Sometimes it is better to create something yourself instead of searching for hours to find the exact design you are looking for. That’s why when I figured out how to make my own Photoshop brushes in college I suddenly felt so free, like I could create anything myself. If you’ve never learned this basic little trick, I’m really excited to share it with you today and save you hours of “googling” the perfect design.

Step 1:: Find a simple photo

A Photoshop brush can become almost like a digital rubber stamp. All you have to do is find a really simple image that is relatively large. I usually find mine at stock exchange because they are really high resolution. Today I’m using this bike photo. You can use whatever you want, but the key is to find something with little or NO background and clearly defined details.

Step 2:: Open a new Photoshop document.

These are the settings you’ll want for your document:

300px – High resolution will make a high quality (not pixely) brush.

8×8 size – Photoshop limits how big you can make your brush (2500px limit). This setup prevents me from needing to resize anything later.

Grayscale – Your brush needs to be black and white.

Step 3:: Drag in your image.

This is basically what it should look like. Again, make sure your document is black and white. You can go to Image>Mode>Grayscale if you forgot the first time.

Step 4:: Adjust your Levels

Open up your Levels by going to Image> Adjustments> Levels. Now slide the little black and gray arrows to the right. For a great brush, you want it to be highly contrasted. The goal is to make a black silhouette because anything white in your image will disappear and anything gray will be transparent. Stop sliding if you image is starting to look pixel-y around the edges. You want it crisp, not jagged. At this stage is when you’ll want to erase any background details. Since this bike photo background is white, we don’t need to erase.

Step 5:: Define your brush

Now your image is ready to become a brush. You do this by going to Edit>Define Brush Preset. If the option is grayed out, your image is most likely too big. The size limit for brushes is 2500px so resize it down and try again.

Step 6:: Select your brush.

Click on your brush tool and at the top of your screen you should see the brush selected with an arrow next to it. Click that arrow and you will get a list of brushes to choose from. Your brush should be at the end of this list (This will also be where you save your brushes). Click on it and choose the size you want. Guideline: the brush size you start with is the largest you should ever go. Only size it smaller or else your brush will look pixel-y and low quality.

Step 7:: Stamp away!

Choose colors and go crazy stamping with your new brush! (Make sure you save your brush in the brush settings window before you close Photoshop or you will have to do it all over again!) Have fun!

Cute Summer Bag // Oh, Hello Friend

Make  Your Own Canvas Photo // A Beautiful Mess

Summer Bracelets // Between the Lines

DIY Summer Scrub // Deliciously Organized

Homemade Glass Cleaner (that smells good!) // New Nostalgia

Summer Shorts Makeover // Sincerely, Kinsey

Fresh Fruit Popsicles // The Idea Room

Wall Art Photo Mosaic // Paislee Press

Do you have any summer projects or creations you can’t wait to get started on?

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Have you seen the show Grey’s Anatomy? I haven’t watched an episode in a few years just because there’s always a lot of junk worked in to the show but I remember a scene from a while back that sticks out in my mind. After a really crappy day full of stress, heartbreak, etc. a couple of the characters decided to just turn on music and “dance it out.” As funny and random as it seems to do this, I think it is the perfect solution to getting rid of stress and clear your head.

At least once a week my husband comes home and has to just dance so that he can just put work down for the night. He does it more like a workout with electronica but I think even just hopping around for a bit will get the job done lol. So this week, if you can’t get your mind to shut off or your problems seem overwhelming, put on some fun jams and get to dancing! I promise you will feel so much better:)

Stay motivated!

She Wore White Album | Buy Here

The She Wore White wedding album is an classic and simple book template, featuring contemporary layouts and a minimalistic feel. This album is perfect for the couple who prefers a fresh and clean approach to their wedding. It’s a 20-page 10×10 album that can showcase 40-45 images.

 Black Tie Album | Buy Here

The Black Tie wedding album is an elegant and timeless book template, featuring magazine style layouts and simple color block. This album is perfect for the couple who prefers a fresh, modern feel and clean lines. This one is also a 20-page 10×10 album that can showcase 40-45 images.

I decided to keep the first few two albums pretty classic and clean looking, but more options and styes are definitely in the works!

1. Louis Vuitton Ad, 2. Pastel Packaging, 3. MAC Pretty Polish, 4. Vintage Party Candy, 5. Pastel Colored Denim, 6. Dreamy Lipsticks

I first noticed this spring’s obsession with pastel in these adorable Louis Vuitton ads (upper left image). These colors just make you want to be a little bit sweeter…or possibly visit a candy shop?

1. Pastel polka dot skirt, 2. Pink vintage trenchcoat, 3. Babees honey packaging, 4. Nars soft lipgloss, 5. Ice cream branding, 6. Vintage car hue

You can see more pastel inspiration on my Design Trends pinterest board.

Are you into pastels? What’s your favorite candy shade to use or wear?