Note: Tutorial is demonstrated using Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Want to make fast and fun but quality paper layouts? You can do just that with our wonderful ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates! Here are a few great things you can do using ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates as printables:

• Print out only the pieces you need, no wasted paper scraps!

• Print out several sets and make gift pages.

• If you don't have a wide format printer (that is capable of printing 12x12), but like to work with a square canvas, you can resize your 12x12 papers and pieces to 8x8.

• You can make several 8x8 or 6x6 layouts and make a gift album, and making multiple albums for relatives is a breeze because all you have to do is layer your template pieces once and print out multiple sets!

• You can make 12x12 layouts even without a wide format printer by using your own piece of cardstock as your 12x12 background and use the template pieces to build your layout.

OK, lets get started!

 

First, choose the template you will be working with. I have chosen one from ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Layered: Journaling Strips. I will be using a sheet of 12x12 cardstock that I already have in my stash.

 

Next, chose the background and paper designs you want to use. I will be using papers from the Flowers For Mary Collection. Start with the black matte.

 

Now drag the paper over to your template. Hit Ctrl+Alt+G (Photoshop CS2) Ctrl+G (PSE) or on your menu, select Layer> Create Clipping Mask. Make a duplicate copy of this template (Ctrl+D) or from your menu, select Image> Duplicate Image. Close the original template and do not save changes.

 

Choose your photo and layer over the photo template. Hit Ctrl+Alt+G and then Shift+Ctrl+E to make it stick. Continue to layer all the pieces of your template using several different papers.

 

Open a blank letter size document. (In my case, I needed two blank documents.) Arrange your layered template pieces, as well as any embellishments you want to use on your blank document. Leave ½" border around all sides for printing. Print out on medium weight cardstock or Kodak Matte Paper.

 

Cut out all the pieces using a paper trimmer and scissors.

 

Once you have all the pieces cut, you can make gluing them down a breeze with a Xyron Create A Sticker shown above; it turns your pieces into stickers!

 

Start laying out your template pieces on your cardstock, referring to your template preview for guidance.

 

Add embellishments like buttons, flowers and ribbon to give your layout even more texture. Templates are like 'paint by numbers' when it comes to paper layouts. You can use just a few pieces of a template or change them around on your layout for completely different looks and styles.

Imagine all the layouts you can get done with all the fabulous styles of templates available at Scrap Girls! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Tutorial uses:

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Layered: Journaling Strips are also available.

Tutorial written by Syndee Nuckles