Using Transparencies to Create Dimension.
By Emma Stafrace - Boutique Stylist
There are many patterned and Motif Transparencies on the market, but finding the right one for your LO is not always easy. In this tutorial we are going to look at making our own designs to create dimension on your project. There are many applications for using transparencies like adding journaling or an image to your project without covering up any background PP’s. But my favourite way to use them is to to layer them over an existing image, like a flower.In the following steps you will learn the basic application of designing an image in your photo editing program, printing that design onto the transparency and then creating the final dimensional embellishment.

Step1: Open up a photo or image you have in your computer, in this instance it is a picture of a sunflower. Do any tweeking you may think it needs ie: Change the saturation or light source so that you have a clear, and crisp image with lots of detail.  Step 2: This step is important. When saving your colour image make sure the dpi (dots per inch) is set at 300, this ensures a high quality image is saved for premium printing. Print this image out onto photo paper or cardstock.Step3: Re-open your newly edited image and change it to Greyscale. The next process is to add filters that enhance the greyscale image so that it is a Black and White image. Most photo editing programs have a saturation filter. When you apply this you are changing the brightness and contrast levels so that you have a distinct B&W image. You will notice that by rendering this process a lot of detail is lost, that is exactly we want to create… lots of white space with some detail left. Once you are happy with your image save it, then continue to step 4.

Step 4: This is a crucial step to remember. Change the direction of your B&W image so that it is flipped vertically into a mirror image. The reason for this is that this B&W image will be printed onto the transparency Paper. N:B All Transparency Papers have a rough and glossy side. The Rough textured side is the side that the image is printed onto. Once printed and time allowed to dry ,we want to flip the printed image over and have the glossy side facing up on our LO, so obviously when we do flip it the image is the correct way up, the same way as our original coloured image when the two are overlayed.

Step 5: Carefully cut the two images out. If your transparent image is a flower like this one cut the petal outlines into the center making sure you still have the center in tact.
Step 6: Using some clear dry adhesive, paste the transparency cut out over the corresponding photo image and fluff up the petals to create dimension then adhere it to your project. Now you have a uniquely custom designed embellishment. NB: To add even more dimension to your page, cut out a small piece of cardboard and adhere that to the underside of your flower then using a pop dot stick it onto your page. You could also use some flower Soft on the embellishment to create texture.

Hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.
 

This month our scrapper of the month

is the lovely Sharon aka MissCorgi.

Here is a little bit more about her.

· When did you start Scrapbooking?

5 years ago. I started scrapbooking in January 2005 when I decided I would do an album for my Son Joshua’s 21^st in the November. A scrapbook shop in Bendigo was advertising a “free lesson”, just bring your photographs, so off I went one night and did a single page and a double page, I was so happy with myself. At Joshua’s 21^st I presented him with 2 albums containing 86 layouts. He loved them and took them to his party to show everyone. What a journey, most of the photographs I had not looked at for years, and I knew I was hooked on Scrapping.

· How would you describe your style?

I’m not sure if I have a style as such, I love to try anything, but I guess I’m a neat scrapper with most pictures being matted and straight on my layouts.

· What do you prefer to do… LOs, cards or OTP.

Definitely LO’s, but over the last couple of years I have done a few OTP items and quite a few cards (thanks Liz).

· Where do you get your inspiration from, what inspires you…

When I’m doing themed pages, I draw my inspiration from my photo and work from there. I also get inspired by all the gorgeous pages on the Boutique and the challenges set by the stylists.

· •     What is your favourite product?

That is a difficult one because I love so many things, but I guess Thickers are my most used items, with pp running a close 2^nd and ribbon and lace and…..hehehe.

· What is your favourite colour combination?

Bright colours are a favourite, but I also enjoy the vintage colours in cream and browns.

· Who is your favourite scrapper?

Let me see, no-one famous, but I have quite a few favourites at the Boutique, whose work I admire.

· What is your latest product purchase and how do you plan to use that product?

Dark brown cardstock, which I use a fare bit. I used it in a LO for my Uncle’s 80 birthday, and framed it. I’m very happy with how it turned out, and I’m sure he will love it too.

· What do you love about the boutique?

Chelsea and her Boutique are just the best. I’ve never been one for on-line anything, but I’ve fallen for the Boutique. Especially love the shopping and all the new products, and the very talented stylists.

· Can you please show us your favourite creation that you have made.

My favourite page is one I did back in June for Manon’s roast – thanks Manon.

ATC’s are little works of art. They measure 2.5″ x 3.5″, the traditional size of a football trading card. They can be original artworks, limited editions or a series. The possibilities are endless with how you construct them, using any materials and shapes you like and are a great way to use up all those scrap pieces of papers you have in your stash.The ATC’s are commonly used to showcase and share new techniques, and are invariably used in a swap which we would love to start up in mid October here at Scrapboutique!

Step 2: Cut the cardstock using the template which I will
attach a link to in the forum.
Step 3: Play around with all your elements until your
happy with the final configuration, then adhere using
your adhesives, stitching or brads.

Step 4: The final stage is an almost complete ATC,
all it needs is some flair so add that perfect embellie
or journalling anything goes here,
just leave it to your imagination.

Step 5: Your ATC is finished. In this one I cloned
my face into the cartoon image of Wonder Woman using photoshop.

Hi ladies!

I had the pleasure of working with the versatile papers from the Memento Collection 5 range - perfect papers for the boy in your life and perfect for making cards and projects.

When you purchase any of the Memento Collection 5 range you will receive instructions to make this fun Note Card Holder and full images for all of the notecards. 

I also created these cards using the papers from the Memento Collection 5 range.

Happy Birthday Card

Happy Birthday Card (closed)

Happy Birthday Card (slightly opened)

I also created some digital sentiments which you can use - just right click and “save as” the image. 

I hope you all purchase the Memento Collection 5 papers and make sure to show off your work in the gallery!

Happy Creating

Liz

A new feature we are introducing each Month in the Boutique!!

  

* When did you start scrapbooking?
I can’t remember exactly. I’ve been decorating diaries and albums since childhood, and hoarding photographs since my teens when I became obsessed with travel and photography.  Somewhere along the line I went looking for an album, found a 12×12 and became hooked on scrapbooking! I remember that one of the first ‘real’ scrapbooking ranges I purchased was Basic Grey ‘Phresh & Phunky’ back when it was a “new release”.  (Close to five years ago??)
* How would you describe your style?
Ummm… I find it hard to analyse my own layouts.  Photo-centric, not a lot of product, mostly linear, with strong colour combinations, and lots of ‘value adding’ with inking, distressing, hand-cutting, stitching and (occasionally) painting. 
* What do you prefer to do, LO’s, cards or OTP?
The primary reason I scrap is to record memories and events in a creative way, so my first love is layouts - usually 12×12 or 8×8.  Lately I’ve become more comfortable with cards but that’s still a very distant second.
* Where do you get your inspiration from, what inspires you…
I find inspiration everywhere. I keep a scrap journal of ideas too, funny things that my daughter says or does, snatches of song lyrics, quotes, colour combinations that I want to try, cuttings from homewares catalogues, sketches. I thrive on challenges, so I’m definitely inspired by a challenge that takes me out of my comfort zone.
* What is your favourite product?
I’m really fickle and I have absolutely no brand loyalty, LOL!! It changes all the time.  Lately I’m loving Bo Bunny and My Minds Eye paper ranges, and I’m addicted to alphabets and flowers of all kinds.
* What is your favourite colour combination?
My favourites change all the time (maybe daily!!) I scrap lots of blue/green, red/white, brown/teal, and lime green/hot pink.  And I also love scrapping in monochromatic themes.
* Who is your favourite scrapper?
I can’t choose one.  I don’t buy scrap magazines so I have no idea who the currently published scrappers are. My favourite scrappers are those who are ‘real’ to me, both online and face-to-face friends, because we have shared stories and developed friendships.  I love scrapping with friends because I get to see their layouts in real life and see part of the creative process. 
* What is your latest product purchase and how do you plan to use that product?
I recently purchased two Martha Stewart punches from the Boutique - and I’ve been punching every edge in sight, LOL!!  I used the Arch Lattice punch on my September 1,2,3 challenge entry (in the Boutique gallery).  I find that using punched decorative edges is a fun way to give older papers a new look.
* What do you love about the Boutique?
The Boutique Babes!! I love the friendly and supportive chatter on the forum.  I am inspired by the Stylists, and I visit the gallery almost every day to check out everyone’s newest creations. And of course, Chelsea’s customer service is second to none.  I’m so excited about going to the retreat next month and meeting Chels and the other Boutique Babes in person.
* Can you please show us your favourite creation that you have made?
I couldn’t choose a favourite so I’m sharing a new one that I created on the weekend.  I love it because it’s a fun photo of my daughter, and it uses some of my current favourite things – Bo Bunny papers, machine stitching, and some Fancy Pants acetate pieces painted up with lime green and pink.  Another reason I love it is because it’s not for a challenge or a design project, it’s a “just because” layout and I really need to do more of those!