboard SS Reflections! I hope you stay cool during our visit to the Middle East! Be sure to wave to the troops and thank them for all the hard work they do to keep us free!
Be sure to submit your digital layouts for display in our Reader's Gallery. Email the file in jpeg format, sized to 475 pixels wide, to robinwillis@ssreflections.com.
Happy scrappin'
Ramie Ahlstrom
ramieahlstrom@ssreflections.com
Scrapping Deck Cruise Director
Reflections Publishing Group
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