Happy Halloween Everyone! Emilee (emileem) here with your Saturday Special. Today we are going to learn something very easy and NOT scary–ADJUSTMENT LAYERS.  I just learned about these and it changed my scrappin’ life!  Creating an adjustment layer, instead of directly adjusting your photo gives you greater versatility and flexibility.  Simply click on the circle in your Layers menu that is half white/half dark and you will see a new menu.

We are just going to focus on Levels, Brightness/Contrast, Hue/Saturation for this tut.  Click on one of those choices and you are able to adjust your photo as you desire–but your photo hasn’t been compromised.

As you can see, a new layer has been added.  If you would like to further manipulate that layer you can, or click the eye to hide it.

In my example, I adjusted the levels and hue/saturation in this picture. Later, I made the picture sepia tone to coordinate with the others in my project.

Here is my project–I used this Sat. Special as well as Jen’s tut last week.

It really is that easy.  Play around with Adjust Layers and see what you can do!  Let us know what you adjusted when you post your LO for the Saturday Special Challenge.  Please post in the Saturday Special Gallery as well as in the coordinating forum thread.
Here is some more inspiration from the ScrapMatters Creative Team:

from Liz (mommy22girls):

from Cyndi (Cyndi146):

and one more from Amber (sm_amber):

Remember:
**this challenge will run through Nov. 30. Entries that are posted today (Oct. 31) will count as a point toward your October total, entries received hereafter will count as a point toward your November total.
**No double-dipping; your LO must be unique for this challenge.
**You will receive ONE point for participating in the challenge and an additional point if you use a NEW ScrapMatters Product (released within the last seven days). Please state in the forum that you have used a new product.

That’s all.  Happy Scrapping on this Halloween day!

Three of our designers at ScrapMatters will be closing their shops at 11:59 pm on October 31st Pacific time. This is the last time you can get their treats at SM for now.

Please join me in saying so long and best wishes to:
Heather (Dirty Feet Designs)
Dacia (Fluffy Bunny Feet Designs)
Brianne (Hafen Creations)

Two of these designers are expecting additions to their already busy families and one of them recently had a new baby.
Congratulations to all three of you on your growing families. We wish you nothing but the best.  We hope to see you around and pictures of your families in our galleries.  You will be missed.

It is October now, and this time of year is the start of the Holiday season…well, if you consider Halloween a holiday.  Maybe I’m just thinking ahead.  Maybe I’m wondering how I keep getting myself involved in a secret swaps.  In any case, this time I’m involved in a secret swap for Christmas and am pondering all of the ways I can use my love for digital scrapbooking and paper crafting to make stuff for my secret pal. Well, let me tell ya, I found some great stuff right here at Scrapmatters!

I think Scrapmatters is really growing in this area of combining passions and Geeky Diva just put out another great template for those of us that need a little “Hybrid Help.”  The Chinese Take out Box ( found here: http://scrapmatters.com/shop/product.php?productid=2438&cat=0&page=1 ) is a template that is designed especially for 8.5 X 11 paper. So you can “clip” your digital paper right into the template. The template can also be used on commercial paper for additional crafting options.  And it’s so easy even your 2 year old can do it.  Well…let’s not get to crazy.  Maybe your five year old, though…with supervision.

So anyway, using Hybrid techniques for creating gifts is a great way to show the diversity of digital scraping and the products we have all come to adore.  But if you’re STILL not convinced, here are a couple of great ideas on how you can use the Chinese take out box.

 And finally one by the lovely Kristi

Now, don’t forget to check out the Hybrid Gallery here at ScrapMatters and look at the awesome projects our little community has been creating and don’t forget to post yours there too! Also, the Hybrid is Hot section of the forum is available for your enjoyment as well.

Hello there! Courtney (cnscrap) here to host this weeks Grand Theft Layout challenge. For this week’s Grand Theft Layout Challenge we are going to lift the gallery of lacidock. You can check out her fabulous gallery here!

I chose “Pumpkin Bucket” to lift. I loved her blocking and the use of the photo holder. This is her layout:

And mine using Sahlin Studios A Story of Friendship and photo holders:

And now some inspiring layouts done by our CT Team!

Kathleen (kv2av) picked Sweet As Sugar:

And created this striking layout using HappyScrapGirls’ Sense of Adventure and Britt-ish Designs’ In Stitches: Basics:

Cyndi (Cyndi146) picked Simple Pleasures:

And created this sweet layout using Make Me Smile by AnnaBV Designs, Back to Basics Soft Alpha by Denise Beatty Originals and Metal Photo Holders by Sahlin Studio:

Jenn (jennamy82) picked Lucky Me:

And created this beautiful layout using WM Squared’s Green & Serene:

Amanda (panders77) picked Love:

And created this cute layout using Sahlin Studios Tuck and Wave templates, Lifes a Beach, Foam Stamped Alpha Sorbet, Lifes a beach Snippettes, Circle Stitches and Alpha from Enjoy the Moment:

A few quick SM guidelines:

- Since this challenge is near the end of October you will have until the end of November to complete this challenge. Please upload it to the GTL gallery and leave your LO image and Laci’s LO image (both linked) in the GTL 10/28/09 thread.

- You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a NEW product from the SM store! (Please indicate that you used something new with your LO/link in the forum.)

- I will choose one lucky winner (random) who will receive an ADDITIONAL point!

- You don’t have to use SM products in this challenge, but we LOVE it when you do!

- Remember no double dipping…your layout must be UNIQUE to this challenge!

Looking forward to seeing which layout inspired you!

You can download the template here. The only requirement is that you use a quote or word art on it, otherwise use the template as you wish.

Here are some example’s using the template:
From me:
‘Underwater Escape’ by Erica Zane

From Sylvia
‘Loverly’ by Sahlin Studio and ‘Bracketed Words: Beauty {wordart pack}’ by Trixie Scraps Designs

From Cyndi (trying her hybrid skills out!)
‘Feeling Fall’ by WM[squared]

From LuAnn
‘One Fine Day’ by Happy Scrap Girl Designs and ‘Edge 2 Edge: Songs’ by Britt-ish Designs

This challenge will earn you points in the Matter of Scrap Challenge System. Please post your finished cards in the Hybrid Challenge gallery. You have until the end of November to earn points for this challenge. Should you want your points to count for the month of October, please post by 10/31. You don’t have to use ScrapMatters products but we love it when you do. What are you waiting for? Get out there and show us some hybrid creations!

Hey There It’s LoriBear here to bring you the Tuesday template!  There are no specific rules for this so you can dress it up just the way it is or change it up, flip it around,  whatever your creative self likes!

Here is the template I whipped up for today,

Here are a few layouts for Inspiration

Layout by LoriBear

Credit -” Berry Zing”  by Sya’s Blueprints

And the most awesome Scrap Matters CT Girls did a few too,

Layout by Jillyfish

Credits: “Enjoy The Moment” by Sahlin Studio, “Leave The World Behind” and “Delicate Mickey Sprinkles” by Britt-ish Designs and “A Most Magical Alpha” by Happy Scrap Girl Designs

Layout by Cyndi146

Credits: “Indian Summer” by Trixie Scraps and “Worn Scuffed Chipboard” Alpha by Sahlin Studio

Layout by Jennamy82

Credits: “Eggplant Envy” by Erica Zane

Layout by Neverland Scraps

Credits: “Back to School” Bundle and Extras by WM[squared]

You can grab the template here — DOWNLOAD HERE

I’ve included both the .psd and .png files for you!

And a recap of the Matter of Scrap Challenge rules:

You have the month of November to complete the challenge as this is a late month one. Upload it to the Tuesday Template gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link as a reply to this post!

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a new product from the ScrapMatters store (PLEASE indicate you have used something new when you leave us the link in the forum), and one lucky winner will receive one more point – I will be doing a random draw!

I hope you enjoy the template and I cant wait to see what you do with it! Have Fun!

Hello there!

Maria here, with some random thoughts about inspiration and taking pictures.

Today we are going to browse through couple of photo galleries from all over the world and get some awesome ideas to try!

First of all, I would like to introduce you one of my favorite russian photographers – Tanya Garanina. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand Russian, just browse her blog to find some amazing shots!

She finds extraordinary angles and discovers beauty everywhere.

Here’s another link for you:  this photographer is from Moldova.  Sergiu Barancean is not a professional photographer, but his pictures amaze me!  Just look at these minimalistic landscapes:

I can feel the still air of an early morning by the river, can’t you?

And the last but not the least link for today takes us to the fairy tale of Indonesian forests.  Rarindra Prakarsa creates perfect scenes with fantastic colors and ideal composition.  Just look at this “Ordinary morning”.  I wish I could have one of those!

I hope you found your inspiration today!  Now grab your cameras and click!

If you have other favorite galleries, don’t forget to share!

Hugs,

Maria

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited to tell you that we are having a call for the ScrapMatters Girls.

They are our wonderful team of site “cheerleaders” and we love them. It is such a wonderful group to belong to and we are looking for new recruits.

I hope you will come and join us.

To apply: e-mail smgteamcall at gmail dot com a short bio, why you want to join the team, and a link to your gallery. Call ends 10/30 12 pm EST.

This week’s LOTW is Heart Attack by Melody. It’s a grungy boy layout that really if you look closely, put yourself in her shoes you can feel the “oh my goodness” moment that she’s capturing and scrapping about!  I love how she combined so many product to get this overall look.  I love that its not a girly girl layout, its very grungy, very age appropriate for this boy and totally perfect for the moment that she’s captured and sharing with us! Congrats Melody! Make sure you stop by the forum to leave her some love.

1.   Your screen name? Your real name?

My screen name is dznyscrapper. My IRL name is Amanda

4.   Where is home for you?

I live on a small acreage in Southwest Minnesota.

5.   What are your 3 favorite foods?

Three of my favorite foods are ice cream, french fries & CHOCOLATE!

6.   What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

7.   What kind of camera do you have?

10.  PC or Mac? What program do you use?

11.  How long have you been digi-scrapping? How did you get started?
I have only been digi-scrapping for about 4 years, but I did start paper scrapping about 15 years ago. I started digi-scrapping when the direct sales company I was with came out with a digital scrapbook program and I also used Microsoft Picture It. I wanted to make photobooks for my parents and inlaws for Christmas. It quickly became to limiting for what I wanted to do, so I asked for PSE for Christmas. It took me a while to actually use it to scrap with it though because I was a bit intimidated by it. I found a free class on how to make your first page and haven’t looked back since. I still do a little bit of paper scrapping, but since having Kailee most of my pages I have done this year have been digital. Much easier with a little one that likes to get into everything.

14.  What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you?

15.  What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking?
One thing I would like to learn to do better is take better pictures. I get lucky sometimes and get some great pictures, but I would love to learn the tricks to get great ones most of the time. I would love to learn to use my camera to it’s full potential, too.

My favorite movie is Sixteen Candles. I have to admit I’m a bit of a tv junky. There are so many tv shows I love to watch. My top three are Amazing Race, Grey’s Anatomy & Bones.

17.  Describe your “scrapping” environment.  Music? TV in the background? Drinks? Snacks? Where?
If I’m working on my laptop, I’m usually on the couch with a movie or a tv show on. When I’m on my desktop I have my ipod playing. I usually have a Mountain Dew near by or if I have been shopping that day I will have a cherry Sprite from Sonic. When I have snacks, it is usually something chocolate.

18.  If you only had 2 elements to use on a LO, what would they be?
If I could only have 2 elements they would have to be flowers and glitter.

19.  Would you like to share a little known fact about you…?
I can play the piano. I don’t play in front of people though. I get too nervous and make too many mistakes if I know people are listening. Unfortunately the only time I get to play is when I go to my grandparents’ because we don’t have room in our house for a piano. Even when I was taking piano lessons I would always have to go to their house to practice. Some day when we add-on to our house I plan on getting a piano of my own. I still have all the piano music I collected when I was in high school for that day.

20.  Can you tell us a little about your scrappin’ style?
When I first started digi-scrapping my style was a lot like the way I paper scrapped. I did not do a lot of layers or clustering. My style has changed quite a bit from my first few layouts. I don’t know if I really have an exact style or not, but if I have to choose I’d say I have more of a linear style.

21.  Favorite LOs that you have done?

I have so many layouts that I love, it is so hard to choose. These are some of my favorite layouts I have done.

Well, according to my profile I have been a member since Feb of this year, but I was a lurker long before that. I started lurking in May 2008. I just never got up the “courage” to join until the Design Star contest in Feb. I have to say I don’t know why it took me so long to finally join in because everyone here has been absolutely great in making me feel welcome. This has definitely become my digi home.

Jen W. (aka abcmomof4) here with the Saturday Special. I’ve got a great challenge for you! I am going to share one of my favorite Photoshop tricks, using a texture on a photo. I am using CS3, but I am sure this can translate over into PSE or CS4.

Here is what the photo looks like before the magic:

Cute, but bleh! Needs that wow factor!! Select your texture and drag it onto your picture. I’ll be using a metal texture.

Now we are going to blend it. With the texture layer highlighted, select the overlay blending mode. I usually use overlay, hard light, or soft light. Feel free to play with other modes.

I like where this is going!!! I personally do not like the texture on top of people, but I want to keep the color on the photo that the texture and blending created. We are going to blur out the texture from on top of the subject. First, select you magnetic lasso tool (CS3) or your magic wand (PSE) to select where you want to blur out your texture. You’ll want to get the marching ants to surround the subject.

The magnetic lasso tool is great, but sometimes has a mind of it’s own. It will not make a perfect selection. I used the regular lasso tool after the initial selection to refine my selection. There is add and subtract to features located at the top bar. Let’s say if you missed part of the ear, choose the add to selection and lasso around the ear. If too much was selected outside what you need, choose the subtract from button, and lasso around what is not needed. Zoom in to make sure you have all that you want (or don’t want) in the selection before moving onto the next step.

Go to filter, blur, Gaussian blur. We need a high radius so slide the bar all the way to the right (250).

If the texture is a bit much and needs to be toned down, lower the opacity of the texture layer to your liking. Cute, cute, cute!

The color is a bit off, so before finishing it up, I lighten and brightened the overall picture.

If you are feeling adventurous, add an overlay also. Our designers have some great textures and overlays in their shops.
Here is an invitation I made for my friend. Her baby is turning one and for her birthday gift I took her pictures and made the invitation. I was feeling adventurous and added a polka overlay as well:

Here are a few examples from the fabulous creative team:

Here is a beautiful layout from mommy22girls using Jennifer Barrette’s Autumn Blush, Britt’s Brown Town Alpha, and Plum Dumpling’s Beautiful You:

Check out this layout by kv2av. She used Pressed Petals Singled Out, WM [Squared}’s Feeling Fall, and Sahlin Studio’s Whispers: Fall

Emileem created this beautiful layout

I am in awe of what the CT created for this challenge!!!

Your challenge is to add texture to a photo and then use it in a layout. If the over-achiever in you wants to add an overlay, go for it! Upload the layout to the Saturday Special gallery and link us up to it in the forum.

Remember:
* You will receive one point for your entry.
* You will receive one extra point for using a new product within the first week of release. Please note this in your post.
* You have until the end of October to complete your layout.
* No double dipping please.

There are many free sites out there that have free (you heard me) textures. Here are some links to some FANTASTIC sites so that you may find the perfect texture for your photo. No worries, I asked permission to post these (hehehe).

Ghostbones on Flickr

Grungetextures.com

Deviant Art

Happy Scrapping!

Jen W.