Cassel

I wonder how it would have looked if you had used the Rotation jitter in the Brush Variance palette to brush that mask all round the edges?? Did you try?

@Hank SobahIt is with experimentation that you can discover what replicates reality, what you like, what you don't like, etc. Keep experimenting! @sharon thompsonThere are some classes on the inside that plays and explains the Brush Variance palette. Have a peek. Once you understand the settings, you will be more comfortable playing with them. @Donna SilliaThe placement of the photos makes me smile as it seems like he is he really spotting her! @MoniqueN.Yes, adjusting the size of the pattern is something that depends on every project. And yes, one little checkmark can throw off a tool like the Fill tool! Doing great with creating your own masks, and you can see how it can be customized to the photos! @Anja PelzerYou can see the different effects with the blurred mask and unblurred. Two ways to address future masks. @Mary SolaasDid you try using the music picture tubes from the Campus? Colors of papers are changing often, right? @Harmony BirchBetter late than never. Once you start to understand how masks work, you will see that you will likely create masks more often. Some scrappers tend to have their own preferences. If you like to add frames, go for it! @Marie-Claire Great layout and Poncho is always so photogenic! @Karen BorgmannYou are very patient and you will tame that PSP!!! You will win! @Alice DanielGlad to see you managed the plaid tutorial! The tutorials will be left available to all until the end of month, so if you have not had time to complete your projects, you might want to take a look over the weekend as the month is winding down.

Did you have a long weekend this week? Did you do anything interesting this weekend? Let's chat!

@Mary SolaasThat kaleidoscope pattern is really toned down and it creates a great effect instead of being overpowering. Making a silhouette is a great way to handle bad colors and such too (not that yours had that issue). @Donna SilliaUsing masks is also a way to "extract" elements. In fact, it would be a similar technique that is explained in this blog post. @GabrielaGreat colorful layout with those butterflies. The superposition of three different sizes of polkadot gives a really interesting effect! @Julie MagerkaThose "incomplete frames" are popular and so easy to make. @Hank SobahYou can always answer the question the way you did. Or you can highlight the question, and you will have the option to "quote", which would create a post with my question and you can answer to it. You are having fun with AI effects? You created that lino pattern with non-monochrome settings. That looks really nice. @TonimarieBeautiful mask. I am glad you are getting the hang of it. @Susan EwartThe choice of a gradient is a great decision. Sometimes, we have to go to plan B when we start a project. And for the Pick tool, it is a known "bug". Typically, it happens if you used a keyboard shortcut before, like Ctrl-C, or Ctrl-D. But other times, it seems random. That burnt edge is a really nice addition and you did it quite well too. @Karen BorgmannGreat start. Better late than never! @Marie-ClaireTo create the interlacing frames along with the shadows, the trick is to add the shadows on the same layer as the individual frames. That way, the shadows would follow. If you have the shadows on separate layers, it is still workable, but you just have to repeat the same steps (with the same selection) to the shadow layers. @MoniqueN.As mentioned by Corrie, it is possible that the Pick tool changed mode. It is an annoying behavior! @Rene MarkerThat is quite an interesting font! Thanks for sharing the name. @Anne LampWas that text on a path or individual words you just rotated? I am glad to see that you are starting with the lino pattern and working with it to create something different. It is not always easy to "plan" the end result of that technique. @Bonnie BallentineWhen you post an image, don't you still have the same options on the bottom right of the field to add another image? @sharon thompson You will see that if you change details like the scale of a polkadot, it might give a very different result. And changes in colors, blend modes, etc. can also make the pattern less powerful. And yes, all the comments, from me and other participants is a big part of these workshops. Isn't this a great community? @Corrie KinkelThe Disolve blend mode is quite different from the others as it is based on the Opacity level. I guess it is different from how we expect colors to be adjusted by blend modes, but you found a grea way to use it. @Ann SeeberThat triple frame is such a delicate additional detail. Great effect. @Gerry LandrethIs that a multi-layered font? @cindy harris Is it possible you clicked on the wrong blue button? Those pages are often made to be confusing. @Sue ThomasYou surely know how the tutorials are meant to be integrated and customized! As users get comfortable with the techniques, that is when we see the most variations. @Lesley MapleDid you happen to use a solid color overlay? It looks like it and it seems like it has been accidentally shifted down (see a little gap on the top). That happens to me often when I want to move one element and a different layer is activated. Although this is officially the last day of the workshop, the tutorials will stay available for another week for anyone who needs to catch up. Of course, DIAMOND members do have a permanent access. If you want to join as a DIAMOND member, head over to this page. All the tutorials for the different background papers are part of the membership and we have dozens of other patterns tutorials. And remember to fill out the survey!

@Gabriela Those little gems are perfect details to match the pattern on the frogs. Maybe if you filled the text in black, it would be a bit easier to read? Great choice for the custom mask outline! @Sue Thomas Great background! Using overlays can generate such unique effects and you are obviously having fun with them. Great masks using the vectorpaint! @Susan EwartThat nice doodle frame is quite cute but do you know how easy it is? Check this tutorial for doodle/scribbled outline and apply the same technique to frames. It is clear that you are getting more comfortable with PSP. You are already integrating various lessons from different tutorials and master classes (blending, overlays, etc.) And it will only get easier with more practice. @Ann SeeberA compression setting of 72 is very high. I tend to keep mine between 20 and 30! Are you otherwise having too large files? It is good on your layout with rings that you didn't add a "traditional" shadow on the bird as it would then have looked like a sticker. This is one situation where not adding a shadow is the right choice. @Hank SobahIt looks like you were playing with some overlays. Am I correct? @Donna SilliaYes, I think these last shadows are more appropriate. When you used the script, were the skis horizontal or did you rotate them to add to the layout? The extraction you did was well done. And yes, the smaller "tiles" in that color really match well a desert scene. @sharon thompsonFor the text on path, there is "almost" a shortcut: make the path, then make the text separately, highlight both and go to Object > Fit text to path. Otherwise, check this article. And then, maybe these little tips could help too. @Marie-ClaireIs it possible that you had merged all the frames before adding the shadow? The 3D effect would be more obvious if the shadows were added before the merge as they could shadow the frames individually. And I am not tired of seeing Poncho! @Lesley MapleFor the brushes, if you were to make them smaller, they would blend in more into the mask instead of looking like standalone, and then you would have an easier time concentrating the photo into a limited area of the mask. @Bonnie BallentineGlad to see you catching up. Yes, plaids can be overpowering, and sometimes, it depends on what section of the image you are using. Some areas will have more contrasting colors and will show brightly, while other sections will have more subtle colors. Knowing that in advance, you can select areas to give more of the look you want, but you can also play with overlays, blend modes and opacity. They are all fair game! You know, it is so much fun to see your friends, page after page. It feels like we know them by now! @Corrie KinkelOn that "sponge" layout, I almost thought you made a brush out of that specific fungi, which is something one could do! It matches so well. @Ron Welcome back. I hope you are doing ok now. Speaking of translation, I once translated a tutorial, from French to English and uploaded online. A while later, I stumbled upon a translation of the English tutorial, back into French, and the instructions were hilarious!!! I know Google translate might not be good with technical terms but this was a gem!!! If you are ever stuck on a word, just ask. We have members speaking various languages who would be happy to help. I'll hunt down an old document with translated PSP terms. I'll put that on my to-do list. @Linda J WalkerDon't stress yourself. You probably learn details as you watch the videos, even if you don't do it immediately. We know that other things do happen. Unfortunately, PSP is not always the priority. @Anja PelzerThat is a very interesting scalloped frame. Did you do it from scratch? I love that multiple frame. The shading is perfect too. You had great brushes to create the edge of your mask.

Remember that you can always tweak a mask by brushing some black or white in strategic places, so you can always have the "perfect" mask at your fingertips.

The Campus is the perfect place to learn more about photo editing, various techniques, or PSP in general. This challenge will give you an opportunity to practice some of those techniques or use some tools. This time, the Tut/Tech Challenge will be to create a seamless tile. This might be a simple technique, but it is extremely versatile and can be used in so many ways, with so many designs. It will be a great way to practice this technique. Show us what you learned.

@GabrielaGreat layout. You used a nice combination of elements to make a cohesive page. @Susan EwartYou should consider adding that story to the page. It is a cute story and would certainly add to the smile it will produce on any reader's face. It is great to see you experiment to find what you like. For the intertwined frames, you can review the Dynamic frames masterclass. @Mary SolaasSometimes, I also forget that simple things are not always obvious to everyone. I am sure you will make more frames in the future! The reason it seem harder is probably because every time, you try harder and newer techniques ? @Anja PelzerYou did a great job with the brushwork on that paper! @Julie MagerkaYes, when creating your own mask, you can adjust it to what you want to show or hide on a photo and nobody would know better! Text on a path might be a challenge at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will never forget. @Ann SeeberThe banding will only show with gradient. Maybe it was there but not as obvious in other projects? Or the compression might also have been different on different gradients too. For the Brush Variance palette, there are two Master classes on the topic. You might want to review those. Out of curiosity, what is the compression setting you are using? The pixellation around the text seems a bit more than usual. @Hank SobahIn order to avoid seeing a straight edge, you can tweak the mask (like on the top) or slightly enlarge the photo to "hide" that edge. Did you try that? @Linda LarsenIf you are having as much fun as those in the photos, it will be a success! Great work! @TonimarieThis is only a tiny sample of what is inside. Looking forward to seeing you on the inside too. Nice layout. @sharon thompsonYou did great with that mask. Although it is not easy when you start, with some practice, you will see that will become more automatic and will make sense more and more. @MoniqueN. if you want to create layouts with images that need to be blurred, we would understand and it would still be lovely to see. You know of different ways to hide faces? There is a blog post about that. @Donna Sillia To answer your request for comments about the shadows, you might need to move the shadow at the tip of the skis, toward the bottom to give the impression of lifted/curved tips. You might need to use the Warp Brush to do that. Can you try? For the snowflakes masks, I think you did a good job. Sometimes, the design will look good when the edges of the "main shape" is sharp, other times, it looks better if it is blurred. And sometimes, it is also a matter of what the image is. @Gerry LandrethNice way to use those corner punches. Glad to see the new brushes too. @Corrie KinkelThat is an example of those interlocking frames that @Susan Ewartis looking for! great mask! @Leslie Jostes I am not sure why but you are not the only one with issues with the links to Escale Amoureuse. For anyone else who has issues, can you try these links: https://s3.amazonaws.com/Scrapbook_Campus_files/PBS-Escale_Amoureuse-Partie1.zip https://s3.amazonaws.com/Scrapbook_Campus_files/PBS-Escale_Amoureuse-Partie2.zip We are heading toward the last two lessons. If you have not posted yet, don't worry, it is never too late to start! The tutorials will stay available for an extra week after Sunday to help you. Of course, DIAMOND members keep access during all their membership.

Two paragraphs below where you found the links to the Escale Amoureuse, you will find a mention of Alinamaria's template and a link to her blog. There, scroll down a bit until you find the word TELECHARGEMENT under the template. That will bring you to Mediafire, a hosting site. You will see the big blue button saying DOWNLOAD (37.29MB) on the right. That is where you click to download it. I have to admit that Mediafire, like many other hosting sites can be a nightmare to navigate! Let me know if you find it.

@Mary SolaasOK, good to know you have already tried changing the scaling. In fact, once you get comfortable trying things, you can then have more options to find what works and what you like. @GabrielaSince your background is dark, have you considered using a lighter color for the title? I wonder if it would make it easier to read. Goot to see you catching up. @Ann SeeberInteresting way to use the mask and the "holes" with a different color. To answer your question about the "stripes", it is called "banding". It usuallly happens when fewer colors are used, which is common when you are compressing AND resizing too. Consider that instead of 3600 different colors in the gradient, you end up with only 600 since the image is only 600 pixels. @cindy harrisI will ask permission from Lady22 to see if I can share her template to help those who get completely lost with her French site. @TonimarieI am glad you are finding new ways to use what you used before. @Anne LampIt is interesting how you used the kaleidoscope effect without making it into a tile. Often, it is too powerful, but you managed it very well. And the way you placed the image on the background, it really put the focus on it. @Carol Anne WallIsn't that easy, in the end, to make a mask? And now that you understand how to make them, you will surely try again! @Rene MarkerGreat layout. It is interesting how your background, being the same blue as the sky of the image, the masking makes it nicely blended. @Sue ThomasIt is great how you worked with the perspective and layered in a way that it appears under the rope. @MoniqueN.Looking forward to your work. No rush though: enjoy the nice interruption! @Marie-ClaireI am so glad to see that tag being used! And seeing all those photos of your dog, I almost wish I had one (although I am a cat person more than a dog person). @Susan EwartThank you for sharing your process and how it helps in the end. I am sure it will help others too. @Corrie KinkelIs that title a single word for the name of that mushroom? I am not sure I would be able to pronounce it! @Lesley MapleGlad you are getting comfortable in making your own masks. You will see that you will find more opportunities to use them. I would suggest being careful having text on top of a ribbon, especially for a ribbon that is not completely flat. Are you able to put the ribbon on top of the text, and resizing it or moving it in a way to not hide the text too much? @sharon thompsonYES, masks can be used in many other projects than scrapbooking. And once you understand the principle of masking, you can use other adjustment layers in even more creative ways. For those who do have access to the DIAMOND membership, the Fantasy World master class uses those adjustment layers to create... adjustments. @Gerry LandrethThanks for the name of that font. As a subscriber, I might be able to get it. I love the quote for your layout. I think it can also apply to families with young children!! This thread is so busy that I heard some members mention they get flooded with notifications. If you don't want to get an email for every single post in this thread (which the default if you have posted in it), you can change that either by unsubscribing, or getting only one daily notification. For that, go to the top of the thread where you should see the red button that says "Following". Click on it to change your preferences. I also wanted to let you know that this weekend, I will be at the computer a little less than usual, but I won't neglect you. If you have issues, don't hesitate to contact me or to post in the forum. I might just be a little slower than usual.

Along with the extra goodies.

So many wonderful projects posted! @Ann SeeberYes, Cupidon is the French name for Cupid ? The striped title is a really nice touch and matches the topic! @Tonimarie, as Susan mentioned, the "fainter" color means that the mask was grey. @Hank Sobahadding more than one element inside a mask group is not typical, but as you show, it gives interesting results. You must have reduced the opacity of the top layer, right? @Julie MagerkaIsn't it amazing how a little detail is sometimes just enough to give a finishing touch? @Sue ThomasI love to look at your projects and always discover little details here and there, like the lifted shadows and the delicate shading. @Rene MarkerI like both backgrounds, but the red one is definitely "richer" and contrasts with the photo, making it stand out. Those patterned papers can yield such different results! Glad that the process is getting more automatic for using Masks. It looks like you are having great fun with those papers! @Anne LampIt looks like you managed to do that mask. In order to see those faint edges more, I would suggest you either reduce the scale of the pattern (if it is a pattern) or apply a solid color with reduced opacity to still show the pattern behind (referring to the first layout). On the second one, it seems more proportionate. By the third project, I think you are getting the hang of it. @Mary SolaasIf you want an additional challenge, check the list of tutorials in the membership; there are 4 different tutorials for different types of plaids! When patterns seem overpowering, one way to tame them is to reduce the scale. Did you try that? @Marie-ClaireThat was such a great choice to apply an effect to the paper. By exploring those commands, we can discover some really neat tricks (wait until Day 6 to see what "accident" I discovered!) @Susan EwartGlad to see that you are comfortable enough to start manipulating those masks layers. This will open a lot of possibilities for you. @Corrie KinkelI am not responsible for addictions to plaids, kaleidoscope, and the upcoming tutorials! ? @Anja Pelzerdid you use a photo for the fill of the title? It looks great. @SuzyI wonder if those turtoises didn't play with your PSP while you were not looking?? @Linda LarsenWelcome to the Campus and this workshop. Your first project is very well done. Yes, learning about masks will be a great addition to your "toolbox" with PSP. @Gerry LandrethLovely photo. What is the font you used? I love those monoline fonts! @Donna SilliaDid you use the mask as a mask or did you "paint" it? That is quite a photo to cherish! @sharon thompsonWith practice, you will see how you can tweak or even create your own masks when you don't have the perfect one on hand. @GabrielaSuch a nice matching background (or course!). You did a great job. @Lesley MapleSo many techniques are very easy (and addictive too). Be careful!! ? @Carol Anne WallIs there any pink at all in the selection you started with? The command will only use the colors included. Could you show what section you used that seem to always give you that pink? @Linda J WalkerIf you want, you can combine all the strips together to make a single layer mask, but you can also just use them to colorize them and show as a "mat" under the photo. As requested, some written instructions are now available as a bonus to our DIAMOND members. I uploaded them for days 1, 2, and 4 (tomorrow). I'll try to finish the others in the next day or two.

Wow, look at all those new projects!!!! I am so glad!! @Susan EwartNo problem in starting late. As a DIAMOND member, you will keep access permanently anyways! ? @Ann SeeberBe careful not to distort the elements! Your Cupidons seem a little stretched. Maybe you used a square frame and applied it to a rectangular image? On your Day 2, did you add shadows on the small images? That owl really looks tired! @kasanyIs there a privacy reason to hide this lady's face? @Corrie KinkelI love your little signature on the card! Yes, using scripts can be a time saver. It is still a good review to do it manually, once in a blue moon. @TonimarieYou will see that it will get easier with each project. Lovely card! @Anja PelzerWonderful layout about your sister. @Carol Anne WallYes, it is something that everyone should know about, but often, they don't know what they don't know. Beware: it can become addictive! ? I think that the plaid is ok. Maybe you can just reduce the scale if you want it less "powerful". @Sue ThomasAs usual, your photos are so crisp!!! @Leslie Jostes Looking forward to your projects. @MoniqueN.I will work on transcription of the videos. @Marie-ClaireI can always know whose layout it is when you show your four-legged model! @Julie MagerkaDid you have shadows on the small images? Sometimes they "disappear" when you resize. @Gerry LandrethYes, as they age, they seem to want to party with others than their family. @sharon thompsonRenaming the layers might be useful, but typically, if you have the thumbnails it is not as essential. What version of PSP do you use? @Rene MarkerThat texture is great on the page. Fun to see those tutorials "in action"! @Donna SilliaThat plaid is perfectly matching your photo, obviously :). Be a little careful with the shadows on the title: it makes it look like it is floating. @Lesley MapleThat plaid fits perfectly. It can get addictive too! Did you add shadows to the little photos? @Gabriela No problem in "starting late. You will catch up for sure! Keep up the great work. If you have not posted yet, we are waiting for you. If you have any issue, just ask.

Do you have fun stories about Valentine's Day? Share with us and let's chitchat!

@Liz HubbardWhich instructions are confusing you? Which day? To download the supplies or to use the template? There are very few instructions/supplies that are not in English.

It probably just depends on your habitual workflow. Since there are often different ways to do things, use the method that is more comfortable for you, as long as you get to the same result in the end.

That is a good observation and you got me to recheck things. However, the Deselect will do the trick. If using the Defloat, the selection would stay and it would require the extra step of deselecting.

Let me know what step is confusing or not working so I can help you further.

@Julie MagerkaGlad to hear that it is getting easier. As Sue has mentioned, keep going and with practice, it will become easier and more automatic. @Rene MarkerNice to get back to an older layout. Did you not post it last year? @Sue Thomas Your wordart is always a masterpiece! @Anja PelzerSorry for your loss. I am glad you are learning to use masks in PSP. You know, the idea of the clipping mask in PS is exactly the inspiration for the script Clip to It! @Mary SolaasDid you use the wrapped text for the journaling? The effect is lovely. I think you are having fun with the other templates! @Lesley Maple Yes, with practice it will become easier. Or if you want it faster (without thinking), the Clip to It script does the same thing, but automatically. @Ann SeeberInteresting how the center owl seems to blend into the background! @Corrie KinkelWhy not show off mushrooms? The pictures of nature are always beautiful. @sharon thompsonIf you ever want to create pages for family and friends, you can always replace the photos when you print the pages for them. And yes, you will be able to use the same technique for tags or other graphic projects if you are not into scrapbooking. @Donna SilliaYou are definitely having fun with those brushes! @Gerry LandrethYou are quite prolific in a single day!!! If you have not yet posted, don't be shy! If you are stumped, post your questions. We are here to help. See you tomorrow for more lessons!

Yes, crazy quilt is something I will likely try. ?

Maybe I'll change my plans and do a Shadow box tutorial for the March lab module. Or maybe a Master class instead? Hum...

Do you want something that will be printed or something that you will keep digital? Is that something to show or for yourself only? For tangible goods, I know of what is called "Traveller's Notebooks", but I am not sure about digital versions. I am sure something can be done in PSP.

This month, I couldn't get away from Valentine's Day. After all, it is the theme of the month also. For that reason, I am suggesting a color palette around pink and peach tones. Of course, your project might include other colors (otherwise it would be monochrome). Just make sure these colors are featured and used. Although these colors might be mostly associated with Valentine's Day, you don't have to create something around that theme: it is just the palette, and you have to be creative. Can you create a project using these colors?