Category: Tutorials

Tutorial Tuesday | Lengthen Your Elements

Lengthen Your Elements

Are you ready for another tutorial from me?? I am a scrapper who always resizes the elements and from time to time that means that the element that I resized isn’t big enough to be visible on my layout. I’m really not sure how to describe it so I’ll just start with my tutorial and hope it will make sense to you.

I’m pretty much finished with my layout but I want to add a ribbon so I am opening the ribbon and it is way too big.

Lengthen Your Elements

It just isn’t in proportion with the rest of the elements so I need to resize the ribbon until I am happy with the size of it.

Lengthen Your Elements

Now that it’s the right size I am going to rotate the ribbon and put it in the right place.

Lengthen Your Elements

It’s in the right place but it’s too small and it doesn’t pop out on the top, as I would like. There are two ways you can make the ribbon pop out on top. You can duplicate the layer and move it to the top and you’re done. I’d rather avoid duplicating layers if I meant to use the element just one time. Flowers, I duplicate all the time (as you can see) but to lengthen my ribbon….I use this method:

Select the rectangular marquee tool:

Lengthen Your Elements

Make sure the layer of the element you want to lengthen is selected…

Lengthen Your Elements

Now select the part of the ribbon you want to move/lengthen…

Lengthen Your Elements

I select a large area so I’m sure I’ve selected the entire ribbon. Now hold down the ctrl-button (CMD on Mac) on your keyboard and tap on the arrow of your keypad on your keyboard. 🙂

Lengthen Your Elements

As you can see, the marching ants are now around the ribbon and you can move your ribbon in place with the arrow keys from your keyboard.

Lengthen Your Elements

When the ribbon is in place….click ctrl-d (CMD-D) and there you go. You’ve lengthened the ribbon and now it also shows on the top.

Lengthen Your Elements

Now just add a shadow and you can continue with your layout. For me, this ribbon was the last element that needed to be added to my layout to be done. Here’s the finished layout….

Lengthen Your Elements

I hope you’ve learned something new and you’ll be able to use this when you’re scrapping.

Have a great day !!!

bianckaAbout the Author  Biancka is a creative team member here at The Digital Press. She is a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), a wife to Edwin, and mom to Jasper. She lives in the east of The Netherlands (about 30 minutes from the German border). She is addicted to scrapping, but also enjoys baking, reading books (mostly thrillers), watching her favorite TV shows, and photography.

Tutorial Tuesday | Accomplish Albums Faster

Do you every feel like working on an album is an endless endeavor? Do you ever think to yourself “How can I get more pages done in the same amount of time?”  Using double page spreads is a great way to accomplish your goal!  Even though I usually upload single layouts (LOs) at a time to make them easier for viewing online, I always end up making double spread layouts.  I prefer the double spread for a single event/theme.  I know there are some who agree with me and I know many disagree; either way, it’s ok.  Sometimes you might want to throw in a double spread, even if most of your LOs are single pages.

Here are some tips for using double spread layouts

  1. Make it simple – Start out with a double sizes base, (i.e.: 24×12).  You might be thinking “Wow…that’s a lot of space,” but, a double spread doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it doesn’t have to be 2 separate full layouts.  By spreading out, you can include larger photos/elements, more journaling, or even some white space.  Templates are a great place to start.  Many designers offer 24×12 sized templates, or 12×12 sized template sets that coordinate well.  Many project life templates/ layout styles are double spread as well.
  1. Make it cohesive – My double page spreads are almost always made using the same kit and photos from the same event/day.  On occasion, I will mix it up, but only if the final spread is cohesive.  I might use black and white photos on both sides, to keep a similar mood, or maybe even the same kit, but with photos from different events.
  1. Make it big – Another of my favorite ways to make a double page spread is to use BIG photos.  If there is a photo from a set that I am in love with, then I won’t hesitate to have that photo take up at a whole 12×12 side.  I might even use a 24 inch wide panorama photo spanning the entire spread.
  1. Make it to the end – It’s important to keep your end goal in mind.  Whether your goal is a year, or a certain number of pages, or some other “album-defining” moment.  Try not to over think it, and when you’re ready, go ahead…push that print button!

Here are a couple of examples of my own double spread LOs:

 

Here are some links to check out to get started on double spreads:

TEMPLATES HERE

GALLERY INSPIRATION

Farrah

 

About the Author  Farrah Jobling is a member of the creative team here at The Digital Press. She lives in Denver with her amazing family — Mike, Nicholas (9), Claire (6), Hope (1.5 yr old puppy) & Kringle (3 mo old bunny). She works from home as a photographer and enjoys scrapping her personal photos.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

Are you ever in that situation where you are running out the door and suddenly remember you forgot to get a birthday card for the party your child is going to?  Or a “Thank You” card for a gift someone gave you, maybe even just a “cheering up” card?   I don’t know about you, but cards are VERY expensive and I hate buying them.  So, I want to show you how to make greeting cards to build up your stash so that you will always have one on hand.  No more excuses for not giving someone a card.

If you are crafter you probably already have most of the items on hand.  Even if you are mostly a scrapper, you still probably have the basics.  Most digital kits these days will either come with a few pocket cards or have a pocket card edition to the kit.  I love pocket cards because they are so versatile.  Since I’m an hybrid gal, I immediately see them as cards.  I love giving people homemade cards even if it’s just to brighten their day.

Here is what you will need:

  • Digital pocket cards
  • White cardstock
  • Colored cardstock
  • double sided tape
  • glue pen
  • embellishments
  • Pop dots

Here are the pocket cards I used for this project, but any of them will work.  You probably already own several.  There is definitely one out there for EVERY occasion.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

Andiamo Journal Cards, Birthday Card Set, #Happythings Journal Cards,
Focus On the Good Journaling Cards

You can use any photo editing program you have to create these cards.  You do not have to have a cutting machine, however, I did use mine because I’m a little obsessed with it.   You can be as simple or as fancy as you would like.  I did a little of both.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

Some pocket cards are fine without adding anything to them.  Some just need a saying or an additional element. I like dimension so I usually cut out extra elements.

For some of my cards, I started out by drawing out a 5″ x 8″ triangle.  At the 4″ mark, I drew a dashed line – this is if you are going to use a cutting machine, if not, just use the ruler in your editing program and open and place your pocket card at the 4″ mark.   Two cards fit to a page.  That is it… print the card, cut with your paper trimmer and fold.  It really is that simple.   If you want it to be a little fancier, add some cute elements from the coordinating kit……go one step farther and add a piece of coordinating cardstock to the back.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

For that extra little touch, I added several elements to a page to do quite a few cards.   I did a print and cut with my Silhouette, but a pair of scissors will work just as good….I’m just not that great with them.   I also love to add matching inserts for the envelopes.

 

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

I took the same card above and added the extra elements I cut out with pop dots.  I also added a piece of cardstock to the back and a button to finish off. Cute, isn’t it?!

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

Another way is to just cut several pocket cards for the fronts of the cards.  You can get four pocket cards to a page.  After cutting with your paper trimmer add to a piece folded cardstock with double sided tape or your adhesive of choice.  Again, keep it simple or fancy it up a little.

Here is a front added to a piece of folded cardstock.  It is fine just the way it is, but of course I had to take up a notch.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

Here is the same card with another scooter cut out and added to the top with pop dots.  It adds an extra little touch.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket CardsHere I cut the card and added a piece of grey cardstock, cut out the washi tape and added with pop dots.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

This card is done a little different than the others.  You do have to have a cutting machine to get the same affect.  I’m sure that you could do something similar in your photo editing program.

CREATE CARDS USING POCKET CARDS

First, open the cutting files in the program that your cutting machine uses.  I have a Silhouette Cameo, the program I am using is Silhouette Studio Designer Edition.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

Next, make sure that your cutting lines are turned on and choose cardstock material type.  Now add cardstock to your mat and send through your machine.  It did take me a couple of times to get a clean cut.  I had to change my mat and slow down my cutting speed.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

This is a good card to use up some of those scraps that you have on hand.   I just took a piece and traced the balloon with a pencil.  Cut to the inside of your trace marks and glue down with a glue pen.  Add to the top of your card base and your done.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket CardsI really like how this one turned out.  I used cardstock scraps that I had on hand.

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

 

How to Create Cards Using Pocket Cards

I hope this tutorial has inspired you! If you’d like to give it a try, please join me in the forum and have fun creating some cards.  You can earn points toward this month’s challenges!  I can’t wait to see your creations.

TanyaAbout the Author  Tanya is a part of the hybrid team here at The Digital Press. She has been hybrid crafting for at least 12 years now, and loves creating and sharing those creations with others. Her all-time favorite tool is her Silhouette Cameo. She has been married for 26 years and has two sons: Chris, 24 and Chance, 20. She also enjoys crocheting, photography and woodworking.

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letter

pocketletters
Hi everyone! Indah here today with a tutorial for creating a trendy pocket letter that I have seen all over the internet.

What is a pocket letter? Pocket letters are penpal letters in pocket format… using pocket scrapping supplies. Basically, you fill all of the pockets of a page protector (most commonly used for this is likely the 9-pocket size), and send it to your penpal! Too fun. 🙂

I have made one as an example using my digital scrapbooking supply stash — it’s so easy and fun! All you need, apart from your digi supplies, is a pocket sleeve. I couldn’t find a standalone pocket sleeve, so I tore one up from a pocket sleeve album. My samples shown here were all made using the digital collection As You Wish designed by Scotty Girl Design.

The first step is to print out your digital papers. This can be done with your digital imaging software by resizing or creating a document sized to fit your pockets (mine were printed/cut at 2.5″ x 3.5″ for my 9-pocket page).

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letters

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letters

You can also use your digital pocket cards — just re-size accordingly. Often, this means cutting off part of the card slightly… but it’s still doable.

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letters

Next, print out your digital embellishments and start putting together your pocket letter inserts…

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letters

I used a combination of sequins and seed beads in the center space of my pocket letter. To secure this, I first sealed it with clear tape… followed by a strip of adhesive… before putting on a strip of washi tape to cover up the other adhesive steps and also act as decoration.

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letters

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letters

Here is my completed project.

Tutorial Tuesday | Hybrid Pocket Letter

Easy right? Now it’s your turn to do one, too! Give it a try… and don’t forget to upload your creations to our gallery!

 

IndahAbout the Author  Indah is on the creative team here at The Digital Press.  She has been a hybrid crafter for over 8 years, and loves making cards and paper crafts. She also loves collecting stamps and stickers.

Tutorial Tuesday | How to Create Actions in PS or PSE (Video)

Create Actions in PS and PSE

I don’t know about you, but my time to scrap is sometimes limited. When I’m busy with work, family and life in general, I want to optimize my scrapping time and I prefer to spend it actually scrapping than doing repetitive tasks like resizing layouts (LOs), retouching photos, etc.

In Photoshop (PS) and Photoshop Elements (PSE), there is an amazing tool to help with that: actions. If I’m correct, something similar exists in Paint Shop Pro (scripts) and maybe even in Gimp (macros?).

What is an action? It’s a record of various steps from a process that you can then play and replay whenever you need the exact same process. Let’s use the example of saving your LOs for TDP’s gallery. To do so, you first need to resize your LO to 900 pix wide. Then, you might add some sharpening and maybe some color enhancements to make it pop. Finally, you’ll need to save for web in the file of your choice, at a maximum size of 350kb. Rather than doing all those steps “by hand” for each of your TDP LOs, why not create an action that will automatically perform those tasks just as you like them?

How do you create an action? I’ll show you the process in PS CS6 but it works the same way in other versions of PS or in PSE (ETA: unfortunately you can only load and edit actions in PSE, not create you own! Sorry about my mistake!).

  1. Think about the steps of your process to know in advance what you’ll need to record and in what order. You can correct the mistakes done while recording your action, but it’s easier if you don’t record them in the first place! Don’t forget to think if you want to duplicate the file to start with (so that you don’t risk overwriting the original one), to close the file once you are done, where you want to save it, etc.
  2. Open your actions panel by using Alt+F9 or in the menus: Window -> Actions
  3. Create a new actions folder (by clicking on the folder icon in the actions panel) for your homemade actions and name it. You’ll get addicted, trust me, and you’ll create more and more actions to simplify your life, so get ready to store them all in one place!
  4. Create a new action and name it. It will automatically start recording, as the red dot indicates. All you do now will be recorded in this new action. If you don’t want to start recording right now, just click on the square to stop recording, the red dot will turn gray again.
  5. Perform all the tasks you defined in step one, in the correct order. The action will record everything you did and you will be able to see each step as a new line in the action panel.
  6. Once you’re done, press the square to stop recording. Your action is now ready to be played over and over again and to make you save some precious scrapping time! Woo hoo! Don’t forget to save your actions’ folder as it would be too bad to lose them!

Here’s a video showing how I recorded my “resize and save for TDP” action (Click on the image below to view in YouTube.):

Create Actions in PS and PSE

Let us know if you’re interested to learn more about actions, I’d be happy to do a follow-up post on how to personalize and tweak them further!

ChloéAbout the author  Chloé is in charge of PR and communication for her small town by day, is a digiscrapper “by night” and a photographer whenever the light is beautiful. She lives with her man and fur-babies in a small town of Alsace (in the northeast of France), where she loves to read, watch good TV shows (TWD being her absolute favorite), and just hang out with her friends — no matter if they are close by, online, or away in her Swiss hometown

Hybrid How-To | Butterfly Wreath

Hybrid: Butterfly Wreath

Did everyone pick up the March 2016 Collaboration kit, Fly Away? It comes with a beautiful butterfly cut file that I knew I wanted to use as soon as I saw it. I thought it would make a great wreath for my front door. It’s a super easy project, too… so let’s dive in!

Supplies Needed

  • Digital Kit of your choice (I used the new TDP collab Fly Away)
  • Cutting Machine
  • Cardstock
  • Wreath of your choice
  • Hot Glue Gun & Gluesticks

Instructions

The first thing I did was cut the butterflies. I wanted them in a variety of colors and sizes. I primarily used the cut file for my butterflies… but I also pulled in a butterfly element from the main kit and clipped paper to it.

Hybrid: Butterfly Wreath

 

This is how I do wreaths at my house. I use young Willow or River Birch branches and twist them around each other (tucking in the ends) until I have a sturdy, circular wreath. I find that twist ties really help to secure the first layer. It’s super easy (but you can also buy ready-made wreaths at your local craft store).

 

Hybrid: Butterfly Wreath

 

After that was done, I started attaching the butterflies with hot glue. I didn’t think too hard about placement; I basically just spread out the larger butterflies first, and then went from there.

 

Hybrid: Butterfly Wreath

 

The whole project took an afternoon and I just love how it looks on my front door!

 

Hybrid: Butterfly Wreath

Ready to try out your own wreath?  Join us in the forum for a fun challenge to make your own Spring wreath!
(*NOTE* this post was originally published in 2016 and the challenge is no longer active)

KateAbout the Author: Kate is on the hybrid team here at The Digital Press. She lives on the Utah/Colorado border with her husband, 5 kids, 10 chickens, and a dog named Gracie. She’s a city-born girl who found she’s really a country girl at heart. She can be found outside, barefoot, and probably in her garden.