INSIDER
january 2011
fabulous finds
W e T alk with the D aily D igi Explore this
informative site
T r e n d s p o tt i n g
Layered Templates with bonus add-ons
Are
you
overwhelmed?
Tips for a fresh
start this new year
j a n u a r y ’s f e a t u r e d d e s i g n e r
connie prince Designer Connie Prince created this beautiful kit EXCLUSIVELY for DigiShopTalk Gold member subscribers. See inside for information on how you can get yours! This issue sponsored by September 2008 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM GG Digital Designs and Digiridoo Scraps.
A
table of contents JANUARY 2010
inside this issue 03 from the desk of
INSIDER
Our Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Wilson, discusses this month’s theme, new to digi in 2011
04 featured designer Learn more about Connie Prince and this month’s kit
14 new to you Introducing “new to you” designer Jaya Prem
17 gallery gems Four exceptional pages from the DST layout gallery
19 hybrid picks Three inspiring hybrid projects from the DST gallery
20 video roundup A list of video tutorials to help you improve your scrapping this year
21 stitched text tutorial Create a stitched-up title for your next project
25 the daily digi
DST INSIDER © 2011EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief JENNIFER S. WILSON (STARXLR8) Assistant Editor NEISHA SYKES (LAVENDAR) Production Editor LEAH LOY (TINKERBEL73) Ad Manager LEAH SANDE (GIRLYGIRL) Tutorial Editor JENN WHITE (BIGSCRAPKITTY) Senior Staff Writers KAYLEA HUTSON (KAYTEBUG) WENDY (WENDYZINE) CHERYL ASHCRAFT (GONEWITHTHEWIND) Staff Writers MICHELLE HUEGEL (EDITORIALDRAGON) VIVIENNE OESTERGAARD (VIVIE)
Get into scrapping with Steph, owner of The Daily Digi
28 get started with Linda Sattgast Top tips for beginning scrappers and finding your style
32 avoid digi overload Simplify your scrapping with these ideas
35 trendspotting Layered templates with bonus add-ons
36 the back page Check out what is coming up next month and learn how you can enter this month’s Featured Designer contest
37 advertising directory Your go-to place to find the designer and store you’re looking for
Digishoptalk.com is the hub of the digital scrapbook community. We strive to be the one-stop resource for online scrapbookers who want to be “in-the-know” with what is going on in the digital scrapbooking world! In addition to our free member gallery and forums, we also have a DST chat room, a continuously updated Digital Directory to help you find any designer, store or resource, and an up-to-date calendar of all the chats, sales and events in the digital community! Contact us: DSTInsider@gmail.com DST is owned by Escalate Media, LP. This issue of the DigiShopTalk INSIDER created using Adobe InDesign CS4. Papers and elements used in this edition are from Connie Prince’s A New You kit designed exclusively for DST Gold Members and used with permission. Visit Connie Prince at Gotta Pixel.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
2
from the desk of
A
“
new year offers a fresh
3. Don’t over-commit - Be realistic
slate, an opportunity to
in the expectations you place on
refine or even reinvent your
yourself to finish projects for sale or
life. Primed with warm memories
gifts. Take a step back and scale your
of the holiday season, January
efforts to a level that will leave you
is a month where many discover
with time to rest, relax and refresh.
scrapbooking for the first time or turn to digital as a way to simplify their everyday creative life.
4. Know your stuff - It doesn’t take a complex organizational scheme or weekend-long purge to know your
Whether you’re digiscrapping more
stash. However, you should get it
in 2011 or picking up a new creative
together enough to know what you
January is a
hobby, here are some steps that will
have and what you need. This will
month where
help you keep things simple all year
save both time and cash.
many discover scrapbooking for the first time or
long. Consider these five suggestions a back-to-basics approach to lessstressful creative living!
5. Choose wisely – Do you find yourself saying, “I never have time to create?” Can you make different
“
1. Minimize distractions – When
choices in your habits that will open
turn to digital as
you are creating, only do that. Close
up time? Maybe move your workout
a way to simplify
your email and put your phone on
to the morning or TiVo your favorite
their everyday
silent. Ask for some undivided “me”
show to watch on the weekend?
creative life.
by Jennifer Wilson
time from your family, if you can. Be present in your work and your productivity will soar.
In this issue of the DigiShopTalk.com Insider, we’re taking you to back to basics with digital scrapbooking 101
2. Accept your UFOs – We all have
lessons. Whether you are new to the
those unfinished objects (UFOs)
hobby or just need a refresher, we’ve
hanging over our heads, preventing
got many great tips for scrapbookers
forward thinking. “Oh, I can’t start
of all levels. And, don’t miss special
that project because I haven’t finished
tips from digi experts Steph from The
X.” Accept reality and move on to a
Daily Digi and Linda Sattgast of Digital
project you love.
Scrapper!
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
3
featured from thedesigner desk of january’s featured designer
connie prince
Want to dig right into this collection and spend your day scrapping away your A New Year page? What inspired you to create this month’s DST Gold Member kit? I really wanted to create a kit that could be used year round for any occasion and for 2011 Project 365 layouts. What is your favorite part or element of the kit? It’s no secret I’m a big fan of stars and I use them in my kits to represent my son.
Click here to find out more about becoming a Gold Member at DST so you can get this great kit and the next eleven to come!
Tell us about your family: I’ve been married to William for fourteen years and we have one child, Hayden, who is thirteen. Our family is made complete by our two dogs and one very fat kitty cat! What part of designing is most challenging to you? Alphas are the most challenging thing in the design process for me. What inspires you? I’m most often inspired by textiles, magazine layouts and color.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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featured designer What has been the greatest compliment you have received
What is your favorite quote?
about your designs?
“Your life is an occasion, rise to it!” from Mr. Magorium’s
My favorite customer compliments are that my designs
Wonder Emporium (2007).
are easy to use, which is always my main purpose when
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
designing anything. I strive to make my kits user-friendly
I’d love to be speedy!
for beginners and veterans. My desire is that the layout
What personality traits do you hope you do not pass on to
process will flow easily and there are plenty of options
your children?
within the kit for multiple pages.
Being a workaholic, I have a hard time walking away from
How much time do you allocate to designing in a typical week?
work and have to constantly strive for balance in that area.
I work full-time at designing and promoting my business,
What is the latest you’ve ever stayed up to finish a design
so typically I’m “at work” 30-plus hours a week.
or scrap?
What is your guilty pleasure?
I’m an early riser, so you are more likely to catch me
I love to watch professional wrestling with my son and
waking up at three to four a.m. to finish a design rather
John Cena is my favorite wrestler! (I can’t believe I just
than staying up that late.
admitted that!)
Additional products available from Connie Prince at Gotta Pixel and Connie’s blog.
Perseverance
And I Quote PreDeco Papers
5x7 BragBook Temps 10
License To Drive
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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gold kit gallery
Cheryl
gonewiththewind Love the grays combined with the reds and aquas. Love the paper-scrapping feel to this kit. What a great way to start the year!
Heather interstitchal
This kit has some great dating elements that can be used all year long to tie together pages and projects and a bright cheery color scheme.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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gold kit gallery
Jade
scrappycharmer Fun kit, lots of bright colors. Versatile for male or female layouts.
Monika
chantalsmama Great colors! Love all the papers here!
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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gold kit gallery Suzanne sbaird
Super fun kit! The bright primary colors make this kit so versatile. I love the choice of patterned papers. The assortment of elements is perfect for completing any layout.
Want to get this Gold Member kit PLUS eleven other great kits during the next year? Sign up here! An annual membership is only $25.
ADVERTISEMENT
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
8
gold kit gallery More inspiration from the Connie Prince’s Creative Team
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
9
issue sponsor
Digiridoo Scraps Presenting Digiridoo Scraps, one of this month’s DST Insider sponsors! Take a look at their products, check out some amazing CT layouts and shop their store. How do you find Digiridoo Scraps? Blog | Shop | Facebook | Twitter
Thanks, Digiridoo Scraps, for supporting the Insider this month.
product picks
All layouts made using the kit Tree Hugger
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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issue sponsor
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
11
issue sponsor
GG Digital Designs Presenting GG Digital Designs, one of this month’s DST Insider sponsors! Take a look at her products, check out some amazing CT layouts and shop her store. How do you find GG Digital Designs? Blog | Shop | Facebook | Twitter
Thanks, GG Digital Designs, for supporting the Insider this month.
product picks
All layouts made using the kit Winter Wishes
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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issue sponsor
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
13
new to you by Cheryl Ashcraft
New to You: Jaya Prem This is “New to You,” the Insider’s column designed to help you discover designers you might not know. Every month, we’ll select a designer, create layouts from one of their kits and introduce you to their style. Don’t forget to download your sample kit, too. You never know, you might discover a new favorite or two! This month, let’s meet Jaya Prem of Jaya Prem’s Hangout. The DST Creative Team played with Jaya Prem’s Memories kit. Check out their inspiring layouts! And, don’t forget to download your gift from JayaPrem: the Memories add-on freebie, on page 16.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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new to you
Cheryl
Heather
I love the color combination as well as
The color palette and the patterned
the multiple word strips and gorgeous
papers are wonderful.
gonewiththewind
interstitchal
patterned papers.
Jade
Monika
Great kit. Nice color palette.
Wonderful kit. Love all the flowers and
scrappycharmer
chantalsmama
papers here.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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new to you
Brenda
Click to download your gift from Jaya Prem
3littleKs
Memories add-on
ADVERTISEMENT
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
16
gallery gems The DST Gallery is packed with amazing layouts and inspiration. Here is just a selection of fun pages from our amazing members.
tigrushka chocolate fantasy
tinkay2 Kiera
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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gallery gems
sporte91 11 months
tconlan Sweetheart
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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hybrid picks By VIVIENNE OESTERGAARD
Hot Hybrid Gallery Picks Each month the Insider team picks our favorite projects posted in the DST Hybrid Gallery from the past month. Check out the amazing projects we’ve picked this time:
clockwise from top left:
Robot by livelys
Weight Loss Journal by LoriJohnston
Wreath by CristinaC
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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tutorial by Jennifer White
Video Tutorial Roundup Sometimes
• How to round the corners of photos
you need to
and mats from Designer Digitals on
see something
YouTube
to really
• How to mat a photo with Photoshop
understand
and Photoshop Elements from
it. A well-
Designer Digitals on YouTube
made video tutorial can help you understand how to do even the most complicated tasks. Here’s a selection of free video tuts from a variety of sources for digital scrappers of all levels. (These tutorials are for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users. If you use another program, Google is your friend! Just search for digital scrapbooking video tutorials and the name of your program and you’ll find help.)
Beginners • Learn your way around Photoshop Elements by rnvt19@YouTube • Make your first layout with an Easy Page (or Quick Page) from ScrapGirls.com • Using Quick Pages with Photoshop Elements from Digiscrap101.com
• How to load and use brushes in Photoshop Elements from theshabbyshoppe.com • How to ink edges in Photoshop Elements from hummiesworld.com on YouTube • Creating folded corners by Red Leaf Digiscrapping on YouTube • Torn paper tutorial by StormRse on YouTube • Removing time stamp on photographs by tutvid.com • Using Layered Templates
• How to make distressed paper from ScrappingGuy.com on YouTube • How to recolor an element in Photoshop from DigitalScrapDesigns on YouTube • Make editable paper titles from Digitalscrapbookingpages.com on YouTube • Faded text from Digitalscrapbookpages.com on YouTube • How to make a brush/pattern in photoshop from tutorials101516 on YouTube • How to blend photographs with background paper in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements by Red Leaf Digiscrapping on YouTube • Putting text on lines in Photoshop
(.psd templates) from
by digitalscrapbookpages.com on
Digitalscrapbookpages.com on
YouTube
YouTube
• Create a cluster frame from
Got the basics down, want to
5stardigitalscrapbooking.com on
know more
Vimeo
• Realistic tape effect for
If you’re willing to pay a little
digital scrapbooking by
for access to tutorial videos,
in Photoshop Elements from
ScrappersWorkshop.com on
check out these sites
SeeJaneScrapbook on YouTube
YouTube
• Scrappers Guide/Digital Scrapper
• How to make a basic page
• Cutting your photos into shapes with Photoshop Elements from Scrappingguy.com on YouTube
• Draw digital tape by tutvid.com
• Lynda.com
• Making gingham papers
• Hummiesworld.com
in Photoshop Elements by hummiesworld.com on YouTube
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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software tutorial By Denis Germain
Stitched Text the PSHero Way Hi. I’m Hero,
Control-Click (PC: Right-Click) on
and this is
the Background layer in the Layers
my tutorial. I’m a surfer, photographer and graphic designer currently splitting my time between the waves in Southern California and the deep powder snow in Park City, Utah. When I’m not surfing, snowboarding or behind the lens of my camera, I write Photoshop tutorials for you to enjoy. Editor’s Note: This tutorial is for Photoshop on a Mac. PC shortcuts are in parenthesis.
Step 1 Let’s go ahead and begin by opening a new document in Photoshop. Mine is 540-by-300 pixels at 72ppi. Editor’s Note: You might want to increase the ppi to 300 if you will be printing your project. Since stitching on a plain white canvas is a little silly, let’s go ahead and spice up the Background layer with a little texture. By default the Background layer in any new Photoshop document is locked,
Introduction
so let’s go ahead and double-click
Over the years as a graphic designer
on the Background layer in the
I’ve accumulated a wealth of custom
Layers palette to bring up the Layer
brushes, shapes and actions that I
Properties dialog box. Simply re-name
keep carefully organized and labeled
the layer or name it Background once
for future use. The brush set I’ll be
again and hit OK to unlock the layer.
palette and choose Blending Options from the menu. This will bring up the Layer Styles dialog box. Click on the Pattern Overlay text in the left column. (You must click on the text and not on the checkbox. Clicking the checkbox will turn the style ON but it won’t give you the options for the style, so it is important to click on the text so we can modify the Pattern Overlay style options.) Next we need to load a new set of Patterns into the Pattern Picker. Click on the Pattern swatch to reveal the Pattern Picker; then click the little circle with the arrow in it at the top right corner of the picker. Choose “Patterns 2” from the list and click OK to load the new pattern set into the
sharing with you today has been in
Pattern Picker. Now simply click on
my collection for probably five of six
the Denim swatch which is the fourth
years and every once in a while I’ll
pattern in the set and click OK to
find a good reason to load it into my
close the Layer Styles dialog box and
brushes palette. If you’ve never done
commit the style to the layer.
that before, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it as we go.
Step 2
If you’re playing along at home you
Now that our Background layer is
should download the brush set before
unlocked we’re going to add a
we get started.
Pattern Overlay Layer Style to it which will give us a quick and easy denim background to work with.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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software tutorial
Step 3
letters. Control-Click (PC: Right-Click)
Save the brush set to your desktop or
on the text on the stage and choose
someplace you’ll remember when we
Create Work Path from the menu. This
go looking for them.
will create a white outline around each
Press the B key to invoke the Brush
letter indicating that you’ve created a
tool, then bring up the Brushes palette
work path (obviously) which we will use
by choosing Window>Brushes from
later in the lesson to stitch around.
Photoshop’s main menu. In the upper
You should now have a background full
right hand corner of the Brushes
of denim and a layer style icon in the
palette, click on the options icon and
Background layer of the Layers palette.
choose Load Brushes from the menu.
Step 4
Navigate to the brush stitches brush
It’s now time to add some text to our
set that you just downloaded to your
document. Press the D key to reset the foreground color to black, then press the T key to invoke the Type tool. Click on the stage to place the cursor and type some text onto it. Notice that when you added the text that Photoshop automatically added a new layer for it.
hard drive and click Load. You will
Step 6
then be asked if you want to Append
Add a new layer above your text by
the brushes to the end of your current
clicking the Add New Layer icon at the
brushes or if you want to replace the
bottom of the layers palette or by using
existing brushes by clicking OK. For
the keyboard shortcut Command-
my example I’m going to replace my
Option-Shift-N (PC: Ctrl-Alt-Shift-N).
existing brushes, but either option
Rename the layer by Double-Clicking
works fine.
(Note: To commit the text you can
on the layers name in the Layers
either press the Enter key on the
palette. I called this new layer Stitches.
ten-key corner of your standard keyboard or click the Check-Mark in the Text Tool options bar at the top of Photoshop.)
Step 7
Step 8
Now it’s time to setup everything in
Now that the brush set has been
preparation for the stitching, and the
loaded into the Brush Picker lets go
first thing we need to do is load the
ahead and select the V-shaped brush.
Step 5
stitching brush set into our Brushes
We’ll need to make a few adjustments
Now that our text is created and while
palette. If you haven’t downloaded
to the settings in the Brushes palette
we still have the Type tool selected we
them yet you’ll want to do it now by
for this brush to make it work the way
need to create an outline path of the
clicking HERE.
we want.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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software tutorial First off let’s reduce the size of the
colors by pressing the X key (white
The slight Bevel and Emboss will add
brush to around eight pixels in the
should now be showing as the
a little more dimension to the thread
Diameter setting then make sure the
foreground color at the bottom of
while the Drop Shadow will add a
Spacing checkbox is checked and
the Tools palette). Press the P key
touch of shading around the edges.
that the spacing is set to around 80
to switch to the Pen tool and then
percent. The spacing change makes
Command-Click (PC: Right-Click)
the V’s overlap enough to look like
anywhere on that little white outline
interlocking stitches.
that is the Path around the text. Choose “Stroke Path” from the menu, make sure that “Brush” is selected from the drop-down menu and that the Simulate Pressure checkbox is unchecked then click OK. You’ll now see that the brush we chose has been used to stroke the entire path of the text. Since we’re done with the
Step 9
path now you can either click over to
While still in the Brushes palette click
the Paths tab in the Layers palette and
down to the Shape Dynamics link on
delete it, or simply press Command-H
in the menu on the left and make sure
(PC: Ctrl-H) to hide it.
Step 12
that the Angle Jitter control is set to
Before we move on let me show
Direction. This will make the brush
you a cool little trick to change
rotate as it goes around the corners to
the background color. Since the
the different sides of our letters.
background is a preset color pattern and not an overlay we can’t just
Step 11
change an underlying layer color so we
To make the stitches a little more
have to resort to other methods. Click
realistic lets go ahead and add a few
on the Background layer in the Layers
layer styles to the Stitches layer. Just
palette to make it the active working
like we did in Step 1 lets Command-
layer. Now let’s add an adjustment
Click (PC: Right-Click) on the Stitches
layer by clicking on the Create A New
layer and choose Blending Options.
Fill or Adjustment Layer icon at the
Step 10
Now add a Drop Shadow and a Bevel
bottom of the Layers palette (it’s the
At last it’s time to make the magic
and Emboss as shown below, be sure
circle with half black and half white),
happen. Put on your wizard’s hat and
to check each setting to make sure you
choose Hue/Saturation and use these
swap the foreground and background
haven’t missed anything then click OK.
settings (or any that look pretty to you).
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
23
software tutorial Mode to Multiply and it’s Fill opacity
Additional Resources
to 70 percent. By doing this we allow
Check out the PS Hero website for
a little of the denim texture to come
more tutorials and information. Also
through onto our black letters adding a
visit PS Hero on Twitter and Facebook.
little depth and realism.
Step 13 The last little bit of adjustment I did was to click over to the Text layer in the Layers palette and change its Blend
ADVERTISEMENT
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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get scrapping by Kaylea Hutson
Get Into Scrapping with The Daily Digi The key to
“Since that first post on New Year’s
to customers for five dollars US (the
moving from
Day 2009, we have definitely grown
collection is worth more than 35
a beginning
a lot in every area,” Steph remarks.
dollars). In two years, more than 150
scrapbooker
“We’ve worked with lots and lots of
different designers have participated
to an
designers, multiplied our readership in
in the site’s Digi Files.
experienced
ways we didn’t even dream, changed
“These products are only available at
digiscrapbooker begins with
some of the posting categories to fit
these prices for one month and then
accessing resources that help you
our readers’ needs, created an iPhone
they go into the designers’ stores at
gain experience and confidence.
app (the first in digital scrapbooking)
full price,” Steph points out. “Readers
and now, record a weekly podcast.
can also purchase what we call, The
digiscrappers, helps beginning and
“We work very hard to bring our
Digi Game, which is The Digi Files and
experienced scrappers alike, improve
readers the information they are
Playbook combination. “
their skill level on a daily basis.
looking for and wanting, hoping to
The Playbook is a technique-focused
inspire and help them document their
interactive e-book that includes
memories along the way.”
layouts created by members of the
providing the “best quality products,
Rather than have its own team of
Daily Digi creative team and the
the best resources, information,
designers, The Daily Digi promotes other
techniques used to create them. It
tutorials and more” so scrappers can
sites, designers, products and resources.
also includes at least one step-by-
spend time learning instead of surfing
“We do not have paid advertising of
step tutorial with screenshots as well
the internet.
any kind on the site and the designers
as a free gift or two.
“We are giving you back your time so
don’t pay to contribute to The Digi
you can spend it creating memories
Files,” she explains. “We don’t
with the ones you love or scrapping
have a forum, but still have a
them,” Steph says. “I always tell
great sense of community with our
beginners to start in our tutorial and
readers and customers.”
resource section of the site.”
How It Works
The Daily Digi began in late 2008 as a
Each month, the Daily Digi highlights
partnership between Steph and Janet
seven different designers from the digital
Phillips. The pair officially launched
community – typically one template
the site on January 1, 2009. At the
designer plus six product designers.
end of 2009, Steph purchased the site
Each designer contributes toward the
from Phillips and hired Katie Nelson
monthly collection, known as The Digi
as a contributing writer.
Files. This collection is made available
The Daily Digi, an on-line resource for
Steph, owner of The Daily Digi, says the site accomplishes this by
Get Diggin’ The Daily Digi So, you are a newbie and not sure where to start at The Daily Digi? Here are Steph’s suggestions on where to start! Her top must-read articles include: • Layout Printer Reviews • Photobook Reviews • Digital Scrapbooking Terms
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
25
get scrapping “Each Playbook is a minimum of
“I was inspired to create them after
30 pages and includes at least one
seeing my team exchange information
‘Play-by-Play’ step-by-step tutorial
on how they did certain things on their
and an additional free gift or two,”
layouts,” she explains. “We were all
explains Steph. “The first three
learning from each other and many of
Playbooks we created were given
us have been digital for many years.
away for free. You can get them by
I figured these might be things our
signing up for the newsletter.
readers would like learning as well.”
“Each month, we release a new
Additional tools and tips
Playbook and the only way to get it is
Additionally, Steph says, the site gives
with a purchase of The Digi Files (they
away more than 140 dollars in coupons
are not sold separately).”
and gift certificates from designers each month to random winners, mostly taken from people who leave comments on their site or participate in the monthly reader challenge.
“The rest of the month, we post tips, ideas and tutorials - anything that will help and inspire digital scrappers. I really like that we try to promote quality digital designers, it doesn’t matter if they are well-known or brand-new, every designer that puts
“Every couple of weeks, we send our
out top-quality products has an equal
newsletter subscribers free gifts
chance participating. “
from past contributors to The Digi Files,” she says. “On Fridays we do our Funtastic Fridays, which feature great things from around the The Playbooks, says Steph, provide
community (tutorials, sales, deals,
a way for scrapbookers to learn new
and exclusive coupons).
things related to digital scrapbooking.
Through it all, Steph says she finds joy in teaching people, regardless of skill level, about the different aspects of digital scrapbooking, as well as hearing the stories on the difference digi-scrapbooking makes in people’s lives.
How Steph finds designers... When Steph considers a designer for The Digi Files, here are the things she looks for in their products: 1) Realistic elements. She says readers of The Digi Files
4) Color Schemes. Steph said she strives to find kits with
typically prefer realistic elements over elements that look
appealing color schemes.
like they were created digitally.
5) Variety. “The same two to three papers colored different
2) Clean Edges. “We zoom in and check for jagged
ways and included in the same kit isn’t good,” she points
edges,” she explains. “Any jagged edges would be a ‘no’
out. “We also don’t want to see lots of the same elements
for us.”
that everyone else is using in their designs. They need to be
3) Stray Pixels. “We stroke the elements to check for
customized. Quite often, designers create amazing papers,
stray pixels,” she notes. “Any stray pixels would be
but the elements are not good quality or vice versa.”
another ‘no’ for us.”
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
26
get scrapping “The goal has always been to have
Steph jokes that she always has
says. “I have been honored to serve
a win-win for our customers and
dreams or ideas for the site.
on creative teams for Michelle
the designers,” Steph remarks. “We
“The problem is typically figuring out
Coleman, Nancie Rowe Janitz,
want The Digi Files to be such an
which ones I am going to implement
ScrapArtist, Hollie McCaig, Gina
amazing deal that it is almost a ‘no
first and which ones will need to
Cabrera of Digital Design Essentials,
brainer’ as they say, on whether or
wait,” Steph says. “At the heart of
Dani Mogstad, Janet Phillips and
not to buy them.
it all, though, is to inspire people to
Shabby Princess. I have also had
“With it being such a low price, it is
document their memories in a way
layouts and hybrid projects published
also very low risk to our customers;
that is fulfilling to them.”
by Simple Scrapbooks and Digital
they can try some new-to-them
Meet Steph
designers, try new styles and chances
Steph, also known as islandmom
are there will be something in there
or Fontologie by Steph, says first
they love that makes it worth the
and foremost she is a mom to three
money they spent. This also helps
kids and a wife to a wonderfully
designers find new customers, it
supportive husband.
doesn’t matter how ‘big’ the designer is; I always have people say the designer is new-to-them!”
Scrapbooking magazines.”
“When I am not scrapbooking or working at TDD, I love to do anything that will create great memories for my kids, especially traveling, playing Rock Band, swimming and going to movies,” she explains. “I have been a
Find Steph Online
scrapbooker literally almost my whole
In addition to The Daily Digi website,
life. I learned all about ‘archival’
Steph can be found on Facebook,
scrapbooking in 1994, the same year
Flickr and Twitter.
I got married, but even then used a lot of computer clipart on my layouts.
It’s a Contest
Little did I know then that I was a
Steph is giving one Insider reader
hybrid scrapper!”
a chance to win one annual
Looking Toward the Future
Steph began using her computer to
subscription to The Digi Game.
This month, in celebration of the
scrapbook in 2003. She discovered
Visit the forum and tell us one
site’s second birthday, Steph reveals
digital scrapbooking in 2004, after
thing you are looking forward to in
that The Digi Files will feature a
reading a special issue of Memory
2011. The winner will be randomly
huge exclusive collaborative kit, with
Makers Magazine.
chosen using Random.org from the
contributions from designers featured
“I truly love this hobby and have
in The Digi Files during the past year.
found so much joy in preserving my family’s memories digitally,” Steph
qualifying posts in the forum after the contest closes at 9 a.m. CST Monday, Jan. 31.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
27
get scrapping By Linda Sattgast, Owner/Founder, DigitalScrapper.com
Jump into the Pool: Help for Beginning Digiscrappers There’s
The cons: It takes time to search the
expert—to show you how, so you
something
web for tutorials, so if you’re already
search the web for a class or find out
so fresh and
super busy, you might put it off for a
about an instructor by word of mouth.
hopeful about
more convenient time. Also, if you’re
You take the class, learn the skills,
a new digital
self taught, you will have holes in your
are thrilled with what you’ve done and
scrapbooker.
knowledge that you don’t even know
you’re on your way!
She’s just realized what an
exist, but eventually, if you read books
amazing world is out there for
or take classes, you will become a
those “in the know” and wants to
true expert.
be part of that group, but where to get started? Photoshop or Photoshop Elements can seem so daunting.
for tutorials: open a search engine
taking a class you are likely to have
page and type what you want to
fewer “holes” in your knowledge.
know), then it’s important to decide
Photoshop Elements. You will get all
first what style of learning will suit you
kinds of possibilities, some good,
Style 1: Jump into the Pool with Abandon! This type of person is like the kid at the swimming pool who throws on her swim suit, runs to the edge of the pool and jumps into the water with a great big splash. Whoo hoo! If you’re that kind of person you will learn quickly by trial and error. You will
some not so good, but you will usually
so fresh and hopeful about a new digital
Also, consider taking a class at some
scrapbooker. She’s
point. You’ll be amazed at how many
just realized what an
“aha” moments you’ll have and the shortcuts and conveniences you’ll
amazing world is out
learn! A class is sequential with skills
there for those “in the
learned in a logical order. Searching
know” and wants to
the web for something here and there is more like a shotgun effect.
Style 2: Where Do I Sign Up
plenty out there, including some of my
for Swimming Lessons?
own) and you will figure it out. Within
This type of person knows the goal—
a very short time you will post your
swim in the pool—but they want to learn how to swim from an expert.
The pros: You get started quickly
In digital scrapbooking terms, that
and you have success! That, my
means you want to make digital
friends, is worth a lot!
pages, but you want someone—an
There’s something
find what you’re looking for.
search the web for tutorials (there are
first page in a scrapbooking gallery.
generally have access to an instructor who will answer your questions. By
learn plus the name Photoshop or
do you see yourself in one of them?
digital scrapbooking because you
Advice: Here’s a great way to search
If this describes you (or a friend you
best. Here are three learning styles—
The Pros: This is a great way to learn
be part of that group. The Cons: A class usually costs something, so you have to decide whether the time you save is worth the expense. Another con may be that you will tend to rely on someone else to teach you and may not venture out on your own to discover new skills!
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
28
get scrapping Advice: Get a little more
share computer screens with you to
adventuresome with your
help you figure it out.
scrapbooking. Look in the galleries
I once had a gentleman contact me
to gather ideas and try something
regarding a magazine tutorial I had
out of your comfort zone once in
written using the Custom Shape tool.
awhile. The search engine technique
It took quite a few emails back and
I mentioned above would be great for
forth before I realized he was using
you to try as well.
the Cookie Cutter tool (which has the
Style 3: I’m Waiting for the
same shapes as the Custom Shape
Water to Warm Up
tool) and thus was not getting the
This type of person wants to learn
results I predicted.
digital scrapbooking and may even
These things happen, which is why we
collect tutorials, articles, books and
sometimes need “a little help from our
kits, but they have yet to make their
friends.” Most instructors have a free
first scrapbook page.
course or some sample lessons you
I am totally sympathetic with this kind of scrapbooker wanna-be and I’m convinced that if you hang around the digital scrapbooking world long
• Press Ctrl + (Mac: Cmd +) to zoom in (this is the = key) • Press Ctrl – (Mac: Cmd –) to zoom out • Press Ctrl 0 (zero) (Mac: Cmd 0) to get back to full size on your desktop • Press Ctrl Spacebar (Mac: Cmd Spacebar) to temporarily access the Zoom tool • Press the Spacebar to temporarily access the Hand tool You’ll find the top three shortcuts in the View menu, but you just have to “know” the last two.
can watch before deciding whether
2. History Panel in Photoshop,
to buy a class. At the end of this
Undo History Panel in Photoshop
article I’ll give you a link to my free
Elements
introductory course.
enough, you will make your first page!
Ten Tips For Newbies
The Pros: You are gathering an
Now that you know what kind of
awesome array of training materials
scrapbooker you are, here are a few
and supplies!
tips to help you along the way in your
The Cons: You may put off actually
digital scrapbooking journey:
doing something until it’s too late.
1. Zoom Shortcuts
How do you know whether your
You’ll find this panel in the Window menu. Choose Window > Undo History (or just History in Photoshop)
mother-in-law will get Alzheimer’s and
to open it. In Photoshop Elements it
forget her past (like mine did)?
should pop into the Panel Bin if it’s
Advice: A class is really a must for
the first time you’ve used it. In either
you. Find a teacher who is willing to
program you can drag it by its tab to
hold your hand, if necessary. In my
nest with the Layers panel (let go of
beginner’s online training course I have the guarantee that if your question isn’t answered in the videos or in the class forum, then someone on my team will
Learning the zoom shortcuts will save you oodles of time. Don’t skimp. Learn these by heart and actually use them:
the panel when you see a blue outline around the Layers panel.) Click on its tab to bring it forward whenever you want to use it.
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
29
get scrapping This is great for stepping back multiple
a certain tool over and over,
• To duplicate a selected area from
steps, but it’s also good when you
consider learning and using the
one layer to a new layer, press Ctrl J
make a mistake and can’t figure out
keyboard shortcut.
(Mac: Cmd J).
what you’ve done. Looking at the last
In Photoshop Elements, the name of
state of the History panel will often give
the tool in the pop-up is also a link you
layer and place it on a new layer,
you a clue about what you did!
can click on that will take you to the
press Ctrl Shift J (Mac: Cmd Shift J).
3. Feathering Tip
Help menu where you can find out more
7. Quick Layer Selection
about that tool. In Photoshop, simply
As long as your Background layer
click on the Help menu and type the
is locked and you have Auto Select
name of the tool in the search box.
Layer checked in the Options Bar,
• To cut a selected area from one
you can click and drag with the Move tool over a group of items on your This will trip you up: Say you want
scrapbook page and their layers will
to create a soft oval vignette, so you
be selected in the Layers panel.
get the Elliptical Marquee tool and
8. Brush Tip
enter a feather amount in the Options
5. Preference Settings
When you load a set of specialty
Bar. The problem with this is that
Open Preferences by pressing Ctrl K
brushes, instead of choosing a new
the next time you want to use the
(Mac: Cmd K). Make sure “Use Shift
brush each time from the Brush
Elliptical Marquee tool you may not
Key for Tool Switch” is NOT checked,
Picker, press the Greater-Than key >
notice the feathering and wonder
and make sure “Zoom Resizes
(same key as the period key) to move
why you’re getting a smaller outline
Windows” is checked. In more recent
to the next brush or press the Less-
than you drew. And once you’ve
versions, if you don’t want your
Than key < (same as the comma key)
drawn the outline, you can’t undo the
documents to automatically open as
to move to the previous brush in the
feathering.
tabs, deselect “Open Documents as
Brush Picker. (Don’t press Shift, just
I always leave my feathering at 0
Tabs” in Photoshop, which you’ll find
the key itself.)
in the Options Bar and add the
in the Interface section in Photoshop.
feather after I make the selection by
In Photoshop Elements, choose
choosing Select > Feather or using
“Allow Floating Documents in Full
the Refine Edge command.
Edit Mode” in order to choose floating
4. Tool Shortcuts Hover over the tools in the Tool Bar
windows from the Arrange menu at the top of your screen.
9. Drop Shadows The preset shadows in Photoshop Elements are terrible. Don’t use them! Instead, choose Layer > Layer Style > Style Settings, check the Drop Shadow box, and you’ll actually get a
along the left side of your screen to
6. Duplicate command
default setting that is pretty decent. I
get a pop-up that tells you the name
Some shortcuts just aren’t obvious
usually reduce the Opacity to 60% or
of the tool and the keyboard shortcut
unless someone tells you.
even 50%.
for that tool. If you find yourself using
• To duplicate a layer in the Layers panel, press Ctrl J (Mac: Cmd J).
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
30
get scrapping In Photoshop, if you find yourself
10. Cropping a Layer
I hope you enjoyed these tips,
making the same change to the
and I wish you the best in your
default Drop Shadow setting over
scrapbooking journey! If you’re a
and over, try creating a style for that
newbie and want to try out my free
setting by clicking on the New Style
introductory course, or if you’re more
button right there in the Layer Style
experienced and want to try out my
dialog box. The style will appear in
more advanced membership program
your Styles panel where you can click
free for the month of January, click on
on it to instantly add that style to the
one of the images below:
selected layer. Most beginners can figure out the Crop tool, but what do you do if you want to crop a single layer? The Crop tool will crop the entire document, so you can’t use that. Instead: »» Get the Rectangular Marquee tool. »» Click and drag an outline around the area you want to keep. »» Choose Select > Inverse. »» Press the Delete key. »» Choose Select > Deselect.
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January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
31
get scrapping By Michelle Huegel
Feeling Overwhelmed with Digital Scrapbooking? Six Ideas to Help Today Whether
Remembering that one concept can
Organize Your Way
you’re just
change your whole outlook. Here are
Who says every paper and element in
starting out
a few other ideas to consider the next
your stash needs to be tagged with
or you’ve
time you feel overwhelmed.
ten different pieces of information? If
Find Your Journaling Voice
you’ve got everything dumped in one
If you tend to shut down when it’s
folder but can find a specific button
easy to get overwhelmed. Too
time to journal, try asking yourself
at a moment’s notice, then you’ve got
many pictures, designers, stores,
the question “Who are you scrapping
the perfect organizing system for you.
forums, kits, styles, chats and
for?” If it’s a personal album, then
The purpose of any organizational
classes. Too little time, money, ideas,
address yourself. Write like it’s your
system is to help you feel less
private diary. You might be addressing
overwhelmed and be more efficient.
your children or their grandparents
If the thought of tagging everything
or a best friend. Then write as if you
puts you into a catatonic state, then
were talking directly to this person.
don’t do it. Find a system that works
If you need a little extra help getting
for you. If you need some help finding
started, Ella Publishing offers several
the right one for you, this post at
e-books targeted to scrapbookers,
The Daily Digi links to a variety of
including Journaling That Matters
organizational programs and systems.
been digiscrapping for years, it’s
organization and inspiration. Where do you start? Where do you stop? Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, step away from your computer for a moment and ask yourself what exactly is overwhelming you. Is it the journaling? The feeling of having too many memories/photos and not enough time to scrap them all? Are you overwhelmed by the actual scrapping, the techniques and process of building a layout? The first and most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to do it a particular way and you don’t have to do it all. Scrapbooking, like any creative pursuit, is subjective: if it works for you, it works. If you love it, it’s perfect. There’s no rule that says you must scrap chronologically or catch up on older photos before scrapping the ones you took yesterday. In fact, there’re no
and Quick and Creative Quizzes. And remember, not every layout needs journaling to tell the story.
The first and most
Discover Your Style
important thing to
What’s your style? What are your
remember is that you
strengths? If you excel at clustering, why bother trying to create the perfect minimalist layout? On the other hand, if you can make a piece of paper, a tiny photo, a ribbon and a flower
don’t have to do it a particular way and you don’t have to do
look amazing, don’t stress about
it all. If it works for
learning how to cluster fifty elements
you, it works. If you
together. Be satisfied with your sense of design.
love it, it’s perfect.
rules at all!
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
32
get scrapping Buy What You Love
your computer waiting to be scrapped?
gallery or participate in every forum,
It’s okay to have your favorite
The feeling of “I’ll never be caught
website or challenge. You’ll get to
designers or stores and only shop
up” can kill your creativity faster than
know people better (and stay saner!)
there. While it is fun to find new
an empty coffee cup. Give yourself
by staying in one place. That’s not to
places and designs, don’t feel the
permission right now to scrap what you
say you shouldn’t ever branch out, but
need to buy every new product
want, when you want, guilt-free. A great
find one place that’s your “home” in
or check out every new store and
way to get a month’s worth of photos
the digi world.
designer. And remember that
scrapped quickly and easily is Simple
Review this list the next time you
although “free” may be hard to resist,
Scrapper’s 10x12 Project. “Scrap the
feel overwhelmed and give yourself
not every freebie is right for you. Only
recap” and move on!
permission to not do something. If it
pick up a freebie if it’s high-quality
Play in Your Community
stresses you out, don’t do it. If it feels
and fits in with your scrapping style
Once you find a place online that feels
like work, don’t do it. Think about
or you’ll just end up with more virtual
like “home,” stay there, whether it’s
what scrapbooking means to you and
clutter on your hard drive.
your favorite store’s forum or an open
eliminate whatever doesn’t mesh with
Embrace Your Scrapping
community like DigiShopTalk that isn’t
your definition, whatever is making
Speed
affiliated with a particular store. You
you feel overwhelmed with it. Then sit
Do you get overwhelmed looking at
don’t need to post layouts in every
back and enjoy your hobby again!
the folders of pictures piling up on
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January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
33
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January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
34
trendspotting by Vivienne Oestergaard
Trendspotting: Added-bonus layered templates Want more with your templates? Try these products with bonus add-ons!
Ana Noguerira
Dunia Designs and Camila Maria
Party sketch templates - Scrap-Team Templates with extra element added in.
Be Inspired layered templates - DigiscrappersBrazil Templates with bonus ribbon/element.
Glitz N Bitz Templates
Jenn Lindsey
Queen of Hearts Templates with snowflake cutouts
Temp blends Volume 5 - After 5 Designs Layered templates with included photo masks and space for journaling.
January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DIGISHOPTALK.COM
35
the back page Monthly Gold Member Challenge We had many lovely entries for this month’s Gold Member Kit Contest,something not hard to do with the gorgeous kit Creashens created. Congratulations to froggie who has won a $25 gift card to Creashens’ Catscrap store. Thanks for playing along last month and be sure to enter this month’s contest, sponsored by Connie Prince. To be entered to win, simply scrap a page using this month’s Gold Member kit and post it in our Gold Member gallery.
If you’re not a Gold Member, sign up now and you can still get this free kit, along with eleven more!
January Chat Come talk with Connie Prince
Join over 2,000 of your best
Looking ahead to February’s DST Insider
at 4pm Eastern (3pm Central)
digi friends in some great
* How to texture elements
on Sunday, January 23rd.
conversations
* Marketing for digital
We’ll be asking her some great
over on our
questions and she’ll have
some goodies to give away.
page & Twitter
We’re on Facebook & Twitter
account @digishoptalk
designers * Featured Designer Amanda Rockwell * CU Roundtable
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
36
advertising
Online Shopping Directory Check out your favorite stores and designers or discover new products here! Click their name to go directly to their site. After Five Designs
Persnickety Prints
Coffee Klatch Scrappers
Rill Studio
Deli Scraps
Scrapping with Liz
Designs in Digital
Scrapping Your Memories
Digi Style Designs
Scrapper’s Delights
Digital Scrapbook Art
Scrappers’ Workshop
Digitals
Scrappin Digi Kreations
Fanette
Scrappy Cats
Heritage Scrap
sherrieJD
Jady Day Studio
Studio Tangie
Jaya Prem’s Hangout
SuzyQ Scraps
Jenn Lindsey Designs
Tempus Fugit
Just Creations
Tricia Curtis Designs
Krisi’s Kreations
The Digi Scrappers
Matrioshki Scrap Designs
January 2011 • DIGISHOPTALK.COM
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