Good afternoon everyone. Trista here to bring you another edition of Home Matters. I am always searching for new ways to entertain my two energetic toddlers. Incorporating education in with some fun is always a plus. About a year ago, I found an interesting way to store some of the kids’ ever growing collection of toys (especially since we were limited on space at the time). Hanging storage bags did the trick.

Hanging storage bags are available in all sorts of material and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Best of all, this quick and easy storage fix is very reasonably priced. Through trial and error we found that hanging them with thumbtacks or with hooks worked better than using the hanger, which can cause sagging or tearing. Why am I telling you all of this? Well, aside from the fact that I am a bit of a chatterbox, I wanted to share that little nugget of information with you before going into detail about today’s project. That’s my cue… are you ready for some hybrid fun? Here we go!

I was browsing one of my favorite home craft websites when I came across a really neat and educational twist for using hanging storage bags. I was immediately drawn to to this project with one goal in mind and as I worked more ideas came. The possibilities seem endless.

The first thing that I did was measure the front of the pockets on my hanging bag to get an idea of how big to make the labels. Once I measured I opened a new 8.5in x 11in (standard printer paper size) project in Photoshop and created a template. As luck would have it I could fit four labels on each sheet. This is where the fun comes in. Play around with different ideas. I chose to create two different options: alphabet and colors. You can also use shapes, or numbers. Let your creativity take flight.

Next, I printed the labels.   Tip: You can print on label/sticker sheets so that the finished product will easily adhere to the front of the pocket. I chose not to do this as I wanted to have the flexibility of switching out the labels. (see bottom of post of full credits)

Once I cut the labels, I tucked them into the pockets of the organizer and handed my three year old a handful of flash cards.

We immediately discovered that the bag was hanging too high. Tip: Hang low for little ones to reach easily. I made the appropriate adjustments for her height and she had the best time sorting.

Later I got the notion to try out the color sorting. This time I tacked the hanging bag on the lower wall of the toy room (DH may not be thrilled about the tack holes.). This worked like a charm because Isabelle was able to sit comfortably on the floor, eye level with the bag.

A few other tips that we have learned through trial and error. The smaller storage bag organizers seem to work better, especially for toddlers that may not be able to reach the top of the longer bags. The smaller bags also hold less which really helps keep the weight of the bag to a minimum and reduces sagging or possible ripping.  

Now it is your turn! Have fun!!

Credit goes to Family Fun for the wonderul idea.
Credits for the labels that I created:
chrome typewriter alpha from Graham Like the Cracker (recolored) in the Life’s Little Surprises ScrapMatters Mega Collab
apple and cookies from Freshly Baked – Creations by Rachael
airplane and boat from Passport – Creations by Rachael
balls from Junior kit collab by Graham Like the Cracker and Karen Lewis
books from Just One More Story collab from Graham Like the Cracker and Chelle’s Creations
butterfly from True Colors by Jennifer Labre
cupcakes from Another Candle on the Cake by Graham Like the Cracker
dog, flag, and frog from No Girls Allowed – Creations by Rachael
dragonfly, grass, and cloud from Rainbows and Blutterflies collab from Graham Like the Cracker and wm[squared]

This invite by NatalieKW  is simply fabulous!  I love that it is so busy – feels like the party’s started already!  Love the banner, the alphas, the ribbons, the colors, the doodads, everything!  I feel like I could use it for my 10 yr old’s birthday as much as for the 2-yr old!  Congratulations on POTW!

The image is linked so head on over to the gallery and leave her some love!  Congrats!

-Carolyn (calliclaire)

Our winner this week is 100% Silly Boy by JodieLeigh!  This layout just “popped” out of the gallery!  It is so much fun.  I love the bright green background with the stripey paper on top, the fun wordstrips and that amazingly sharp photo!  The doodled arrow and border around the scallops just adds to the fun.  An absolutely stunning layout!  Congratulations on LOTW!

The image is linked so head on over to the gallery and leave her some love!

-Carolyn (calliclaire)

Hiya everyone! Melissa (profiler_mar) here with some fun and EASY tricks I use to enhance my photos. Easy is always good, right?? =) These tips are for PSE 8, but I imagine they are pretty easily adaptable for other programs.

First, open your photo in PSE. On the right, above the effects bar, you have three tabs that say: Edit, Create, and Share. Click on the Edit drop down menu and select Guided. This brings up a detailed menu with several options to edit your photo. Go to the second section, that says Lighting and Exposure. Select Lighten or Darken. Your screen should look like this:

Now play around with the sliders until you get a look you want. For my image, Nik had a shadow across his face. So first, I selected Lighten Shadows and increased that to 39. Next, I always adjust the midtone contrast, because it really makes the photo pop. On this photo, I selected 39 as well. I rarely go past 40. So now my photo looks like this:

Go down to the bottom right side of the screen and click on Done. This will bring you back to the Guided Edit Menu. Now choose Brightness and Contrast. Again, since there is a shadow on this photo, I am going to Brighten it first. Using the slider I adjust to 30. Next, I adjust the Contrast to 20, to bring a nice pop to the photo as well. Now my photo looks like this:

Now go back to your Edit Menu and select Edit Full. You could be done here if you wanted, the photo looks really good right now. But I am going to show you one more trick that helps make photos shine. This trick can be used separate from, or along with the Guided Edit.

First, duplicate your photo layer to create a new layer. With the top layer selected, go to Enhance>Adjust Color>Remove Color. This will turn your top image black and white.

Next, select Filter>Other>High Pass. Your screen will now look like this:

Adjust the Radius to 250.0 pixels and click ok.Now go to the right, to your layers menu. With the top layer still selected, choose an overlay that gives you the effect you want for your photo. I chose Soft Light and adjusted the opacity to 60%.

When you are happy with the image, merge the two layers together, and you are done!

So here is my photo before:

And here it is after:

Now wasn’t that easy?? And it looks really good too! Now we will get a little more advanced. I am going to talk about adjustment layers, which are another fun way to make your photos shine.

So, here is my photo:

Here it is after using Guided Edit to bump up the contrast:

When I am using adjustment layers, I do not do the High Pass filter. So now we are ready to play!

At the bottom of your screen in PSE, beneath the layers menu, is a circle icon that is half black and half white:

Click on it and it will show a menu. Select Gradient Map. This will create a new layer with a fill color. Whatever color you have been recently using in PSE will show up, but if you click on the color drop down box, you can chose any color gradient you like. I usually use black and white.

Now, go to the layers menu on the right and select a filter for the gradient layer. I usually use Soft Light. Then, adjust the opacity until you get your desired result. And wow! Look, your photo really pops right?!

Now, let’s say you want to make your photo warmer or cooler, or you just want to play around some more to see what looks you can get. I will show you one more adjustment layer I like to use. =)

Going back to the adjustment layer icon, this time select photo filter. Your screen will look like this:

Click on the filter menu drop down box:

You will see there are three warming filters, three cooling filters, and several colors. I chose warming filter (81). There is a slider to adjust the density of the color, which you can see is a mustard yellow. I increased the density to 61% and achieved a nice, buttery look to the photo:

But let’s say you want to try a cool filter. I will play with one now to see what we get! Using cooling filter (80) and a density of 60% I get this fun, moody look for the photo:

So play around, experiment, and find which settings work for you! Your challenge is to use at least one of the tips above on a photo and scrap it!

Here is some awesome inspiration from the super-talented CT:

From Sarah, using Mulberry Fields and Mullberry Fields Family Word Art by KimB Designs and Scraps By Number: Yours Truly by Stolen Moments Designs:

From Kim, using Bits and Bots by Stolen Moments and Nikki Beaudreau; and Retro Clear Alpha and Peek-a-Boos by Stolen Moments:

From Heather, using E-I-E-I-O Combo and Double Your Fun 2-page Templates, both by Chelle’s Creations:

From Chel using Serendipity by Plum Dumpling Designs:

From Kendall using Color Me Happy by Jenn Labre:

Reminders:

-You have until the end of March to post your entry. Be sure to post it to the “Saturday Special” gallery and link it back to the thread in the forum.

-No double-dipping! This challenge CANNOT be combined with any other ScrapMatters challenge or Speed Scrap. Your layout must be unique to this challenge.

-You can earn an extra point for using any new ScrapMatters product during the first week of its release. Be sure to note the new product in your layout description and your post in the thread on the forum. In order to get your bonus point, it does need to be noted on your forum post.

-You don’t have to use ScrapMatters products, but we like it when you do.

I hope this tutorial showed you how easy it can be to make your photos shine, without actions or presets. I can’t wait to see what you create!!

Hi!  Welcome to The Hybrid Corner.  I’m Ami and I’m going to be walking you through a quick and easy chore chart.  Thanks to Mom’s Little Helper by Amy Stoffel creating my daughter’s chore chart really wasn’t a chore at all.

My first step was to design the chart.  Being that there is already a chart in the kit, I didn’t have to worry about lines or squares.  My daughter is only 4 so I chose a couple of elements to be visual aids and to add a little flair to the daily grind of chores.  To minimize cutting, I placed all elements for the chart in my computer program; I also felt that it would provide more durability to have a flat chart.  Once I was satisfied with my design, I sent it to the printer and gathered the rest of my supplies.

Pictured above: chore chart, check marks, matte mod podge, a repurposed magnet and scissors. For me, I enjoy hybrid creations because you can make it as specialized or as basic as you need- my scissors are everyday paper scissors and I used them because they feel good in my hand- my magnet was repurposed cause that’s what I had on the fridge.  You don’t need mod podge- a general purpose white glue would also do.

First I cut the check marks out.  Then because the magnet was repurposed, I pulled of the current advertising to better adhere the check mark.  Take the magnet, apply mod podge, stick down the check marks and apply another coat of mod podge.  You can add multiple coats if you wish, further protecting the check marks.

Care does need to be taken when handling the wet mod podge as a misplaced finger can cause damage.

This project was completed in maybe one hour (including dry time).  With a few simple digital items and a few household items, you too can create this quick chore chart.

Now lets get excited about our chores!

Welcome to another round of Grand Theft Layout! This week we’ll be raiding the fabulous gallery of Sporte91! To complete this challenge, you’ll need to browse through her gallery and choose a layout or hybrid project to inspire a page of your own. Make sure to come back here and post your layout along with a link to the layout you chose from her gallery.

Here are the lifts from the ScrapMatters CT:

Becca

used Erica Zane’s new Don’t Bug Me (Lady)

Andrea

Uses : A Photo a Day by Plum Dumpling Designs

Kim

and my Creative Team got in on the action too!

Jen E

Uses Persephone by Graham Like the Cracker

Kayla

Carry My Heart collab by Graham Like the Cracker and Stolen Moments and the new Amy Stoffel banner alpha

Lynett

Persephone by Graham Like the Cracker and Simply Dated Vol 14 by WM[squared]

Trista

used Sweet Spontaneity by Graham Like the Cracker and Madame Wing

Here’s the rules:
*Pick one of Sarah’s layouts or projects, and lift it! Feel free to twist, turn, etc. Post your layout into the Grand Theft Layout Gallery AND to this post to get one point for completing this challenge!
*You can get an additional point for using a NEW ScrapMatters product on your lift.
*At the end of March, I will select one lucky layout as the winner of this challenge, and that person will get an extra point for the month.
* Your layout MUST be unique to this challenge, no double-dipping!
*You do not have to use ScrapMatters products, but we certainly love it when you do!
and, last but not least,
*You will have until the end of March to complete this challenge.

Happy Scrapping! I hope you are as inspired by Sarah’s awesome gallery as I am.

It’s Tuesday Template time!!! Hi – Cara (aka colson) here with today’s template.  I always struggle when I want to create a photoless layout and many other scrappers do too.  So here’s a template… let your stories shine!  Rotate it, flip it, move things around – I’ll even let you add a pic if you HAVE to :laugh: – just have fun and post them here and link ‘em up so we can leave you love.

Here’s the preview:

Template Preview

Here’s the link:

Here’s some inspiration from our awesome CT

From Amy (aka anrobe)

And here’s mine: