I have some specific questions about this . . .

[SuzanneUpton]

I'm really new at Digi-scrapping, but don't go easy on me. I'm here to learn.
Here are my questions about this LO:

Birthday Boy (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54556&cat=500&page=1)

Title- Not sure if the use of the font is appropriate for a "paper style" LO.

Shadowing- My first try. Suggestions for improvement?

The Main Photo- My first go at using the magnetic lasso, masking and bluring the background. I think I did a pretty good job but the light from the window is glaring. Not a fabulous photo (DH took it! :) ) Anything I could do to tone it down for this LO?

Tag at bottom with Photo- Upon reflection, I think this is more appropriate for a "graphic style" LO. Is there a better way to integrate that photo onto the tag and make it more paper style?

Anything else this could use to improve? I have to be honest and say that while trying to resize for the web I accidentally saved the size change to my psd file, so I'm not sure I will actually be able to try anything, but I definately want advice.

Cheers!

Suzanne

[Amber]

Suzanne-

I left my suggestion in the comment section for your LO. You did a great job!

Amber

[Stacey]

As a general rule, you usually shouldn't use shadows on text, including titles. It makes them appear to float off the paper, making it look unrealistic. Your shadows are too dark and big. It looks like most of your elements are also floating off the paper. I also had trouble with shadowing when I first started. Read Amanda's tutorial (http://digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/handscrapped.shtml). It helped me so much! It also helps if you save your layout a little larger so we can see it better. There's also a tutorial (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/ps_resizing.shtml) on saving your layout to the web. I love your tags. I think they are fine for a paper style layout! They would look even more realistic if you erased some of the thread to make it appear to wrap around the ruler. You're off to a good start! :)

[Meryl]

You will find lots of help for this posted in the comments on your page :)