#10 Signature Stamps [Mar 6-12]

[happyrobyn]

Well somehow I got busy last week and couldn't finish the layout I had planned to do for today. But not to worry - that one will be posted next week and luckily I have a reserve stash of layouts that I can use in desperate circumstances such as this! LOL!!

This week, we will be doing a more technical challenge but it isn't hard once you learn how to do it. We will be creating stamps out of signatures and using them on a layout. Where can you find signatures? On letters, report cards, enlistment papers, driver's licenses, social security cards, etc. If you absolutely can't find a signature, then just use handwriting.

Now here's what you do. Scan the signature at high resolution. Then import the scan into your photo editing program. Clean up any lines under the signature that you don't want. And now - IMPORTANT STEP! - take your brightness/contrast slider and slide the contrast all the way to the right. This should make the background white and the signature very dark. If not, do it one or 2 more times until you have a good contrast. Now define a new brush and then you can use the signature on your layout in any color you wish!

I will be uploading some new examples later today but for now, go to Lois 1941 (http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7359&cat=500&ppuser=1707) as an example. Have fun and if you have any questions, post them here and I will try to help. Be sure to post your finished layouts in the Heritage Challenge Gallery.

[happyrobyn]

Here's a layout I did quite a while ago using a signature: Gertrude (http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8471&limit=last7)

[Fiddlette]

This is a wonderful challenge, robyn...so great to have the handwriting of our loved ones and ancestors, and to use it right on the lo...something so personal like that....awesome idea!

And the brightness-contrast tip is of course, amazing....why didn't I think of that! thanks!

And your example is one of my favorites of alll your work, I love that Lois layout!!

But, I'm still back on montage, gotta catch up!! lol!!!

[happyrobyn]

LOL Christine! I like to keep you on your toes.

[happyrobyn]

It's Friday morning and no one has come to play with me this week. But it's not too late. This week's challenge is actually pretty easy! Why not give it a try?! Here is another example from me. I created this layout about a month after I started digiscrapping. Margaret Archangeli (http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8728&limit=last7)

[cre8tvlyyrs]

OMgoodness! I can't believe how simple this was!!! Especially because
I spent hours cleaning all around the signature and didn't bother to read
your simple directions!! Ughh! Anyways, I made a signature stamp but it's a bit light. I'm glad I got to learn how to make brushes...finally!!

Here's my layout...A Hero Among Us:
http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8758&cat=585

[happyrobyn]

Gina - I'm so sorry you went through that! That is what I was trying to avoid here. Because that's what I did the first time I wanted to use a signature. Then I figured out you could just stamp it on instead of cleaning all arount it. But in any case - your layout is awesome! Thanks for playing!!!

[Diginellie]

This isn't a signature but it is my mother's writing from the back of the photograph taken with a box brownie in 1947. I loved doing this as I think it makes the Heritage LO's so much more personal :)

Signature LO (http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8769&cat=585)

[happyrobyn]

This is absolutely gorgeous! Glad you took the challenge. I look forward to more from you!

[SteinwaysMom]

The signature idea was great - would have never thought of it before. It adds a great personal touch. I used my Aunt's signature from one of her many notes to me. She was always sending me a couple bucks here and there. She's getting a 'memory calendar' for her belated Christmas present w/my scrap designs. Aunt Noni (http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8782&nocache=1)

[happyrobyn]

Just gorgeous Debra! That signature just makes it so special. She will love the album!

[Nevermore]

Dang, I never get to play this challenge because I never scan in old photos! I will have to start. I have been doing bits and pieces anyway, just not posting here because the photos don't qualify. I love the stuff you guys do, it is gorgeous.

[happyrobyn]

That's ok Nevermore. I look forward to when you do participate. Your work is always inspiring.

[Fiddlette]

You've already seen it, lol, but here is my entry for the signature stamps, and montage challenges...I DID soften the edges with a natural bristles brush, but the drawing in of the arm seemed a little too much for my feeble brain, today!

http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8894

Thank you!

[happyrobyn]

Christine - the blending looks awesome. I really love this layout. A perfect cover page.

[Vania16]

This is a great idea Robyn! Don't know how I missed this one before, but I'm gonna dig through my old birthday cards at home - my mom always writes me nice notes and it would be great to use them! Thanks for the inspiration :)

[happyrobyn]

Great idea Lisa! Cards are a wonderful place to find handwriting you can scan.