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Using PhotoShop For Digital Scrapbooking

Monday, July 9th, 2007

Adobe PhotoShop is one of the few, but favored, photo editing programs used by digital scrappers.  Perhaps it’s the reputation Adobe has built that makes the program so popular, or it could be all the features it offers.

Either way, it’s a program well worth discussing.  If you’re familiar with digital scrapbooking then you may already know some of its applications. If you’re not familiar with digital scrapbooking you may be looking into it more after reading this.

PhotoShop, as it’s more commonly called, is a digital photo imaging and editing software.  It can be used for tasks as simple as storing photos for viewing on your computer or for
more complex tasks like creating slide shows or digital scrapbooks.

If you’re new to this, the word complex might scare you, but don’t be scared. Let me take a few minutes to explain to you what PhotoShop can do and how easy it can be.

PhotoShop makes simple work of tasks like creating backgrounds, cropping photos and journaling. You can literally sit down to your computer and in minutes have an original background, cropped photos and your journaling finished in a beautiful font of your choice. Along with these tasks you can use PhotoShop’s Custom Shapes feature to create shapes like you would with Die Cuts.

One of the most important aspects of your scrapbook is the background you choose.  If you’re tired of trying and coming up empty-handed, then PhotoShop might be right for you.

You can create a custom background with just the tools offered through the program or you can even create a background from one of your own photos!  Imagine this, you’ve taken a family vacation to Hawaii and now you want to put together a vacation scrapbook. 

You’ve looked and looked and  none of the backgrounds are just right for your scrapbook.  You want something tropical, like the island with a realistic touch.  No problem, simply load your vacation photos and choose the background you want.

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How To Use A Sizzix Machine

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007
If you are new to scrap booking, card making or any type of crafting you may not have heard of a sizzix machine. A sizzix machine is made by the company elision and is a wonderful tool that is use to create stunning die cuts. 

The sizzix machine has a lever and a sliding cutting mat. You place a piece of card with the die face down onto the cutting mat underneath the pressure point then simply pull down the lever and you will have the perfect die cut.

The sizzix machine comes with full instructions and do not worry they are really easy to read and understand. The machine its self is heavy stopping it from moving around when in use it is also extremely sturdy.

The cutting part is done quickly and easily by simply pulling down the lever. The cut is perfect and precise. You will be amazed at how many different dies sizzix has produced it really will cover every hobby passion or theme.

You can also adapt the sizzix machine to use additional templates called sizzlits. The converter is easy to install and easy to purchase giving you access to loads more dies that are available.

The sizzix machine can be expensive and the average cost is about $65 it is also heavy and quite a large tool however it is one you will use time and time again due to its versatility.

The dies that you can purchase for your sizzix machine can vary in size but they come in a neat little box that can be stored easily.

The sizzix machine can not only cut through paper and card it can also cut through rubber, felt, metal and many other materials.

The die you produce from your sizzix machine can be used for embellishments, toppers and may other things.

One of the most popular sizzix dies is the alphabet, although you may feel they are a big expenditure once you have purchased the die you will be able to cut any word you wish, this is perfect for scrap booking and card making.

Over all the sizzix machine is a versatile easy to use addition to any crafters tools the cutting is easy and the adapter means you really can create anything you want. Storage may be a problem but it is worth clearing out that cupboard for this stunning machine.

Having used a sizzix machine for a few years now I would strongly recommend that this is a great buy, something that will be used over and over again. It is also something you can use with your children, although it is wise to supervise as the blades in the dies themselves can be extremely sharp.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking and Sizzix Machines including where to find the best bargains 

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