Hi Everyone.

Denise here to bring you another Saturday Special.

Today’s topic is shadows.

This is sort of a 101 on shadows, but hopefully, you will still find it helpful.

This tutorial is done in Photoshop Elements, but I think what I will show you applies to other programs as well.

I am by no means a shadow expert, but here’s what I do.

First, select the element that you want to shadow and apply the shadow. (I did not include a screen shot of this.)

Then, you will want to play with it.

This screen shots shows you the little “fx” icon on the layer which indicates that there is a style on this layer (in other versions of PSE the icon may be something else – in PSE5 it is a sun).

Double click this icon.

This window will open.

The first thing that I do is change the angle of the light source.

I know there is a lot of debate on what angle is best, and some people use different angles for different layouts.

The default angle is 120 degrees. I like -43.

I have picked up a lot of tips from different people and this angle tip came from the designer Flergs.

Okay, the next thing is to change the color of the shadow.

You do that by clicking once on the little black box circled in red in the next screen shot.

This window will open.

I then change my shadow color to dark brown. I like code 322512, which you can just type in. (Again, this color suggestion comes from Flergs.)

You can try different colors for different layouts. I use dark brown for almost everything, although I do play with it some when I am working on black (or very dark) colored paper.

The last thing I do is play with the size, distance, and opacity of the shadow.

I try to have different shadow levels on different parts of my layout. Depending on what I am working with I will have anywhere from one to four different shadows on one layout.

For example.

On this layout:

( Autumn Begins , Dirty Feet Designs; White Vellum Alpha , Designs by Tater)

I have three different shadow levels.

The leaves attached to the string are “floating” and the settings are: Size 21, Distance 40, and Opacity 65.

The photo itself, the rest of the leaves, and the string are set to Size 30, Distance 18, and Opacity 75.

The staple, the initial, and the photo mat are set to: Size 15, Distance 10, and Opacity 75.

And when I have stitches, glitter, or some other element that I want very close to the page, I use: Size 8, Distance 5, Opacity 65.

I use the middle two levels the most…it just depends on what looks good with my layout.

Different elements shadow differently, and it is important to play around with it until it looks right.

The most important part about shadows is realism, and really seeing your layout in three dimensions.

The better you get at shadows, the better your layouts will be.

Remember, you have until the end of the month to complete your layout.

Then, upload it to the Satruday Special Gallery, and here to the forum.

Your completed layout will earn you one point in the Matter of Scrap Challenge System.

In addition, you can earn another point by using a newly released product (you must scrap and upload your layout within the first 7 days of the product’s release – and remember, you MUST indicate in the forum, that you used a new release).

And, no double dipping…your layout must be unique to this challenge.

So, take some time, work on your shadows, and show us what you’ve got.

And if you need a little inspiration, here’s some from the CT.

{LO by chia}

(Beautiful Blessings, Haynay)

{LO by alamama}

(Boho Bliss, WM Squared)

{LO by theWerners}

(Woodland Fantasy, Erica Zane; Razzle Dazzle Alpha, Britt-ish Designs)

{LO by melanie3boys}

(Hot August Nights, Andilynn Designs; White Vellum Alpha, Designs by Tater; Dynamic Duo Set 3 Template, Sya’s Blueprints)

Happy Scrapping!

Denise