Flipz by Sooze / Scraps by Sooze

Getting Back Into The Swing...

Since my last post I've been busy with designing digiscrap kits, paper packs and element packs. I've noticed a huge difference in the type of (mostly) elements digiscrappers are now using. A lot of those "realistic" flower elements seem to be very popular at the moment.

Another trend seems to be for cluster frames, such as the ones below (click on the pic to go to my Etsy Store). I've also noticed that scrappers are moving away from patterned papers, in fact I've seen a lot o layouts on a plain white background, which can be very effective,

One thing I've always preferred is a background paper with "texture" as opposed to a flat colour. It's personal preference of course but I think it really adds to the whole feel of the layout. The easiest way to change a flat background to a textured one is to add a texture overlay. This is easily done in most photo editing/digiscrap by adding the overlay on the layer above your paper and changing its opacity to "overlay". Easy peasy and very effective!

Another trend that's everywhere is using photo clipping masks, which is a very effective way to highlight the photo in your layout...and the photo SHOULD be the star of the layout.

I use Photoshop CS6 for my scrapping/designing but the instructions below should help you to learn how to use clipping masks.

How to Use a Photo Clipping Mask

I work with an older version of Photoshop, however, these instructions should apply to later versions. If you work with a different program which uses layers the process should be similar. There are many video tutorials available on YouTube - just search for “clipping masks” and the name of your software/program.

1. Open your background - layer 1

2. Add your clipping mask - layer 2

3. Add your photo - layer 3 (top layer)

4. On the layers menu, right click on the photo layer and choose “create clipping mask” Your photo will now clip to the shape of the mask!

5. Both the photo and the clipping mask can be resized to suit your needs by highlighting the appropriate layer.

6. For scrapbooking layouts you can now add your wordart, embellishments, etc to complete your layout.

7. Remember that your photo should always be on the layer ABOVE the clipping mask!

I hope this helps if you've been wondering how to achieve this effect in your layouts. Any questions? Just give me a shout either by leaving a comment below this post or by following Scraps by Sooze on Facebook. You can also email me at info@flipzbysooze.com

You can also join our brand new digiscrap, card-making and papercrafts group HERE. Followers of my page and group members get first peek at my new designs, sales and offers in my Etsy Store and my occasional freebies!

I'll leave you for now with some of my recent designs and layouts.

Happy scrappin'!

Sooze x

Find "A Trip to the Zoo" HERE

Find "Bloom and Grow" HERE

Due to health issues, I've had to put my furniture painting on hold for the past few months. Disappointing, as I really enjoy taking a wreck of a piece and bringing it to life again, but it's unavoidable for now. Hopefully I can get back into it very soon.

In the meantime I've gone back to one of my favourite hobbies - digital scrapbooking. A few years ago I spent all my spare time scrapbooking and card making. I also designed digital scrapbooking kits and sold them in several online scrap stores. Just recently I decided to get back into this very enjoyable craft and have done several digital layouts and created quite a few kits/paper packs. I'm really enjoying doing something creative again!

One thing I've found since returning to digital scrapping is that it's not quite as popular as it once was. However, I've noticed that crafters are starting to see the benefits of scrapping digitally again, as opposed to having stacks of papers, albums, embellishments, inks, etc, etc cluttering up their craft space. When scrapping digitally all your supplies are kept neatly in folders on your PC, laptop or in online storage. Although I still enjoy paper scrapping I have to admit that I love the creative side of designing my own papers and kits to use in my layouts. For the layout above I designed a paper pack called Cute Dinosaurs, which is now available in my Etsy store, Scraps by Sooze. I'd love it if you could have a look around and tell me what you think of the items I've created so far!

If you're like me and love to flick through an album of layouts, you can still have that option with digi-scrapping. I create all my layouts in 12"x12" (3600x3600px) format but the ones I want to print I simply resize to 8"x 8" and print them on my home printer. I then store them in an 8" x 8" scrap album or frame them to decorate my walls. Alternatively, I upload my layouts to an online photobook service and have them printed in hardback. These books make perfect gifts!

I'm hoping you'll decide to follow me on my scrapping journey and if you're new to the world of digi-scrapping then don't worry, I'll be posting hints, tips and tutorials on how to get started in this very absorbing craft! I'd also welcome any questions or requests you may have - you can either comment on this post or email me at info@flipzbysooze.com

I'll leave you with a couple of layouts and the papers/kits I used to create them.

Happy scrapping!

Sooze x