Julie Magerka

Thanks for saying that Cristina! I was too embarrassed to ask about how it's done b/c I've long forgotten the technique too!

This is my interpretation of the instructions. And the words are accurate. NOTHING happens until the teapot is steeping and the first cup is poured in the morning. (I switched to morning tea many years ago after a walking tour in Devon where the coffee was terrible but the tea was bracing!) Bits and pieces from my stash. The sketch of the teapot is from Pixabay (artist: sylvia gaudenzi) with a mask and blended.

I like the irregularity of the black stroke being just a bit off. Very cool alpha.

I received a free mini kit from ET Designs (called Graceful). I wanted to use it so I had to come up with an idea since I had no photos that might work. I added elements from Vicki Robinson and Rachel Jefferies which "spoke" to me. It's just about those days when things don't seem to come together very well and not much gets done. I call them my "zip" days.

I appreciate your reply kasany, but it doesn't mean much to me. I will do a google search to see if I can figure this out. I don't use many plug-ins so I'm rather stupid about this.

I = indigo

I wasn't aware of Betty's site with the materials she offers. Thanks. But what does she mean by the "filters" needed to complete those layouts?

Really brilliant and colorful ;photos. I've never heard the term "astrophotographer".

A topic I have a photo for! Back in January last year, we had a spectacular sunset followed the next morning by an equally amazing sunrise. The pix I took are not good, but the colours are wonderful. I wanted to keep it simple b/c I can't do it any better than Mother Nature. The frames are from Katie Pertiet. Used a mask from ET Designs. Fonts are Tuce and With Summer. A couple of splatters and the clock from Anna Aspnes.

I don't care how thick they say the ice is....not gonna drive on it! Gives me the shivers just thinking of it. But gorgeous pic and layout.

I wasn't big on girlie things like dolls, but I loved my teddys and other stuffed animals. I still have a few of them.

I know what you're going to say: this doesn't look like a giraffe! And when I see it up close like this, I'm not sure either. But it's a much-loved (and slobbered on) dog toy that we call the giraffe. None of my dogs over the years have destroyed their toys. Licked 'em, carried 'em, worried 'em, but not chewed to pieces. (The toy does have a long neck!)

Nature is brutal, but I like not to think of that. You make it very palatable with your photos and layouts.

I really like your layout as well. But, oh my, that bird's name is something else. I'm reluctant to think why that's the name. 😐

Great story of the history of this special piece.

Great balance on that page with your papers and elements. It works so well.

Once you "get" the concept of using layers you will be ahead of the game using PSP (or any other app). It is the basis of how layouts are constructed. It took me quite a while to lock that idea into my head!

First up: apologies to non-Canadians for this layout. It really is not a political statement as much as an explanation of the rallying cry we Canadians are using these days. It originated with the hockey superstar, Gordie Howe, who was known as "Mr Hockey". With events happening now, the term "elbows up" has been co-opted by many (including actor Mike Myers) to signify our national solidarity. Also of note: the new bridge between our two countries (in planning and construction for over a decade) linking Windsor (ON) and Detroit (MI) is called the Gordie Howe Bridge and opens this summer. Gotta appreciate irony!

I watch it for the history they bring into the objects! Always learning new stuff from that program.

I'm finding that Win 10 is starting to mess with files and other things. Some files won't show up except as black squares, which I think MS is doing on purpose to push us to Win 11. I know I will have to get it before October, but I may do it sooner to get things back in order. But a mouse? That's strange.

I find it funny (right word?) how I also go through "phases" of what grabs my attention. I really enjoy seeing what grabs yours.

Making me hungry! Anything with maple syrup or maple sugar is all right by me!

I live in an area that produces maple syrup and it's become very expensive as well. But I love the stuff. When I can find it, I love to buy maple sugar.

I learn the darndest things from the Nat Geo emails I receive. I can't read all the articles, but I can google the ones that are only available to subscribers. This is one story recently that caught my attention. It is about the Giant Pouched Rats of Africa who have been trained (by an organization called APOPO) since about 2016 to sniff out landmines and tuberculosis. The critters are about 25 cm (12 in) long and have a highly-developed sense of smell. Some of them are famous and have received awards for their success rates. Google Magawa or Carolina, two hero rats. I never imagined doing a layout about rats, but hey! they're a story unto themselves. Lots of bits and pieces from different designers; image from online.

It makes my heart ache to think of this young guy so heartbroken over losing his "best bud". It takes some time to absorb the loss. Tears are good at such a time.