I am back!

After my long absents I have decided to return to something I found I missed the most...my digital card making and the challenges. Bring on the challenges.

I am learning a new software program with the help of The Digital Scrpbook Teacher's book...which is awesome I might add. The software is Photoshop Elements or PSE for short. The reason that I choose to learn the software is because it came free with my new computer. I figure between PSE and PSP I can't go wrong.

Showing Glitter

I have been having issues showing glitter digitally on my project when required by a challenge. I have a couple of tutorials that show you how to recreate the look of glitter using different filters. The effect was okay and passable but I wanted it to pop so when you looked at it you knew you were seeing glitter.

I use to make cut and paste cards so I had some glitter. Well this is what I discover...if I use double-sided tape on some paper and sprinkle glitter on it and then scan the results in to my computer as color swatches...I can use those swatches as patterns in PSP and paint with them. I tried it and guess what the glitter does show up! Now I have 24 different colors of glitter. Bring on the BLING!!



Just thought I share.

Hugs,
Jaggs

Painting Images using PSP

While making a card today I was painting the image and thought to myself that those of you that do not use PSP might be interested in how I get the finished product. Well it is all about the layers. The best way that I can explain layers to you is that each element of the image is a separate picture that I paint. I break it up mainly by colors. I will use the last card I did...the one with the little girl singing. I broke it down like this...I selected her skin and chose the color then flood filled it with the chosen color. I then painted highlights and shadows on another layer to add dimension. Next was the dress...I selected the dress and instead of a color I chose a pattern and flood filled the selection and save it as another small picture (layer). The hair, shoes, and sock were all done the same way, each as it own small picture or layer. Now I have five separate layers that make up the image.

The reason for the layers is, if I wanted to change something I don't have to undo the whole thing...just the layer that I want to change. Once I am satisfy with the different elements of the image I merge or put them back together. I now have a completely painted image in a single layer.

I hope that helps you to better understand the process of digitally painting an image using layers. Just thought I share.

Hugs,
Jaggs

Just thought I share.

This was so amazing I just had to share. I just came across a website that had over a thousand papers and elements to match...best of all they are free. The papers are awesome. I started d/l the kits to the point where I had to take a break there were so many. I posted a link to the other sites before and only couple of people bother to say thank you. This time if you want the link send me a thank you tag and I will email you addy...and believe me you will want the link, that is if you use digi papers. Really this site is awesome!

Just thought I share.

Hugs,
Jaggs

Copic Markers for Paint Shop Pro

Copic Makers seems to be a really big deal in the cut and paste world so I checked them out online...boy are they pricey and they bleed too. I decided to check and see if they are available for use with the graphic programs. I found Copic brushes for Photo Shop but not for PaintShopPro which is the program I use. How sad. :(

I set out yesterday to make my own brushes for PSP...boy what a tedious task. There are over 300 colors, don't know why there are so many when many of them are very very close in range, but I decided to get all the colors they have so far. I am only at the beginning stage...I should be done with the task sometime this afternoon. Then I can say I have Copic Markers too...best part they were free for me...and in this daily struggle free is good! Just thought I share!

Hugs,
Jaggs

More Sharing!

To continue with my earlier post about digi packets. I thought I would post the image of a digi packet for those of you who don't really know what I am talking about. Below is a packet that I had download for FREE earlier. As you can see the items do look very close to being real. In this packet there are 14 papers that are 12"x12" and 300 resolution. There are numerous pieces of embellishments and very cute I might add.

The kits are intended for scrapbookers but I use them in my card making. Each item you see here is a separate file that can be opened with your image editor. As you know I use PaintShopPro. There are others like PhotoShop, PhotoShop Elements or even Gimp which is totally free.. The programs can be download as a trial program from their respected websites. I have provided links.

I am not trying to get you all to go digital...just thought I would get you all to see there is a way to save some money and time. The kit below was a free download from Craftyscraps.com, but if you were to purchase a similar packet it maybe would cost you about $3.99 which is about the going rate plus or minus. Now think about it there are 14 papers in this packet at what maybe $.99 per sheet in the store and you get to use them as many times as you like. You do the math and besides you get embellishments too!

Like I had stated earlier you all that do cut and paste can use the packets as well...just download and print them off as needed.

Just thought I share.

Hugs,
Jaggs



A few other digi packet sites are:

ScrapGirl.com (one of my favorites)
digifree.com
scrapbook.com

And that is just to name a few. Do the search...that is how I found them. If you like what you find drop me a post to let me know how it is going...I would be very interested. If you have questions or want more info...drop me a line at jaggs@att.net

Just thought I share.

The other day while surfing the net I came across a website that has free down-loadable digi kits. Then I thought about those of you who cut and paste...do you realize that you too can use these free kits to make your projects. In case you did not know the kits usually contain papers and embellishments that coordinate. The kits are perfect for making cards easier whether you do them digitally or cut and paste, everything is there for you. The contents of the kits can be printed off and used as regular papers and can be printed to the size that you need. Some of the embellishments are so real looking you have to give them a quick feel. They can also be used over and over because you store them on your computer. The best part about the kits is they are FREE and there are a lot of them on the net. The kits can save you time and money...no more running to the store because you can't find the right paper in your stash. Just thought I share.

Hugs,
Jaggs