Hello All… It’s Cyndi, here to give you this week’s Saturday Special Challenge.

When I was a paper scrapper, one of my favorite techniques was inked edges.  I’d ink everything, from pictures to papers to elements… sometimes even the brads.  I love the depth it gives a layout.
 
When I made the transition to digital scrapping, it took me a while to realize I could get the same look on my digital layouts.  It was a wonderful discovery.  And today, I’m going to share this technique with those of you out there who might not know of it yet.  And then… I’m going to challenge ALL of you to scrap a layout with inked edges. 

The easiest and fastest way to get the inked edge look is to download an action or a style and just apply it.  There’s a ton out there.  But since this is a technical challenge, I guess that would be cheating.  We’ll go the long way.
 
(FYI – since I work in Adobe Photoshop, my tutorial will be in this program. I’m using CS2.  Elements is limited in the adjustments you can make.  For a tutorial on inking edges in Elements, go to HUMMIES WORLD)

So here we go:
Make sure the layer you are going to ink is active.  Then go to Layers> Layer Style> Inner Glow.

Next you’re going to change the levels of the Inner Glow.  (This part may seem lengthy and complicated, but once you do it a few times, it will be a snap… just stick with me)
  
Change the blend mode to Normal or Multiply for a darker look.  And change the color to your preferred color.  On this LO I inked the paper strips with a slightly darker shade than the paper but I inked the picture with black.  It’s really just a matter of preference.

Now adjust your levels.  Here’s what I used:
Opacity – 75%
Noise – 20%
Technique – Softer
Source – Edge
Choke – 20%
Size – 50 px
Range – 65%
Jitter – 0% (to be honest, I have no idea what this one does)

You can double click the contour editor to change the look in the corners.  Double click the contour window or click the arrow to open the flyout menu and pick a contour from the menu.

I rarely use the same levels twice.  I just keep adjusting until I find the look I want.  And I always make sure the preview box is checked so I can see the results on the actual LO.  The possiblities are endless.

Here is a close up of three different ink colors on my LO.  For the paper on the left, I used a soft lavender and for the middle, a darker lavender, giving them a more chalked look.  For the picture on the right I used black.

And here’s my finished LO

I used Secret Sage by Erica Zane, Jeni Hopewell’s alpha from Merry Merry and Alamama’s new template… free on her blog… GO HERE

And here’s one from Christy.  She uses Storybook Creator Plus (SBC+) by Creative Memories and the process was completely different for her.  But her results are gorgeous with a faded black edge that comes in from her photos.  Great job Christy!!  Thanks for your wonderful entry!

Christy used A Christmas to Remember by Simply Sweet Designs

Now for the details…

You will have ALL month to scrap your layout.  When you complete it you must post it to the Saturday Special Challenge Gallery (click to enter) AND in the forum HERE to get credit.

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 that you used a new release).  I’ll also be choosing my favorite LO at the end of the month and that person will receive another point.

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

So friends… let me see those inked edges!