Redo and Refresh an Old Layout
Friday, January 6, 2012

IN TODAY'S ISSUE:

• What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?
• Life Muse by Ro
• Scrap Girls Club
• Tips from the Pros: Adding Texture using ScrapSimple Paper Templates
• Designer Freebie
• What's Happening at Scrap Girls?
• Ongoing Opportunities for YOU

Rozanne Paxman

Redo and Refresh an Old Layout

Last week, I told you about my Life Scrapbook project. One of my goals for January is to get all of my layouts printed out in the 8.5x11-inch format. In some cases, I have chosen to drop two of my 12x12-inch square layouts onto the page, shrink them by 45%, add a coordinating background, and sometimes, a little journaling to explain what I was thinking when I created the layouts.

I have now printed out most of my "good layouts." Good = I am happy to have them in my books. I feel proud of them. I enjoy looking at them.

I have now moved into the more difficult trying process of figuring out what I am going to do with some of my older layouts – the layouts I made back in the beginning of my digital scrapbooking days when I was trying to figure out square layouts and was learning to manage Photoshop. These are the layouts I made before I understood how to balance colors, format text, and use the Rule of Thirds successfully in this medium. While I know that I "should" enjoy every layout I make because it was part of my journey, in truth, there are some layouts that I simply cannot bear printing out "as is." They make me cringe.

Sometimes, the layouts aren't worth printing. They don't have anything important on them. I'm completely abandoning those layouts into digital layout heaven.

But sometimes, the layout contains documentation or photos that I want to keep. After thinking about it for a while, I've decided to redo some of these layouts so that I won't pull a face or feel like I need to apologize for them when I see them in my book.

This layout contains a very short list of fun activities I wanted to do in 2006. I should have posted the list on my wall as a reminder, but as I look at the layout, I can see why I didn't. Here are my mistakes (or rather, what I consider to be mistakes):

1. I thought that I needed to fill up every spot on my layout. I didn't.

2. The top header "In 2006 I will..." isn't lined up with anything.

3. I used a font that is difficult to read. A font like this should be used as a minor accent. I tried using some drop-shadowing on the journaling to make it pop-off the layout more. It didn't work. The issue was my font choice.

4. I hate what I did to my poor photo.

5. The colors are all so intense that they are having a minor war on the page. If I was going to use these colors, I should have allowed one of them to dominate the layout and then used the other one as an accent color.

Now, I'll show you two reworked (12x12 and 8.5x11) versions of the layout.

The first thing I did on my layout was to find my focal points using the Rule of Thirds as my guide. I did this by adding guidelines to the document. (To add guidelines in Photoshop Elements and Photoshop: Follow this path: View> New Guide.)

Here are the two versions of the reworked layout. As I worked, I decided to stay somewhat true to the original layout. The basic colors are still in play - gold and black – although I chose a clearer, brighter gold for the rework which doesn't fight with the black. I also added a pop of red to break it up.

12x12 Square Layout. As you can see, I've used the Rule of Thirds to help line things up, which helped create balance. However, because a square is proportionally short in comparison to a tall rectangle, there is less white-space or "breathing room" on the top and the bottom of the layout.

The 8.5x11 layout. This layout is quite roomy.

If I wasn't attempting to rework my original layout (and keep the original contents), I might consider sliding the contents up higher and then include a nice journaling box below the word "draw" as demonstrated. This would allow me to explain why I choose these particular goals for 2006.

Here's a close-up of the 8.5x11 title line, "In 2006, I will...." Notice that I have formatted the text so that the top lines up with the upper edge of the red half-circle and ends before the focal-point line. I have lined up "In" with the inner edge of the photo. It's amazing how paying attention to small details like this will make a big difference in a layout!

Have some layouts you'd like to redo? Go right ahead! Digital scrapbookers are free to redo their layouts as often as they wish. The ability to edit and redo layouts is one of the best things about being a digital scrapbooker. No expensive paper or supply waste involved!

Layout by Ro
larger view

Commercial license versions of 8.5x11 Basic Neutrals 2201 Paper Biggie, Basic Neutrals 2201 Paper Biggie, Black and White Plus Collection and ScrapSimple Type Shapes: Circles 8301 Biggie are also available.

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to hello@scrapgirls.com. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

		Join the Scrap Girls Monthly Club and you can have fun with the newest traditional digital and printable scrapbooking looks while saving! (A $40.87 value for $9.99 or less!) The Scrap Girls Club contents are released on the 1st day of the month (or the closest business day to the 1st). With the Scrap Girls Club, you will receive: 1 Collection Biggie 1 Paper Super Mini 1 Word Art Mini 1 Embellishment Mini 1 JIF 6 Plus Page Set 1 Designer's Choice Item 1 CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Jiffy Easy Page Album 1 CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Designer's Choice Item 1 CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Color Palette January's Scrap Girls Club designed for you by Jen Reed Club Exclusive! JIFFY Easy Page Album Club Exclusive! Designer's Gift
Layout by Jen Reed using January's Scrap Girls Club larger view	Layout by Jen Reed using January's Scrap Girls Club larger view	Layout by Jen Reed using January's Scrap Girls Club larger view

Adding Texture using ScrapSimple Paper Templates

Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS4 with Windows Vista

Paper Templates are a creative treasure trove for digital scrapbookers, and today I'll show you one way you can use them to add some texture to your layout.

To create my layout, I am using a layout template from my ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Project Memories - Fall and products from my Project Memories – Christmas Collection Biggie.

Here is a picture of my completed layout as it is now. I like it, but I want to add more dimension to it. Plus, I want to calm the red down a bit so that it blends more with the photos and the overall look of the layout I am trying to achieve.

To do this, I'm going to use one of my paper templates from my ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Foundations Vol.2 collection. I put the template right above the red paper. In the Christmas collection, there is a cream paper so I'm going to pull that paper in above the paper template and clip it.

There is a little more brown than I want, so I'm going to rotate the template to see if there is a look I like better (Edit> Transform> Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical).

I like this much better. It shows more of the red which is what I wanted. On your layout, you can also play with the Blending Modes until you find one that you like. I chose the "Color" Blending Mode for my layout. It makes it darker and blends the colors from the background of the photo I am using to the background of the layout.

Now, merge the clipped paper down on the template by right-clicking in the Layers Palette or using the shortcut Ctrl+E.

Since my layout has two paper backgrounds and I don't want the new layer we just created to go over the edges of the black paper on the bottom, I need to clip it to the red paper below. Follow the same procedure for clipping as you did above. Perfect!

Your only limitation is your imagination, so have fun!

Layout by Pebbles Jones
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Foundations Vol.2 are also available.

Article written by Pebbles Jones

Learn to make digital scrapbooking layouts and more! – Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed Find out how easy it can be to learn how to create digital scrapbook layouts, edit photos, use and make brushes, recolor papers and embellishments, make your own simple backgrounds and embellishments, save and share your layouts and much more! Ready to learn advanced techniques? – MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed Learn to use paper templates, embellishment templates, custom shapes, styles, and brushes to make your own supplies. Learn advanced clipping mask and lighting blend techniques. Learn to make and use patterns. Learn to make brushes from your own doodles. Learn to extract images from photos. Learn work flow techniques that will speed up the layout creation process and advanced photo editing skills and much, much more!

Printable Sample by Durin Eberhart
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Designer Freebie by Durin Eberhart coordinates with her Printable Monograms: Camouflage Green

Today's freebie designed by Durin Eberhart

* There is a "free download" button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

Journaling Chat
Monday, January 9th - 6:00PM MST

Join Carla (CRS) and Lei (Bride) for a Journaling Chat at 6pm MT on the second Monday of each month. Struggle to find the right words for your layouts? Are your layouts more decorative than descriptive of the moments you're trying to capture? Then you won't want to miss this chat - we'll have a special challenge to encourage you to journal on your pages more! See you there!

Quote Challenge Chat
Monday, January 9th - 7:00PM MST

Come join Pat (PBarnes) for the Quote Challenge Crop at 7pm MT. Including a quote on your layout can be a touching and meaningful addition, especially if you use the quote to create your own word art. Here's how it will work. Early on Monday, Pat will post a thread on the Chat section of the board giving you the quote that you will use to make your own word art. It's not hard, and she will have a layout with a Word Art example in the gallery. Then we'll meet in the chat room to have fun, chat, and create our Word Art layout! Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there!

Project SG Chat
Tuesday, January 10th - 6:00PM MST

Join April (April Showers) and Shannon (tinkerbell11) in the chat room Tuesday, January 10th at 6pm MT for the first Project SG Chat of 2012! Come learn the details of this year-long challenge. You can even win fantastic prizes for joining in!

New Member Chat
Tuesday, January 10th - 7:00PM MST

Join Pat (PBarnes) and Theresa (tiza126) for the New Member Chat at 7pm MT in the Live Chat room lobby. This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. All are welcome, new and long time members included. You will need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, January 11th - 10:00AM MST

Join April (April Showers) each Wednesday at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes, simply giving participants a one hour goal and a fun, new challenge each week. On January 11th, we'll do a "Use Your Stash" challenge! Create a layout using products you've had for a while, but just haven't used yet! Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you! Hope to see you in the chat room!

Hybrid Craft Chat
Wednesday, January 11th - 6:00PM MST

Join Carla (CRS) and Shannon (tinkerbell11) in the chat room at 6pm MT for this month's Hybrid Craft Chat. We will show you how to create a unique craft project with your digital supplies and goodies from your craft room!

January Message Board Game: Jumpstart January!

It's time to kick off the new year with fun and focus on scrapbooking! And a few prizes thrown in never hurt, right? Join us on the message board this month for "Jumpstart January!" This is a message board game and challenge to start your year with fun and focus on taking time to scrapbook regularly despite the little speedbumps of life. When the month is over, you'll have completed several layouts and been challenged and treated to some fun along the way.

A member of the Welcoming Committee will post a mini-challenge/task every Monday through Saturday during January. Some tasks will require message board participation, email responses, or gallery posting. Those who complete all tasks and submit or post required participation by 11:59pm MT on January 31st will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $10 Gift Certificates to the Scrap Girls Boutique! Those who complete just the layouts will be entered in a drawing to win one of two $5 Gift Certificates. Those who complete just the speedbumps will be entered in a drawing for one of two $3 Gift Certificates. (Those who complete all tasks will have their name entered in all three drawings!)

For complete details, visit the Monthly Message Board Games folder on the Scrap Girls Forum.

January Monthly Layout Contest: With the beginning of a new year, many people set aside some time to set goals. It might be an exercise plan or establishing better eating habits. It might be getting your life more organized. Or maybe you set goals for your digital scrapbooking output for the year. Post your layouts in the January Monthly Layout Gallery before Midnight MST on January 31st. Be sure to list your layout's product credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. Two layouts will be selected to win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls Club or the ScrapSimple Club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, it will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to prizes@scrapgirls.com and we'll get it out to you right away!

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