Tutorial: How to use a layered template

I've had several people ask how to use the 2008 in Review template that I posted as a freebie HERE.

Templates are a great way to create a layout in minutes, and are sometimes versatile enough to use over and over. Here are some simple instructions on how to use a layered template...

PLEASE NOTE: These instructions are for Photoshop or Photoshop Elements only.

Open the template and save it as a new name so that your new creation will not overwrite the original template file.

Be sure that the layers Palette is visible (Window -> Layers) so that you can view the individual layers in the template.

Now you’re ready to create a layout in minutes using a timesaving template!

1. Open the first photo that you want to use, and drag it to the template. In the layers palette, activate the photo layer (a fancy way of saying – click on it!) and drag the photo above the layer where you want to photo to be (for example – a photo block).

2. With the photo layer still active, right click on the photo layer and select “Create Clipping Mask.” This will “clip” your photo into the template shape.

3. To resize or rotate your photo, use the move tool (white arrow) to position the photo, and then you can resize/rotate like you normally would:

Edit -> Transform -> Scale for resizing
Edit -> Transform -> Rotate for rotation.

4. Repeat the above steps for each photo, paper, element, etc.

5. Some template may have a layer that say “Delete this layer.” This layer is most likely being used as a “for show” placeholder for a layout title or journaling. Be sure to delete this layer before saving the final product.

6. Add your title, journaling – be creative! Move photos and elements around, rotate the entire template, add more photos or elements… the possibilities are endless. Not only will this make the template your own, but it will also allow you to use the same template multiple times!

Tutorial: Better Black & White Photos

The Daily Digi has an awesome tut out on making your B&W photos eye-popping.

I've gotten in the habit of running all of my photos through lightroom, but when I decide not to - this is the same technique I use for making "plain 'ole" black and white photos not so plain! :)

A Guide to Better Black & White Photos

Hope you all are having a great week!

A photo from the summer...

I scrapped a photo from back in August that I've really been wanting to use in a layout. Wesley and Alexis love riding the four wheeler together! I used a new kit by Inkin' Creations, called Fun Times, for this LO - the vibrant colors are awesome!

A few new layouts...

I'm so glad that I've had a little bit of time to scrap lately! It seems like if I go more than a week without scrapping, I really get out of my groove!

We went to see Sesame Street live at the beginning of January, and had a BLAST! Wesley was amazed the entire time! Here's a 2-pager with some of the pics...


After watching Sesame Street Live, we went to dinner and then stopped at Krispy Kreme since Steve had never been inside of one before. Wesley thought it was very neat, and had his very first donut!