They still have their big Mega-Kit Free with any purchase and you can get this cute paper, bow and inspire word by dG included!  I am also leading the “Getting Things Done” Challenge.

 Holly McCaig is the guest designer this month and came out of “retirement” just for the shop opening too!

~ Also see this article in the Aug 08 issue of Scrapbooking.com Magazine! Yea!

Photoshop Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Photoshop Techniques: Layer styles, Layer Masks

People often ask me how to create a selective area of color in a photo, while making the rest of the image black and white. There are a number of ways to do this, but here is a secret way that not only shows off colorful areas, but also lets you tint the rest of the photo using your background paper! It’s a great technique for minimizing busy photo backgrounds and for showcasing subjects or bright objects.The result looks great used with solid papers, but pattern papers also work and give interesting textures and rich designs without extra work. Experiment!

To get started you need:

• Photoshop (most versions will work)
• one digital paper
• one or more related photos.

Choose a photo with a subject that you want to highlight. I selected this photo because I wanted to minimize the bright red couch and background.

Photoshop Steps

Following are 6 steps to take you from blank page to fabulous layout!

1.) Start a new 12×12 blank page.

Start Photoshop and create a new blank project by going to the File Menu > New. You will need to choose your page size and resolution. For this layout I am using a12×12 inch size and 300ppi. A 300 pixel per inch resolution is standard for digital scrapbooking projects, digi papers and art.

2.) Add a background paper and your photo(s).

I like to add art and images by using the File Menu > Place command. You can also open the files separately and “drag and drop” them onto the blank page. Make sure your photos are in their final position before moving on.

You should now have at least 3 layers: A white background layer, your paper, and your photo(s.)

3.) Duplicate the paper layer.

Click once on your paper layer to select it, duplicate it (Ctrl+J), and drag the new paper layer above any photo layers.

This will make a kind of “paper” sandwhich with your photo in between two of the same papers. You will not be able to see your photo until the next step.

Layers palette after step 3 is completed.

4.) Add a “Color” Layer style to the new paper layer. Your photo will now appear again through the top paper and be tinted with your paper color. Paper textures may also show through.

Here is my sample file after step 4. (See more sample paper colors in step 5.)

NOTE: While you do not need the bottom paper layer for the overall effect to work, it lets you be messier when masking to the edges of your photo in step 5. With it, you can also try decreasing the opacity of the top paper layer, which will tint your photo less, while keeping the paper looking solid.

6.) Here is the really fun part! Create a layer mask and paint black on the mask to bring back colors. A mask is just a way of hiding areas, so what we are really doing is hiding some of the top paper so it shows the full color photo underneath. We could use an eraser tool on this top paper layer, but a mask allows us to fix mistakes much easier.

To add a Layer Mask to the top paper layer, make sure this top layer is still selected and push the “Add Layer Mask” button located in the layers palette. Your Layer should look like this:

Now select the brush tool, and from the top properties bar choose a soft round brush.

You will need to paint with a black color, so make sure the foreground color is black (the top large square in the toolbox.) You can do this quickly be clicking the tiny black and white squares above the foreground/background boxes. If the white is at the top, click the tiny double arrow to switch them. (Yes, that’s a whole lot of tiny buttons in one space!)

Before brushing, click once on the new white square next to your paper thumbnail in the layers palette to select the mask. Now begin to brush over your photo anywhere you want the color to come back. Use a large brush size at first and don’t worry about the edges. When you have most of the area brushed over, you can switch to a smaller brush to get the more detailed edges. Remember to zoom in if you are having trouble brushing edges.

Your mask layer will look something like this:

If you go to far, you can remove color by switching to a white brush color. Switch between black and white brushing until you have just the areas of full color you want showing.

Here is my sample layout after this step:

Your effect will vary depending on the color of your paper. (White paper will make your photo black and white.) Here are some different variations.

Now just add embellishments and text and your done!

Supplies:

• Brown background paper: Reflections Paper Pack
• Paper Flourish: Marigold Bed and Breakfast Kit
• Pink Frame: Marigold Vintage Frames Kit
• Fonts: “Ugly Qua” and “The King and Queen.”

The Paper Layout That Needed Help

When looking through my 12×12 paper layouts for candidates to scan during a “Scanner Magic” class I was teaching, I found this “Stars” page I made a number of years ago. I really liked the layout and remembered spending quite a bit of time punching out all of those star dots from yellow paper before adding black cardstock behind the punched paper and a ribbon.

Oh, but the photo! It is embarrassing that I used it, as it is too dark and came back from the printer very orange. I knew I could make the photo better with some tweaking in Photoshop.

Simple Layout, Badly Printed Photo

The Digitally Enhanced Layout

I scanned the 12×12 paper layout using my 8.5×11 sized Canon flatbed scanner. (I’ll blog about my favorite way to do this soon!) This gave me a TIF format digital version of my layout that I then altered in Photoshop. Here are steps I took to create the new “hybrid” layout.

Photo Fixes

I found the original photo, which was also digital. (yea!) Using Photoshop CS3, I opened the digital photo by itself and was able to make a series of color and lighting adjustments. I used the “Levels” adjustment to lighten the image and a blue Cooling Filter to counteract the overly warm tones. (I also added a Cooling Filter later to the scanned paper as well.) My final step was a slight Smart Blur Filter to smooth out some of the graininess from the dark exposure.

To Change Levels: Layer >New Adjustment Layer > Levels
To Add a Photo Filter: Layer > New Adjustment Layer >Photo Filter
To Add a Smart Blur: Filter > Blur > Smart Blur

The digital photo did not have the printed border I still liked it, so I just opened the scanned TIF layout and placed the fixed photo over the scanned version, being careful not to block the old border.

More Digital Additions

While my original intent was to just have a scanned version of the layout with a better photo, my digi fingers found a few more things to add to the layout. I felt the layout lacked a few white elements to compliment the glowing stars in the photo background. Here are four more things I did in Photoshop to digitally enhance the layout.

1.) Digi Tag

I added a small curled note from my Stitched Journal Tags embellishment kit and typed “Argentina 2005” using one of my favorite fonts, “Paulinho Pedra Azul.”

2.) Copying the Ribbon.

Using the Magic Wand Tool in Photoshop (settings: 30% tolerance and contiguous checked), I was able to select the white ribbon and copy it. I copied this selection to a new layer (Layer > New > Layer Via Copy) and moved this new ribbon over the corner of the curled tag.

3.) Fireworks Brushes

CD’s with Photoshop tutorials and tools often come with magazines. I had installed a few free brushes from Issue 28 of Photoshop Creative Magazine and included were some “fireworks” shaped brushes I thought would be fun to try. I stamped the burst shapes with the Brush Tool about 6-7 times using various sizes and white, lavender and peach colors.

4.) Custom White Star Brush

Again using the Magic Wand Tool but with a few different settings, I selected the circles from one of my black punched stars. I made my own custom Photoshop brush and with the Brush Tool stamped a few white versions.

Here are the details. With the Magic Wand Tool (with contiguous unchecked and the scan layer selected), I clicked on one of the black circles from the larger top stars. This selected all the circles on the page and anything else with a black color. Since I only wanted one star’s worth of circles, I switched to the Lasso Tool (Intersect Selection setting), and loosely drew around the star. Now with only 1 star of circles selected, I made my own brush. (Edit > Define Brush Preset…) I choose this brush and stamped a few white versions.

5.) Word Overlay

I typed the word “Stars” in the “Snell Bt” font and made it transparent so the paper and journaling were still visible.

I am now much happier with the layout and the photo. While the photo will never be stellar, now I can actually see us! The new color accents and digi details were just fun to add.

I probably would not have re-made the paper layout ever again because of all the punching, but now I have already reprinted the new layout since its digital.

I will definitely be taking a second look through more of my paper layouts to see if I can bring to them a bit of digi magic and make some new hybrid creations!

Supplies:
Paper Layout Supplies:
Paper – Marcella by Kay
Black Cardstock
Karen Foster Punch
White Ribbon

Digital Supplies:
Stitched Journal Tags by Bevin Dunn
Photoshop Fireworks Brushes – Free in Issue 28 of Photoshop Creative Magazine

I noticed that paper retailers and scrapbook store owners were generally open to incorporating digital scrapbooking and technology into their stores, but most were unsure how to start, how to make a profit from it, and if doing so would further put their paper based sales in jeopardy.  

Sessions

Unfortunately, registration for Memory Trends was a bit rocky, and many classes had been canceled for low attendance.  I took the first day’s Education Session on Digital Scrapbooking Trends. After getting past a traditional make n’ take that had no connection to digital, it was great to see a packed class in rapt attention to Renee Pearson, Digital Scrapbooking’s Online Editor, and her demonstration of a creating a digital layout in Photoshop. April Oaks of Digital Scrapbook Memories also led a good digital Q&A.

I have to give big shout out to Ali Edwards and her amazing talk “Creating Students For Life.” If you get chance to see her, go!  Her well researched, organized and notated points made for an amazing talk. We also got a copy of her awesome book, Life Artist - Scrapbooking Life’s Journey.

Dennis Conforto (of A-Z Media and the Smart Group) gave a talk about the future of the scrapbooking industry which crystallized what I saw on the convention floor and focused on the point of the expo merger; Paper scrapbooking as a craft is in decline, but scrapbooking by other names (photobooks, digital scrapbooking, online at sites like MySpace and Facebook) are growing rapidly. 

I think some people misunderstood my question in Dennis’ talk, when I asked how training fit into the mix with so much new technology around and especially with software like Photoshop.  Dennis answered, time & money.  Women want a photo page pronto and Photoshop’s not it.

As a user and teacher, I agree that Photoshop’s learning curve is way beyond the average scrappers need and there are so many easy fast photobook solutions now (like Heritage Makers.) But part of my question was answered when talking to Lynda Angelastro, Digial Scrapbooking Magazine’s Managing Editor, about the next issue.  After a year on the market, and extensive polling of customers, the magazine is revamping to target the beg-intermediate, and advanced scrapbooker.  Their readers want technical and in depth articles and are adept at utilizing them.  Tutorials are for Photoshop.

There are distinct reasons that some scrappers, like the magazines’ readership, will still want to use Photoshop (or similar photo editing programs) and I will suggest that the “Photoshop” segment of the photo / scrap market are the new digital bloodline of the craft side of scrapbooking.

The Merger

I could really see the mental merger inside both the Photography and the Scrapbooking camps to understand just how they should fit together.  I visited a number of photobook and photo-gift booths from large kiosk and printing distributors , to new web based companies.  I saw the most integration between embellished “scrapbooking style” photo products in businesses who market, at least in part, directly to store retailers.  These companies like Rocket Life and larger Lucidiom offer consumers templates resembling scrapbook like layouts. There was still some disconnect, such as with  Rocket Life which did not directly offer 12×12 or 8×8 layout printing, although they said they could integrate it.

As I moved from those companies that offer retail store owner options, to those who manufacture photobook printers and technologies, there was a real lack of understanding of what the craft / hobby oriented term “scrapbook” was and how it applied to “photos and papers”. 

All of these vendors did want to know more.  I was drilled by two great guys at Imaging Solutions AG, a Swiss based co, on what digital scrapbooking was, who did it, how it worked and why Michaels closed its “Remembrance” stores and didn’t convert them to digital shops.  (I couldn’t answer that one!) 

One of the Sr. Marketing Managers at Kodak was stationed next to a display of professional photography albums, some costing $2000, in which you would be lucky to find a word of journaling or embellishment and maybe a few interesting photo borders (of course the photos themselves were amazing!)  While he seemed perplexed at the word scrapbooking and did ask more about it, he ended up directing us to another man who was keeping Kodak’s upcoming digi-negotiations very hushed. Hmmm…

It will be interesting to watch both the photo and paper scrapbooking industries merge and embrace digital scrapbooking in it’s many forms.  This is inevitable, as the the photobook industry is projected to reach $10 billion by 2012!

While there are still a few unpacked boxes, I am settling in and just love being 5 minutes from the ocean after living in the desert for 13 years. I really miss all of my great friends in Tucson, but the scrapbooking community here in the North County area of San Diego has been so friendly and positive. I’ve been to a Croppin Cuties meetup and to Scrapfest where I met some awesome friends, like Camille Akin owner of Ever After Scrapbooks in Carlsbad, where my new classes start.

I have 3 new hybrid and digital classes starting in just over a week. Check out digitalGinger’s events page to read the descriptions and dates! If you are in the area and have class requests, please let me know! There should be a full day Phototshop class for digi-scrappers soon as well.

I am working on a number of new kits and tutorials and there are so many fun partnerships going on, I can’t wait to share when I finalize the details. I’ll post more soon about my trip to the Memory Trends / PMA expo last weekend, and I’m off to CHA in just a few days and I’m sure there will be lots to tell afterward too!

Yes, I have always lived in and around Glasgow, I just love the city — it’s such a vibrant mixture of old school culture and modern living.

My immediate family are from Glasgow too, with my dad coming from a line of master bakers, so you can imagine how much fun I had when I was a kid visiting the bakery!

“Day Trip” by Victoria Greenlees

digitalGinger Products
Paper and Embellishments: Marigold - Bed &Breakfast
Ribbon and Staples: Folded & Knotted Ribbons Jewel Tone
Stamp: Marigold Vintage Frames

You currently work teaching new media at Cardonald College in Glasgow. What brought you from working in graphic design at an agency to teaching?

I was always interested in teaching, and I guess I was just lucky that a friend called me to tell me about the job at Cardonald. I was ready for a new challenge, as I had been working in industry for 11years. I absolutely love lecturing, knowing that you are making a difference, and helping to guide students onto a successful career.

Was digital scrapbooking your first medium for layouts or did you paper scrap before?

Do you know I went to one ‘crop’ and bought some papers and bits and pieces. I liked the idea of paper scrapping, but somehow it never really stuck with me.

What attracted you to digital and what are your digital tools?

I am a digital chick at heart, and love the immediacy of sitting at my Mac and playing around with my stash of gorgeous digi products. The tools that I use are my Mac and Photoshop CS2.

“Almost Famous” by Victoria Greenlees

digitalGinger Products
Green Photo Frame:Rockstar 4×6 Frames
Ribbon and Staples: Folded & Knotted Ribbons Jewel Tone

What brought you to apply for the digitalGinger Creative Team?

Definitely the look and feel that your (Bevin’s) hand drawn illustrations bring to the scrapbooking items at DigitalGinger! You have created such an individual feel to your papers and embellishments, so when I saw the call for the CT, I knew that I would love to be a part of this new venture!

Tell us more about your digital style and how you approach a new layout?

I scrap happy!! I think that my style is quite clean and graphic (which is why I love DigitalGinger items), although I do end up using loads of embellishments! I love typography, so I guess that a lot of my layouts make use of that in the way that I do the titles.

When I have a new LO to do, I usually get inspiration from looking at some of the galleries. Then I will choose the photograph — which is very important, as it can make or break your layout, and depending on which color scheme I have chosen, will enhance the photograph to fit in. Then it really is a whirlwind of papers, embellishments, and usually the title work last! I can easily sit and ponder a layout for over four or five hours!

“Such a happy baby!” by Victoria Greenlees

digitalGinger Products
Paper and Embellishments: Marigold - Bed &Breakfast

Victoria’s Spicy Tip :
Adding subtle dimension to your layouts using Photoshop

In order for the flowers in this layout to ‘come off the paper’ and appear over the photograph I duplicated the floral background paper in the layers palette, creating a new layer with the same paper on it. I moved this layer to above my photograph and then just used the magic wand tool to select and erase areas of the paper that I wanted to reveal.

I then used a subtle drop shadow action on the duplicated layer to make the flowers pop out slightly more.

Because the same paper lies underneath the duplicated layer, it appears that the flowers have been cut out of one sheet of paper!

This was digitalGinger’s first live event and I had so much great feedback! We created a “Thank You” card printed from the Marigold Printable Card Kit No.1. Most of the ladies had not tried hybrid or digital crafting before and they loved the idea of a card that they could print whenever they needed it. They also loved the “click and type” areas that are a part of the kit that allow you to change the “Thank You” text and add addresses to the envelope template. (I didn’t have a computer there to show this, but the descriptions evoked ohhs and ahhs!)

The ladies also were impressed that the drawings and designs were my own, and I really appreciated all the great encouragement and congratulations for opening the website and shop.

I want to thank my good friends Kerridan and Heidi for helping me out over the long night! They were great at pointing out what words seemed to connect the best with everyone, such as saying “drawings” instead of “illustrations.” I really want to expose traditional paper crafters and scrapbookers to digital and hybrid products, and Kerri and Heidi were great at using my poster board of digital layouts and a digital scrapbooking magazine, to point out digitals many benefits. I also included a digital scrapbooking explanation sheet and coupon in the guests folders.

I have added a short tutorial for creating the card we made that night so anyone can re-create our project. I am looking forward to having similar events in San Diego in late 07/ early 08 too!

Tools and Supplies

Step One:

Punch a hold in the middle of the Thank-You journal area, about 1/4″ from the top.

Also punch a hole in the card about 1/2″ from the top of the peach stamped frame.

Step Two:

Place Thank You paper over the front of the card and line up the two holes. Insert brad from the front and fasten it on the inside of the card.

Step Three:

Use your decorative scissors and cut around all four sides of the stamp to give it a stamp-like edge. While you have your scissors, you can also cut the edge the of envelope flap to match the stamp and give it a deckled edge.

Step Four:

Peel paper backing from foam square. Place foam square on the back of the stamp and then position stamp over the card and place to the left of the thank you area. Then you are finished!

What is included in the Opening?

• an updated website.
• the digital scrapbooking store with digital kits and printables, like cardmaking kits.
• this new blog, which will host the latest information on all things digitalGinger.
• a new Creative Team whose layouts you can see in the soon to be gallery and the product info pages.
• a second store, the “Gift Boutique”, where I offer my unique illustrations and designs on ready-made products like notecards and T-shirts. You may see designs here that are not yet in the digital kits too.

There is so much more to come as well!

Now that the stores and website are going, I can focus more on getting my designs to you in the form of new digital and printable products and gifts. Check back to the website and shop often, as I will be adding new products to the two stores almost daily.

I focused mainly on the Fall line of designs, like Marigold Collections, for the opening, but I have started botanical drawings and designs for next spring and summer too! I also plan on creating the first children’s lines from a beautiful set of watercolor illustrations of fanciful sun, moon and stars.

DigitalGinger’s home office will be moving to San Diego, CA the end of November, and after the move, I will begin to develop a set of simple and fun online tools for scrapbookers, both traditional and digital.

Thank you to all the friends that have given digitalGinger their encouragement and I am glad to welcome them and you to join the digialGinger community!