Hey there everyone! Rhonda popping in quick to announce the winners of the past week’s template challenge! It was such a hard decision to make because there were a lot of spectacular entries! So, the winners are, Yzerbear19 & Stefanie! Great work girls! I will be PMing you with your gift codes shortly! Take a peek at what these girls created:

Yzerbear19′s LO titled “It’s a Small World”

& Stefanie’s LO titled “My Angel”

We are having, not one but two, Speed Scraps at ScrapMatters Tuesday, July 22nd.  We hope you can join us for both but if not we’d love to see you at one of them. The morning SS will be hosted by Ktkadoo (Katie) and will begin at 10 PDT, 11 MDT, 12 CDT, and 1 EDT.  The evening SS will be hosted by myself, Shari (SHARIng Creations) at 6 PDT, 7 MDT, 8 CDT and 9 EDT. 

I have put together two participation prizes for everyone that joins us. We hope to see you at both scraps but for those of you that can only participate in one your prize will be a mini kit I put together in honor of a very memorable family reunion I attended this past weekend. It’s titled “Our Family Reunion”.

For those of you that can actually make it to both Speed Scraps you will receive the above mini kit along with this coordinating word art kit.

I left a little clue as to the first rule at my speed scrap. You can find it in the forum here.  We’ll see you all in the Speed Scrap forum!!!

Shari

If you’re interested in applying the Scraps Matter Gang email ckmom12673atyahoodotcom with a link to your most current gallery, a short bio, link to your blog and why you want to be part of the  Scraps Matter Gang. For more information check out this thread in the forum.

Hi scrappers! Sorry for the late-ish post today!!

You know what matters to me in my scrapping these days? REALISM. I know it isn’t everyone’s style, but its TOTALLY my style. It matters to me that my pages look REAL. A lot of this is about shadowing, but it also has to do with realistic textures, papers, and elements. I also have to think about how things are placed, tied on, attached, etc. I’d love it if someone looked at one of my pages and thought for a second that it might be a paper LO! haha

Some examples of what I mean . . .

I love Matahati Designs’ kits! Her stuff is ALWAYS so realistic and full of depth! She has impeccable taste so using her stuff is a breeze. You’ll see that LOs using her stuff is SO REALISTIC!!!

Like . . .
This BEAUTIFUL layout by Jessica P (Jpranaitis).

(see it in the gallery)

Or this stunner by lenescobar!

(see it in the gallery)

And check this one out by fliffy!

(see it in the gallery)

Now – don’t get my wrong. I LOVE the effects we as digital scrappers are able to create that you can’t do in paper! But I’m a sucker for realism.

Love,

Hi there everyone…Tater here to bring you this weeks Sunday Spotlight! When I signed up to do this weeks Sunday Spotlight, I knew exactly who I was going to pick! Today I’m putting the “SPOTLIGHT” on ScrapMatters member “haynay” aka Heather! I’m sure most of you have seen her hanging around here at ScrapMatters…as she is a regular in the ScrapMatters forum, weekly Speed Scraps and challenges! And her gallery???!!!…well let’s just say if you’re looking for some INSPIRATION…you have to stop by because it’s full of FABULOUS LO’s!! Here are a few of my favorite LO’s from her gallery…

See…I told you her LO’s are FAB!! And would you believe that each of these LO’s were done during our Speed Scraps??!! Man, this girl works good under pressure!

Well let’s learn a little more about “haynay” aka Heather…

What is your main job/career?
I am actually an educator by trade. I started out as a 2nd grade teacher, but after getting my masters ended up working at a text book company when we moved to NYC. All of that to say…I am now a freelance writer. I write elementary curriculum for various companies from my house, usually in my pjs or t-shirt/shorts! I feel very fortunate because it has allowed me to stay home with my daughter most of her life and opens me up to volunteer at my son’s school every week.

Are you married/kids/pets?
I am married. My husband, Heath, and I have been married 11 years. Yes, I know we have the same name-everybody LOVES that about us! I almost didn’t go on a date with him because of it. I guess its good that I did!!! We have 2 kids. Hunter, 7, and Madysen, 3. We also have 2 dogs. Emma (I gave her to Heath for graduating from Med School. Her name is Emma for Emergency Medicine-since that is his specialty). Cappy (El Capitan) is my new Yorkie that Heath and the kids gave me for Mother’s Day.

Where do you call home?
I call home Texas (Waco specifically). We currently live near Little Rock, Arkansas. Not sure where we’ll go next.

What are your three favorite foods?
Oh, this is hard! Mexican food-hands down, steak and potatoes, Manicotti

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Ben and Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake

Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?
Salty-please give me chips and salsa!!!

What is your favorite beverage?
Dr Pepper…its is always at my side!

What is your least favorite food?
Seafood-i am SO allergic…not pretty

PC or Mac?
PC

How long have you been digi-scrapping/How did you get into it?
3 months. My SIS-Holly-talked me into it this Spring! I’ve been avoiding it for years b/c I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop once I started…was SO right!

What program do you use to digi-scrap with?
Photoshop Creative Suites 2

Do you snack while scrapping?
yes, sometimes, and eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner if needed!

Describe your scrapping environment. (music? time of day? messy/neat etc)
Oh how embarrassing….Okay, It can be anytime of the day, depending on the day, a lot at night after kids are in bed, till like1-2 in the morning. Sometimes music, but mostly television in the background with anything from Disney, Noggin, baseball, movies on. I am so NOT neat. I try so hard, but it just doesn’t happen. My desk has my 24 inch screen (present from hubby) and laptop computer on top….and is cluttered with drinks, sharpie markers (i hate pens), phone, picture frames, papers, notepads, remote controls (I am looking at it as I type- it is so sad).

What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you?
Finding the perfect element/paper/color, etc. I always know what I want in my head, but can’t always find and/or create it to my liking.

What are your hobbies besides digi-scrapping?
paper scrapping, family, reading (not anymore since I started digi-scrapping), I LOVE watching sports-especially college (is this a hobby)…and i cannot forget the Dallas COWBOYS!

What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking?
I really have to be a better housekeeper. Its gotten SO much better, but have a ways to go!

What are your favorite books/authors?
I love funny books: Janet Evanovich, Carly Phillips, Jennifer Cruise. But, I also just finished the Kite Runner. Oh My Goodness. It was SO good! If you haven’t read it, please go grab a copy!!!

What are your favorite movies?
Romantic Comedies: You’ve Got Mail, The Holiday, etc. Love a good analytical/mystery (Have you seen the Illusionist…so good!) …this does not include Horror movies. Oh, and I cannot forget, I LOVE all movies that come from Disney. Thank God I had kids so I can take them to see them all, and buy them too!

Is there any “can’t miss” TV shows to you?
Oh yeah! I love, in no particular order, Brothers and Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Dirty Sexy Money….and my FAVORITE: LOST! And, I also like Survivor, Big Brother, and my soap: Young and the Restless.

What is your favorite layout in YOUR gallery?
Madysen Garden…It is new. I did most of it with my designs, and it totally takes in what I perceive as my style and the personality of my daughter. It also shows my struggle with adding titles and journaling…neither are natural to me. (maybe that should be my most challenging part of scrapping!)

Do you have a favorite non-scrapping website?
The one I visit most is a google groups site…its the group/message board I have with my closest friends from when I lived in NYC. I couldn’t make through many of the trials of my life without them and our board!

What is your favorite ScrapMatters kit?
So hard! Britt-ish Design’s Dreams Do Come True

Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere! I remember living in NYC and riding the subway. I used to carry a small notebook that I would sketch LOs and designs in from advertisements, tshirts, everything! Now, I can be reading an email or magazine and see something I like. Yesterday at the pool, I saw a swimsuit and thought…now THAT would be cute paper!!! (I even snuck a picture of it! Yes, I am pitiful!)

Well I hope you all had as much fun as I did getting to know Heather. Big Thanks to you Heather for allowing us to take a peek into your life and gallery! I hope you all have a blessed day and happing scrapping!

Hello everyone, Lina here with Saturday Special!

Ok Let’s think a little about it! Mmmmm,what could one scrap about this time when so many themes have been posed already. So, since choosing a new theme has been a pretty difficult task I decided to make Saturday Special a little different this time.
So, your theme for today is “Complete Makeover“.

Well, here is your task. I want you to dig you files and find one of your early or old LOs that you would love to scrap again and give me a “complete makeover“. The only thing you ‘ll keep is going to be the photo /photos in the first LO. Everything else should be completely different!

One requirement though! You must post your old LO as well so that we can understand the difference.

Entries must be placed in the gallery and linked to this thread. They are due July 25 at midnight.

There will be two prizes. The first is a $5 GC for the store which will be awarded to my favourite “makeover”.

The second prize will be awarded to EVERYONE who participates. And guess it is a paper pack created by me!

Here’s the preview of the paper pack:

And here are my LOs to get an idea of what you are expected to do!

Before and after makeover.

In both cases I have used Britt’s fantastic kits but I think that you can understand the difference!!

And here what our wonderful team has come up with to give you more inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Katie (aka Ktkadoo)  made two makeovers for you

the first set before and after makeover

and the second set before and after makeover

Our designer Brittney

before and after makeover

Erica

before and after

Linz (aka Mikelinz)

before and after makeover

and Kate (aka Kateypie)

before and after makeover

Wow girls you are all fantastic. Thank you for all the layouts you made for the challenge!!!

I can’t wait to see those complete makeovers in the gallery. Remember you have untill midnight Friday 25 July to complete your LO.

I will send you a PM with the link for the participation prize after you post you LO in the gallery and link it back to the forum.

Love

Lina

Krista (norton94) here, hello and TGIF!  I’m talking about those less than stellar pictures today.  And brace yourself, a way to save them from your delete button…read on.

Some of you are gifted photogs and may seldom need this program, but surely there will be a time or two it could come in handy!  Many times I’m lucky to get a smile, much less fabulous lighting too.  I found a program for the rest of us called Neat Image that is available as a free demo.  I’ve found it really helpful in saving some of my *less than professionally-lit* pictures. 

Quoted from the Neat Image website:

Neat Image is a filter designed to reduce visible noise and grain in photographic images produced by digital cameras and scanners. Neat Image is indispensable in low-light(indoors, night, astro) and high-speed (sport, action) photography. It is a tool for both professional photographers and digital image processing enthusiasts.

Many times when you lighten up a low light picture there are pixels of black or oddly colored (like yellow) pixels that just make for a messy looking image. 

Here is an example straight from my camera:

and here is the same pic closer up - so you can see the poor quality of the image

and here is the same pic after using Neat Image - not nearly as grainy!

Check it out after lightening the exposure some – the effect is even more dramatic

  Before

  After

Well I can’t say it is perfect, by any means, but at least it is USABLE (remember this is a blow up of my original).  Neat Image can’t save every picture, but it surely makes that “perfect smile but bad lighting” picture more manageable.  Especially if you are willing to let it be artistic and play with blending modes!

                             Blending fun!

There are many more examples on their website http://www.neatimage.com/examples.html if you’d like to see more.  I encourage you to give it a try and see for yourself.  The Demo edition of Neat Image is freeware for non-commercial use and can be downloaded at http://www.neatimage.com/download.html 

One thing I did find is that it is BEST to process the image with Neat Image before cropping.  The calibration relies on a uniform area that is large enough…often what we crop out has those larger areas and then the calibration is less accurate, therefore producing a lower quality output image.  Another tip is to adjust the final contrast prior to processing with Neat Image.

I challenge you to scrap a layout using a picture you previously felt was un-scrapworthy.  Whether you use Neat Image, play with blending modes, or let it be grungy/blurry/whatever. 

Hi friends, Heather (hedderlee) here to share one of my tried and true Photoshop tricks, a lighting effect!

Take a look at this layout:

I put the focus on my daughter by brightening up the paper behind her. After all, she is being a light wherever she goes, right? I used Misschifis’ Groovy Kinda Luv kit.

In another layout using Matahati Designs’ In the Greens kit, I put the spotlight on the lantern:

Let’s take a closer look at the extra oomph added with the lighting effect, shall we?

Before the lighting effect:

After:

How did you do that, Heather, you ask?

Here’s a new project to outline the how-to:

I’m using Andilynn Designs’ Little Lovebirds kit here. The couple is such a cute element, isn’t it? I actually want to focus on the kiss, so I will run the lighting effect on the bride & groom.

I hit ctrl-J to duplicate the bride & groom layer:

Then Filter>Render>Lighting Effects:

It takes me to this:

I usually use omni the most out of the drop down menu, and in this case, it is the best one. Position the circle right on the kiss by grabbing the middle button. Then you can grab the other buttons to make the circle bigger or smaller. You can adjust all the sliders until you get the desired effect.

The screen should now look like this:

The lighting seems a bit strong for me, so I dropped the opacity to 50%. THIS is why I run the effect on a duplicate layer, although you don’t have to. Better than having to redo mistakes!

Look at before and after shots:

You can also run the effect on the background paper, right behind the kiss, for a variation.

(Sorry about the wonky photo sizes – can you tell I’m still a newbie?)

Have fun with this trick!

Until next time,

Hello everyone!!!!!

Lina here hosting today’s Words for Wednesday.

I have to admit to you that  words are not me and that I wasn’t the journalling type of scraper but recently I have realized that adding a quote or some journalling actually gives a special touch to our LOs.

So, I decided to make today’s Words for Wednesday a small quote challenge with the word SUMMER as our key theme, since it’s the 16th of July and we ARE right in the middle of the summer. Well, for the most of us of course as our friends in other parts of the world are right in the middle of winter!!!

So, here is your task. I want you to follow this link here and if you like more literary quotes you can follow this one and find ONE summer quote that you can really identify with and make an LO using this quote.

Here are some quotes that I found and that you can use of course if you like:

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” -author James Dent

“A summer sun is worth the having.” -French proverb

“Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” -author Henry James

“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” – author Wallace Stevens

“In summer the song sings itself.” -author William Carlos Williams

And many more that you will find in the links I provided. Of course you can use these links to provide you with quotes about other themes you might like to scrap about!!!!!

REMEMBER that after you post your LO in the SM gallery, you must link your LO to this thread in the forums so that I will know you participated and we can all leave you some love!!!!

Can’t wait to see all those summer quotes in the gallery and have a very beautiful day!!!

LINA

Hey there! Rhonda here to present all you lovelies with this week’s Tuesday Template Challenge. Ok, here it goes! I LOVE to use templates and always seem to be drawn to the ones that are sweetly simple. So, for this week, I would like to see you use only two of the photo squares(I don’t care which two) and fill the other two squares with a coordinating paper or maybe a neat little frame with some cute embellishments inside of it. But I would like to see at least six embellishments throughout your layout as well. I’m such a mean ‘ol thing! LOL! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with! And don’t forget to make the template your own!

Download the template HERE!

Here are some examples:

by me…

Credits: I used Brittney of Britt-ish Designs’ Got a Date Strips and her new kit Mermaid Lagoon

by Jeni

by kateypie

by kissncontrol

by henriette

by Brittney

and last but not least this one is by sassypixie