Shutterfly Digi Scrap Blog

Enjoy a Template : From Kelly Thompson

Kelly Thompson, digital designer at Scrapbook-Bytes created a template for you to download for free. You will want to use this template in Adobe Photoshopsoftware to utilize the layers. After you have personalized the page using the template you can save it as a .jpeg and upload it and have it printed at Shutterfly. Enjoy and please remember that all freebies are for personal use only .

Download Kthom_heart_template

Everyday Inspiration : From Kelly Thompson

Kelly Thompson, digital designer at Scrapbook-Bytes shares a bit of "everyday inspiration" with us below. Enjoy!

"The layout is called “It's all in the Jeans” and it captures my three year old in her favorite attire – whatever SHE picks out! The photo and layout represent a snapshot of our everyday life on a wonderful Sunday early evening. The funny thing about this picture is that she wasn't posing. In fact, she didn't know I had the camera when I called her name, but the picture almost looks as though she was waiting for that shot! "

The materials used in this layout are all from “The Lovey Dovey Collection” by Kelly Thompson, available here: http://scrapbookbytes.com/store/digital-scrapbooking-supplies/kelly-thompson-lovey-dovey.html

Shutterfly Card : By Kelly Thompson

Kelly Thompson, digital designer at Scrapbook-Bytes tells us more about herself.

How long have you been scrapbooking?

"I tried to get into traditional scrapbooking for the first time in 2003, when I was pregnant with my first daughter. I only did a few pages and then a friend introduced me to digital scrapbooking. In 2004, I went totally digital and never looked back! I do still enjoy making hybrid gifts, but the days of purely paper scrapbooking were over for me once I realized how convenient digital is. So, I've been scrapbooking for a little over five years."

What is your creative style?

"Anything and everything! Seriously, sometimes I get into a “clean” mood and I'll make layouts and kits with lots of clean lines and a traditional look. The next week I might feel a little more freestyle, and do lots of grunge with unexpected embellishments. If I had to categorize my style, I'd say it's a little eclectic, a little traditional, and little bit of funky all rolled into one."

Kelly created a beautiful card that is "Shutterfly" ready for all of us to download and to use. Please remember that all freebies are for personal use only.

 Download Kelly_thompson_card

Welcome: Kelly Thompson

Welcome to Kelly Thompson, digital designer at Scrapbook-Bytes. We are excited to get to know her better and start off this feature by sharing info about Kelly's life.

"I'm a mom to two preschool aged girls, a wife, a graphic and digital scrapbook designer, and, just because I don't think I'm busy enough, I'm also an accountant. :) In my spare time, I enjoy attempting to garden. My husband tilled the perfect spot for me to try my hand at growing vegetables and sunflowers this year. If everything goes right, we'll be having home grown cucumber, tomatoes, and carrots this year!

I design for SBB (scrapbook-bytes.com), and Amy and the gang that runs the site are always busy hosting chats, crops, and a variety of challenges.

The members at SBB are also great contributors of ideas and inspiration, and they are the best bunch to go to when you are in need of help. The girls there are so willing to help and they offer such wonderful solutions, tips, and tutorials for digital and hybrid scrappers."

Below is some awesome inspiration from Kelly. Enjoy!

 

(graphics used in "Beautiful" layout can be purchased at www.shabbyshoppe.com )

Thank you : LaWanna Desjardin

A very special thank you to LaWanna Desjardin , digital artist at Scrapbook-Bytes . She has been very inspirational and has shared so much digital info!

LaWanna has one last special freebie for us! It is an incredible mini kit called "Crush." Enjoy and please remember that all freebies are for personal use only!

Download LDesj_CrushMiniKit

Cool Techniques : By LaWanna Desjardin

LaWanna Desjardin , digital artist at Scrapbook-Bytes shares a favorite digital technique that she loves to use.
"I really like using paint on my layouts. I use it especially when the background is a very dark color and I want to use a dark colored element or wordart on it. I can use the painting tools in Photoshop to put under the element and provide some contrast. It's really easy too.
1. For a dark colored background, I use a very light gray or ivory as my foreground color. If the background is light I'll use a darker gray.
2.. Then I choose a brush - I like the Thick Heavy Brushes that come with Photoshop. I like the Rough Round Bristle 104.
3. I create a new blank layer and use the brush to paint with. Click to paint with or if you have a graphics tablet use the pen to paint on a paint layer. That is often sufficient to create a contrasting background for my elements.
If I'm feeling adventurous. I'll also use a layer mask to make it look more interesting.
4. Add a layer mask, using the icon in layers pallete or by going to Layers>Layer Mask>Reveal All.
5. Click the Layer Mask Thumbnail to select the mask. Fill the layer mask with black. This will make the paint disappear from the canvas. If you want to see where it is, Cntrl+Click on the Layer Thumnail in the pallette.
6. Use a brush to paint back some of the paint layer. I use a lower opacity brush for this part - maybe 70%. Then I select white as the foreground color and paint back in some of the paint.
(If you have Photoshop Elements, there is a great set of tools here that include a layer mask tool:
http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Challenge/Tools/index.html)"