Paper Template

Paper Template.  I seldom add these types of papers to kits because the file size is so much larger.  The grey paper shown is changed by the same color and selecting different layer styles (as shown).  There are far more to choose from, play with them all.  You can also use prints, you'll have to just experiment with the layer styles until you have achieved the desired look. Your more likely to be happy with an older looking paper, than something that is bright.  It is old paper.  Have fun...

Layouts

Today we are talking a little bit about layouts.  The most important rule is...Only you have to like the finished page.  Start by selecting the photo's that you would like to use. Open a new document, 12x12, and dragging your photo's into the layout.  Start arranging them in the configuration you think will highlight the photographs.  At this point I'd just like to point out that there are page templates available that can be extremely helpful, if you are new.   If you will select a template in which you like the position of the photograph, you should be pleased with the results.  A grid can be very helpful in determining the position on the page.  This is a 12 in square grid, every 4 in. a line is drawn vertically and horizontally.  Unless you are trying to do a blocked layout,  the  main focal point of the photo should be placed where the planes intersect.  This is a natural point where your eye is drawn.  REMEMBER ALL RULES can be broken. 

Click on the background layer and drag a paper into the layout, and this paper should make your photo's stand out.  If not select another until you achieve the effect you would like.  Obviously a child's birthday party and a heritage layout would require a different mood.  Set the mood.  I have made the page we are going to discuss into a template so that you can more easily do the layout.  The layout isn't as important today, as the reason's why it is put together this way.  The following 2 layouts show how 2 very similar page could be made.  The first has a mat behind the circle and an arrow drawing attention to one of the secondary photographs.  The second Layout replaces the matting circle with brads and removes the arrow.

The third image is the second layout with the elements placed in a slightly different position on the page.   I selected layout #2.  Removing the matting and replacing it with brads offers move movement to the eye and opens up the layout to have slightly more "white" space, for the eye to rest. For the same reason the arrow was removed.  Really you could be pleased with both layouts, so it's not about one being wrong and another being right.  All the elements of the page feel connected, even though they are not.  The nice thing about using a page template is that all the layers are separate.  So even if it's covered in flowers, you can replace all the flowers with other embellishments, and still learn how to layout out your pictures.  Quick pages are always finished and none of the embellishments can be moved.  If you would like to use this template.  To achieve the look of the 3rd preview Lock all the pieces of the circle together and the brad layer and rotate them 180 degrees.  Lock the pieces for the main photo together and move them.  The unlock the darkest piece and this  I moved slightly off the page.   And a peak at my page.  I haven't decided if I like the background yet, so I'll just put off printing. Have fun.

Old School

Old School.  Thanks so much for the nice comments, I am grateful to be appreciated.  Part 2 tomorrow.  IF I can put together and outline this afternoon than next week I add some instruction on composing pages.  A little extra help for those that are new to Scrapbooking, and some tips for the rest of us, who become stumped from time to time. 

Chalkboard Alpha

Chalkboard Alpha.  It includes the Capitals, lower case, numbers and punctuation.
Some 10 years ago, my husband and I were visiting an elderly lady, whom we adored.  They started talking about a recent election and she was dissatisfied with the results.  I had thought she had probably voted for the candidate who had lost, and was surprised with her response.  She had not voted since the first time she had been eligible to vote, some 60 years before!  Don't worry this is not about politics.

In the primary pamphlet, our County Auditor stated:
Only 50% of the counties eligible voters were registered to vote.
Only 20% of those registered would exercise their right in the primary.

Now if you follow this through, it means 10% of the total voters, actually vote.  In a primary, the candidate's for the General Election are selected.  Some positions are actually filled, such as Judges who win with a majority of the ballots cast.

So why do the people think that their leaders are so out of touch?  The answer should be fairly clear.  You may complain, but you won't turn out to vote.

The deadline is nearing to be Registered for the General Election.  Get registered and then vote.  How to vote?  You'll have to  decide.

Learning's Fun

Learning's Fun. 

File Tab Template

File Tab Template.  It was originally set up as a .psd file, however it would have loaded at 107 mb.  To make the download smaller, it is loaded in 3 .png files and is about 30 mb. 

1. Open a 12 x 12 new document and drag all 3 files into the new document. 
2. As I have been teaching here, add a new layer to add a color and crtl +g. 
3. Set the layer to overlay, or play around with the settings until you are happy with the results. 
4. OR click on the layer you would like to be filled with paper and drag a paper you like in, crtl+g.
5. If you would like, you may  duplicate the layers and move extra "tabs" into your layout.  Only the top layer will be seen in it's entirety, so with your move tool selected, rotate the layers slightly askew until you have the desired effect.
6. Merge the layers.

Label Alpha in Blue

 Label Alpha in Blue. This includes the alpha, numbers and strips shown. I did enlarge the alpha strip slightly, so that the alpha ran off the page in the preview.  The children have returned to school and I have plenty of time to Scrapbook again.  Jack was on vacation, and invited me to go with them bowling.  The summer reading program through our library rewards the children with a pass when they have completed the requirements and they ALWAYS use the pass to go to the zoo.  We have had a wonderful summer together, and I'll miss them.  I have gotten a little canning done and made about 40 loaves of bread.  Welcome back Crosstown. Have fun.