Info on Smart Objects

I found some AWESOME info about smart objects on Wendyzine's blog. She explains how a smart object itself isn't "editable" but for good reason: when you resize a smart object, Photoshop references the original size when shrinking/expanding the layer. So, you can place an element on your page, turn it into a smart object, and then resize it up or down while you play around with clustering on your page--all without worrying about losing image quality. :) You'll notice that if you resize a smart object to 75% its original size, the next time you resize it, the Width and Height percentages won't be "100": they'll be set to 75%, in reference to the percentage that you originally shrunk it. Why does that matter? Because you lose image quality each time you resize a layer (especially if you resize UP after resizing down). So this way, your images will stay crisp and clear (or rather, as "crisp and clear" as the original was!).
This also works really well when you resize for the web (designers, take note: my previews look gorgeous now that I turn them into smart objects before resizing for store previews/"folder"-size previews!). I've noticed a marked increase in image quality. I don't have to use a "smart sharpen" filter on the layout after shrinking my 12x12in and 300dpi layouts to 600x600, 72dpi because the image is already super sharp (note: I do still use the "bicubic sharper" option when resizing).
Anyway, here's a photo Wendy shares to show you what I mean:

Not sure how to turn a regular ol' layer into a smart object? Don't worry: Wendy does a fantastic job of explaining it to you, complete with screen shots. :) Head over to her blog HERE to read the full tut.

Making Notepads: Paper Source tut

Hello!
It's Sara, aka Scrapping All The Way, and I've got my favorite homemade notepad tut, from Paper Source:

If you want to personalize your notepads, create a fun graphic (a photo or a cute element) and print it on the paper before creating the notepad. These make wonderful gifts!

OR, if you're like me and not super good with printers, just create a small (3.75" x 3.75") or a large (4.125" x 5.5") notepad at artscow.

And then use your new notepad to write an actual handwritten note to a friend, family member, or anyone else who needs a note of encouragement!

Cheers,
Sara

Cupcake Topper Tut!

Hello, it's Sara with a quick post. I'm sick and my husband caught it from me, and it now appears our daughter is sick, too. :( So this is just a quick little post to tell you to hop on over to my blog for a tutorial on making cupcake toppers! It's my first-ever hybrid project, and I'm quite proud. I'm not a hybrid gal, but I am a cupcake gal! I used the new kit Amused by Ellie Lash, but really you could use any word art atop any circular element (or square, or other "easy to cut out" shape would work).

Have a great weekend and happy scrapping (or hybrid-ing!)

How to Recycle and Alter Your Valentine Candy Boxes in 8 Steps

Hi, it's Julie Ann bringing you a tutorial today on How to Recycle and Alter Your Valentine Candy Boxes! It's easy and fun, and good for the environment too!!! These are inspired by Lisa Kettell.

SUPPLIES
To start, you need a few supplies:

• heart-shaped candy box
• liquid adhesive (I used gel matte medium, and I also really love Fabri-Tac by Beacon)
• pop-dots adhesive
• digi printables- vintage valentines vignettes: I Heart You by Tangie Baxter (Scrapbookgraphics)
• pen or pencil (for tracing)
• scissors (one with fine tip is preferable)
• vintage music paper or patterned paper of your choice
• crepe paper aka streamers
• flowers
• wing and jewel (Prima Marketing, Inc) *optional
• glitter
• silver pipe cleaner or garland
• ribbon
• hole puncher or Crop-A-Dile

TUTORIAL

1. Trace on wrong side of music sheet paper or patterned paper around the heart, and cut out. Adhere to the top of the heart lid.
2. Add adhesive around the edges of  the heart on the paper.

3. Gather and scrunch/pinch the crepe paper together as you adhere it to the edges of the heart. Go all the way around the heart in this manner.

4. Adhere silver pipe cleaner or silver garland in a heart shape over the edges of the crepe paper where it meets the music paper. I find Fabri-Tac adhesive works best.
5. Sprinkle vintage glass glitter over the project and it will adhere to the glue left over from the pipe cleaner.

6. Adhere the three cut-out digi printable hearts, overlapping, as shown above, using pop-dots for dimension.

7. Embellish with flowers, a wing on the angel, and a jewel at the bottom tip of the heart.

 

8. I punched two holes, one on each side, of the candy box - with my Crop-a-Dile (or you can use a hole puncher). Pull ribbon through and tie a knot. It's now ready for hanging when you put both sides of the candy box together!

And here are a few others I've made this year for additional inspiration..........

Have a blessed and creative Valentine's Day!!!
xoxo,
Julie Ann Shahin