template tutorial :: using a layered template

Finally! This tutorial has been in the planning for quite some time and the only reason it took so long was because my design computer was slow as molasses! But, I got a new computer and all the things I've wanted to create and do ... I can finally do! And share!

This tutorial is specifically for all of my Photoshop Elements template clients who have sent me an email in the last few months asking how to use a template. It's a written PDF and the zipped file includes Storyteller Template No. 2 from Storyteller Collection One!

And what, you might ask, will you learn using this guide? Well let me tell you, baby! You will learn how to:

• Prepare your template for modification
• Load and resize your photos to fit the template
• Use clipping groups effectively
• Work with Shaped Layers
• Add a background and modify Text layers

There's also a discount coupon to my template store on the back page. Shhh!

You can download it here:
Template Tutorial :: How to Use a Layered Template (1.4 MB)

Download it today, play around, and let me know what you think! And, I'm always open to suggestions for more tutorials -- holla at me if you have a request!

Happy Scrappin!

Template Tutorial Video :: Blending Photos + Paper using Gradients

My Guru template team members are such sweethearts! I recently picked their brains, ooo that sounds morbid, for ideas on a new set of video tutorials I am creating strictly for my Simply Tiffany templates. I call them template tutorials -- not so tough to remember.

Well, their first request was for a video tutorial describing the process I use to blend photos and paper using only gradients. Scrappable Template No. 44 uses this same process. So they ask, I do and I'm releasing it to any one and every one who wants to know more.

Just a few notes about the video, I used CS4 to record the technique but the same process will work in Photoshop Elements 6.0 & 7.0. The major difference will be that Elements users should not delete the layer mask that's included in the Gradient Fill layer. There is no 'button' to recreate the mask link in CS3/CS4 -- so keep it and paint it white if you want to have a clean/revealing mask!

Update! As of August 20. 2009, I have embedded the video tutorial in this post and you can download the template using the link below!

Check it out, let me know what you think and see what you create with this fine speci-mine!

You can download the template here:
Template Tutorial :: Blending Photos + Paper Using a Gradient Layered Template (2.4 MB)

Happy Creating!

Update on Sunday, August 16, 2009 by Tiffany

Hey peeps! If by chance you downloaded the goodies earlier than this update and had a problem opening the template, holla at me! I can send you a replacement template which will fix the known issue. The above download link has been replaced with an updated file!

And thank you to Anna for letting me know!

Technique: Random Shaped Journaling + Text on a Path

Schools out for the summer. Insert long sigh ... wait for it ... wait for it ... here! Ahhhhh! No more hearing "like, whatever" from upper teen and little twenty somethings. No more hearing why "old ladies -- like me -- shouldn't be on Facebook. Like whatever, I'm older and I've got more insurance.

Now I can "finally" update and clean up my blog amongst many other things. With that in mind let's reintroduce some techniques I frequent that I've shared around the WWW. I think it's about time I rounded them ALL up here. Probably won't blog new posts about each. But you can check them out whenever you wish using the links on the left sidebar.

This one is an oldie but goodie from February '08 at the OLW. I can't believe I still use this technique to this day! It's just that good ...

Of worthy note: This trick is good for versions of Adobe Photoshop CS2 and above. Elements does not yet offer a text on a path. However, I have heard Elements users *can* buy actions which simulate this technique -- I have never tried them. I do know that Elements users can manipulate text on paths which were first created in Photoshop. You can holla at me if you have specific questions about that! Now, on to the technique!

This is not new; matter of fact lots of peeps discuss how to create text on a path. But my method is a bit different: I like to create Random Shaped Journaling. Most of my pages and the templates I design use random shaped journaling which follows the shape of the photos or elements around it. It creates a seamless look on a page ... like the journaling was *meant* to be there. It implies movement and flow. And it makes my heart super happy!

Step 1

Create a new document in Photoshop. It can be any size you wish, however be sure to set your resolution to 300 pixel/inch. Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool, hold down the shift key to create a circle/release to create an oval, and click & drag the mouse to draw the circle on the canvas. You will see a group of "marching ants" once the circle is complete. (no pun intended).

Step 2

Create additional circles using the click & drag method and the mouse. Be sure the circles intersect. You can also use the Alt Key to detract from the shape.

Step 3

With the circles selections created, click on the Paths Pallete and select the "Make work path from selection" icon. The icon reminds me of a circle with pig-tails. Select the Horizontal Type Tool and click within the circles to type your journaling.

Step 4

Hit Enter. That's it! Use your shaped journaling within a digital layout or print, cut out and adhere it to a paper. I love to include additional elements around my shaped journaling for an added touch. Here's the layout I created to illustrate the technique back in '08.

And here's the same technique used on a newer layout. I placed the elements first then used the marquee tool to draw a random shape around my elements. Also try experimenting with the other shaped marquee tools to create tighter shape paths.

Thanks for taking a peek at my tutorial! I hope you'll use the technique and show me what you can do. :D