What are you working on (in March 2025)?

[Cristina]

  On 3/11/2025 at 4:36 AM, Susan Ewart said:

My friends of Affinity!  I'm posting this info here because I know everyone looks here.  I was working on my Lab Challenge (for the Diamond members) and needed to check how to do an element I learned in the Basic Scrap Course.  Guess what?  There is now videos for Affinity in the Basic Scrap Course (available for Diamond member anytime - I think) if you want extra practice with layouts using Affinity.  Find it under Classes>Beginner>Basic Scrap Course 1 and scroll past the PSP video and you'll find the Affinity ones.  The Basic course is really good, especially right after the Bootcamp when you are wondering where you go from there.  

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Thank you, Susan, for the tip! I'll take a look at that for sure.

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After my laptop went under makeover and upgraded to Win11, I had no access to my Affinity apps, and it would no longer accept the special 90-day password given to us.
My husband and I were already considering purchasing the program, but this forced us to decide earlier.
So, he got the Affinity Suite, as he also uses these programs for his work.

[Corrie Kinkel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 4:36 AM, Susan Ewart said:

My friends of Affinity!  I'm posting this info here because I know everyone looks here.  I was working on my Lab Challenge (for the Diamond members) and needed to check how to do an element I learned in the Basic Scrap Course.  Guess what?  There is now videos for Affinity in the Basic Scrap Course (available for Diamond member anytime - I think) if you want extra practice with layouts using Affinity.  Find it under Classes>Beginner>Basic Scrap Course 1 and scroll past the PSP video and you'll find the Affinity ones.  The Basic course is really good, especially right after the Bootcamp when you are wondering where you go from there.  

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Thank you that is a very welcome tip and I'm going to take a look in between doing the Build-a-Kit. I want to stay up to date in that one, because of my upcoming trip! I don't want to have a big load of things to finish and catch up as well. I decided to skip the rest of the time-line challenge; I don't have much photos about the coming periods and later on I do have photos, but those are all family related which I can't use here and you know I don't like to blur them. Of course I remember the moonlanding and the assassination of JFK but yah everybody knows about that.

[Cassel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 4:36 AM, Susan Ewart said:

My friends of Affinity!  I'm posting this info here because I know everyone looks here.  I was working on my Lab Challenge (for the Diamond members) and needed to check how to do an element I learned in the Basic Scrap Course.  Guess what?  There is now videos for Affinity in the Basic Scrap Course (available for Diamond member anytime - I think) if you want extra practice with layouts using Affinity.  Find it under Classes>Beginner>Basic Scrap Course 1 and scroll past the PSP video and you'll find the Affinity ones.  The Basic course is really good, especially right after the Bootcamp when you are wondering where you go from there.  

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Yup, I have been working in the backend to add more Affinity Photo tutorials. I guess I forgot to tell you all 😁

[Corrie Kinkel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 2:09 PM, Cassel said:

Yup, I have been working in the backend to add more Affinity Photo tutorials. I guess I forgot to tell you all 😁

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Thank you for doing those tutorials for Affinity, it must be a lot of work! As you can see there is always someone that discovers them and tells us all 😉

[Susan Ewart]

  On 3/11/2025 at 2:09 PM, Cassel said:

Yup, I have been working in the backend to add more Affinity Photo tutorials. I guess I forgot to tell you all 😁

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I was wondering....can you write a script that magically transfer to us the energy you have for all that you are doing (lots that we don't even know about)? 🙏

[Cassel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 4:27 PM, Susan Ewart said:

I was wondering....can you write a script that magically transfer to us the energy you have for all that you are doing (lots that we don't even know about)?

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That would be a very expensive script! 🤣

[Corrie Kinkel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 5:42 PM, Cassel said:

That would be a very expensive script! 🤣

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Yes but it could become a top seller!

[Julie Magerka]

So much to do...and such limited time! I have to pick and choose what will get some attention. I have AFF 2.6 and PSE 2024 and I'm trying to learn/use both. I think, at this point, I have seen more PS videos over the last few months, and so I am tending to prefer that program. But when I want to do something quickly, I default to PSP. Considering how little I knew of any of these apps a few years ago, I feel pretty good. It's the process that I enjoy.

There's a creative team member at Vicki Robinson Designs (Gina) who uses only images from sources like Pixabay, Unsplash, etc. for her layouts. She looks first at the kit or parts of it that she wants to use and then searches for a photo to suit the feeling. I also like to find online images, but I tend to work the opposite way: photo first, kit or elements later. The older couple layout uses an image I got from one of those sites.

I'm playing mostly these days, trying to work in PSE or AFF, to achieve the image/effect I have in my head for the photo(s) I want to use. Once I began following particular photographers on FB, then I receive lots more of those feeds from Meta. I have become aware of some wonderful work.

In the icebergs layout, the images come from Ray Mackey in Newfoundland. They are all from Twillingate which is offshore from the northeast coast of Nfld. It is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World and presently has some in the harbour.

If you don't know Newfoundland/Labrador, you are missing some of the most spectacular rugged and natural landscapes. Also, the place names in that province are so unusual and endearing. The hospitality of the people you meet is legendary.

[Anja Pelzer]

this month in another Forum I made this challenge Layouts

week 1 

 

[Anja Pelzer]

and these for 

week 2 

 

[Cristina]

  On 3/11/2025 at 10:05 PM, Julie Magerka said:

So much to do...and such limited time! I have to pick and choose what will get some attention. I have AFF 2.6 and PSE 2024 and I'm trying to learn/use both. I think, at this point, I have seen more PS videos over the last few months, and so I am tending to prefer that program. But when I want to do something quickly, I default to PSP. Considering how little I knew of any of these apps a few years ago, I feel pretty good. It's the process that I enjoy.

There's a creative team member at Vicki Robinson Designs (Gina) who uses only images from sources like Pixabay, Unsplash, etc. for her layouts. She looks first at the kit or parts of it that she wants to use and then searches for a photo to suit the feeling. I also like to find online images, but I tend to work the opposite way: photo first, kit or elements later. The older couple layout uses an image I got from one of those sites.

I'm playing mostly these days, trying to work in PSE or AFF, to achieve the image/effect I have in my head for the photo(s) I want to use. Once I began following particular photographers on FB, then I receive lots more of those feeds from Meta. I have become aware of some wonderful work.

In the icebergs layout, the images come from Ray Mackey in Newfoundland. They are all from Twillingate which is offshore from the northeast coast of Nfld. It is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World and presently has some in the harbour.

If you don't know Newfoundland/Labrador, you are missing some of the most spectacular rugged and natural landscapes. Also, the place names in that province are so unusual and endearing. The hospitality of the people you meet is legendary.

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I think it's a great idea to use stock photos. This way, the lack of our own photos doesn't limit our ability to express our creativity. And you did just that marvelously, Julie!

[Cristina]

  On 3/11/2025 at 10:05 PM, Julie Magerka said:

I have AFF 2.6 and PSE 2024 and I'm trying to learn/use both. I think, at this point, I have seen more PS videos over the last few months, and so I am tending to prefer that program. But when I want to do something quickly, I default to PSP. Considering how little I knew of any of these apps a few years ago, I feel pretty good. It's the process that I enjoy.

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I am also learning both programs. After the Magazine Workshop, I have been watching more PSE videos to catch up on the time I spent only using Affinity.

At the same time, I am working with PSP for the Build-A-Kit workshop, which is my relaxing time, because I don't have to find out where things are, how they work, etc.

I love all programs! Each one has something that, imho, works better than the others.   Once you start working with Affinity, you'll probably see that it's also a great program.

[Cristina]

  On 3/11/2025 at 11:38 PM, Anja Pelzer said:

this month in another Forum I made this challenge Layouts

week 1 

 

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Wow, Anja, all layouts posted are beautiful! You were really inspired!

[Corrie Kinkel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 11:39 PM, Anja Pelzer said:

and these for 

week 2 

 

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Anja all your layouts are lovely in their own way! So nice to see more of your work.

[Corrie Kinkel]

  On 3/11/2025 at 10:05 PM, Julie Magerka said:

So much to do...and such limited time! I have to pick and choose what will get some attention. I have AFF 2.6 and PSE 2024 and I'm trying to learn/use both. I think, at this point, I have seen more PS videos over the last few months, and so I am tending to prefer that program. But when I want to do something quickly, I default to PSP. Considering how little I knew of any of these apps a few years ago, I feel pretty good. It's the process that I enjoy.

There's a creative team member at Vicki Robinson Designs (Gina) who uses only images from sources like Pixabay, Unsplash, etc. for her layouts. She looks first at the kit or parts of it that she wants to use and then searches for a photo to suit the feeling. I also like to find online images, but I tend to work the opposite way: photo first, kit or elements later. The older couple layout uses an image I got from one of those sites.

I'm playing mostly these days, trying to work in PSE or AFF, to achieve the image/effect I have in my head for the photo(s) I want to use. Once I began following particular photographers on FB, then I receive lots more of those feeds from Meta. I have become aware of some wonderful work.

In the icebergs layout, the images come from Ray Mackey in Newfoundland. They are all from Twillingate which is offshore from the northeast coast of Nfld. It is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World and presently has some in the harbour.

If you don't know Newfoundland/Labrador, you are missing some of the most spectacular rugged and natural landscapes. Also, the place names in that province are so unusual and endearing. The hospitality of the people you meet is legendary.

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Julie I love what you do with stock photos, but this isn't something for me. I only use it when I want to make a layout, like the AAM series and really need something that I don't have, otherwise I want to use my own photos.

[Susan Ewart]

  On 3/11/2025 at 10:05 PM, Julie Magerka said:

So much to do...and such limited time! I have to pick and choose what will get some attention. I have AFF 2.6 and PSE 2024 and I'm trying to learn/use both. I think, at this point, I have seen more PS videos over the last few months, and so I am tending to prefer that program. But when I want to do something quickly, I default to PSP. Considering how little I knew of any of these apps a few years ago, I feel pretty good. It's the process that I enjoy.

There's a creative team member at Vicki Robinson Designs (Gina) who uses only images from sources like Pixabay, Unsplash, etc. for her layouts. She looks first at the kit or parts of it that she wants to use and then searches for a photo to suit the feeling. I also like to find online images, but I tend to work the opposite way: photo first, kit or elements later. The older couple layout uses an image I got from one of those sites.

I'm playing mostly these days, trying to work in PSE or AFF, to achieve the image/effect I have in my head for the photo(s) I want to use. Once I began following particular photographers on FB, then I receive lots more of those feeds from Meta. I have become aware of some wonderful work.

In the icebergs layout, the images come from Ray Mackey in Newfoundland. They are all from Twillingate which is offshore from the northeast coast of Nfld. It is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World and presently has some in the harbour.

If you don't know Newfoundland/Labrador, you are missing some of the most spectacular rugged and natural landscapes. Also, the place names in that province are so unusual and endearing. The hospitality of the people you meet is legendary.

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Very beautiful Julie.  I tend to work both ways depending on the project.  Photo first if I have no layout in mind and Layout first if I'm doing a workshop or using a template and need to fit photos to the template or theme.  Your work is outstanding.

[Julie Magerka]

  On 3/11/2025 at 11:39 PM, Anja Pelzer said:

and these for 

week 2 

 

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Lots of great work you've been doing Anja. Hope you get some time to explore the family roots. It's endlessly fascinating!

[Julie Magerka]

  On 3/12/2025 at 4:09 PM, Corrie Kinkel said:

Julie I love what you do with stock photos, but this isn't something for me. I only use it when I want to make a layout, like the AAM series and really need something that I don't have, otherwise I want to use my own photos.

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Most of my photos of value are old family ones and it would get dull fast if that's all I ever used for layouts! I don't take that many photos b/c I don't go that many places. Even when I do get out, I forget to use the camera/phone. Also, there is no one to whom I can bequeath the pix I take. No one is interested, in family history or my life. Just the way it is.

[Julie Magerka]

  On 3/11/2025 at 11:38 PM, Anja Pelzer said:

this month in another Forum I made this challenge Layouts

week 1 

 

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Is that you Anja in the first layout? I just love that one.

[Sharla]

  On 3/11/2025 at 10:05 PM, Julie Magerka said:

There's a creative team member at Vicki Robinson Designs (Gina) who uses only images from sources like Pixabay, Unsplash, etc. for her layouts. She looks first at the kit or parts of it that she wants to use and then searches for a photo to suit the feeling. I also like to find online images, but I tend to work the opposite way: photo first, kit or elements later. The older couple layout uses an image I got from one of those sites.

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I love using stock photos and illustrations on weird and wonderful subjects that I could never possibly get to photograph or create myself. I think we live at an amazing time with this great wealth of shared images and photos that we can use or simply be inspired by.

At the moment I’m trying to get grips with AI generated images because these also offer us a vast amount of material to work with. I’m into week 10 of a P52 AI art project -it’s fascinating to see all the different images that are created starting from a single word.

To me, scrapbooking is about telling a story about something that matters to the person creating the page – the photos and images are simply one element and they don’t have to be created by us.  
 

[Corrie Kinkel]

  On 3/12/2025 at 8:49 PM, Julie Magerka said:

Most of my photos of value are old family ones and it would get dull fast if that's all I ever used for layouts! I don't take that many photos b/c I don't go that many places. Even when I do get out, I forget to use the camera/phone. Also, there is no one to whom I can bequeath the pix I take. No one is interested, in family history or my life. Just the way it is.

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The difference is that I very much like to take photos. I almost never go out without my phone, even if it is to run an errand, and very often there is something I take a photo off and I'm very happy that I can use those for my layouts. My husband isn't overly interested in the photos I take and on a good day he will say: "oh nice" without even looking at them. Just the way it is, to quote you!

[Julie Magerka]

  On 3/12/2025 at 9:37 PM, Sharla said:

I love using stock photos and illustrations on weird and wonderful subjects that I could never possibly get to photograph or create myself. I think we live at an amazing time with this great wealth of shared images and photos that we can use or simply be inspired by.

At the moment I’m trying to get grips with AI generated images because these also offer us a vast amount of material to work with. I’m into week 10 of a P52 AI art project -it’s fascinating to see all the different images that are created starting from a single word.

To me, scrapbooking is about telling a story about something that matters to the person creating the page – the photos and images are simply one element and they don’t have to be created by us.  
 

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You got that right, Sharla. It is amazing to have such a wide variety of images and sources for them. I need to loosen up about AI images. So far, I have not had much interest in them.

[Anja Pelzer]

  On 3/12/2025 at 8:52 PM, Julie Magerka said:

Is that you Anja in the first layout? I just love that one.

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No, this is my Mom as child

[Susan Ewart]

  On 3/11/2025 at 11:39 PM, Anja Pelzer said:

and these for 

week 2 

 

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Anja, these are really wonderful layouts.  You have such a beautiful style.  My favorite is the "Time" one, I can really relate to that quote.  With that many "tabs" open it's hard concentrate and get even one thing done.   

Edited Thursday at 02:04 PM by Susan Ewart

[Susan Ewart]

  On 3/12/2025 at 8:49 PM, Julie Magerka said:

Most of my photos of value are old family ones and it would get dull fast if that's all I ever used for layouts! I don't take that many photos b/c I don't go that many places. Even when I do get out, I forget to use the camera/phone. Also, there is no one to whom I can bequeath the pix I take. No one is interested, in family history or my life. Just the way it is.

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I never get tire of old family photos.  the older the better.  I have always found them interesting.  Strangely, I love looking at them but never use them.  I'm a weirdo.