Using Your Own Designs in Silhouette Tutorial + Template!

Hey all, it's Pam here! I know it has been a long, long, long time since I shared a template with you all! I have double the fun today. Not only am I sharing a template but I will be showing you how to turn your own designs created in Photoshop (one example of a program you can use) into your own cuttable files in Silhouette! That is one of the reasons I purchased my Silhouette.. I love to create my own designs.  Now I don't have to handcut them, I can send them to my machine. How happy does this make me? A happy camper. That also means that if you have the die cut machine you can do this too!!  Btw- you can also create your own designs in Silhouette but you can't do as many cool things.

So let's get started. First I am going to share with you my layout and a link to the digital layered template and also a link to the JPEG file you will need for this tutorial. This is so those who want to use it digitally can, and those that want to use it on their Silhouette can. Here is a link to the files:
http://www.4shared.com/photo/Md7HxHdF/Pam_C_vine_template_JPEG.html
http://www.4shared.com/photo/tS7Aiqrl/Pam_C_vine_template_PSD.html

Let's start the tutorial!  (Note: the template looks slightly different than the one I provided for download, but just ignore that, I used this version for my page).

1. First here is a version of my template I created in Photoshop Elements. After you are done creating your image, save it in BOTH PDS and JPEG. The second photo is saved in JPEG form. We will need this JPEG form for the Silhouette because it needs a flat file without layers.

2. Next, open up your Silhouette program. Go to OPEN under FILE. Now at the bottom of the pop up box you will see "Files of Type", it will be set on Silhouette Studio. Click and change it to JPEG. You should've already either downloaded my Pam C Vine Template JPEG file above or created your own design. You will see it where you placed in on your computer and open it.

3. This is what it will look like opened. You can't cut it like this but you will be able to in a minute!! :) On the top bar on the right you will see the command "Open Trace Window".. click on that.

4. Now, click on the "Select Trace Area" and take your mouse and hold down the LEFT click and move it over the entire area of the image. This is the image that you will see.

5. On the panel to the right you will see a bunch of options. UNCLICK the High Pass Filter and CLICK the Low Pass Filter. The only thing you are going to move is the THRESHOLD. Move that all the way over to the the number 77. You will see this image below.

6. Now with that highlighted, press the TRACE button. You can now pull out your old image and put it to the side like I did below and your file is all ready to be cut (in red). Cut it like you normally do!!

Congrats you are done!! Easy huh? Hope you enjoy this feature! Let me know if you have any questions!

VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S BLOGS/GALLERIES
Cathy Dippolito
Dolores Schaeffer
Cindy deRosier
Marlene Murphy
Lesley Walker
Gael Spence
Sarah Routledge
Sharon Fritchman
Tanya Ham
Sheila Burns
Pam Callaghan
 

Using Scrapbook Trends Over the Years (Sunburst)

Hi all! It's Pam here sharing a post about how I used a technique over the years and how it changed and evolved. I am going to call it the "sunburst" technique. It is super popular right now companies using the technique and such. I love the final results of this... I adore it maybe because it reminds me of sunny days!! We all probably need more those huh?

I am going to start way back in 2006. I it is still odd I have been scrapping for so long. It seems like I just started a few years ago. Well this page from 2006 utilizes the sunburst technique. I cut out negative space for the sun and used very, very old DCWV paper and those fabulous old transparent stars from Heidi Swapp! Remember those??? Here I also accented my page with DCWV chipboard pieces and those fun rub-on sticches. I wish wish I still had those!! Notice how the photo cut to include a place for the "sun."

Our next stop in my scrapping history is 2008. This page is actually a scraplift of one of my page from two years earlier, but I like this version better. This is more like a star burst, but utilizes the same technique. On this page you can see that I extended the stars out to the very edges of this page. I *think* Cloud 9 made this paper and stickers. This is one of my most favorite collections of all time with the lime greens, khakis, and blues. :) That was also when I used to hoard Heidi Swap chipboard pieces! LOL.

My next page on the tour is from 2009. This is more like a true sunburst page is monochromatic. I don't know if you can see it but the photos are sitting on a cut out cloud. The papers, stickers, and dots are from Pebbles, aren't they fun?? For this page and the remainder of the pages, I used my ruler to measure and create my design. BTW you can download the free digital layered template for free here: http://www.4shared.com/file/209056384/4ff2eda1/pc_sunshine_template.html for all of the digi scrappers who want to make this design!

In 2010,  I created this page about visiting the butterfly garden. Again I used mostly products from Pebbles. I loved this spring line so much. The stitching added a cool look to each sunburst and don't you still love the butterflies by Jenni Bowlin? Those another product favorite!!!

Here is sort of another take on the sunburst look from 2010. I actually cropped the photos to fit inside the rays. This page is one of my favorites. I love all of the fall elements to it. I can't remember what companies make what, but I know a few are by Crate Paper. Again, I used my ruler exclusively to measure those rays.

Here is my very latest sunburst effect page. I created this page the other day and it utilizes the multicolor sunburst patterns that are very popular right now. I loveeeee a paper by Simple Stories which inspired my design. I have that paper, but I am afraid to use it, because than it will be gone. You know what I mean right??? LOL. I used almost all My Minds Eye Paper and embellishments. I love their newest released, don't you?

Thanks for taking this tour over time with me. If you have used a similar technique over the years, send me an email at scrappingpam73@yahoo and I will feature you!!! Have a great weekend!!

A new Template to highlight a solo photo!

Hi, Dolores here today to share a template that will put a lovely spotlight on one of your favorite photos.  This sketch with its graceful lines of paper will bring the viewer eyes right to the center of interest, your photo, and still give you lots of room for creativity.  Here is my sketch.

Here is my layout that I created with the template.  I used a kit with lots of brights and warm fall colors called "Summer Fades" by Traci Reed and Meghan Mullens to give this layout life.

For our paper scrapbookers I put the basic background pieces in the image below so you can print and trace the shapes.

 

For our digi scrappers you can download the PhotoShop template at either of the file sharing sites below.  Enjoy!!

4Shared:  ds-template-26.psd

MediaFire:  ds-template-26.psd

A New Template with Angles!

Hi Dolores here today to share a template and sketch with great angles!  I love putting my page out of kilter from time to time.  Angles can mix things and and give you a whole fresh look.  So tilt that paper and your photo to give your layout a different perspective.  Here is my sketch.

 

Nothing is horizontal or vertical on my page, the picture, title, journaling all have angles.  I love flowers, so I really had a great time adding the flower borders to this layout.  Here is my page.

 

I created the page using a beautiful kit by Sherwood Studio called Summertime Blues.  The design gives you lots of space for journaling, however you could easily place another picture in the lower left corner if you wished to create a page with two photos instead.  You can download the template from either of the two file sharing sites below.  Enjoy!

4Shared:  ds-template-28.psd

MediaFire:  ds-template-28.psd

Big Photo Template

Hey there! Cathy here, it's been a long time since I had a template to share with you. I created one that I'm sure you'll find plenty of use for.

While working on pages from a recent trip that my family took, I wanted to make a page about the room that we stayed in.  It had an amazing view.  Not that we spent a lot of time in the room, but it certainly was nice to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean at the beginning and end of our fun filled days. The view from the room was so spectacular in all directions, that I created a panoramic photo from a series of 4 photos. I wanted to include that on the page. That was one of the driving forces behind this template design.

I made the big photo spot at the top. But since I like to include multiple photos on a page, I also included room for 3 more photos below. I also wanted to include some design elements found at the resort. We were staying at Aulani, in Ko 'Olina Hawaii. Plants and flowers surround you. Designs at the resort have both linear and flowing lines. So I used some curves as well as sharp angles in my design and of course included room for flowers and foliage.

I used a combination of digital kits and elements from different designers to create this page. For a list of credits click here.

If you would like a copy of this template that I created in Photoshop, click either of the links below. I have shared the template as both a .psd and .tif file.

4shared: SCD_Template_20

Box: SCD_Template_20

A new Template/Sketch with Big Swirls!

Hi, Dolores here today to share a template/sketch with lots of movement.  The design incorporates big swirls into the background so you can play up your center of interest with some lovely papers.  There is also a nice path in one of the swirls to add lots of journaling.  Here is my sketch.

For our paper scrapbookers who would like to trace and cutout those background swirls, here are the basic shapes.

I think there are lots of options for adding multiple photos to this fun background.  Here is the page I created with the template.

I used a beautiful romantic kit by Jennifer Labre Designs called About A Bloom to create this page.  If you would like the template you can download it at either of the two file sharing sites below.

4Shared:  ds-template-25.psd

MediaFire:  ds-template-25.psd

Hope you enjoy the template/sketch!  I would love to see some of your layouts if you give this a try!

A Template and sketch with Chevrons!

Hi Dolores here today to share a fun sketch and template.  I have been seeing chevron shapes everywhere and love the look of pretty borders so I created a sketch and template to share today with chevron and scallop borders.  I used 5 different patterned papers to create my chevrons and then ran a cute double scalloped border alongside.  Here is my sketch.

I decided of a fun summertime look for my page and grabbed two of my favorite puppy pictures of my dog Maggie.  Doesn't she look so sweet and innocent.  Ha!  Like any puppy she had a bit of the mischief maker in her but you wouldn't know it by these pics.  Here is my layout.

I used a beautiful kit by Kristin Cronin-Barrow to create this page called "Sweet Summertime."  These colors are fun and alive without being too bright.  A wonderful color palette.

If you would like the template I created in PhotoShop you can download it from either of the two file sharing sites below.

4Shared:  ds-template-19.psd

MediaFire:  ds-template-19.psd

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great time scrapping!

A Template and sketch with a pair of circles!

Hi!  Dolores here today to share a template and sketch which will handle nicely a pair of your great photos.  Many times I take several pictures, especially of people, since I really want to get at least one good shot.  However, from time to time I get multiple photos I like, or that speak to me of the moment, so I want to use both of them in a layout.  Here is my sketch for today with two photos.

Any here is my layout from this sketch.

These photos are of my lovely niece and were taken during a visit.  When I first downloaded these from my camera they were too dark.  So after experimenting with them in PhotoShop I ended up with two photos I actually liked quite well.  They certainly capture her fun spirit.

The template for this page was created in PhotoShop and can be downloaded from one of the two file sharing sites below.  Hope you enjoy it!

4Shared:  ds-template-22.psd

MediaFire:  ds-template-22.psd

A Sketch and Template with Strips!

Hi, it's Dolores here today to share another sketch and template using strips of paper.  This design is a great way to use up scraps of paper or just a fun way to include lots of color in your pages.  Here is my sketch.

My sketch is based on using four different papers to build the staggered row of strips across the page.  I have created two samples with this sketch/template, here is the first.

This page was created with a beautiful natural kit by Krystal Hartley called A Happy Thought.  I love the calm blues, greens and neutrals.  My second sample using the template was done by rotating the template 90 degrees counter clockwise. 

For this page I chose a darker background and let my strips of paper be brighter colors.  This page was created with a lovely kit by LDrag Designs called Vintage Dreams.  I altered my sketch/template slightly by dropping the banner and adding a few elements on the left side of the page.  If you'd like the template I created in PhotoShop you can download it from either of the two file sharing sites below.

4Shared: ds-template-24.psd

MediaFire:  ds-template-24.psd

Hope you enjoy the sketch/template!  Have a great day scrapping!

Designer Showcase: Red, White and Blue

Happy Birthday America!  To celebrate, our Designer Showcase this week has the theme red, white and blue!! It's Cathy here to share all the wonderful creations with you, so let's get started!

First up today are 2 really wonderful pages from one of our brand new contributors!  Anupama created this page all about a birthday.  I really like how edgy her page is. It is filled with texture and dimension. It looks and feels intriguing!

On this second page of Anupama's she framed her photo beautifully using a wonderful masking technique.  I love how she has brought out the gorgeous blue color of the water in her photo by framing it in red, and then adding blue accents to her page.

Marlene shares a totally red, white and blue page. She has taken a treasured photo and dressed up patriot style.  That multi-pointed star mat, made of the star paper, is perfect for this!  Marlene also use a really neat little trick to balance her page, she used offsetting strips of light blue paper in the upper left and lower right of her page. Neat idea!

Next up are two pages by me.  This one was done using Pam's 4th of July template.  You can grab it right here. I changed it up just a bit to fit in more photos. Such a great template design for capturing your July 4th celebrations. 

This is one of the very first digital pages that I ever made.  I enhanced the photo to leave color in the flag to make it stand out. I used some brushes to create the look of fireworks behind my title.

Nancy has shared this beautiful page with us. There is so much to love on this page. Nancy has done a great job of using a design triangle to create a layout that gives focus to her photo, while keeping your eye moving about her page so you don't miss a single detail!  I really like the clusters of flowers. Most of all, I like how Nancy has balanced the cuteness and maturity on this page. Reflects the emotions of her daughter growing up!

Wow, that's what first came to mind when I saw Lesley's page about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Her photos have captured the emotions of the memorial.  I like how she stacked the photos, starting with the top one that has information about the memorial, then the statue of soldiers, and then the very poignant photo of the memorial with the reflection of visitors in it. Very moving. Her choices of patriotic papers and embellishments really adds to the powerful feeling of the page. She continued the color scheme in the mats of her photo to tie the look together.

July 4th and summertime are filled with great celebrations, picnics, barbecues, and family get-togethers. All events that have lots of photos to go with them. Cindy has shared 3 layouts with different ways to showcase all those great photos. In the top page, Cindy has done a great job of blocking her photos, I love how she does that! The thin red frame around the larger block is really eye catching. I also really like her added word art pieces.  The double pager also uses that great blocking technique. On this one, Cindy let her title block and journal block extend beyond the boundaries. Very nice way to spice up her page.  In Cindy's 3rd page, she has some great photos that she set slightly of kilter and then added some varied strips of paper beneath. A neat way to show off that handsome guy!

Oh my goodness!  Dolores brings on the cute charm with this page. What a darling photo of her dog all ready for the holiday!  I love the layout of this page. The vertical design takes your eye right to that awesome photo and then allows it to float down the page taking in all the elements and details.  I like how Dolores stacked circles and stars behind the photo too and then repeated that in a smaller version at the bottom of the page behind the word art.  I wonder how long the dog stayed with the flag in it's mouth? It looks so content, and ready to cheer on a parade!


I hope you've enjoyed these samples of using a classic red, white and blue color scheme.