Scraps-n-pieces speed scrap

My 2nd speed scrap.  And I almost kept up with this one--even after starting late, changing photos 3 times and trying to feed 3 kids while scrapping.  Here it is:

SNP Challenges...blog train?

I've been doing some more challenges over at the SNP forum.  The first was a template challenge...I rotated it to use a tall picture.
used Hippity Hoppity (retired) by SNP and SAHM april 2012 challenge template

and this second one was a cluster template (also rotated because I'm just like that!)

used Pea Mystie font, Kevin and Amanda

Building Up, SNP (retired)
Boys and Their Toys, SNP (retired)

---->Did you get my blog train mini?  It's back one post!

Scraplifting

Here's another challenge I did--find a favorite layout and scraplift it.  I had just discovered one (again by Wendy Tunison--coincidence, I swear!)  and wanted to try it anyway.  I used Angie Hinksman's Baby Soft Papers from www.designhousedigital.com and some elements from Wendy Tunison's Country Market, at www.scraps-n-pieces.com, because I knew the colors would work with my papers.  It turned out cute, but how could it go wrong with such an adorable photo?

This was Autumn's first costume (she was one) since she had only a bib and pumpkin hat as a baby.  I sewed it out of this curly silky fabric which was so soft, but way too slippery for sewing!  She was so adorable, though.  Too bad you can't see her lamby blankie (lovey) that she was clutching in every other photo.  Oh, wait!  She was reaching for a Tootsie pop in some of the shots.

Photo Editing

I've been busy learning how to design for scrapbooking, but I made time to try some challenges over at the Scraps-n-pieces forum.  Here's one that I can't even describe because there were too many steps.  I used Wendy Tunison's kit Little Man--which I love because it has a huge variety of elements for little boys--but I went for simple, since the photo was so fancy.

My first try was this cute little one of Autumn handing me a bouquet of weeds, but the dirt road picked up too much color, so I didn't finish it.  I'll think of some way to use, it though!

Loucee Creations Birthday Challenge

I used Loucee Creations: Birthday Cheer along with a clustering tutorial from Karen Diamond Designs.  This was about like the blending trouble I had...need LOTS more practice to get clustering down.  I also cut out the cake pan, which took awhile, but looks so much better than before.

Update:  This (not-so-great) layout was (randomly) picked to win LouCee Creations' shop at MyMemories!  Thank you so much!!

Blending Papers

Another photoshop class project: blending papers.  It was a bit tricky.  I definitely need to put some time into  practicing this one!  I can "blend" okay, but I was trying to make the papers look worn and that takes skill.
Used SNP: Bohemian Rhapsody; template: By Christin

Speed Scrap

Did my first speed scrap tonight.  Only it wasn't too speedy when the computer kept locking up and I was using PSE 2.0!  Layout instructions from Wendy Tunison, most stuff from Laitha's Designs: Attic Treasures, and Industrious, some from SNP collab: Bohemian Rhapsody, and A Saxon Creation: Vintage Rose.

more Photoshop

This week we learned to do overlays and feathering (to blend the edge of the photo into the paper it's overlaid on.)  I love it!  I've been wondering how they did that...  I still have issues with clustering...never can find the right elements to combine.  I think that's because I'm trying to stay within one kit when I'd really like my files sorted by type and color: staple copper, staple silver, staple back copper, etc.  Oh well, I guess I'd better learn to be a designer and change the digiscrap world--maybe next week.

I used Scraps 'n' Pieces Thankful Hearts and Bohemian Rhapsody blogtrains.

Photoshop Techniques

I've moved on to the next class and am loving the new skills I'm learning to use in Photoshop.  Maybe someday I can actually get all those photos into scrapbooks this way.  I'd love to try my own designs, too, once I get more comfortable with stuff (and a computer that doesn't hang up!)  Here's what I've been learning in the techniques class so far:  this week was "threading" (a fancy way of combining separate images into looking like real 3D compositions, instead of printed on top of each other)

On this one I threaded the ribbon through the frame, and tangled the cord around my title letters.  (used kits from Scraps 'n' Pieces: Heidi Ho and Thankful Hearts blogtrain; Keystone Scraps: Key to Happiness)

For this one I used the Keystone Scraps: Key to Happiness and SNP: Bohemian Rhapsody.  I threaded the leaf, ribbon, tag, and twine onto the clothespin (it already had the petals), and the ring onto the key.  I layered three pieces to make the flower, too.

The photo is of a cross in South Dakota that a man made of old tools and metal parts all welded together.  It is huge and really cool close up!

Here's the first week's lesson on using templates.  (used template from By Christin for the February Template Challenge at SNP, Queenwild Scraps: It's My Party, and Amy Dane Designs: I Am a Survivor)

My first attempts at digital scrapbooking