I've been fielding a number of requests from blog readers that go something like this: "I like the idea of your templates, but I have absolutely no idea what to do with them, or how they work."
Let me say this: you and me? We're not so different. Until January of this year, I had basically never worked with layered Photoshop templates. In fact, I didn't really get why Photoshop was the digital scrapbookers tool of choice. Even though I'd used it for years in my magazine work, I never used it the way one might in the scrapbooking realm. Once I started incorporated more digital elements into my classes at BigPictureScrapbooking, lightbulbs began going off as I made the connection. OH, this is why they use it!
I put together a 9-minute video using Photoshop Elements 8 showing you the basics of working with one of my templates. (Note: if you click on the link below the video, it'll take you to the Vimeo site to see it larger, or simply click on the expander icon to go into Full Screen mode... but keep in mind, if you have a big monitor, the resolution will be a bit fuzzy.)
A Simple Digital Template Tutorial from Cathy Zielske on Vimeo.
SUPPLIES: Layered Template No. 18 (Cathy Zielske) • Amelie Paper Pack (Lynn Grieveson) • Ethan Solids Paper Pack (Michelle Martin) • Avenir fontMy personal scrapbooks are all 8.5 x 11, and so that's why I sized down the 12 x 12 to create this hybrid version of the layout seen below.
Admittedly, the type is a bit small, but it's totally crisp and readable, and now it can go into my All About Us family album. I simply added a bit of cardstock, and a stamp from Cat's Life Press.
I am not the expert in digital scrapbooking by any stretch, so if you're interested in learning more, check out the following classes, which I wholeheartedly recommend:
Renee Pearson's Just the Basics M'aam
Jessica Sprague's Up and Running with Photoshop
If you have any questions today, post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.
Now, speaking of things that I actually do know a thing or two about, there's a new installment of Design Do-Overs, freshly baked and presently cooling, and it makes its triumphant return on Monday.
Until then, have a great weekend.
