Scrapping with a Template and PSE9

This is another page from one of my granddaughter's scrapbooks. I created a template for this page because it is easier to place all the pictures neatly and quickly that way. When I am doing a lot of pages with multiple pictures on each page, I often look for or create templates. These are then easily reused for future pages and make the creation of the project more efficient. I have a folder with my scrapbook supplies that is just for templates. If you are not familiar with how to use a template and you have Photoshop Elements 8 or above, take a look at the two videos that follow and I will demonstrate how I put this page together. If it asks you for a password, use: EL0901
Using a Template with PSE - Part1
Using a Template with PSE - Part 2
If you view the videos, please post a comment here to tell me if they were helpful or not! Thanks!

Shell in Black and White

The black and white version of this shell shows such wonderful lines and texture that I couldn't resist adding one more picture today! I hope you enjoy it!

Ballet at Four

 

One of the biggest reasons I record our lives in scrapbook form is to tell our many stories. I like to look back and remember the little details, like the way my granddaughter's four year old feet and hands worked so hard to move through all the different ballet positions and the look of concentration on her face.  I don't worry so much about the quality of the pictures and I don't usually create scrapbook pages that will wow others with their artistry and beauty. I am capturing a special moment in time and telling a continuing story of how important the people in my life are to me.

Happy Birthday My Daughter

Twenty-nine years ago, I became a mom for the fourth time and entered, for the first time, the world of little girls! What an adventure it has been. I am proud of the woman our daughter has become and I wish her a happy birthday today. This is the card I made for her- with one of my all-time favorite photos from her childhood.

Peaches times four

I love  the way early morning light makes objects glow and highlights their form and texture. These peaches were on my kitchen counter this morning and the light was wonderful. Of course, I couldn't just post one copy of the resulting picture! I played with different filters and Photoshop mixer brushes til I had four very different versions. Each one shows a unique view of a very common peach!

Perfect Beach Day

Oregon coast summer days are unpredictable at best. If it is hot inland, it is often cloudy and windy at the beach. This particular weekend was warm and the wind was still. To top it off, we got a gorgeous sunset. My oldest granddaughter enjoyed it to the fullest.
I usually create scrapbook pages in pairs because I prefer the look of continuity when they are printed in the finished book. This is the two page spread for this fun day. I took lots of pictures of the sunset as it unfolded, so I used one of the especially textured ones to layer over a background paper behind these photos. The silhouette of Ali is attached to a mask so it blends into the background. The whole thing just makes me smile!

Going Swimming

This photo of my granddaughter, was taken by my daughter-in-law, Krissy Hemphill, while camping this month. I loved it because of the way the light casts a glow around the cute little curly-headed blond! I asked for a copy of it because I want to include it in the yearly scrapbook I make for each granddaughter. I added a texture overlay and used a mask to frame the page.