Digital Scrapping Techniques

[elliesmama]

What would you most like to learn how to do in your digital scrapping?

This could be anything from creating brushes to designing your own papers..

If you were going to buy a book on digital scrapping, what kinds of things MUST it have in it in order for you to feel compelled to purchase?

Thanks so much!
Nancie

[fawall]

I would most like to learn how to add texture to my backgrounds for the rich look that your papers have...I've asked other designers before and one said that her papers might have more than 30 layers...I have no idea how you do that... mine just end up looking "messy"

- for a book I would want to know how to make the basics, (papers, elements) but then also how to add the little touches that make then look better. Lots of people make eyelets, but some people's look much better, for example

- is that what you are looking for?

[kander]

I too am interested in learning techniques that would help me create realistic papers with depth and a distressed feel. I really like papers that look like "the real thing".

Other things I would be interested in are tips and tricks for things that aren't so common like text on a curve, metallic finishes, or making cutout embellishments.
Kirsten

[SamanthasMom]

Totally agree on the papers thing. I have tried 1000 times to make papers (even trying to just duplicate one for fun to see if I could) and can't get that look either. I want to be able to do grungy like paper and even making my own grungy brushes.

[HillsCass]

I want to know how to make tag shapes.... lol.

and I want to know how ppl do those dreamy collage layouts where all the photos just seem to melt into each other... I'd settle for just one photo melting into the background - I can't get my head around it!

[chrismaris_mommy]

I would love to know how/basics of making a pattern on your papers. Mine always look so mechanical and not natural like others.

I also would like to know step by step how to use stuff like eyelets, brads, buckles etc. all those things that gets used so effectivelly in Paper Scrapping but is not used as much in Digital Scrapbooking.

[Nevermore]

I want to know how to make tag shapes.... lol.

and I want to know how ppl do those dreamy collage layouts where all the photos just seem to melt into each other... I'd settle for just one photo melting into the background - I can't get my head around it!

There are so so so many different ways of achieving the collage look. But if you want to try something PAINFULLY simple, try using a feathered selection. Open your background and then open the photo(s) you want to use. With your selection tool (oval or rectangular) make sure you have "feathered" selected. You may have to mess with the amount of feathering you want. Then drag the selected portion of the photo onto the background (or copy and paste, whatever technique you use). Feathering softens out the edges and blends the pixels. Frankly, it is not as sophisticated as masking or brushing but it gets the job done. Here is an example. I was in a speed crop and didn't have time to mask or brush or even mess around with blend modes.

http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2344&cat=500&ppuser=1423

[moon]

I would also love to see some general layout tips in a book. Like how to highlight your photo best. How to use lines to get best effect etc.
All the other ideas already posted here I would like to see in a book as well.:p

[rubberduckie]

I think I'd like to see a chapter on basic design principles. We all look at great art, ads or layouts and recognize that they are beautiful, but we don't always understand why they are pleasing to our eye. I'm just beginning to understand this and incorporate it into my layouts.

I know many in the digi-scrapping field have experience in graphic arts, but many also don't. Everything I learned in college was very basic & long gone in my mind, so I'm having to self teach. Of course on my to do if I had all the time/money/freedom in the world would be to take a class or 10 at a local university on these subjects.

I'd also like to see a more common approach to explaining color schemes & the color wheel, etc. and how it can relate to scrapping.

[Coffeebean]

Well, I would like to know how to make papers and elements like you do! I really want to be able to create realistic looking papers, ribbons, and metalic elements.

Are you going to write a book?

[Wnderlnd]

A) I want to know how to make

1) my own brushes.

2) my own doodles

3) my own inking effects

4) my own sandpaper/scratching techniques or templates or overlays.

B) I would love to see a completed page like one in a a magazine and then step-by-step instructions on how to scraplift that entire layout--technique by technique.

I know what I like, but I can't seem to figure out how to create it digitally.

[love2golf]

I am forever wondering how you all are making glitter...:confused: :D

[scrappin2]

Things I'd like to learn
1) make stitching
2) create your own elements
3) create word art - different techniques for cool titles
4) creating brushes
5) distressing techniques
6) advice on software (ps7 or illustrator or psc2?)
7) create paper - can't seem to do it
8) layout techniques

[lindse]

Oh as long as we are wishing, I would LOVE to see a tutorial on how to make PATTERNED paper..on how and where to find the patterns and how to use it :)

[stampin_rachel]

I would love to know how to make my own brushes.

[jbigley1]

Me too, me too. I learn really quickly this way.

A) I want to know how to make


B) I would love to see a completed page like one in a a magazine and then step-by-step instructions on how to scraplift that entire layout--technique by technique.

I know what I like, but I can't seem to figure out how to create it digitally.