Hey everyone! Li here with another Word Up Challenge! I’ve been wanting to try cutting my title out of a piece of paper or even my picture, and I thought the Word Up challenge would be the perfect opportunity! Want to try it with me?

Here’s how I did it in Photoshop Elements (It’s pretty simple, so I’m sure it will work in other programs, too.):

1. Type out your title and position it where you want it to be on your layout (on top of the paper or picture you want to cut it from). I am going to cut the word “wish” out of the blue paper.

2. Simplify the layer by right-clicking on it in the layers pallet and then clicking on “Simplify Layer” (in your version of photoshop, it might be Layer>Rasterize>Type). You won’t be able to change the font after this step, so make sure it’s the way you want it!

3. Select the letters of your title. I used the magic wand and held down shift as I clicked on each letter.

4. Select the layer that you are cutting your title from (the paper or picture). Then, press delete. Make sure you have the correct layer selected or it won’t work right! You can now delete the text layer or make it invisible.

And that’s it! Be sure to add a drop shadow to make it really stand out.

Here’s my completed page using Jennifer Barrette’s Dandelion Wishes:

And here is some inspiration from our fabulous CT:

From Cyndi using Enjoy Kit, Dates & Solids by GG Digital Designs and Framed by GG Digital Designs:

Layout by Meghann using “Celebrate Love” by Pri Rocha and “Get Real: Realistic Drop Shadows” by Jenn Barrette:

From Liz using Trixie Scraps and Simply Scraps’ Gotta Hug and Chelle’s Stitch Me Up Grids:

Layout by Wendy using “Template Pack 2″ (modified) by Kay Winiecki, “Cute Lil Kaylee” by Erica Zane and “Metal Outline Alpha” by GG Designs:

Just a little reminder of the rules:

-You will receive one point for posting your layout in the Word Up! challenge thread, as well as in the Word Up! gallery. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products! Please make a note of new products in your post.

-You have until the end of March to complete your layout.

-No double dipping! Your layout must be unique to this challenge.

-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

Good Monday to everyone!  It’s LoriBear here today to bring you the What Matters post this week.  I was trying to think of something really great for today and think I have done that.  Most times we are often focusing on ourselves and what matters most to us, this week however I am adding others to this equation because the payoff is great for both parties!

We have all heard the saying “It’s the little things that matter most” and this past weekend I was totally reminded of that.  I have been having a hard time personally for the last few weeks and am stating to feel the sun shine again and was much happier this weekend than I have been in awhile so I wanted to spread a little bit of that around!

We were at a fast food restaurant grabbing some grub.  The lady who was serving at the counter was being just berated by someone who had absolutely no manners what so ever and to be honest I felt really bad for her as she was pleasant and nice and actually kind of funny as she tried to use humor in a great way to break the tension with the ruse customer.  It unfortunately didn’t work and the man left very unhappy. By the time it was our turn I had watched this lady serve others with a smile and a really great attitude.  I thought in my opinion she needed a smile in return!  I told her I thought she was doing a really great job and was one of the most pleasant people I had seen in a fast food place in quite some time.  I was totally not prepared for reaction to this.  She actually teared up and told me that it was the nicest thing for me to say so because at the moment she was really not feeling so happy or appreciated.  I made her whole entire night just by saying thank you and praising her for a job that I myself would never want to do!  I felt elated inside to know that I had made such a good effect on this person.  After that I tried to make sure that I spread a smile and some thanks all weekend where ever I was and let the people who serve me everyday that I appreciate the work they did and that I was very thankful!  I felt like a million bucks and was elated that I was making others feel just as happy!  I remember working in the service field and how wonderful that feeling is…

So yes, The little things do MATTER most, not only just to us but to everyone around us as well!  Try it today, thank your neighborhood crossing guard for always watching out for the safety of your children, your store clerk for always serving you with kindness and a smile, there are many people in my life who I plan to thank a little more often.