Taking the Red Out

I've torn myself away from playing with layers, and I've started trying to recover some of the old photos. The top photo is one taken of Right Back many many years ago. His grandmother had this photo in an album that wasn't photo safe. There may have been other factors as well that caused the picture to take on a reddish cast. I will admit that the house was a pale pink, but not that pink.



I'd scanned this top photo some time ago with my HP all-in-one. I think it did a pretty good job of scanning, but there wasn't any way for me to really fix the color problem.


I retrieved the original photo from its resting place and scanned it again with the Epson photo scanner.

I clicked on customize when the window popped up, and I clicked for it to adjust color.

I then opened it in Photo Shop Elements and did another automatic color adjustment.

I'm thinking that the second photo would be far nicer in an album, and I feel I have that precious moment back again.

I'm seeing all kinds of possibilities here!

Playing With Photo Shop Elements

I've certainly strayed from card making lately, but I just may have found what I want to do when I grow up. I want to play with graphics!!! Oh, wait! I am grown up, and I am playing with this new toy. I just LOVE learning new things.

Last night I decided that I'd best get into the tutorials that come in Adobe Photo Shop Elements. It certainly beats trying to figure everything out by myself.

I've always wondered how people took photographs and changed their content moving things from one picture to another. After the tutorial.... I knew! It is about making layers.

This photograph was taken in I-Needa's yard close to her front door. I opened that in Photo Shop Elements and used it as a background layer. Not long ago, I-Needa decided to take up painting. Her first project was a mushroom. Her second was this frog. She had sent me photos of each of these items separately.

I opened the mushroom (brought it into Elements) and pulled it on top of the yard photo. Then I erased the background from the mushroom picture with a background eraser. I then had the mushroom showing in her yard. I used a move tool to position the mushroom, and a sizing tool to get it the size I wanted.

I then opened the frog picture into Elements and pulled it on top of the yard photo. Then I erased the background with a little background eraser. Again, using the move and sizing tools, I worked until I was satisfied with the look. Then I used a flatten image command followed by saving the photo.

No! I am not ready yet to take pictures and try to teach Photo Shop Elements. I'm a very very beginner. I have to tell you.... this is fun... way fun... totally cool... I see new things on the horizon.

Working With Photos

Today I purchased and set up this new photo scanner which I purchased from Staples. It is an Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner. It came with scanner software bundled with Adobe Photo Shop Elements.

Why, oh why, am I getting involved with this? It is something that seems to be growing bigger by the day. It started as a simple desire to copy and repair some of the old family photos so that they could be preserved in either a book or scrapbook form.

I quickly found out that my regular all-in-one HP printer/scanner/copier just wasn't up to the task. Don't get me wrong... I use the dickens out of that piece of equipment. I just found that a dedicated photo scanner would produce a higher quality and do more for the photos.

I'm now at square one learning how to use Adobe Photo Shop Elements. I've messed around before with 'Paint', but this is a much bigger program, and it is going to take some doing on my part to develop some self taught skills.

While I may be a tad in awe of this whole undertaking that I've managed to commit myself to doing, I do think it will be fun. I'm going to be using lots of problem solving skills and exercising my brain but good!

I've spent a good portion of the afternoon just messing around with Photo Shop and reading what I can in the instruction portion of the software. I long for the good old days of a nice written manual that you can hold in your hands and take with you to study. Somehow, I just don't want to run off the fifty some pages on my printer.

I'm going to have to do some serious organizing in my head about how to scan and organize the pictures in the computer so I can find them easily. There will be a lot of pictures.

I've about had it for today, so will try to clear the cobwebs out of my brain and come back for another round tomorrow.

For A Gift Card

Last night I needed to get busy and make a card to use today. I'm headed to a bridal shower this afternoon. I can't believe that I waited until the last minute to start on a card, but I did. I've got to stop that!

I rummaged through my stamps and decided on a stamp from SU's Sassy Stems. I used my Creative Memories cutting system to cut out the oval.

The inks and papers are from SU's Soft Subtle collection. The saying is from SU's 'So Many Sayings' stamps. I punched the saying with SU's Word Windows punch.

With texture from Cuttlebug's polka dot folder and some ribbon that I picked up at Hobby Lobby on 1/2 price sale (LOVE those sales!) I finished the outside of the card.

I must say that I was happy that I-Needa had tried to tell me about making a bow on cards. I'd listened to her last week talking about making bows. I'm a visual, and following it was a bit difficult. However, I'd gotten the idea that you take a nice length of ribbon, cut it in the middle, then put it on and tie it. I used narrow double sided sticky tape to secure the ribbon in place from the edges to the middle. Then I took the ribbon, which has a fine wire on the edges, and simply looped it once and gave it a little twist. I'm thinking that with ribbon with regular edges, I'd have to loop it again. I'm going to have to practice this bow making.

I'd purchased a gift card and needed something to dress it up. I decided to write a little poem about using the gift card, so included it on the inside. I printed it on my printer and cut it to size to fit inside the holder I'd made. (If you want to read the poem, you can click on the picture and enlarge it)

I'd taken the pink sheet and punched the corners with a corner punch from EK Success.

I added a pocket on the left to hold the gift card.

Added Information

It was nice to hear from my consultant yesterday. She did want me to know that that Power Sort Box sitting on her table would hold 2,400 photos! I was shocked! That's a lot of photos!

She also mentioned something very practical that I'd not thought to say. 'Even if you never expect to create an album of your photos...labeling and sorting them would be the kind thing to do for future generations.' Well said, CM Consultant!

Actually, she left some helpful suggestions in her comment on my Sorting Pictures post. I know you can't see the comments unless you click on the little envelope on the lower right hand side of the post. It says 'comments', and if you just click there, it will open up and you can see everything she said. She is SO smart and you might want to see what she has to say. The woman lives and breathes this whole preserving memories thing, and she has been doing it long enough that she really knows what she is talking about. I hope you take the time to see what she has to say. If not, I'm sorry.

Sorting Pictures

You are probably wondering if you are going to get to view yet another table full of my mess as I work on my trip to Michigan. Really, I'm not that cruel. My mess is mounting, but my book is also growing. I'm going to start page 35 today, and I'm really liking the way it is turning out.

This is a picture I couldn't resist adding as it was sent to me by my Creative Memories consultant. She happened to mention that it was her mess. No way! That does not at all qualify as a mess. This is organization at work.


The feature item here should be that nifty sort box. It is a place to start with photo organizing. The box itself is approved as photo safe, which really should be a concern. It certainly is a large step above throwing photos into a drawer, which was my method for far too many years.

Thinking ahead as to photo order when preparing to start an album seems a basic must to me. I made an album of my two children when they were little, and I had one section for I-Needa with pictures entered from youngest to oldest. Then I started another section for Right Back, again with pictures progressing in age.

My Michigan trip photos are arranged by travel days. I've also labeled each new day and made a little note about what we expected to do on that day. I have to remember to include enough information that it will make sense to me twenty years down the road.

If you are reading this and thinking about a drawer full of jumbled photos in your own home, I might casually mention that you paste a sticky note somewhere concerning future organizing. Start by getting a container that is photo friendly. Make sure it is truly photo safe! A sort box might be a great place to start.

It is time to get back to my own album making. Therefore, I leave you with the challenge to do something to preserve your photos. If they were important enough to keep, they are important enough to preserve safely.

Working on Album

I understand that this photo will not win any awards. However... that is NOT the point here. I just want you to know that I'm really hard at work on my Michigan trip album. The last two days, I've completed 34 pages, which isn't bad. I'll be working on it again today.

I will just say, for those who might be mildly interested, that putting together a photo album, or scrapbook, whatever you chose to call it, doesn't have to be elaborate to be nice. For me, it is about having enough information to recall the trip years from now. I also want it to look pleasing on the page.

I am using a Creative Memories 12 x 12 true coverset with white pages and protectors. The true sets are new. CM has added just enough page area that the usable space on the page is a true 12 inches. That is nice as 12 inch decorations will fit in either direction. It also gives a little more room for photos.

I had most of my photos printed this year. Some I have printed on my own computer. The nice thing about printing them myself is the fact that I can print them in smaller sizes if I choose and fit more on the page. The nice thing about having them printed is that I don't have to print them myself. It is costly to print pictures on a printer... ink...paper. Therefore, I've probably saved a little money by having most of them printed.

I'm a firm believer that simple is good. I have organized my album by days. Each day of the vacation is highlighted by different colors of accent paper. I have lots of photos and have used just a touch of color on each page. A little corner piece or a thin strip of paper along the side gives it a little interest, but it isn't overdone. Again, I'm using CM paper as know it is acid and lignin free. That is important in the long haul as I want my albums to stay nice for many years.

I took pictures of signs, when appropriate. I just cut around those signs and put them by the pictures. It certainly is faster and easier than trying to write all that information. Actually, I wouldn't write all of it, so I'm giving added information and interest.

I do think it is important to journal. I've written a little information or just a thought or comment under most of the pictures.

If you are looking at this, and you have never put together an album, I want you to know that it doesn't have to be hard. Also, you don't need a ton of stuff to do it with. Investing in a quality album is the first thing. It will be kinder to your photos in the long run and not fall apart. A corner rounder to snip off those photo corners, a tool to crop (cut away) parts of the picture that aren't necessary, adhesive, and a good acid free journaling pen will put you on the right track.

My Mess

This is my mess, and it's going to get worse. I dug out my Creative Memories 12 x 12 true album, and I'm putting all those pictures from my trip to Michigan into it. I journal as I go and have finished day three of eleven days. I'm going to have to kick back for a few minutes and let my mind and body recover. Don't get me wrong, I really like doing this. I'll love the results and will have a wonderful book to let me relive my most excellent vacation.

As you can see, there is NO hope of any card making going on for a bit. It is going to take a few days to finish my project here. They will be days well spent.

I'm glad Daughter I-Needa impressed upon me the importance of preserving photos in quality acid free, lignin free, and buffered albums. It is a lot of work to put pictures together, and I would rather spend a little more now and get quality merchandise. I'm sad at some of my mother's photos that were ruined by being placed in organizing photo albums that virtually destroyed the pictures.

I had a drawer full of family photos when I-Needa first took me under her Creative Memories Consultant wings. She showed me the error of my ways and set me on the straight path.

Unfortunately, the consultant path became too much for her as her teaching career was just too time consuming to tackle an additional activity. I do have a wonderful consultant, and she is always encouraging me.

I seem to be rattling on a bit, but it is due to something tired in my brain. I'll leave you with the picture of my mess. Just know that I'm busy being creative!

Garden Whimsy

I will confess right off the bat that I didn't make this card recently. I'm just desperate for something to put on my crafting blog. Oh... my. I probably shouldn't admit that, but it is true. One must be truthful. I've been running and doing other things, but felt that tug in my brain that said I needed to put a card on my blog.

One of the first stamp sets that I purchased was Stampin Up's Garden Whimsy. I've loved this stamp set! It is, as the name implied, a fun lighthearted set.


I remind you that I've only been playing with stamping for about a year and a half now. I made this card before purchasing all the Stampin Up papers. This is some nice card stock from Hobby Lobby and some inks from my Marvy markers.

Hopefully, I will have some nice new cards soon. I plan on asking my friend P.R. to come for a short vacation and spend a little time making cards together. I'll take lots of pictures.

In the meantime, I'm off to get out my Creative Memories album and work on putting all those Mackinac Island pictures into story order.

Stamping Brenda's Dream Room

While visiting I-Needa, we were treated to an on site visit of the house that Stamping Brenda and her husband will soon call their new home.

Brenda is a crafter deluxe. She has a room in their home for her crafts, and her husband really felt she needed something special in their new home that will be a dedicated craft room. Oh... doesn't that make you feel the love for hubby?

I had stepped into this in progress room and just had to snap a picture. Stamping Brenda is looking around a bit while I-Needa looks out the window... possibly in prayer for a similar stamping room. Just kidding.
Please note a closet with shelving. There's lots of space there.





Then there will be lovely built in cabinets. Again... this is a craft room. Stamping Brenda has tons of stamps, inks, papers, tools. You name it, Brenda probably has it.

Of course, you are going to want to see the finished product one of these days when Brenda is moved into her house and has the new room readied for crafting. It may be the first room she unpacks. There will be a large table in the middle of the room, and who knows what else. I'll definitely head back and take more pictures.




Stamping Brenda has been a dedicated card crafter and album maker for many years. She is always doing something to help raise funds for worthy causes with her craft. I can't think of anyone who better deserves such a nice room for her toys. Besides, Stamping Brenda is just plain nice.

In the meantime, I can go dig in my closet and try to find what I'm looking for. I'm trying to keep things organized as I add to my little crafting collection, but I can certainly see the joy of having this really nice place to play.

Cuttlebug Question

I was tickled the other day to have a question posted on my website. Woo hoo... a visitor to my tiny blog. What fun... someone left a comment and question.

The question: How did you manage to emboss with the Cuttlebug and not leave a line?

It was one of the smaller Cuttlebug folders. I have to confess that when I enlarged the picture from A Little Big of Happiness and took a really close look, there is a very faint line left by the edge of the folder as it went through the Cuttlebug. Oh, my.

I decided to try some different weights of paper to see if it made a difference. I put a sample of my SU paper though and could see a fine line at the top only.

Then I got out some paper that came from Hobby Lobby. It isn't as heavy as the SU paper. I did get a very very faint line there also. I had to hold it around in the light to really see it. If I hadn't been looking for it, I'm not sure I would have noticed at all.

My visitor, The Crooked Stamper said she has put her Cuttlebug away. For that, I am sad.

Whine

I'm waiting for the new Stampin Up catalog. Last time I found myself with the crowd that was almost beside themselves with anticipation. I decided to cool it and be sensible. Uh huh.

I keep hoping that they will get some 'cute' animal stamps. I would love to see some hedgehogs, bunnies, ducks, etc. SU has lots of lovely flowers and other items, but I do hope that one of these days they will include well detailed animals.

I've been looking around and am close to ordering some cute Penny Black hedgehogs and bunnies. The Penny Black website doesn't have sales online yet, but I've found them at
Addicted To Scrapbooking, and I'm going to have some soon.... TAH DAH!

I-Needa's Card Class 3

I'm glad I-Needa has been making cards. It will give me some needed inspiration.

I really like the simplicity of this card. I was immediately attracted to the use of the Cuttlebug polka dot background as well. I'm not sure how anyone lives and makes cards without the Cuttlebug.

The sentiment is from SU's Sincere Salutations, which happens to be the first stamps I purchased. I'm only a year into this whole card making adventure.

The flowers are from SU's Close As a Memory. With a touch of ribbon for texture and accent, this makes a nice little card.

I-Needa Went to Card Class 2

This is another card that I-Needa made at her recent card class. I ordered SU's star punches and think I'd best get with it and order SU's Classic Star wheel. I can definitely see this as a project for next Fourth of July!

The papers have got to be SU's Bold Brights in Real Red and Brilliant Blue.

The sentiment is from SU's Celebrate Everything

It makes me ready for more fireworks!

I-Needa Went to Card Class

I-Needa went to a card class not long ago and came home with five new cards. Her SU consultant is really on the ball and managed to keep everyone working and happy about it.

Normally, I'd give you a play by play of each item used on this card. I didn't manage to shake that information out of I-Needa, so am sitting here with my catty in hand and think I'll try to look some of it up. I so spot the wonderful corner punch. I ordered that not long ago and really like it.
I don't have the scallop circle punch, but that may come soon. I like the paper piercing around the edge.
The sentiment is from SU's All Holidays. I'm looking for the orange segments... I'm looking... looking... (I'm not having any luck finding the fruit item! It has got to be around somewhere. There is also that really pretty background. When I find out, I'll come back and let you know. In the meantime, just enjoy it.) UPDATE: My SU consultant just got online and told me that the stamp set is Tart and Tangy from the last mini catalog. Thank you, Crafting Ida!!

So much said for my detailed professional (I'm no professional) card making report.

A Little Bit of Happiness Friend Card

My friend, Donna, came over to make cards with me. That was the incentive I needed to get into that craft room and get busy. I really needed to make some cards, but have been busy with all kinds of things I've volunteered myself to do.

I dug out my SU hostess set 'A Little Bit of Happiness' and borrowed Donna's SU 'Sprinkles'. I used Bold Bright Gable Green for the background. I matched some quilling strips to Bold Bright Green Galore and used that for trim.

It will be in the mail soon to a friend. Also, I'll be ordering 'Sprinkles' as it works so well with the hostess set.