Scrapbooking Addiction

Learn Photoshop

2006-05-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Many digital scrappers face the same issue, trying to learn a software program? Through our research photoshop seems to be the most popular program used, so we went searching for anything to teach you how to use it completely. We found a cheap, quick solution target=_top>Click Here!

You could be zipping through photoshop in the next couple of hours by clicking on the link below.

Learn Photoshop Now

Enjoy,
Tony

Cropping a photo using slice

2006-05-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

For all you digital scrappers, we found this article about a nice feature in some software programs. Enjoy and don't forget to visit our new site HERE.

Tony

Windows Draw 6 or CompletePublisher'99

"Slicing" a Digital Photograph

This tutorial explains how to use the "Slice" feature in Micrografx Windows Draw 6, or, Sierra Complete Publisher for cropping a digital photograph to a non-rectangular shape. For simplicity's sake, both programs are referred to as "Draw" in this tutorial.

Editors Note: Originally published as Micrografx Windows Draw 6, the current version of this program is published by Sierra as CompletePublisher'99. For all practical purposes, they are the same program.

Being able to "Slice" a photograph in Draw is a great feature for computer scrapbooking! Slicing crops a photograph into the shape of an object. Much more than simple rectangles, you can use circles, ovals, stars, or other shapes too. This can add a whole new range of design possibilities to your scrapbook pages!

Draw includes some special shapes with it but you're not limited to those. To use a shape, the graphic must be a single object, like a star or a circle. Although a little more involved, you can also slice a photograph into a word that could be used as a headline or topper for a scrapbook page.

"Slicing" requires 2 objects; the object that you want to slice (the digital photograph), and, a simple vector graphic object that is the shape you want the sliced object to be. It works pretty much like a cookie cutter. Your photograph is the cookie dough and the shape is the cookie cutter.

Note: The slice shape (cookie cutter) must be a single object graphic. It cannot be a graphic that is made up of multiple objects or Draw will not know which individual shape to make the slice with. Most vectored clip art graphics contain multiple objects within the graphic. If the image is grouped, it may appear like it's one object when it really isn't. A graphic like this cannot be used to slice a photograph.

To follow along you'll need to have:

- Either Micrografx Windows Draw 6 or Sierra's CompletePublisher'99.

- A digital photograph to slice. This can be a photograph you have scanned, taken with a digital camera, or from a computer disk with your photographs that you got from a photo lab.

(For the purposes of this lesson, working with a low resolution photograph will be easier and take less computer processing time, so, if you have a low resolution photograph, practice this tutorial with it instead of a high resolution image.)

Lets get started!

For this tutorial, we'll take a digital photograph and put it into the shape of a circle.

1. Start a new layout in Draw and make sure the Visual Toolbar is active.

2. From the INSERT menu, select the PICTURE command. This will open a standard, Windows file dialog window. Navigate to the hard disk or drive and folder where you have your digital photograph. Double-click on the name of the photograph you want to use and the photo will be imported into your layout.

3. On the Visual Toolbar, click on the Create Shapes button and select Circle. When you do this, the mouse pointer will change to look like a cursor with a little circle next to it.

4. Next, move the cursor over on top of the layout and draw a circle by clicking, holding down the mouse button, and dragging down and to the right. As you drag the cursor a circle will be drawn on your layout. You want the circle to be a little smaller than the size of the photograph, so, when you have the circle to about that size, release the mouse button.

5. When you clicked on the Circle creation tool, a little window also opened up that says "Circle". We only need one circle for this tutorial, so click on the Finished button in the circle window.

6. Next, click on top of the circle and drag it on top of the photograph. (If you need to adjust the circle's size you can by clicking on one of the squares in a corner of the circle and dragging the little square.)

7. Once you have the circle over the top of your photograph, you're almost ready to slice. It's important to remember that the circle (your cookie cutter) does have to be on top of the photograph (your cookie dough) because when you do a slice, the program is going to use the shape of the top object to cut the shape out of the bottom object.

8. The final thing you have to do before you make the slice is to select both of the objects; the photograph and the shape. You have to do this so that the program knows what objects is going to use for the slice.

9. There are a couple of ways to select multiple objects. You can click and drag a rectangle around the outside of just those two objects, or, you can click on one object to select it, then hold down the shift key and click on the second object. (Holding down the shift key lets you select additional objects without deselecting what you already have selected.)

10. OK, both objects selected?

11. From the Tools menu select the Slice Object command.

12. At first it will appear as though the circle just disappeared but nothing else happened. Don't panic! The program did cut the shape! It may look like nothing happened but what you're seeing on the screen is actually two objects, the new shape and the left over piece of the photograph.

13. So, the final thing you need to do is to click on a corner of the photograph, or, anywhere else on the photo that's outside of where the circle was. When you click on it, it's selected. Now press your delete key. The extra cookie dough disappears and your left with....

Your shape!

Article by David Sutphin
David is an avid computer scrapbooker and the owner of Dream Maker Software, publisher of Cliptures clip art.

Copyright 1999, all rights reserved.

New Website

2006-05-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce we have a new website for our readers. Click HERE. The name of the new site is The Scrapbooking Source, and that's exactly the intent. Our hope is to provide a site that reviews products, provides articles, links to our blog here, provide customer reviews. That's right you can submit your own product reviews for your fellow scrappers and we will post them to the site. Click HERE to visit. We will continue to add content to this site so it will be a one stop shop for scrapper traditional and digital alike. So I encourage you to click the link below and check it out.

Tony

The Scrapbooking Source

Adobe photoshop elements summit

2006-05-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know it's a bit late but I just found this out. The Free Photoshop Elements Summit will be held in Chicago on 5/19 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The summit is completely free and besides hours of free instruction they will also be giving away lots of cool stuff. If you are a digital scrapbooker then you know this is one of the best pieces of software available. Check out the site by clicking the title above or by clicking HERE.

Tony

Mothers day

2006-05-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Mothers day is right around the corner, what a great time to make a scrapbook gift or remberance page for yourself. What grandmother wouldn't love a small scrapbook of you when you where young mixed with some of the gradkids at the same age. Have fun and create some memories.

Tony

Scrapbooking workshop

2006-05-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

The link below is to a lady named Nikole's myspace where she is looking for people interested in attending a scrapbooking workshop. Check it out and see if you are close enough and interested in attending. You can't have to many friends so don't pass on the opportunity to meet new people and possibly some great new tips or techniques. Enjoy

Tony

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=22172998&blogID=118733130

Easter is here

2006-04-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I know it is really close but you still have some time to prepare. Get ahead of the curve and start planning your easter pages now, otherwise it will sneak up on you and you might be sitting there with a bunch of pictures and no ideas how to use them. Begin by looking through your supplies, what color paper and ribbons do you have. Think about what the general theme of a page might be and then stage some very specific pictures on Sunday. It's ok to have some deliberately staged or posed pictures, it's your book! If you still haven't got pictures with the Easter bunny yet, do it and take your camera with you to get additional pictures.....often some of these are better than what you end up bying. Another advantage is that you can get additional pictures of the moment or scene setup. Plan ahead and knock out some killer pages quickly. Happy Easter.

Tony

Scrapbooking money saving tips

2006-04-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

I hear it alot, "I want to start but don't have much money" or " I stopped because I couldn't afford it" and on and on. Look I'm with you, it's expensive if you just go out unabadant to your local craft store, it's easy to drop $100 or more per trip. You can scrapbook CHEAPLY, you just need to be a little more crafty (no pun intended).

1) A lot of scrapbook pages are made for events (birthdays, weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, etc) stock up on as many items from the event as possible. Invitations, napkins, favors, ribbons, flowers, wrapping paper, etc etc, these items work like charms when relating your page to the event and its FREE.

2) Avoid your local craft store. I know you need to take a deep breath to compose yourself, it's ok go ahead................... Alright let me explain, I'm not saying don't go ever. What I am saying is look at other sources first like a dollar store, you would be surprised the amount of items on their shelves that you can use. Also many online stores are considerably cheaper even with shipping factored in. If having to wait a few days is what it takes to fit in your budget and be able to scrapbook then suck it up. Also old stand by Wal-Mart, there like 7-eleven or waffle houses...EVERYWHERE. They carry alot of items pretty cheap and have alot of sales. This leads into number 3.

3) Buy the items and only the items that are listed in the sales flyers from your local stores. I know it's hard but it must be done, no impulse buys. Also, watch for special sales (ex. after holidays like christmas) those red items from christmas work well for Valentines day. Also watch for bulk item sales and specials, buddy up with your network of scrappers and buy together.

4) Avoid one time use or speciality items when possible, stick with basic papers and ribbons that can be used for multiple themes.

Hopefully some of this helps don't be scared of being a little thrifty, once your page is done no one will tell the difference anyways. Enjoy

Tony

Digital or Film Photography

2006-04-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here at Scrapbooking Addiction we always try to help our readers out with the popular question of film or digital. We have made previous posts showing the benefits of each and want to continue that trend. Below is an article we found from a technical writer for a photography tips site. Enjoy

Digital Or Film Photography
by: Michael Colucci

The popularity of digital cameras may have enjoyed amazing increase but film has still an important part to play in photography and will continue to be important for some time, a few years at the least. Film has many advantages that photographers continue to recognize. Major players in the production of film like Kodak is still putting into it millions though experts all agree that digital film will reign supreme in the near future.

These are the reasons though why some photographers prefer film over digital:

1) Facilities and Investment

Ordinary people, not only photographers, have invested considerably in photographic equipments that use film. Cameras and lenses still have capabilities that digital photography cannot match. Compared with a high-end professional 35mm camera, a digital camera still lacks facilities that only the traditional camera can provide. A photographer who decides to switch to digital may find himself spending big especially if his lenses, flashes and other accessories are not compatible with a new digital system.

2) Wide Angle

The absence of extreme wide-angle lenses and a slow start-up time are two of the most disadvantages of even the best digital cameras. 35mm cameras modifies to digital bodies usually employ a CCD image sensor that is smaller, usually around 245mm x 16mm) as opposed to the 36mm x 24mm x 35mm film that results to a narrow angle. Photographers who are fans of wide angles may find the traditional 35mm more of their liking.

3) Action

Film cameras also offer an advantage during fast-changing and unpredictable photography scenarios. Unlike digital camera that uses batteries than can ran out in the most unexpected time, a 35mm camera can be easily switched on and ready for use whenever you need take a shot. Moreover, digital cameras usually take several seconds before you can use it which obviously is a disadvantage for photographers who wants to capture actions which can’t be repeated anymore.

4) Tough Conditions

Film cameras are also sturdier equipments than their digital counterparts and can withstand harsh conditions that photography may demand in the line of work. Count on film to be more reliable than digital especially when your are working in a not-so-good weather conditions.

5) Comparing Costs

When it comes to cost, film and digital advantages and disadvantages vary considerably depending on the usage. A photographer with a film budget amounting to thousands of dollars in one year may find digital camera more practical. But if you are not a busy photographer, your income may not defray the cost of going digital.

About The Author

Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.photography-tips.org - A site that offers free tips and resources on photography.

ArticleCity.com - Digital Or Film Photography

The ethics of editing scrapbook photos

2006-04-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

I found a neat little article in the Salt Lake Tribune titled "The ethics of editing scrapbook photos". The author recounts about some times she has manipulated family and friend photographs to produce a "more satisfying" scrapbook. She also describes how she told some newspaper photojournalists about this and there suprising reaction about the ethics of manipulating photos that will reflect history. Go ahead, read it, enjoy and make your own determination about the manufacturing of photos and settings. Enjoy

Tony

Salt Lake Tribune - Lifestyle

Digital Scrapbooking Kits Designed by blushbutter

2006-03-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give a plug for this great site. Blushbutter is a site that offers very nice digital scrapbooking kits, tips and generally great information. Take a look by clicking on the title above or link below. Enjoy

Tony

Digital Scrapbooking Kits Designed by blushbutter

Kodak picture taking tips

2006-03-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

As many of my readers know I think the best way to improve a scrapbook is to take better pictures. I don't want to beat it to death but you can only dress up a page with poor pictures so much. The title above or link below will take you to a kodak page where there is an abundant number of picture taking tips and articles. Finally, I am interested to know how many people use Kodak cameras....I do. Please click the comment button below and let us know. Enjoy
Tony

Taking Pictures

Scrappers, I'ver heard your requests and.....I've found the answer

2006-03-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

Dear fellow scrappers,

I have heard the requests and complaints many times, I can't think of the right phrases or titles or ideas in general. We've all been there, you, me and everyone else who reads this blog. Where is there, stuck with brain block...unable to move forward with some portion of our scrapbooking....writers call it writers block. Some people are unable to snap out of it and lose interest in scrapbooking! DON'T BECOME THAT PERSON CLICK HERE NOW! What you need is something you can refer to that will get the imagination going again. I have found an ebook for you titled "Lasting Expressions" which is a collection of over 5,000 titles, phrases, quotes and ideas.
Go HERE now!

So we are clear I do not own this site or know the people who do, but I do believe in their product.
Believe it or not, there are sources out there that do not want this info. to get out and are trying to get this taken down.

So go HERE before it's gone!

You can't go wrong there are over $100 worth of free bonuses plus a money back gurantee.

Click HERE!

Displaying work as art

2006-03-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

I have been reading alot lately about a new trend (I would say it's new) regarding taking scrapbook pages, photos or combo and turning them into art for the home and gifts. I currently know of several digital scrappers that embelish pictures with different items and frame them for the wall but this is not your only option. Another growing and very nice option is shadowboxes, these are a deep set frame that usually includes a photo as well as physical memoribilia. These are very nice, I got one given to me as a gift for my wedding that inludes our program, invitation, favors and patches of the bridesmaid gowns. It is really nice and hangs in our bedroom. Another option coming is coasters, usually glass that you can insert a photo alone or embelished in some way. There are also many framing options including paper mache frames. I also have read about people making personel planners or journal books as well as rotating display boards for their kids weekly/monthly activities. If this is something your interested in please leave us a comment by clicking on the comment link below and please due explore the net or your local shops for more info. Enjoy

Tony

Digital Scrapbooking: Getting started

2006-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

A little article on getting started with Digital scrapbooking. Enjoy

A photo editing program. You'll want to be able to crop, trim and re-size your photos. Arcsoft makes easy-to-use photo studio tools in the $50 range. Kodak Easyshare, which will let you crop to a variety of sizes -- 4x6, 3x5, or 2x3, for example -- is available for free. Read more

"The Waterbury Connecticut Republican American Newspaper"

Scrapbook Oasis: Elsie Flannigan's Class Sign Ups Have Begun!

2006-03-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

This is a link to another scrapbooking blog called Scrapbook oasis. I am posting what I found today because they speak of someone named Elsie Flannigan who will be conducting some classes in April. Plus this appears to be a nice blog. Enjoy,
Tony

Scrapbook Oasis: Elsie Flannigan's Class Sign Ups Have Begun!

7 Unique Ideas the Scrapbooking Pros Use to Make a Page Unique

2006-02-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

7 Unique Ideas the Scrapbooking Pros Use to Make a Page Unique
1. Vellum

Vellum is a transparent, translucent material. Vellum can be used to create a slight shadow or shade change to background or embellishment colors. This can be used as a softening agent for baby scrapbooks, as a touch of elegance to gift scrapbooks, or to create dimension in a boring flat page.

To reduce the cloudiness effect caused by gluing, apply only a thin line of glue along the edges of the vellum. In this way, you will see a slight shadow only along the very edge. This will look like a border to the vellum. Vellum is available in both acidic and non acidic forms.

2. Shadow Boxes

A great way to add depth to your scrapbook page is to add shadow boxes. Basically shadow boxes add a shadow to your images. Shadow boxes are also a great way to make your most important photographs or text boxes stand out form the rest of the page. Shadow boxes can also be to emphasis dedications.

To make a shadow box, simply cut a box shape out of paper. Next, put your embellishment on a larger square of cardstock. Then, add glue to all four sides of the cardstock square and attach it to the back of your paper. The embellishment will show through, adding greater dimension to your page.

3. Patterned Paper

Patterned paper can be used for backgrounds, borders, and embellishments. Often plain white backgrounds look rather boring and dull. Patterned backgrounds add a touch of excitement to your page. The right pattern tailored to your theme and purpose can also increase that professional look.

Colors and patterns can be used to coordinate with your photographs or to add dramatic effects. Paper with various themes and patterns is widely available. For instance, a birthday scrapbook could have a background made of your favorite gift wrap. This could add a touch of elegance or a touch of humor depending upon the patterned paper you choose.

4. Textured Paper

Textured paper can add extra dimension to your scrapbooking page. Textured paper can be used to highlight focus items on your scrapbook page. Textured paper can also be used as a backgrounds or border to give your page an interesting fresh look.

Textured paper is available in a variety of textures and colors and is available in most craft and office supply stores.

5. Book Jacket Backgrounds

For an added personal touch and artist flair use a book jacket as a background. This scrapbook technique looks especially nice when the book jacket is the reader's favorite book or author, adding a wonderful personalized touch.

Be aware, however, that the glossy coating on the book jacket creates an added challenge to sticking objects to this background. Alternative attachment methods include sewing and eyelets.

6. Adding Dimension

One good way to add dimension to images is to use double stick foam tape. Double stick foam tape literally allows items to pop out at your reader adding realism to items. This technique is especially useful in children's art and educational scrapbooks.

Simply, cut the foam tape into whatever shape and size you want. Then, attach to shape onto your scrapbook page. Double stick foam tape is available at most craft stores in various colors and thicknesses.

7. Ribbons and Lace

Ribbon and lace are by far the most common, and most beautiful, border embellishment. The flowing nature of both materials encourages a touch of softness and elegance. Ribbon and lace are especially popular in gift and memory scrapbooks.

Moreover, ribbon is easy to glue and attach. Lace requires a bit more patience.

For an interesting change from ribbon and lace, try using jute or raffia.

About the author:
Lena Fields loves helping others to save special memories using the fun and exciting art of scrapbooking. For more scrapbooking resources, please visit Scrapbooking Secrets.

written by:Lena Fields

Scrapbooking (crop) party!

2006-02-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

If your fairly new to scrapbooking you may not be familiar with a cropping party. Here is a short article about them. Check in you local area for clubs and I am sure you will find parties in your area. Enjoy

Tony

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com

Which digital scrapbook software?

2006-02-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

For the benefit of our strict paper scrappers and newbies, I want to do some posts talking about digi scrapping software programs. With that being said I want to focus the posts on the most popular programs so people just beginning with these or looking into acquiring one of these can find more information and people to talk to. I know what I have used as well as a few other people but I want to know what most of the readers of this blog are using since we are a special community that is growing. Please click the comment link below and leave some feedback about what software(s) you use and what you like or dislike about them. Thanks,

Digital or Computer Scrapbooking

2006-02-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I know we have readers who are strictly traditional paper scrappers and we have readers who are new to scrapbooking in general, so we'll talk briefly about what digital scrapbooking is. Digital scrapbooking, I believe can be grouped into two categories the first is using your computer and software programs to create elements that are printed and added to your paper scrapbook and the second would be using the same tools to create full pages that can be printed and put into a book, shared with online albums or put onto a DVD and shared on TV. For the sake of keeping this post to a readable length we will focus on the first category of using digital to embelish or assist your paper scrapbook. First, items that are digitally created for your paper book are often referred to as elements, for this post we will use elements as our reference. There are many, many elements you can create and a few different options you can use. One of the most basic elements would be to do your journaling or page titles in Microsoft Word or a like program. With this you can vary your font type, size and color as well as different color backgrounds. Additional options here would be clip art and word art also. You could then print and attach or cut out the words and attach. Very basic but a nice option if your penmanship is not the most elegant. To move on to a little more advanced and I must say time saving methods you will need a photo editing program or a scrapbooking program (examples: adobe photoshop, adobe photoshop elements, Microsoft image pro, HP scrapbooking creative assistant, etc).
If you are a digital photographer but paper scrapper you could start with adding captions or borders to your photos before printing them. Most programs come with some really neat element creation functions like shapes, paper tearing and sewing. Some of these can be done as a one off element you print and use in your paper book or you can combine some of these on to layouts for what I believe is the best feature of digi scrapping and that is to have an endless supply of paper backgrounds always available. You can use basic layouts that are included with most programs and create your own and save them for use over and over again. You'll never have to worry about not having the right color or patterned background or card stock because you can always pull up one of your digital opitions and print it. Well that's enough about using digital elements and believe me we just touched the tip of the ice berg here. I encourage you to explore on the internet for more info. and free trials of many software programs. Our next post will focus on creating full digital scrapbook pages and converting from a paper scrapper to a digi scrapper. Enjoy

Take better digital photos

2006-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

As we dive into the topic of digital scrapbooking I thought it would be best if we touched on the topic of taking digital pictures. My belief as I often state hear is that the better the pictures, the better the scrapbook. So with that being said I do not claim to be or want to be known as the digital photography expert, although I am often told my pictures are very good. What I will do because I think it's the best option is to send you to the source of an expert CLICK HERE. Digital photography was suppossed to make the whole picture taking process simplier, right? It has to a degree, but many people still find their memory cards full of 'disappointing' shots. You can add all the accessories you want to your scrapbook but in the end it comes down to the pictures. Learn to take great digital photos everytime, it's easier than you think. Check out the link below, one of the great features is easy to understand explanations about your camera and its features. Enjoy

Digital photography

Digital scrapbooking

2006-01-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Since we are moving into the digital age which includes photography, I am intrigued by digital scrapbooking or how it can be intigrated with traditional photography and scrapbooking. I would love to hear from readers of this blog about your interest in digital scrapbooking and would you like to see more posts here about digital scrapbooking. What would you like the posts to be about? Click the comment link below and please leave some feedback. Thanks,

Tony

Removing photos from an old album

2006-01-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

As you get more experienced with your scrapbooking you may want to take photos out of an old magnetic album to create a scrapbook page(s). Sometimes this is tricky and you can damage your photos which is obviously the worst case scenario. Following are some tips to try and hopefully they help.
Loosening the glue on the back of your pictures is probably the most critical step in this process. There are a couple of options, one is to use a blow dryer to heat and thus loosen the glue. You should hold the blow dryer at least 5 inches from the book and angle it slightly. After the glue has loosened, use something fine (dental floss works great) to slide underneath the photo and lift it up. If heating the glue does not work you can use an acid free product like Un-Du. Visit your local hobby store for this product or others that the local expert might recommend. Apply a small amount to the back of the photo or underneath as far as you can get. Wait a minute or so and the photo should lift off easily. Hopefully this help but if you do not feel comfortable please seek out some more information or advise and give it a try. Enjoy

Football Scrapbooking Designs to Print Football scrapbook pages

2006-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

You or someone special to you may be a big football fan and what better time for a fan than now since the playoffs and superbowl are coming up. I found this site where you can print football themed pages to use for a superbowl party or your children that play. Click the link below or the title above and enjoy.

Tony

Football Scrapbooking Designs to Print Football scrapbook pages

Holiday vacation is over!

2006-01-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

I'm back from vacation and a wonderful holiday season. I will be adding new posts this week.

Tony