Layout - Heron

Ive scrapped this photo before but I just thought it worked really well here in this layout using my Natures Art VC
I also used my new natures artistry Word art which is the chat bonus today and the watercolour 2 clipping masks

To make this layout I layered a blue background over a greeny background and combined 2 of the masks which I used as a clipping mask
I also used a clipping maks for the heron photo and that is set to lighten blend mode so only the colours in the photo that are lighter than the background below show up
There are 2 layers of the flowers in the corner  one set to colour dodge and one set to lighten
The waterlillies are set to hard light - the rest is pretty straight forward.

Picks of the Pack....

Yes I have multiple layouts as inspiration for you today.....
Firstly here is another incredible layout by LynnT ( of course living in Hawaii she is never short of wonderful natural inspiration for her photos but she has done such an incredible job with this layout - I know you will be just as inspired as I am with this


Here are her notes on this layout

I had so much fun painting these photos with these QBs and this kit - as I was not an artist until today.

Journal reads:
On Akko’s fourth week in Hawaii, we spent this Saturday at Haunama Bay. Here she was be able to snorkel and get to see a lot of tropical fish without any disturbances from turtles. We also met the couple that was next to us on the beach and we’ve now become cyber pals!

Credits – all by Lauren Bavin
Nature’s Art Value Collection
Brushed on Watercolour – Quick Bits 1 and 2 Clipping Masks
Blended Memories Overlay Stack

Next is a layout by Sandygb who never ceases to amaze me with her creativity. She can take a very themed kit and use it in a completely different way than I ever imagined, and with this gorgeous photo how could you not be captivated .


Here are Sandy's notes on this layout

Another of the photos I took of Ryan this week. I almost always use my Canon 50mm f1.8 prime lens when I photograph Ryan. It was only $100 and I love it!!!

Credits:

Nature's Art Value Collection by Lauren Bavin (Bright Autumn Paper, Tree, brad swirl)
Brushed on Watercolour - Quick Bit Clipping Masks by Lauren Bavin
Natures Blush Page Kit by Lauren Bavin(Beaded dangly wire, butterfly, sparkle mat)

Layout- China Cove

I decided to take a break from designing and do a quick layout - this is a couple of photos I took of a gorgeous little bay in the Pt Lobos State Park in California
I used my Natures Art VC for this
Basically one photo is blended over one of the backgrounds and then the rest of the elements on top - simple !!!!!

New Product - Blonde Beginnings

The delicate, creamy elegance of Blonde Beginnings breathes memories of special moments and everyday beauty. Imagine heritage, weddings, babies or just moments of pure loveliness captured and scrapped with this wonderful page kit..
Kit Includes:

~ Creamy Canvas background
~ Faded Swirl background
~ Folded Flowers background
~ Nearly There background
~ Circular Embossed Frame
~ Curled Ribbon
~ Delicate flowers
~ Embossed Border
~ Jewel Sprinkle
~ Mesh Stamp
~ String
~ White Rose
Buy this from the DSP Store now

New Product - Savannah Page Kit

The warm earthtones of the savannah grasslands are reflected in the textured backgrounds and unique elements of this marvelously flexible page kit. The frame, grasses, playful lizard and the swirls and twirls are fun to work with and make layout creation fun and easy!.
Kit Includes:

~ Bark background
~ Desert Vines background
~ Dried Desert background
~ Sanded Creased background
~ Copper Mesh Strip
~ Copper Panoramic Frame
~ Copper Swirl
~ Distressed Leaves
~ Dried Foliage
~ Metal Ghecko
~ Dirty Splodge
~ Tall Grasses

New Product - Simple Gradients - Quick Bit Clipping Masks

Blending is fun! Blending adds a touch of the amazing to every layout, but it wasn't always easy until now. These fabulous gradients make blending a snap, so you can give each and every page you scrap a positively magical touch!

Grab this set of 8 gradient clipping masks from the store now

Gimme More Bonuses for this week ( Ending May 30)

This weeks featured collection is Nature's Art



This set of Deluxe word art is the chat participation freebie
The only way to get free is to attend and participate in the crop. It will not be given out free at any other time.

If you cant attend the crop this will be in the store afterward


The Posting bonus is a kit that will add to the Natures Art Collection


All you need to do to get this kit free is create a layout using the featured kit( you will need to purchase this from the store ) and upload it to the Gimme More gallery  by the Sunday following the crop - ( May 30 )
I will PM links to this kit after that date )

Pick of the Pack

Dont you think this is a gorgeous way to display a view that mother nature has hidden - I just love how LynnT has used the Watercolour masks to blend the misty view into the background. I also love the journalling - Im not a good journaller myself and I wish i was better at it because I feel that the true value of a scrapbook is not only in the photos but in the written memories surrounding them



Here are Lynns Notes on this layout

I actually love when it's raining ... but not at a sightseeing stop... this looks a lil bit eeeerie. This is not a wetland, but the land was sure wet.

Journal reads:
It’s normally very windy up here (I think 8800 ft above sea level) with a gorgeous view of the Windward side of island of Oahu. But today, well God decided to water his plants. I kinda felt sorry for the tourist that were on a time limit and came to see His awesome wonder extending out to the ocean but you could barely see six feet below us.
“When I was young ...” the words most of us heard by our parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents as we were growing. I’ve heard so many stories by all of them about their times up on the Pali some of them even engraving their names high up on the rocks. Now as I’m older (or is it I’m just hmmmm), I’m finding myself saying the very same thing ... ‘when I was young ... this was our road that we traveled on! Whenever we were up here, I would hide on the floor of the car. Even when the tunnels were built below, most people didn’t go through them - for fear of them collapsing. As time went on, the road was eventually closed and became a play area for many of us as teenagers. Most of those stories will stay secret known only to mother nature but one. That story will always continue to be told ... The Story of Morgan’s Corner.

Credits:
Wetlands Value Collection by Lauren Bavin
Brushed On Watercolour - QB Clipping Masks by Lauren Bavin
DSP Child's Play font by Suzanne Walker

You can view the original layout here

Example of the use of HDR Toning Adjustment in CS5

I did a little visual of how using the new HDR Toning Adjustment in CS5 can really get the most out of your photos.
Sometimes  a picture is worth a thousand words!!
To get to the HDR Toning adjustment you go to Image>Adjustment>HDR Toning . It needs to be done on a flattened image so what I do is I duplicate my working image, flatten it and run the HDR toning on that - then I can paste the adjusted image over my original and blend the too if I want to.

Quickbits - Watercolour 2 - Clipping masks

Here is a second set of watercolour like clipping masks to add some creative masking for your photos


his set of 8 watercolour style png files are to be used as " clipping masks" for achieving a painterly look to your photo.
Simply " clip" to your photo layer to achieve a look as if you have painted your photo onto your layout.
This set includes 8 different paintstroked images in .png format. Software Requirements: These images are similar to quick clicks in that they require the use of a magic wand tool, or clipping mask option in order to work.

These are in the DSP Store now

New Product - A Touch of Nature

Nature provides the ultimate masterpiece,This kit will inspire you to
create your own layout masterpiece with its bold colours and artistic
textures .

This kit can also be purchased as part of the Nature's Art Value
Collection



Kit Includes:



~ Chocolate Canvas background

~ Folded Arty Paper background

~ Midnight Wash background

~ Monet Pastels background

~ Brad swirl

~ Copper Foliage

~ Green curled ribbon

~ Journalling Strip

~ Large wooden frame

~ Set of small cream flowers

~ waterlilies

~ Yellow Tree border

New Kit - Tropical Forest

The moist ferns, deep greens and browns of the Tropical Forest kit are divine for blending and can be used for all kinds of wonderful layouts. Imagine scapping holiday pictures, park pictures, outdoor pictures of any kind, heritage pictures, the list is endless. Scrap with it today and create memories for tomorrow.
Kit Includes:

~ Brown Textured background
~ Dark Green Stained background
~ Faded Forest background
~ Forest Vines background
~ Curled Paper Strip
~ Dotty Overlay
~ Glowing Dots circle
~ Greenery Corner
~ Green Stitching
~ Metal Frame
~ Stapled Ribbons
~ Wood Swirl

Buy this now from the DSP Store

New Product - Natures Art Value Collection

Nature provides the ultimate masterpiece,This kit will inspire you to create your own layout masterpiece with its bold colours and artistic textures and colours from all the seasons .
This collection comprises the A Touch of Nature and A Touch of Art Page Kits
Kit Includes:

~ Chocolate Canvas background
~ Folded Arty Paper background
~ Midnight Wash background
~ Monet Pastels background
~ Bright Autumn background
~ Dirty Canvas background
~ Natures Canvas background
~ Pastel Wash background
~ Brad swirl
~ Copper Foliage
~ Green curled ribbon
~ Journalling Strip
~ Large wooden frame
~ Set of small cream flowers
~ waterlilies
~ Yellow Tree border
~ Artists palette
~ Easel
~ Frame for easel
~ Falling Leaves
~ Paint Glass
~ Shuttered Window
~ stool
~ Wildflowers
~ Yellow tree border

Buy this now from the DSP Store

New Product - A Touch of Nature

Nature provides the ultimate masterpiece,This kit will inspire you to create your own layout masterpiece with its bold colours and artistic textures .
This kit can also be purchased as part of the Nature's Art Value Collection
Kit Includes:

~ Chocolate Canvas background
~ Folded Arty Paper background
~ Midnight Wash background
~ Monet Pastels background
~ Brad swirl
~ Copper Foliage
~ Green curled ribbon
~ Journalling Strip
~ Large wooden frame
~ Set of small cream flowers
~ waterlilies
~ Yellow Tree border

Buy this now from the DSP Store

New Product - A Touch of Art

Sometimes nature provides the most artistic inspiration of all.Use this kit to showcase your natural masterpieces.
This kit can also be purchased as part of the Nature's Art Value Collection
Kit Includes:

~ Bright Autumn background
~ Dirty Canvas background
~ Natures Canvas background
~ Pastel Wash background
~ Artists palette
~ Easel
~ Frame for easel
~ Falling Leaves
~ Paint Glass
~ Shuttered Window
~ stool
~ Wildflowers
~ Yellow tree border

Buy this now in the DSP Store

Another Pick of the Pack

I just had to choose a second layout as Pick of the Pack today - and I know you will agree with me - this layout by TracyMHunt  is just SUPERB



I just love everything about it and its another on my list to scraplift!!!!!! - Just perfectly put together

Here are Tracy's notes on this layout

I just absolutely love this kit. You will definitely be seeing more of it in future layouts!

Journaling reads:
Jessica, Savannah & Me, walking along the beach on Shell Island, really not much more than a sandbar, near Panama City Beach. We had rented a pontoon boat for the day and were gathering shells in the surf.
June 1996


Credits:
Mercury Bay Created by Lauren Bavin available from the Digital Scrapbook Place Shop HERE
Font CK Script

You can view and comment on this layout here

Speedscrap layout from yesterday

Have you attended a speedscrap before. ?? They are held every Tuesday at 9pm in the DSP chat room.
Each week a designer will post some design inspiration and the goal is to finish a layout within the hour using that inspiration as you desire. You might take inspiration from the colours, or the layout or the style - There are no rules - its up to you..

Personally I love the challenge and some of my best layouts have been created during speedscraps. - its a bit of a ' let loose" of the creativity and just " do it without thinking too hard"

Here is my layout from yesterday . It was actually a year ago exactly that these photos were taken so it was well overdue that they were scrapped



Journalling reads


Known for its friendly ‘cheet cheet’ call and energetic flying antics, the aptly named fantail is one of the most common and widely distributed native birds on the New Zealand mainland.

It is easily recognized by its long tail which opens to a fan. It has a small head and bill and has two colour forms, pied and melanistic or black. The pied birds are grey-brown with white and black bands.

Fantails feed mainly on invertebrates taken whilst flying. Using their fanned tail they are very manoeuverable which helps them quickly change direction whilst flycatching. They are known to hop around upside down in amongst tree ferns and foliage looking to pick insects from the underside of leaves. Their main prey are moths, flies, spiders, wasps, and beetles. They seldom feed on the ground

The fantail is very friendly with humans . The reason? When you walk you disturb lots of insects and our fantail loves eating insects. They don’t just follow humans though, they’ve been known to tail silvereyes, parakeets, whiteheads and saddlebacks.

i used my wetlands VC for this layout


Title is custom fill chipboard fat swash

This took 62 minutes

Pick of the Pack May 20 - Amy and Drew by ReneT

I just love this gorgeous layout by ReneT - I love the contrasts - the design  and the way shes placed the elements in a leading line down to the photo. Im definitely going to scraplift this photo!!!- Im sure it will inspire you to a scraplift too!!!!

Here are Rene's notes on this layout

Another photo from the Amy & Drew shoot.

I love kits with bright colors and this value collection of Lauren's has great colors, along with some dark browns to add contrast! Love it!

Credits:
Awakening Value Collection by Lauren Bavin

You can view and comment on the original layout here

Pick of the Pack May 20 - Amy and Drew by ReneT

I just love this gorgeous layout by ReneT - I love the contrasts - the design  and the way shes placed the elements in a leading line down to the photo. Im definitely going to scraplift this photo!!!- Im sure it will inspire you to a scraplift too!!!!

Here are Rene's notes on this layout

Another photo from the Amy & Drew shoot.

I love kits with bright colors and this value collection of Lauren's has great colors, along with some dark browns to add contrast! Love it!

Credits:
Awakening Value Collection by Lauren Bavin

You can view and comment on the original layout here

Brushed on Watercolour s- Quick Bits - Clipping Masks

This set of 8 watercolour style paintstroke and mixedart images are to be used as " clipping masks" for achieving a painterly look to your photo.
Simply " clip" to your photo layer to achieve a look as if you have painted your photo onto your layout.
This set includes 8 different paintstroked images in .png format. Software Requirements: These images are similar to quick clicks in that they require the use of a magic wand tool, or clipping mask option in order to work.

Buy these from the DSP Store now

Pick of the Pack - May 17th

Todays pick of the pack is this delightful layout by Sandygb. I love how she framed her photo so wonderfully with the elements and how she took a kit that is essentially for nature photos and used it just perfectly for this gorgeous photo of her grandson

Here are her notes on this layout
Kits that can be used for male, female, nature or just about anything else are my favorite and this beautiful kit by Lauren is no exception!!! Babysitting Ryan gives me a chance to take many new photos.

Credits:

Rainforest Harmony Value Collection by Lauren Bavin

Gimme More Bonuses for this week

This weeks featured collection is Wetlands

This set of large Gradient Clipping Masks is the chat participation freebie


The only way to get free is to attend and participate in the crop. It will not be given out free at any other time.
It will be in the store after the chat




This is this weeks Posting bonus


You do not need to attend the crop to get this free kit shown above which is the posting bonus


All you need to do is create a layout using the featured kit( you will need to purchase this from the store ) and upload it to the Gimme More gallery  by the Sunday following the crop - ( May 23 )
I will PM links to this kit after that date )

More details can be found on the gimme more crops here

Pick of the Pack - May 16th

I chose this gorgeous layout by Sherrillbird from DSP as my pick of the pack because I love the contrast of the green and pink - I also love the journalling - for me this is what Scrapbooking is all about - preserving those memories in such an artful way - I love it

Here are her notes on this layout which you can view here

Thanks to Laren Bavin for another lovely kit. Her Rainforest Harmony Value Collection was the perfect kit to tell about my Grandfather's hollyhocks. I live in a rather dry climate so I used dry looking elements.