::ANNA::

Tutorial | Channel Mixer Black and White Conversion

Black and white photos coordinate with any kit and are a classic look in scrapbook layouts.  There are many ways to convert a color picture into black and white.  AnnaTeamer, Eszter Baranyi, shares her favorite technique using a Channel Mixer adjustment layer.

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Beautiful | Beszteri

1. Open the photo you want to convert to Black/White.

2. Apply a new Channel Mixer adjustment layer.  Go to Layer> New Adjustment Layer> Channel Mixer.

Note: You can also choose Image > Adjustments > Channel Mixer, but keep in mind that this method makes direct adjustments to the image layer and discards image information.

3. Check the Monochrome option in the Adjustments panel to convert the image into grayscale.

4. There are a total of 6 default preset options available in the panel. Select the one which best suits your photo/preferences.  You can also customize the Source Channels.  Note: Below the Source Channels (Red, Green and Blue) you’ll see the total percentage value of the combined colors. For best results, adjust the source channels so the combined values equal 100%.

I opted for the Orange filter version.

If you are satisfied with the results you can stop the process here.

5. If you like higher contrast photos, you can add a new Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer. In the Adjustments panel, drag the sliders to adjust the brightness and contrast. Dragging to the left decreases the level, and dragging to the right increases it.

What's your preferred method for converting images to Black and White?

Tutorial | Working with Transparent Elements

Friends.Forever | Bezsteri

This tutorial shows you how to apply drop shadows to transparent elements and offers a fun effect you can apply to Acrylic AlphaNumberSet No. 1 courtesy of AnnaTeamer, Ezster Baranyi.

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 1. Create a New Layout at 12 x 12 inches 300dpi and open a paper. Open an Acrylic Alpha or Number from Acrylic AlphaNumberSet No. 1 and drag onto the canvas using the Move tool from the Tools palette.

2. Apply a drop shadow layer style. I recommend AnnaStyle Shadows No. 1.  Notice that the letter is too dark with the drop shadow style.  

3. Layer styles can be converted to separate image layers.  Right click on the Effects of the letter’s layer and select Create Layers from the fly-out menu, or choose Layer > Layer Style > Create Layer.

Notice that a second layer appears beneath the element layer and is named OriginalLayerName’s Drop Shadow.

4. Select the letter’s layer and choose the Magic Wand Tool (W) from the Tools palette.  Click on the area on your layout outside of the letter element

5. Select the drop shadow layer in the Layers palette and add layer mask to it. This deletes the shadow behind the element and makes it only visible on the outside edges.  

6.  Create a New Layer beneath the shadow layer (Layer 1). Select the letter’s layer in the Layers palette and choose the Magic Wand Tool in the Tools palette.  Click on the area on your layout outside of the letter element. Go to Select > Inverse  (Ctrl+Shift+I). Select Layer 1 on the Layers palette, choose the Paint Bucket Tool (G) from the Tools palette and click on the selected area to fill with color.

7. Apply the Sprayed Stencil (type) effect from the Text Effects palette.

After applying the action you will see the following:

8. Apply the Gaussian Blur filter to this layer.  Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

Tip. Check the Preview box in the Gaussian Blur dialogue box to view the results on the fly or as you work.  You can also play with the layer’s opacity and blending mode if desired.

9. Finally add a Gradient Overlay layer style to the acrylic alpha layer. 

First set foreground color on the Tools palette then set up the Gradient Overlay layer style to complete the effect.

New Acrylic AlphaNumberSet

New AnnaRelease 18 May 2012 is now available, and includes an Acrylic AlphaNumberSet that I have been working on for a few months now.

This AlphaNumberSet is a little different from others in that it is delivered in both .png and 3-layer .psd format to yield more realistic results and to allow for maximum customization.  Not only can you change the contrast, hue (color) and how opaque each number/letter appears, but the drop shadow has already been applied and is fully customizable because it exists on it's own layer.

I'm sending out a tutorial with screenshots and specifics for adjusting the .psd file in tomorrow's AnnaNews.  In the meantime, AnnaTeamer, Chris Asbury shared another technique that I hadn't considered i.e Use the AlphaNumberSet with the clipping mask function.  You can customize the numbers/letter by clipping papers or brush layers to the *alpha/number normal layer* and then applying different blending modes to each layer.

Windy | Chris Asbury

And the breakdown of the layers:

Another fun little technique to try.

PagePolishing Advice

AnnaTeam tips for completing pages and calling them *done* by Donna Goar.  Big thanks to my awesome Creative Team for all that you share.

Embrace the Journey | Donna Goar

The beauty of scrapbooking is that the options are limitless.  But somewhere along the creative road we have to call a page complete, finished, and done.  A finished page in a gallery or album has ultimately undergone multiple revisions and tweaking a.k.a PagePolishing.  The scrapbooking process is similar to the three parts of a book in that every page has a beginning, a middle, and an end.  

Who doesn't love a great ending to a story?  

I personally question the completion of my my pages, changing bits and pieces until it feels just right, and I am interested in how others come to the same conclusion.  I asked member of AnnaTeamabout their special PagePolishing techniques and methods and this is what they shared. 

Phylis 

I use 2 methods. I like to think of the first one as ‘incubation.’ I literally set aside the page for at least a day and don't look at it at all. Invariably when I DO look at it again, something additional either suggests itself OR I know I'm done. The second is to  find something that appears at first to be wildly inappropriate for the page and put it on there.  Sometimes the most delightful things happen.

Tracy

I am partial to using 12 x 12 edge overlays.   I love enhancing a page with just a little extra kick on the edges.   Also if I have done any extractions/blending, I always double check the quality of the extraction by adding a stroke to ensure I have every stray pixel.

Barb

I wrote a photoshop action to resize my layouts, pop the color a bit, and sharpen it for the web because I always felt that my layouts looked better in Photoshop than they did online. . Using this action is always my final touch.   You can download the action here.

Adryane

When I think I am done with a page, I shrink it down and look at it in a smaller version. This helps me see things that are out of balance or misplaced.

Vicki

I use a lot of layer styles in my pages and so I flatten them to see how much of the detail (texture etc) is lost or in some cases too exaggerated.  I can then go back and make adjustments if needed.  I then resize the page and sharpen to complete my process.   

Deb

I often think about what I can remove and still be able to tell the story or deliver the message. This application of the George Bernard Shaw approach of letter-writing to design - "I'm sorry this letter is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter." I like to include the essentials but I usually can't call it it quits without adding a little charm or special touch.

Eszter

I always resize my images and  sharpen.

Chris

I reduce the page on my screen so it's about the size of a gallery image and study it as if I was seeing it in the gallery among other pages.  I try to judge it with fresh eyes and ask myself these questions. Would I look at this page if it wasn't mine? Is there a focus to the page? Does the design flow smoothly to the focal point? Does the page pop...either with color or a special design element? Most importantly, does the page convey the meaning I intended? Sometimes, I'll even let a page sit for a few hours or even a day and then go back with a clear head and run it through this list of questions. You'll know when your page is done. It'll just feel right.

I personally use PSE organizer to tag my kits and elements.  The search option allows me to enter the key word(s) that relate to the theme of my page and find that ’perfect addition’ to my page.  I ofteny times I find wonderful little hidden digital gems I would never have thought to include.  I then go back to my layout, tweak the opacity and resize elements and wordART proportionately.

We're all using different PagePolishing techniques to attain the same conclusion or end goal...To attain that it just feels right feeling.  Next time you are finishing up a page, consider trying out some of the above techniques and create your own perfect ending.

Techniques for Recoloring Elements

Original Cute | Vicki Walters (oldvwblues)

AnnaTeamer, Vicki recolors elements using a variety of techniques as outlined below.

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1.  Apply Layer Styles. See the following 2 examples.

Additional Settings

Bevel and Emboss: Inner Bevel, Smooth, Depth 165%, Size 5, Direction Down.  The angle is 120 degrees.  The remaining settings are default.

Gradient Overlay: The gradient should be set to to a normal blend mode and 100% opacity.  Adjust your angle as desired. Custom gradients may be created to coordinate with your project.

Outer Glow and Satin:  Default settings brighten alter the contrast of the effect.

2.  Gradient Map.  Go to Image> Adjustments> Gradient Map.

3. Hue and Saturation.  Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and check the Colorize box.  Adjust the sliders for the hue, saturation and lightness as desired.

ArtsyTraditional and the Artsy Layered Template

Step-by-step instructions by Amber Ries here.

Tutorial | Realistic Drop Shadows

I'm handing over the reigns today to AnnaTeamer, Ezster Baranyi, who is sharing her technique for adding realistic drop shadows to your digital pages.

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This tutorial will demonstrate in Adobe Photoshop how to combine the dimension found in paper scrapbooking with your digital layouts.

1. Create a New Layout and open an element of your choice.  Move the element onto the New Layout using the Move tool from the Tools palette. Select the element layer in the Layers palette and apply a drop shadow layer style. I recommend AnnaStyle Drop Shadows No. 1.   I applied ElementDark1.

2. Layer styles can be converted to separate image layers. Right click on the Effects of the element layer and select Create Layers from the fly-out menu, or choose Layer > Layer Style > Create Layer.

Notice.  The second layer named OriginalLayerName’s Drop Shadow.

3. You can make a shadow more releastic by distorting it to create a less uniform appearance. Select the Move tool from the Tools palette and ensure the Show Transform Controls box is checked in the options bar.  Select the new drop shadow layer in the Layers palette and click on one of the transform control points on the bounding box surrounding the element.  Click on the Switch between free transform and warp modes icon, or go to Edit > Transform > Warp.

4. Drag the control points, a line or an area within the mesh to warp the shadow. You will need to experiment a little to get the hang of how the handles move. Also pay attention to the direction of the intended light source.

5. Objects or parts or objects that are further away from the paper will have greater blurring in the contour of the shadow.  Select the drop shadow layer and choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.  I applied a blur of 9.8 pixels radius to my shadow, but you will need to make appropriate adjustments for your element.  The extent of the blur will be dependent on the size and the type of the object.

Tip. Check the Preview box in the Gaussian Blur dialogue box to that can view the results of the warping on the fly.

6. Adjust the drop shadow layer’s Fill or Opacity to darken or lighten the drop shadow.  A darker paper will require a greater Fill/Opacity value than a lighter paper. Both options are located in the Layers palette and can be adjusted by moving the respective sliders.

7. Link the object layer and the shadow layer together to keep the drop shadow in place.  Select the two layers and click on the Link layers icon in the Layers Panel, or Layer > Link Layer.

Drops shadows are not only reserved for elements/embellishments.  Try adding them to brushes/stamps, paper pieces and type for a variety of results.

This tutorial based on this layout: You and Me. 

Tutorial | Using ArtsyKardz in Digital Layouts No. 2

A tutorial by AnnaTeamer, Amber Ries, as promised in the first Using ArtsyKardz in Digital Layouts Tutorial.

This tutorial deconstructs Ambers process for using the ArtsyKardz Adventure. The additional layered .psd format file provide you with greater design flexibility.

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1.  Choose an ArtsyKard. Select the layered .psd Kardz file of your choice, in this case ArtsyKardz Adventure No. 8.  The Kards .psd file comprises of multiple layers, including but not limited to overlays, edges, brushes and transfers, much like a mini template. 

2.  Add a Photo.  Clip a photo to a transfer in the Kard (shown in red for demonstration purposes). Photoshop (CTRL + ALT + G) and Elements (CTRL + G) and set the blending mode in the Layers palette to Linear Burn.

3.  Add Color.  Drag a paper from Artplay Solids Adventure onto the background layer using the Move tool from the Tools palette.  Change the blending mode of the paper layer to Multiply to allow the underlying lines on the background to show through then duplicate the transfer layer (the one your photo is clipped to), move it one layer down the Layers palette beneath the oirginal layer and change the blending mode to Normal to preserve the lovely white of the transfer. Finish with a paper from Artplay Chevron Crazy Life above the black paper Texture Layer and change the blending mode to linear burn.

The layered Kardz are amazingly versatile.  Simply clip a photo to a single transfer for an instant personalized look or adjust the color, opacity and/or blending mode of one or more of the layers for a completely personalized look.

Here are a few more examples:

After you have personalized your Kardz, you can use them in your layouts as you would your other photos.

Bike | Amber Ries

Eegmond amm Zee | Amber Ries

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You can find more ArtsyKardz here.

Tutorial | Using ArtsyKardz in Digital Layouts

ArtsyKardz are now available in .psd format offer more options for digital and hybrid scrapbookers than ever.  Look out for more ArtsyKardz in the coming weeks delivered in a variety of sizes and formats.

This week the 3 X 4 cards included in ArtsyKardz Adventure were released in both layered .psd as well as .jpg format.  The psd format provides the option for maximum customization to fit all your scrapbooking need.  Simply clip a photo to one of the transfer layers and create an instant mini-page!

Moving forward I will be releasing more ArtsyKardz into the store in a variety of sizes and format per request.

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In this tutorial, AnnaTeamer, Chris Asbury, provides step-by-step instructions for incorporating the new layered .psd format ArtsyKardz into your digital layouts.

1.  Select a background paper from ArtPlay Palette Magic and a mask from MultiLayered FotoBlendz Clipping Mask No.1 to create a foundation.  Clip 2 papers from ArtPlay Palette Girl Craze to the mask.

2. Open an ArtsyKardz Adventure file and positioned it over the clipping mask foundation.

3.  Clip a photo to the large white transfer layer of the ArtsyKardz (see Layers palette).  You can enlarge the transfer layer slightly to extend outside the group of ArtsyKardz layers.  I also added a brush from ScriptTease Happiness No.1 to add to the photo layer. 

4.  Add a frame of your choice. I selected Warping Frames No.1 and erased the area over the arm to create the extraction.

5. Complete your page using elements from SkinnyLined Overlays No.1, Dripped Stains No.2, Cool Glows No.1, Warm Glows No.1, Torn n Tattered Stars Clipping Mask and Stitching Templates No.1.

You can use the ArtsyKardz .psd files as delivered or experiment with the flexibility of the layers to adapt the Kardz to better suit your layout design.  Change the opacity, resize and/or recolor, alter the blending mode or duplicate any of the layers.  You can also customize any of the layers using the clipping mask function in Photoshop or Elements.  Please see the free Instructions for Use eBooklet for step-by-step instructions.  

Use one or more ArtsyKardz for multiple possibilities.  Check out Amber Ries layout here and look for another post with her take on ArtsyKardz coming soon.

Tutorial | Blending Papers for Artsy Backgrounds

I'm still waiting on the arrival of my printed Holiday 2011 Album which I would like to share in the final post of The Holiday Album Project series.   

In the meantime, AnnaTeamer, Vicki Walters is stepping in to share one of her favorite artsy techniques.

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Two papers can be blended together in Adobe Photoshop to create multiple custom backgrounds for your layouts.

1.  Select a patterned and a solid paper, layering the latter over the former.

I chose a background paper from FloralART Paperie No. 6.

And a solid paper from ArtPlay Crazy Life Solids.

2. Open the Layer Styles palette.  Go to Layer> Layer Styles> Blending Options or click on the fx symbol at the bottom of the Layers Palette to activate the dialogue box.  

3. Select the solid paper layer in the Layers palette and adjust the sliders to blend the top and bottom layers as desired.  Note that in pressing the ALT key while clicking on the slider, the slider will split into two giving you greater control over the blending process.   This function allows you to partially bring back the solid layer if desired. 

Additional Supplies: Journey WordTransfers No. 1 and 12x12 Page FotoBlendz Clipping Masks No. 3