Go Digi...Word!

Have you ever attempted to do a digital scrapbook layout? Or, have you ever wanted to try a digital layout but avoided it because you don't have (or don't know how to use) a software like Photoshop?  Well, the good news is, you can actually go digital...using MS Word.

Here are a few quick tips to help achieve great results when using MS Word to create a digital layout.

Tip # 1: Set all of your margins to 0".  This will allow your background photo to spread across the entire page.

Tip # 2: Drag from the corner when resizing or stretching a photo or shape.  This will allow the image to stretch evenly and prevent skewing wide or tall.

Tip # 3: When adding a text box, change the background and line/border settings to "No Fill" or "No Line."  This will create a transparent background and border, allowing your words to "float" on the page without a box.

Tip # 4:  Layers are important to create dimension.  You can control which images and shapes are in the background or foreground by right clicking the object, then clicking "Order."  There should be a selection of options from which to choose.

Tip # 5: Save often and if possible save as a pdf document to easily share it online or submit it to a professional printer.  If you would like to convert the image to a jpeg, you may have to use a software or online file converter.

Of course, there is a learning curve when developing a new skill.  But, with some practice you can produce excellent results.  Give it a try!

*The layout featured in this post was created entirely in MS Word.  The images used are stock photography.

Change Your Hair With the Weather...using Photoshop

The seasons are changing once again.  In a few weeks it will officially be Autumn…my favorite season!  Autumn is the most beautiful of the seasons.  It seems even mother-nature is ready for a make-over by the time Fall rolls around.  The bright colors of the trees and leaves are simply breathtaking!

Well, if you would like to take a cue from mother-nature you may be interested in your own make-over.  Perhaps, a new outfit, a drastic hair cut or maybe even a new hair color?  Not ready to commit?  No worries, here is a quick tutorial on how to change your hair color using Photoshop.  It can be a fun idea for a scrapbook layout or maybe just to change the look of your SOC profile pic.

• Step 1: Open a copy of the desired image in Photoshop. (Be sure to use a copy and not the original)
• Step 2: Select the Polygonal Lasso Tool and set it to 15px feathered.

• Step 3: Draw a selection around the area of hair you would like to color.
  
• Step 4: Copy the selection and “Paste in Place” (Shift + Ctrl +V).  (This will drop the selection on a new layer in the exact same spot.) Rename this layer “Hairpiece.”
• Step 5: In the Adjustments Tab, click the Color Balance Icon. A new item will appear in the Layers Tab.

• Step 6:  Play with the colors until you have a shade you are happy with.

Did your entire picture change colors? Don’t worry that is supposed to happen.  We will fix that in the next step.

• Step 7:  Holding down the “Alt” key on your keyboard.  Click between the "Color Balance" layer and your “Hairpiece” layer (You will know you are in the right place when your cursor changes shape). This will attach the "Color Balance" layer to the hair piece selection, while the rest of your image goes back to the original color.

• Step 8: That’s it!  Save your image as a jpg or other image file and you are done!

*Tip: You can always re-adjust the color of your hair highlights by double clicking the black and white circle in the "Color Balance" layer.

Give it try! What color will you choose?

*Image is stock photography.

Amazing View!

Well by now the summer is in full swing!  Hopefully, you all have had an opportunity to enjoy the sun.  But, before you get too comfortable don't forget to use plenty of sunscreen and wear good UV protected shades.  July is UV Safety Month!  Who knew?

Over exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn and age spots, lead to wrinkling and even lead to skin cancer.  So be careful out there!

In the spirit of summer, sun, shades, and Independence Day.  I created a fun pair of sunglasses that will always have an amazing view.  I decided to superimpose a photo of President Obama shaking hands with the crowd.  Below is a copy of the shades, feel free to download (right click & save) and use it with one of your summer photos.  Enjoy! Thanks for reading!

Tilt & Shift Those Scenic Pics!

Summer is pretty much here which means for many it is vacation time! Of course, as a scrapbooker practically every moment will be a photo-op.  But what happens when we get home only to realize that we have taken a few too many shots of that amazing view?  Sadly, very few scenery shots actually capture the magic of the moment.

Here is my solution for turning an average picture from my vacation last year into something special.  I applied a tilt & shift treatment (or faux-miniature look) to the image.  By giving the illusion of a shallow depth of field the ship looks like a miniature model as opposed to a photo of an actual real-life docked ship.  Here is a quick step by step of how I did it....

Step 1: Select a picture and open it in Photoshop.  Landscape and scenic images work very well for this technique.

Step 2: Convert the work surface to "Edit In Quick Mask" mode. (Press the letter "Q" or click the icon below.  It is usually found at the bottom of the tool bar.)
 
Step 3: Select the gradient tool.






Step 4: Be sure you have the "Reflected Gradient" option selected.


Step 5: Draw a vertical line over the area that you want to be in focus.  You will see a red hue over that area.  Keep trying until you have the section highlighted in red that works for you.

Step 6: Convert back to the "Standard Mode" (See Step. 2)
Step 7: You will notice that a portion of your photo will be selected with "marching ants."  Click the filters menu and select "Blur > Lens Blur"

Step 8: Adjust the "Radius" and other settings until you have the look you want. Click "OK"
Step 9: Deselect the selection  (Ctrl+D)
Step 10: Increase the saturation (Ctrl+U) to give the image a toyish look.


That's it! You are done.

For my image I added an overlay for a "negative/slide" feel and some simple journaling.  Give it a try, and let us know how your image turns out!

Just as a comparison here is my original image...

Lucky Tattoo...Just for The Faux Of It!

Here's a little bit of photoshop fun for you! Have you ever wanted to explore your "wild" side and thought about getting a tattoo? Well, if you don't dare to go under the needle you can always give yourself a faux tattoo using photoshop. Before we get started let me clarify....NO, that is not my belly!

The process is simple.

Step 1. Select an image (with some skin showing) and open it up in Photoshop.

Step 2. Select a graphic that will work as a tattoo, and place it on a different layer in the same document as your photo. If your image has a white background change the blending mode to "Multiply" this is found in the "Layers Palette" this will eliminate the background.

TIP: There are many images available for personal use on the internet. (It is best to find a graphic with crisp clean lines.) For my image, I created a simple "Lucky" tattoo.

Step 3. Position and re-size your tattoo as desired. Using the "Move Tool" hold down the shift key and drag the corners.

Step 4. In the "Layers Palette" decrease the opacity to around 85%, and change the blending mode to "Overlay". This will allow some of the skin's texture to show through and give a more realistic look.

Step 5. Use the "Blur" tool over the tattoo to give it a slightly aged appearance.

Step 6. Save the image as a .jpg or .png., and you're done!

Give it a try, it may take a little practice but once you get the hang of it. It's easy! I have attached a copy of the tattoo for your enjoyment. Simply right click the image and save. If you don't want to use it as a tattoo you can always use the file as a digi-stamp or title on a digi-layout. Thanks for reading!