You know those neat layouts where there is a section (or sections) of the photo that they make just POP? Or those cool layouts where the photos look like a set of offset tiles? Well this tutorial will teach you how to achieve that effect.

First open the photo or photos you are going to use on your layout. Find a photo that you really love the whole photo but that also has something in it that you really want to stand out.

Now, open a blank 3600×3600 (like you do to start a layout) and paste your photo(s) into it. Position your photo on your layout. Then click on your Marquee tool in your tool box. Draw a selection around the item in your photo you want to highlight or pop up.

Now press Ctrl-J to make a new layer from your selection. This will make a new layer out of your selection and will not affect the original photo layer. Repeat this process as many times as you like, making sure you are on the original photo layer when drawing out your marquee.

Now add a drop shadow to really make your selection pop! The larger the shadow, the further off the page your selection will appear to be. Try different setting, play and have fun!

And here is what I created using Erica Zane’s What’s Cooking Bundle:

Check out the fun our creative team had using this simple method:

Cara:

Using Chelle’s Creations: Fetch That

Bonnie:

Using – That’s Not My Clover Kit & Add-On; & D.B. Wannabes v.2 by Erica Zane; & Doodle-Its: Borders Bundle by Jennifer Labre

Kim:

Using: The Places You’ll Go and Precious Alphabet from Amy Stoffel

Chel:

Challenge reminders:
-You will receive one point for posting in the appropriate thread & in the Saturday Special gallery. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your post. And at the end of the month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!

-You have until the end of March 2011 to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.

-Remember no double dipping…your photo and/or layout must be unique to this challenge.

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

Can’t wait to see what you create!!

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!