Ask The Det!!

[MaureenH]

:love3: Here's your chance to Ask The DET a question! :love3:

Have you ever wished you could ask one of the DET about a special technique on one of their layouts, how they organize their files, match a photo to a kit, what compositional technique they like best, OR.....???

The DET (Digital Elite Team) are members of DSP who were selected through a contest of scrapping skills. They are some of the most experienced digiscrappers on this site and are willing to share their experience and knowledge with you. The DET bios can be read here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/det/index.shtml) and the DET gallery is here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=994).

Use this forum to address a question to one of us or post a question for anyone on the DET to answer. We're looking forward to talking with you!:love3:

[Samara]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my question:

Can you describe a typical workflow? Do you usually start with the picture or the kit?

[gail0423]

Depends, Samara!!

If I have a really WOW photo that I am dying to scrap, I go look for a kit to go with it. I often already have something in mind, and might choose several kits and pick one from there - or even combine the kits to get the feel I want.

If I have a really great kit I'm dying to use, I'll see what I have in my photo stash that goes with it. Sometimes I actually layout the kit - like a plopper - without a photo, then go look for the photo (I did that with my Grandmother's Photo Album (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=181044&cat=500&ppuser=47914) layout!)

[Sharon1313]

I'll add on to that... once I have a kit and photo(s) selected, I work on a sketch. I find if I don't start with a sketch (mine or someone else's) I will flounder around with a layout for hours and oftentimes end up starting all over.

I look EVERYWHERE for sketch ideas... other scrappers' pages, magazine layouts, product packaging, billboards, posters, etc. When I have something in mind to scrap, say a horizontal photo, I keep an eye out for design layouts with a horizontal photo. I'm always scribbling ideas on napkins and old receipts!

I find that once I have my sketch, I can take off running on a LO... many times it ends up not looking like the sketch at all, but it does actually get finished! ;)

[twinkerbell]

I do similar to what Gail does. It really depends, sometimes I start with the picture other times with a kit. Recently I started doing something where I open the picture and while looking at the picture I go through my folder of previews and open any preview that I am inspired by the picture to use. Then I start pulling things together. This way I don't have a gazillion kits open, but I have the previews there to remind me what I had thought to use, and open them as I go. I often don't use all of them but this is a fun way for me to use elements from multiple kits. I personally don't use sketches very often. I usually let the kit and the photo inspire me as I go.

[prodigal1978]

Sharon, how did you do the photo on your "discover" page?

[Sharon1313]

Prodigal, I'm not sure exactly what you're asking... the kit had that fabulous circle element in it, and all I had to do was layer my photo under it and crop the photo into the circle shape. I did add the "outer glow" to the circle.

Is that what you were asking?

[gail0423]

Prodigal - I see you use PSPXI. (I use PSP X, and XI occasionally).

If you're referring to the "glow" around her element, a drop shadow applied to the element at 0 Vertical/0 Horizontal, color white, with a blur and opacity that you like (try a high opacity to start, maybe 75%, and a blur of 10, but play with it until you like what you see.)

Probably about the same method in PSCS, but will let Sharon answer that one!!!

Hope that helps!

[prodigal1978]

Yep, that's it. The "glow" is really what I was wondering about. Real specific question I asked huh.....LOL!
And Gail, I have been having a time figuring out how to add drop shadows....I try and then I never see anything. I'll try the levels you suggested.

Thanks ladies!

[Sharon1313]

Ahhh, thanks Gail, for helping out. In Photoshop it's a specific selection under the "Adjustments" called "outer glow." Hope we've helped, Prodigal!

[Bocca]

Well, I almost always start with the kit; then find a picture to go with it. Since most of my scrapping has always revolved around a challenge, the kit usually comes first. I take a lot pictures of my grandsons, but eventually, the right kit will come along that is perfect for a picture that I have.

[willjenni]

Hi.... I have a question about something I'm trying to do. I have two photos and I want to put them each on one side of the layout (the entire height), both blending into transparent toward the middle so I can put a paper in the middle of the layout behind the photos for some word art. I'm pretty sure it has to be a gradient thing, but I can't figure out how to make it work. I use PSE 5...any ideas...I have this picture in my mind and I can't do it! :-( Thanks ahead of time...hope my description is clear enough! I so appreciate the help! Jenni :-)

[twinkerbell]

I am using PSCS3. I'm not sure how similar PSE is, but I'll just explain how I do it. At the bottom of the Layers palette there is an icon to "add layer mask". It looks like a gray rectangle with a white circle in the center. Make sure you have the photo selected that you want to add the fade to, then click on this icon to add the layer mask. You will then go to the gradient tool. It is often hidden under the paint bucket tool. You will then choose the gradient that is black to white. Now you will select the area you want faded by dragging out the gradient line. I hope that made sense and was helpful. I'm not extremely familiar with all the photoshop terminology so someone correct me if I'm wrong. ;) Thanks!

[willjenni]

Oh my gracious mercy!! I FINALLY figured it out! If I accomplish nothing else today I have learned something! PSE doesn't seem to have the icon you were talking about but I remember from my intro to PSE class with Emma the whole mask, black, white thing and all of a sudden the lightbulb went on! Woo Hoo....thank you SOOO much! Jenni

[twinkerbell]

LOL Jenni! Glad I could help flip that switch! ;) Sorry, I couldn't give you exact instructions for your program, but I'm glad I could help. And I actually want to thank you for asking the question. I didn't know how to do it either, but I asked dh who knows some aspects of photoshop that I'm not so familiar with, so we figured it out together. So, we all learned something new! :D

[lbfpebbles]

I have often been asked how I do extractions, expecially around hair. Here is my process. I have two different methods, depending on the photo and paper. In Adobe Photoshop, I use my pen tool to carefully select areas with smooth edges like clothes, skin, etc. when I get to areas with hair, I use my pen tool close to the hair but not touching. At this point everything is extracted but the hair. I then take my eraser tool at a 10 or 20% transparency and start erasing close and on the hair. I vary the size of the eraser and the transparency to get a more natural look. Also, The photo you choose is an important consideration. In my LO, Cool Kid, http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=182815&cat=994 the background was already somewhat light which works nicely when blending in with a light background. For my LO, Secret Child http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=182816&cat=994 , my dd was in a treehouse so the background was already really dark. Blending it in with the dark paper in the background makes the erasing the hair at 10 to 20% easy. In my LO, Make Memories http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=179918&cat=994 , I used a different process. Here, I took my photo and placed it over the paper. I then converted my photo from normal to darken which appears to look like it was extracted. I then selected a colour from the background paper (a very light green) and brushed that in behind my kids on the background paper layer. This makes the image of my kids smooth and not textured from the paper. I used this same process for my LO Under Lock & Key http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=180401&cat=500&ppuser=38811 . Here however, I did a lot of other photo manipulations. (my daughter doesn't have that awesome red hair. but I love how the red makes this photo more dramatic.) This photo was taken in front of a white wall so blending it in with the light blue paper wasn't too hard.

I hope these tips are helpful.

[twinkerbell]

Laurette, thank you so much for those great tips! They were definitely helpful!

[Bocca]

Thanks, Laurette, I'm going to try both of these techniques. TFS!

[willjenni]

Thank you so much! I'm trying them out today...your extractions are always awesome! :-)

[evergreen100]

Drop shadows are my problem...I always have them too dark, or too light, or too wide, or too narrow, or too much blur, or not enough blur...am I making it clear that I am never happy with the shadows I get on my layouts:D? Can anyone suggest some actual numerical guidelines for shadows under a piece of paper and for under an alpha or other heavier embellishment for instance?? I am using PSP8. Thanks.

I am loving the information coming out of this forum so far, the extracting techniques are terrific. Thank you.

[Jill W]

I'm not sure there is a cut and dried rule for shadows - I think it's whatever you feel looks good ...
While I personally can't give you an established number for drop shadows, I did struggle with them for awhile as well -- what I found the easiest for myself to do, is to start off with a fairly small, not too dark of a shadow. I then continue on with my LO, adding other elements, photos, etc. - then I tweak the shadows as I go - in my opinion "smaller is better". When I look back on the first LO's I posted, I have to laugh at how LARGE the shadows are!
I know I really didn't answer your question to the fullest extent, but hopefully starting off small and then changing as you go will help.
Thanks for your question! I'm sure the other DET members will jump in and add to their opinions!

[MommyPanda]

I have a question - what new scrapbooking trends do you like most and how do you apply them to your digital LOs and at the same time, make them look realistic?

[gail0423]

Drop shadows are my problem...I always have them too dark, or too light, or too wide, or too narrow, or too much blur, or not enough blur...am I making it clear that I am never happy with the shadows I get on my layouts:D? Can anyone suggest some actual numerical guidelines for shadows under a piece of paper and for under an alpha or other heavier embellishment for instance?? I am using PSP8. Thanks.

I am loving the information coming out of this forum so far, the extracting techniques are terrific. Thank you.

Here's my 2 cents! I use PSP X. I start my drop shadows at Horiz and Vertical +5, blur 5, opacity 50, color black or dark grey on lighter papers. That's normally what I use for papers. For elements, I increase those numbers slightly if I think they should appear deeper or farther away from the paper.

Also - I remembered that there was a Gems tutorial on drop shadows and I actually found it! It's wonderful. There are slightly different settings indicated in this one for PSP, and probably worth a good look!! Here's the link: http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showpost.php?p=168362&postcount=4

Hope that gives you a helpful guideline to work from!

[gail0423]

I have a question - what new scrapbooking trends do you like most and how do you apply them to your digital LOs and at the same time, make them look realistic?

Wow, this is a toughy! As far as the trends go, I love to try anything new and unique. I love graphic layouts, which are a stretch for me. Paper style is my favorite, so I'm always on the lookout for the newest elements - cutouts and chipboard embellishments are some of my favorites. I also look for any basic elements - clips, brads, stitches - that I can use over and over.

As far as realism, I would have to say the number one method is to imagine how all the pieces would look if they were laying on a table in front of you. Shadows are the most important - too deep, and I can just imagine the piece floating in the air in front of me (not real!).

Photos and elements that are stretched in one direction - distortion - to me are a sure fire way to ruin a layout. You can't really stretch a real photo to fit a real frame - apply the same principles to your digital design and you're on your way to a great layout!

[ScrapMel]

Okay, I have a 'challenge' to throw to you ladies, I bought Marcee's Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5387) and Rusty Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5385)overlays - I LOVE them! But I would like to see what you can do with them - I don't know if you can just 'get' them or not, but I haven't seen a layout using them yet, and would really like to! Or just give some ideas you can think of to use them... thanks!

Oh, by the way, I would comment on every single one of your layouts, but even I get tired of just saying "Wonderful, gorgeous" - you have all done some truly remarkable layouts - please keep them coming! I have even added some older kits I haven't seen before or overlooked to my cart (oops!) I mean wish list .... (is hubby around?) LOL!

[gail0423]

Okay, I have a 'challenge' to throw to you ladies, I bought Marcee's Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5387) and Rusty Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5385)overlays - I LOVE them! But I would like to see what you can do with them - I don't know if you can just 'get' them or not, but I haven't seen a layout using them yet, and would really like to! Or just give some ideas you can think of to use them... thanks!



I've seen Marcee's Wire kits and I think they're fabulous! I'd suggest using them as overlays - blended into backgrounds - or one particular thought I had was even to use them as a border or matte - the loops would make lovely places to "hang" elements, tags, and charms from!!

[twinkerbell]

Okay, I have a 'challenge' to throw to you ladies, I bought Marcee's Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5387) and Rusty Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5385)overlays - I LOVE them! But I would like to see what you can do with them - I don't know if you can just 'get' them or not, but I haven't seen a layout using them yet, and would really like to! Or just give some ideas you can think of to use them... thanks!

Oh, by the way, I would comment on every single one of your layouts, but even I get tired of just saying "Wonderful, gorgeous" - you have all done some truly remarkable layouts - please keep them coming! I have even added some older kits I haven't seen before or overlooked to my cart (oops!) I mean wish list .... (is hubby around?) LOL!

Those are cool, aren't they?! I would probably use it in the background and weave ribbons and strips of paper through them. Maybe even tuck the corner of a photo under one of the wires.

[MaureenH]

Okay, I have a 'challenge' to throw to you ladies, I bought Marcee's Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5387) and Rusty Wire Fence (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5385)overlays - I LOVE them! But I would like to see what you can do with them - I don't know if you can just 'get' them or not, but I haven't seen a layout using them yet, and would really like to! Or just give some ideas you can think of to use them... thanks!

Oh, by the way, I would comment on every single one of your layouts, but even I get tired of just saying "Wonderful, gorgeous" - you have all done some truly remarkable layouts - please keep them coming! I have even added some older kits I haven't seen before or overlooked to my cart (oops!) I mean wish list .... (is hubby around?) LOL!


Well, actually a previous designer here, Stacey Stehley, had a similar wire fence in one of her kits and a layout I did with it is still posted. Ellis Island (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41082&cat=2489).

Other layouts I've seen use the wire as background paper or do even more weaving in it than I did.

I could also see using it somewhat like a fence similar to how I used the picket fence in my layout Farmette (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35427&cat=2436).

Another idea would be children's heads popping through various openings in the fence intermingled with elements and word art. Maybe a child at different ages or a group of school photos or a group of friends.