If you're new to this...and I am, too...some things you can do here: read my blog (no duh), sign up as a follower (way cool). ALSO, I would love to have feedback, comments, etc. on what you read, if you're doing any of the things I've posted about or just whatever comes to mind. I've had comments from people who know me but they're not posted so others can read them which is a great thing so add your comments and have fun checking things out.
This is a great site with some good information about doing stress-free scrapping. I have some great templates if anybody wants some. Templates help to make your scrapping about as easy as it can get. You choose photos, a template and use a kit. http://www.simplescrapper.com/2009/09/21/how-to-make-scrapping-easier/
http://www.rakscraps.com/ FIRST download a scrapbook kit like the ones available from RAKscraps.com from the 15th to the end of each month for FREE.
http://www.freedigitalscrapbooking.com/digital_scrapbooking_theme_kits.html or go here to download some sweet little kits anytime for FREE.
Step-by-step instructions
Creating your First Scrapbook Page
Open Photoshop - Double click on PS (Photoshop) icon on desktop.
Create a new blank document: File, New
Select or enter size of page (12x12, 8x8, 11.5x8, 8x11.5 or 8x10)
300 pixels
Color – RGB
Open 2 coordinating Background papers in PS. Click on the background paper to activate that document in PS. With the Move tool (V) selected drag the background paper to your new blank document. If you hold the Shift key while dragging (let go of the shift key after letting go of your mouse button) the paper will drop exactly in the middle of your page.
We’re going to use a 2nd background paper, select the rectangular marquee tool and drag a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/3 the size of your page on the second background. Drag to your scrapbook page and move to the desired location.
Now you will need to pull in or open your photos.
You may either drag them from wherever you store your files – or select the file name from File, Open and open the file or if you’ve used Bridge you can open them there, too. (If this is your first digital scrapbook page in Photoshop I would go with the first option for now.)
Once your photo is open go to Image, Image Size to verify that it is 300 pixels. If it is not 300 pixels - unselect the last option (Resample Image) and change to pixels to 300. DO NOT do it all at once. Change the resolution 10% at a time and click OK, redo until you reach 300.
Close the window.
Now drag the photo to the page with the background you have chosen for your page.
Adding pictures and elements to your scrapbook page:
Re-select the move tool (V). Drag your photos to your scrapbook page.
Move to desired location.
If you choose you may re-size the photos. This is resize on the page not the resizing of pixels that we’ve already looked at on a previous page. Free Transform Tool (Ctrl + T) will give you selection handles around the edge of the photo. Move your mouse over a corner handle and when the double headed arrow appears, hold the Shift key and drag either in (smaller) or out (larger). The Shift key maintains the integrity or ratio of your photo while resizing.
Working with Layers: Add a mat to your photo
Select the background layer in the layers palette. Select the Rectangle tool (M). Drag a rectangle slightly larger than your photo. While drawing the rectangle (mat in this case) and before letting go of your mouse use the Space Bar to move your rectangle into place. This action will add a new layer below your photo but above the background layer. NOTE: the layout I've included for you but ignore the color distortions...wow, really bad. I think Blogger is having a bad day for uploading files...eeks!!
When using layers (especially when you are going back and forth quite a bit) it may be helpful to put a check mark in the Auto Select Layer in the top menu (note: you’ll only be able to see this when the Move tool (V) is active).
Decorate your page: Adding elements, and shadows
Now, let’s add an alpha. In this case let’s choose a 4 letter word (or thereabouts) that describes your layout. I have used HOME. Select each letter and open or drag to your PS window. Note that it doesn’t matter how you open a document (drag over to PS window; click File, Open; Select from within the Bridge). They all accomplish the same thing.
Drag each letter onto your document and close each letter. Now place the letters in the location you wish. First we will line up our letters to make sure they’re even. With the Move tool (V) selected note the align tools highlighted below. Select all the letters of your alpha in the layers palette. Click on the first one and hold the shift key while you click on the last one. This will highlight or select all the layers of your word. Click on either the top align or bottom align button whichever works better for your word.
In our example we’re going to move the whole alpha to the left side of our page. So keep all layers selected (from the above step) and click Ctrl + T so that you have selection handles around your whole word. Move your mouse outside the selection handles and it will change to a tiny curved double ended arrow. Drag around until your word is the direction you want. In this case it will be perpendicular to our page and we will place it on our left side paper (see finished page below). Note that in the information bar at the top of your window there is an angle ticker. We want a perfect -90° angle. You can play around with it and try to get a perfect square or work with the angles. When you have the alpha where you want it - click the check mark (Commit transform) in the upper right hand area of the tool bar to accept.
To add shadows to your photos select the photo layer in the layers palette. Click on the fx button at the bottom of the layers palette. Select the Drop Shadow… option.
Play with the options until you’re satisfied with the look.
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