My First Paper Kit!

Ta-Da! Here it is! My first package of digital backgrounds. I have been teaching myself how to create my own stuff for another project and thought why not create things I can use and share with all my friends.

I love blues and browns. They are very soothing colors for me and make me think of spending the day at the spa. I wish I could go more often. If you would like to download this kit, click here. If you create a page with my stuff, send me a link to your gallery or email it to me so I can check it out! Enjoy!

Having Fun With Text

Text has become much more than a tool for writing something for a report or other documents. It has become an embellishment all its own. I love to use text as an embellishment that adds just the right amount of drama and still keeps it simple. By duplicating it, lowering the opacity, changing its color, inserting pictures, . . . the list just keeps going! All of these methods can add just the right touch to finish your layout. I love coming up with a great title for the page and using it in my layout to add the tone I want to carry through to those who will view my creation.

These are some of my favorite layouts using text as a design element. Text is so fun to use. In "Dirt" I used a letter as a frame for the main photo of the layout. The next layout is the front page of my daughter's album. I wanted to use words that I thought described her and generate my own background. In "Big Brother" and "Campout" I played with the position of my text. I love using text vertically. Putting the text behind the object in the picture was an idea I scraplifted from another layout I saw in a magazine. It was a lot of fun to make!

Designing With Photos

I love photography! Photos play such a dramatic impact on your digital layouts. It is becoming a second passion for me. I only wish that my income could support ALL of my expensive hobbies! But, having a simple digital camera is really all you need if you have great software. Sometimes a photo can be the star of the layout with only a few simple words added. Photos also can play a vital role in the colors you choose to use.

If you are looking for a dramatic effect, use a large photo to cover most of the page or all of it. Sometimes I want give my layout a classic, timeless look. Black and white photos fit the bill perfectly. Sepia also works well, adding warmth to the layout. Both of these enhancements can provide great contrast to the photos. Maybe the photo has something in it that you really want to focus on or make stand out. By turning the photo black and white and erasing this part of layer over the item you wish to focus on, the item will pop out and add a little color.

Another fun option, is to give your photos a vintage or hand tinted look. This is a great option for heritage scrapbooks too! Then there are those photos that you love, but turned out less than perfect. Well, don't thrown them out! Give them an artsy touch with a filter or increasing the opacity. They can be used as backgrounds for your layouts or journaling. There are endless options to improve and enhance your photos to add drama to your layout! Here are some examples. So, start taking more pictures!!

Photos as your Focal Point:

Photos as Backgrounds:

Fun Effects with Photos: