Fun Free Digi-Scrapbooking Template Plus BONUS

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Hi all!

I have a number of half-finished, even some all-the-way-finished(!), templates in my "work queue," so I've been working on getting some of them out the door and into your capable hands. 

Today's FREE template is a fun one that I created based on a layout I made for my son's wedding album.  It INCLUDES two Bonus Items: the "Meant to be with You" word art, AND the "love you" photo mask.  And, in case you want to change the "love you" part of the photo mask to something else, I've also included the mask as two separate layers; the rectangle shape, and the text.

Here's the layout that inspired the template:

Download Webajeb-Template-039 from 4shared in .PSD format here, or in .TIF format here.  (Take a look at other Webajeb templates at my online store!)

Enjoy my templates, and please share the layouts you make!

Creating Digital Paper on the Fly

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My goal for this year is to reduce my dependence on pre-made digital paper and elements.   Instead I want to create a toolbox of skills, or quick procedures, to create paper and elements on the fly, as part of designing a  page layout.

I found a quick and easy method of creating solid colored, textured, digital paper being demonstrated in a video on YouTube by Chris Beasley of DigitalScrapbookingPages.com.

Watch the video (it's nice and short!), learn the technique, then use my cheatsheet notes below to refresh your memory when needed.




Cheatsheet notes:

1.  Open a new 12x12 blank document.
2.  Fill the background layer with the color of your choice.
3.  Create an adjustment layer, select Pattern, and choose "Gouache Light on Watercolor" from the "Artist Surfaces" group of patterns (load these, if needed, as shown in the video). Increase the scale to 1000%, or as desired.
4.  Change the layer's blend mode to Overlay.
5.  Reduce the opacity to 40%, or as desired.
6.  Create another adjustment layer, select Pattern, and this time choose "Dark Coarse Weave." Increase the scale to 125%, or as desired.
7.  Change the layer's blend mode to Soft Light.
8. Reduce the opacity to 30%, or as desired.
9. Save as a .JPG file.

DONE!

I recommend keeping the .PSD file as well as the .JPG.  As CB mentions at the end of the video, if you have the .PSD file (or .TIF, if that's what you prefer), you can open the original file and experiment with different blend modes, scales, and opacity on the adjustment layers.

You could also swap out the Patterns and experiment with those, trying different combinations of patterns for endless possibilities.

One of my favorite things about having the .PSD file handy is that I can use the Paint Bucket and simply fill the background layer with a different color (pull a color from your photo or from a patterned paper that you are using) and instantly have a coordinating paper with the same texture to use in my layout. How about orange?

Or experiment with the Gradient tool:

 

How cool is that????

I'll be collecting more fun techniques for creating digital paper On the Fly, and writing them up in Cheatsheet format.  Feel free to copy and paste to your own blogs, share my Cheatsheets with your friends, print them out for easy reference, they're copyright-free.  (A link back to me is appreciated, but not necessary.)

Put that in your Digital Toolbox and Use It!

Free Digital Scrapbooking Templates with Easier-to-Use Features!

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Here's one of my latest templates.  I say "one of" because I've got a dozen or more new ones created, I just haven't had time to get them uploaded.  I will be doing that over the next week or two, so be sure to check back here frequently or, better yet, subscribe to my blog so you don't miss a single one!

Here is today's template used in a layout:

Since the photos I wanted to use were all landscape-oriented I turned the template on its side, added a textured background, an overlay on the arrow element, and finally, got a little creative with the title.  Next I created a simple, one-photo layout to use as a facing page for a nicely balanced 2-page spread:

So - What are the new "Easier-to-Use" features of my templates?

First, I'll now be offering all my templates in both .PSD and/or .TIF format. The two formats will be packaged separately in downloadable .ZIP files; you will be able to download EITHER format or, if you like, BOTH formats.  I will no longer be zipping the two formats together, as I have done on occasion in the past, because it makes a downloadable file that's just too big for many user's systems to handle. (NOTE: I'm looking into also offering the templates in .PNG format if I find there is enough interest, so if you are interested, be sure to let me know!)

The second feature has been an integral part of my templates for awhile now but many people either don't know about it, or don't realize its significance.  Simply put, the name of each layer in my template files that is meant to be used for "clipping" begins with a plus (+) sign.  For example, in today's template there are 10 layers meant to be used for your photos, so the layer names would be as follows:

+ Photo 1
+ Photo 2
+ Photo 3

and so on, with the presence of the Plus Sign to indicate that this layer is suitable for clipping a photo (or paper).  I can't claim this idea as my own; Jessica Sprague began doing this with her own templates and she wrote {in a blog posting, if I remember right} that she hoped other designers would do likewise.  I loved the idea so am more than happy to include it as a feature in my own templates. I think you're going to love it, too!

Third, all of my templates will now include a topmost layer with numbers to identify each subsequent layer.  As far as I know no other designer is doing this.  This layer can be turned on or off as you desire, while you are working with the template, and then it should be either hidden or deleted before printing or publishing your layout. The first image of today's template posted at the beginning of this post shows the template with the numbers layer turned off, or hidden.  Here is the template with that layer turned on:

No more trying to figure out which layer is which in the template file!  The numbers correspond to the layer names in the .PSD or .TIF file and make it easy to select the exact layer where you intend to place your photo.  Just click on the numbered layer you want THEN drag in your photo.  The photo will automatically land just above the layer you selected.  Clip the photo to the layer, resize it, and it's done!

Ready to try out the new Easier-to-Use features?  Download Webajeb-Template-26 in .PSD format here or in .TIF format here.

Enjoy!

Free Digital Photo Mask and Back-to-School Layouts

My cousin kindly offered me the use of several photos she took of her kids on their first day back to school this year. I immediately noticed, in the above photo, the "dead" space above the little boy's head, not to mention the distracting glare. So I custom-designed a photo mask to deal with that space
It's basically a soft focus with the title cut out in the upper right corner, right where the distracting elements are in the photo. Here is the photo clipped to the mask and then placed on a very simple layout:

Note: I also used the dodge tool in Photoshop CS3 to lighten the area behind the words, to make the glare even less noticeable and to make the words stand out.

The accompanying page:

. . . and the two page layout:

So, cuz, what do you think??

I must apologize to my customers that I was only able to make 3 Back-to-School photo masks. I had intended to make 8 or so, but client orders have been coming in so I've been very busy with photo-book and digital scrapbook projects. Designing my own products has to take a backseat to my custom-designed layout work, since that is really the main focus of my little biz.

I do have some templates already made, just need to finalize them, zip them and upload to 4shared. I'll be working on getting those up over the next couple weeks.

Meanwhile, click here for a FREE download (at 4shared) of the Back-to-School photo mask featured in this post. Enjoy!

Digital Photo Masks and One is FREE

{paper & elements by Summer Driggs}

Two new photo masks for Back to School pics, and I'm going to give you one FREE! It's got a crookedy, whimsical, and swirly-curly look for girls' back to school photo. I used it with a photo of myself from wayyyy back in the Dark Ages, when I was in about the second grade. I didn't want to put the year on because then everyone would know how ancient I am!

In my layout I added a thin white stroke to the mask, and also a drop shadow. Here's the mask I used, and this is also the one that's FREE:Here's the second Back to School photo mask, the one for boys:

What a fun messy, grungy look, don't you think? Perfect for boys! Here's a layout I made with the mask:

{paper and butterflies by Olga Unger}

Again, I added a thin white stroke - I think it makes the outline of the words stand out much better. This time, instead of a drop-shadow, though, I used the Bevel/Emboss layer style and selected "Down" instead of the default "Up." This makes the mask look as thought it's been pressed down into the paper. I love the look!

If you'd like the second mask you can purchase it from my online store here (set of 2 includes the free mask!), or simply download the free mask from 4shared here.

Create a memory today!

Digital Word Art Freebie and Template 24

Whoohooo, another digital template ready for you! Number 24. Yeah, templates are just about my fave thing to create because once they're done, I use them over and over for all types of layouts. They're the perfect tool to jumpstart creativity any day!

This is a 2-page template; each page is in a separate .PSD file. Create 2-page spreads, or use just one of the pages for a single page layout. Swap the two pages around, if you like, flip 'em upside-down, it's all up to you. Make 'em your own!

As usual, I've included a layer with numbers corresponding to each of the photo shape layers in the file. This makes it easy to find the layer you want to clip your photo or paper to. It's so easy! Simply click to highlight the shape layer where you plan to place your photo. Then drag your photo in. It will drop right on top of the correct layer. Awesome!

Here's a layout I made with this template:
Clean & classy, perfect for a wedding layout, but by using different background paper and adding elements you could easily make a layout for pretty much ANY occasion. And bonus! You can include LOTS of photos! Put a single photo on each layer, or cover two or more template shapes with one photo, the way I have. It's easy: decide which shape layers your photo will cover, merge those layers, then clip the photo to the merged layer. Done!

Did you know you can email me with any questions you may have? Sure! So if you have questions, or want more detailed, step-by-step directions on using my templates, e-me! I always get back to people ASAP. The last thing I want is for you to download one of my templates and then not be able to use it. I'm here to help!

I also created that lil' bit of word art that you see on the left page of my layout; here's a bigger view of it:
I've decided to not only include the word art with purchase of the template, but to also offer it FREE to my blog readers. Download it at 4shared.

Oh, and you how I usually go back and disable the freebie links 'cuz they're only available free for a limited time? Well, I'm just too busy for that these days (thanks to all my new clients!) so from now on, I'm just going to leave the freebie links forever! Whoohooo! I love freebies as much as anyone, and I have to admit I've often gotten annoyed when I'm reading through blog posts and there are freebies, but the links have expired. I hate feeling like I've missed out, lol!

Of course, I don't have time to go back now and RE-link all previous freebies either, but if you'd like one that I have posted in the past, just email me, tell me which one(s) it is, and I'd be happy to send you the link(s).

Visit my online store for lots of other templates, paper, kits, word art, and more. If you prefer, go straight to the Templates section for today's template!

Now go let {your creativity} all hang out!

Four Seasons Clipping Masks AND a Freebie!

Well, I was supposed to be working on Back-to-School clipping (photo) masks but I got distracted when I discovered these other masks I had start to create awhile back! I decided to finish them up first, then go on to the Back-to-School masks.

I had a lot of fun creating these, and then using them in layouts. Here is my layout using all four masks:

(paper & element by Amy Clegg)

You could do a similar layout with photos of your kids from each season, or your baby's first year of seasons, document your garden in each season, whatever your imagine comes up with!

The masks work great individually, too:

My photos are only so-so (I am not a great photographer -- yet), but if you've got totally awesome photos of the four seasons in your area, you could do them individually like the layouts above, perhaps use a more coordinating background than I have, print them out, and frame and hang them as a quartet as home decor. I can envision that looking pretty nice! Or, how cute would it be to do the same thing with baby's first year photos, framed in white, and hung in baby's room?

I'm getting some great ideas, and I hope you are, too.

You can get all four of these clipping masks in my online store here for just $1.49!

If you'd like to try one of the masks first (FREE!), simply sign up to be notified via email whenever I update my blog. Use the "Opt In" button on the left-hand side of my blog and, in the comments section of the form, indicate which mask you'd like. I'll send it to you via return email.

Thx for stopping by!

Free Digital Template - Two Days Only!

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This template is based on a sketch I saw on this post at the Daily Digi. I love the kooky & crooked photo and/or element squares juxtaposed with the ultra-straight border lines.

Here is a layout I made today using the template:

(papers by KimScrappinDesigns, Faded Memories kit)

Since I only had one photo that I wanted to use I decided to clip a variety of papers to the smaller photo squares. You could also layer elements there, or a title, or even journaling bullets. I also stretched that inner border just a bit to give me more room for journaling and to offset the total design just a bit.

The template is now in my online store but you can download it at *4shared FREE through Sunday! Please share any layouts you make with it!

{*sorry, the link has expired but you can still get the template at my online store!}

Have a great weekend and make sure it includes some scrappin'!

New Two-for-One Templates and a FREEBIE

New digital templates by Webajeb and they're Two-for-One at my online store!

Get either set for just $1.49, which is the usual cost of a single page template, so for the same price you are getting TWO pages! Use them together or separately. Delivered to you in BOTH .PSD and .TIF formats, 300 dpi, and 12" x 12."

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A layout based on Webajeb-Template-019
(papers and rose by Creashens)

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A layout based on Webajeb-Template-017

And today's freebie is my own "Treasure the Moment" stamp, as used in the above template:

It's in .PNG format so it's got a transparent background. Use it as a stamp or overlay. Download it from 4shared by clicking here!

Cool Digital Paperclips and a FREEBIE!

One of my latest digital scrapbooking layouts showcasing the use of one of my latest digital scrapbooking products - "paperclips" in the shape of talk bubbles. Or, perhaps, in the case of this particular layout, thought bubbles!

Here is the set that I designed yesterday:

Aren't they fun?? The set includes seven different talk/thought bubbles, each one is delivered both with and without dropshadows. They are 300 dpi and delivered in .PNG format with a transparent background.

Use them like any digital paperclip. Position the clip over your photo, paper, tag or whatever, and then erase the portion of the clip that shouldn't show because in real life it would be hidden underneath the photo or paper. Adjust your dropshadows and you have totally realistic "clips" to add dialogue to the photos on your layout. You're gonna use these over and over again!

Easily change the color to match your layouts, too. In Photoshop set your foreground color chip to the color you want. In the layers palette select the layer containing the clip then add a hue/saturation adjustment layer. In the hue/saturation box click the colorize button. Move the lightness slider to the left until color appears. Then use the three sliders to adjust the color to your liking.

Want to try one out? Just click here (4shared) or here (mediafire) for a free downloadable talk bubble. Exactly which one I'm giving you is a surprise!

To get the complete set at my online store for just $ .99 click here. (Might as well check out some of my other products while you're there, don't you think???)

I'd love to hear what you think, so please leave me a comment and/or send me a quick note.

Enjoy!

Graduation Photo Masks FREE for Digital Scrapbookers

My sister, and our parents, on her graduation from Brooklyn Law School.

(digital paper & brushes by Amber Clegg)

It's JUNE! That means graduations so I decided to put together a set of graduation-themed digital photo masks. I used one of them for the layout about. I chose to leave the words in their original black and filled just the rectangle with my photo. I added a thin white stroke to the mask. I have also personalized this photo mask by adding my sister's name and changing the year.

Here is a set of 7 graduation-themed photo masks for you FREE (for a limited time). Download today because the link will expire in a week or so; of course, you'll still be able to get them after that from my online store. Included in the download is a tutorial on how to use the masks!

Here's a preview of all seven photo masks:

download from 4shared
or
download from mediafire

{Sorry, links have expired but you can still get these masks here! AND you can still get a personalized mask FREE with your purchase!}

The 8th mask in this second set of previews has been personalized, and is included just as an example of another way to use the mask. As a BONUS, I will personalize any one of these masks for you, with the name of your graduate! This offer is limited to the first 10 people so don't delay, send me an email today! **Update!! I underestimated the response to the personalized photo masks; many more people would like one that I ever thought! I'm pleased! So I'm extending my offer to the first 30 people!***

(Patamomma, send me an email with the name you would like - I've saved you a spot!)

*Update: if you'd like a personalized mask please be sure to send me an email (use the "contact me" link on the sidebar of my blog) with your email address so that I can send you the mask. Thx!

Oh, and did I mention my photo masks (and all my digital products) are copyright-free??!! No worries about whether or not you can use them as a scrapbooker for hire, or for creating kits to sell. Credit is appreciated but not required. See my most recent Terms of Use for more details.

Enjoy the photo masks, and happy scrappin' to ya!