Heritage Blocks

If you don't have an account yet, set yourself up at http://www.makeyourmomentslast.com/ then call me or send me an email & I will send you the template absolutely free so you can start creating your heritage blocks today!

heritage blocks instructions:

HERITAGE MAKERS:
The first 12x12 sheet makes 2 of the tall blocks 3.5x5.5”. The wedding announcement and the letter are just ideas... you can put photos, journaling, whatever you want. There is a piece for every side except the bottom.
The second 12x12 sheet makes 3 of the smaller square blocks 3.5”x3.5”. I added some text ideas, but you can remove them and do something different or add more photos.
Note: The patterns can also be switched out for an entirely NEW look... baby blocks, holiday, etc.

GETTING THE WOODEN BLOCKS:
The wooden blocks were made from a standard 2x4 from a home improvement store. They are very cheap, but make a lot, so you might want to do more than one set or share with someone. (2x4s are actually 1.5”x3.5” finished size.) The 2x4s can be cut with a hand saw, but we recommend using a power saw to save time, energy and to get a cleaner cut. Cut your wood into 3.5” square and 3.5”x5.5” rectangle blocks.

PREPARING THE BLOCKS:
You can sand the blocks a bit to get a smoother surface and edges. Then use some black or dark brown paint on the edges to keep any wood from showing through on your finished blocks. Also paint the bottom of each block.

PRINTING & ASSEMBLY:
Cut the pieces out of the 12x12” sheets. There will be dark brown edges on every piece. Compare with your wooden blocks and trim as needed. Once you have the pieces the right size you can use a dark marker to conceal the white edges of the photo paper. Using Matte Modge Podge, adhere your pieces to the block. Use a credit card to smooth out any bubbles. Allow to dry. Now add a layer of modge podge to the entire block to give it a finished look and texture.

Photo Shop Shortcut tip from Designer Digitals

O - O - O - It's Magic!

You can also watch this tip on video on our blog: Digital Scrapbooking Tips and Tricks: Viewing Documents at Actual Size [Video]

The functions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are so amazing, it's almost like magic!
Here's a magical way to quickly re-size your document. When you want to view your document in the editing window as large as possible, press Ctrl + 0 (Mac: Cmd + 0) on the keyboard. This fills the editing window with your open document. I find this a fast way to return to workable size when I've zoomed way in or way out to work on the project.

When you want to view your document at actual size, press Ctrl + Alt + 0 (Mac: Cmd + Opt + 0) on the keyboard. This is especially helpful when you are resizing your project for viewing on the web or in online galleries.

Add these shortcuts to your bag of Photoshop tricks this week!

(Vacation) Holiday Photo Tips

(Vacation) Holiday Photo Tips - (borrowed from Fotofast in Australia)

Prepare before you go and while you are away to make sensational photo books on your return, saving time and making a much more interesting photo book.


Part of the fun of any holiday is browsing through your photos. It's a great way of prolonging the feel good factor, especially when your photos reflect what a brilliant time you had. So here are a few helpful hints.


Get up to date
Be honest, how old is your camera? Digital cameras have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. If yours is a little ancient it could be what's holding you back. Today's models have superb picture quality and easy to use features to give your images the edge. You could even cash in at the airport if going overseas by claiming the GST on any camera bought within a month of departure.


Camera Settings
Make sure that the file size is set to approx 1.5- 2mb per image or second highest quality and set your time and date. Make sure that you synchronize your cameras time/date with anyone else in your family or group, so when loading a photo book into our photo kiosks they will be in order, this saves a lot of time!


Plenty of pictures
Any photographer will tell you, to get great results it helps to take lots of pictures. Packing a spare camera battery and your charger will ensure you've plenty of power. With memory cards it's a case of the more the better. These are now great value so there's no excuse for not having enough.


Get inspired
Take a look at local postcards to give you an idea of where you can find the most interesting photo opportunities and note how professionals have captured local highlights. You don't have to copy what they've done but it will certainly inspire you. The most important thing is to make sure that you or your family or friends are in as many photos as possible, this is what will make your photo book your own unique photobook. You can always buy postcards or printed books if it is just about the view, building, animals etc. Take one of those small travel tripods and with your camera self timer you too can be in the photo.


Tell a story
Think about detail shots. When you're out enjoying dinner, in addition to typical shots across the table, get a photo of the outside of the restaurant so you can recall its name. Try and remember to photograph the food - before you tuck in! Perhaps there's a great view, or some musicians playing that would make a memorable photograph. Collections of themed photos like this really sum up the atmosphere and are perfect for photobooks, collages and calendars.


Early start
Get up early on holiday! Don't worry, you don't have to do this everyday, but catching the flattering early morning light will be a great asset to your images. Starting early also means there are fewer people to cause distractions. If you have to work in harsh daylight try putting your subject in the shade, or using fill-in flash to disguise unflattering shadows.


Think before you click
Think about the overall balance of your pictures. You don't want to end up with endless images of the same stretch of beach. Try waiting for a bright blue sky, interesting cloud formation, or breathtaking sunset. Also consider other areas of interest to give a sense of scale, such as your kids in the foreground making sandcastles, or colourful boats along the shore.


Check these web sites for lots of great ideas,

HP http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/digital_photography/take_better_photos/index.html
National Geographic http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography

The Worth of a Card

THE WORTH OF A CARD

The world is filled with all kinds of cards: birthday cards, wedding cards, graduation cards, get well cards, announcement cards… And beyond the event categories are humorous cards, sentimental cards, musical cards… With so many cards, it’s easy to run to the nearest store, buy a cheap card, and mail it.

Sure, buying a card can be simple, but what does a store-bought card really say? What ever happened to personalized cards that show thought and excitement for specific life events?

Shirley Johnson is a real-estate agent who put her creative skills to good use by designing personalized cards for some clients. The 5x7 invitation, which included a picture of the clients and their new home, was a great way for her clients to announce their move. They loved the card so much, they took time out of their Christmas day to call and thank Shirley. Shirley says it made her Christmas too.

Personalized cards don’t only say so much more to the recipients, they mean a lot to the givers as well.