Digital Printing 101 - Lesson 2

Last week I gave you a glimpse into printing your digi files.  If you missed the post - make sure you go back and read up before we move to this week's lesson. 

Did you know that you could type on your digital files in Acrobat?

Most of the printables that I download come in the Acrobat format. While you can add text with other graphics programs, I wanted to show you how to do this technique inside Adobe Acrobat.

This card is a great example of a hybrid project. The papers used to create the card are from Marion Smith's Mad Tea Party Collection.  She gave the prototype papers at CHA. Check with your local retailers for availability - the collection is shipping in September.

The journal card that has the card sentiment on it, is from Marion's digital collection Scarlet.  The downloads are distributed in Acrobat.  I used the Papyrus font to add the sentiment in Acrobat - then I printed it to add to my card. 

Here is how it is done....

Here is a quick video showing you how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader & Adobe Acrobat Pro to type out your journaling on your  digital files.  

You may need to adjust your computer's volume the software captures my voice "soft".

 

NOTE:   Some conditions set by the author of the document could  prevent you from being able to do this in Reader since Reader was created  for "viewing purposes".

Download the Adobe Reader for free here!


Thank for stopping in today,

Tonya A. Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

Travel Journal - Marion Smith Life Planner

So tomorrow I'm headed out to CHA's Create & Connect Summer 2013. I can't wait to go! I've spent the last few weeks pinning every sneak peek I could find.  My mind is spinning and I've decided I really need to find a way to "focus".  I decided to make myself a little planner for the trip, and Marion Smith's latest printable - Life Journal Book was perfect.

The downloads are only $19.99 and you get 22 Journal Pages, 3 covers, 1 spine, Monthly calendar page, Weekly Planner Page, Daily Planner page,  Life Journal Intro page, Recipe Intro Page Photos intro page, planner intro page, Project planner page, 36 tabs, 4 photo frames, Recipe pages Notes page, Lists/shopping list page, 2 bookmark sets.  You can purchase the kit here!

Here is a walk through of my journal.

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Vintage Telegram Mini Album

Marion just released a new Mini Album Printable called Vintage Telegram.  If you love her Romance Novel Line with Prima Marketing, you are going to love this printable.  It is a mini album that compliments that line. You can purchase the kit at MarionSmithDesigns.com.

I couldn't wait to play with it, and I think it is an all time record for me - From printing to decorating - I created this mini in 8 hours.  WOW - can you believe it. 

 

I used the Tim Holtz vintage typewriter die for the cover.  I used utee and gold ink to give it that brass look.   Then I used several of my Spellbinders Grand Caliber Labels dies to make pockets and die cut insert pages.  Love how they add a little interest to the book.  Below are some of my favorite pages in the book.  

 

Here is a video of a page by page walk through of the mini.

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Digi Layout - Goofy Goobers

Last night Brighton and I went to dinner, and ran into these little cuties.

 

I took some photos with my phone and uploaded them into Instagram. Today I got to play around with some new Photoshop techniques, and wanted to share this little layout that I created with last night's images.

 

 

 

 

I hope you have a great weekend,

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http;//www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogpsot.com

 



Grand Mini Album

 

I am having so much fun playing with Marion Smith's Grand Mini Album Printable.  A few weeks ago I shared a layout that I created. Today I would like to share a mini album.   Here is the link to the  Grand Mini Album collection for you to download.

 

 

 

For the cover I decided to keep the design simple. This journal is being given to one of my interns at work. She is going to Italy to finish up her degree in a few months. I thought this would make a perfect travel journal, so I didn't want a lot of things on the cover that would get in the way. The cover has a jewel from Fab Scraps in the center of the bow and some of Marion's Vintage Trinkets are dangling down the ribbon.  The ribbon and jewels can be removed and replaced once the book is complete. I also included a Tim Holtz word plate that says "Enjoy the Journey".  

 

Below I wanted to share of few of the pages that I decorated.   

In this photo I wanted to share that I used a Grand Nestability die to cut some edged pages.  This gives interest, and they make great pocket pages if you want to break up some of the lined pages.

 

 

I included several pocket pages in the book, so that she may tuck memorabilia in them. I also incorporated some of the envelopes from Marion's other collections.  Garett's Tranes, Planes, and Automobile collection works great with this theme and printable.

 

 

This is one of my favorite spreads.  I love the Polaroid and banner that I cut from scraps. The frame is left open for her to add a picture. There is plenty of journal pages for her to document her journey.

 



 

This is a pocket that was an add on to the kit.  I had this butterfly die cut that someone had sent me, and it fit perfect on the page.  I used my Tim Holtz file folder on the edge die to give the note card interest.   Then finished off the page with a few Prima flowers, and a butterfly.

 

Here is a video giving detailed page by page descriptions and views.

 

 

 

I can't wait for her to return home and show me the finished mini. 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

Trick or Treat - Halloween 2012

Mr. Cooper, my 5 year old Nephew, decided this year he wanted to be the "Dark Knight" for Halloween. I asked him why, and he said "Because he is cooler than Spiderman".  I believe he was Spiderman last year (lol).  I love to ask all the little ones year after year, why they have decided on their costumes. It is a fun way to add journaling to your layouts, and makes for interesting topics as they get older.

 

This year, I used Marion's digi downloads from the Something Wicked Halloween Mini Album to create my 12x12 layout.  By layering the smaller designs and fussy cutting out the iconic elements, I was able to make the layout interesting and fun.

 

I dropped some Tattered Angels - Clam Bake - Glimmer Mist on the background cardstock,  then blew on the droplets, to create a splattered effect.

 



 

I have shared many times, that I love incorporating older products. Sometimes you need to give them a fresh look to match newer lines or themes.  The chipboard letters that spell out Treat were PINK - yes - PINK, and I painted them with Orange Extreme Glitter Paint from Plaid. It took several coats to hide the pink - but it was well worth it.  I used the heat tool to bubbled up the paint, so that it would look grungy.   The buttons were a set of old buttons from 2002 Daisy Dee (who is no longer in business) - it is nice to have them completely used and out of my stash.  From the scrap pile, I used some scrap canvas that I had painted orange for a Prima BAP layout, to create the tab.   Since I didn't have enough letters to spell out Trick or, I just hand wrote them on the canvas.  The 2012 is a piece of Mylar confetti that I got for Brittany's Graduation party.  I love to collect these, they make great date references on your projects.

 

 

 

 

The real treat here - is the joy I get seeing the kids excited.  I love when they ring my door bell, I act scared, and they just giggle. 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogpost.com

 

 

Resources:

• Black cardstock
  
  
• Marion Smith Designs Digi Downloads - Something Wicked Halloween Mini Album.
• Plaid - Extreme Glitter Paint Orange
• Tattered Angels - Clam Bake Glimmer Mist
• My Favorite Things Stamps - Curly Bracket Tab Die
• Daisy Dee - Buttons
• Devine Twine - Orange Bankers Twine
• EK Success Pumpkin dimensional, Washi Tape - Polk-A-Dot  
• Ranger, Black Soot Distress Ink
• Prima - Distress Tool
• 2012 - Confetti
• Chipboard Letters
• Stamping Up - Mini Label Punch
• Canvas
 
 
 

 

 



Something Wicked - Mini Album

Something Wicked is Marion's latest Mini Album Printable themed around Halloween.  You can order the download here.   Although this mini has a gothic feel to it, many of the designs could be used with her other printables.  

 

I created this little mini in just a few hours.  My daughter wants to use it to display her Halloween costumes from the past, and incorporate some of her future costumes for years to come.  She has always loved Halloween, and playing dressup, so it should make for an interesting book when it is filled.

In addition to Marion's downloads, I was able to incorporate a lot of dies, and vintage Prima tube flowers, with scraps of lace, and fibers.

When making the album, I cut some tickets from the scraps to make extra journal spots - so save those scraps!


Here is a video showing each page in detail. 

Did you download this mini?  If so please share your version with us on the Artsy Addicts Facebook Page. 

Thanks for stopping in today,
Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Friday Night Lights

For those who know me - my passion is FOOTBALL. Seriously I even volunteer so that I can stand on the sidelines with my toes in the grass. In my community - I'm known as Psychomom. They dubbed me this years ago. Every child I've ever photographed will tell you the name is well earned. They know if they are playing, I'm on the sidelines for them!  I pace the field with lens in hand, and hold my breath for that perfect SHOT!  I rush home, spend an hour cropping and posting so the kids/parents can see the photos.   It started when my son played his first game as a Pop Warner Mitey-Mite at 7 - he is now 16 and this is his first year at Varsity. 

A few weeks ago,  thanks to a friend who works for a local newspaper, I had a sideline bird's eye view for his first varsity football interception. 

 

That game he had 2 interceptions in the pouring rain.  So I decided to make an 8x10 collage print to hang on his wall.  As you can see I have every single step from before he caught the ball, until he jumped up!  Prints like this are great for sharing a number of pictures with loved ones.  I love making these because at a glance you get the entire story.

This year has been a little different because his stats are not just small talk among family, they are now posted in various newspapers around the state, and broadcast on local news stations.  I'm trying to collect up the stats from the newspapers and Internet highlights to make him a book . I'm so proud of him for giving everything on the field.  He has worked so hard, and it is so rewarding to see him put everything into his passions.  He may not be the largest one on the field, but he plays like he is 10ft tall and bullet proof. 

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

You Make Me Smile - Garment District

Seriously this is one of my favorite printables by Marion Smith Designs.  The Garment district paper is just awesome and so versatile.  I shared with you guys a mini album, and layout.  Today I want to share with you a card I made from the scraps from both the Mini and the layout. 

 

 

I sewed some of the smaller scraps together to create the background, and then proceeded to layer a few of the other journal cards, ephemera, and scraps together to form the focal point of the card. I used a spell binder's label die to showcase the sentiment. Then added some sprigs of flower pieces from a left over Prima vine.  The tiny roses are one of my all time favorite Prima flowers, and they are awesome for cards because of their size.

 

It is so fun using my scraps up, and creating such a wonderful piece.  The tiniest of pieces can be used as banners, or peeking from a layer.

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

 



Heritage Layout - Garment District

Garment District Printables from Marion Smith Designs have been at the top of my play list since I downloaded them. Last week,  I shared with you a little mini that I created using these papers. Today I want to share with you a layout I created using the scraps and left over designs that didn't make it to the mini.

I was digging in a box of stuff from my Grandmother's this past weekend, and I found this photo of a woman I believe to be my Great Great Aunt. There is very little information on the back of the photo; however, there is a note that says "Alice, here is the photo of Aunt Jessie's Sister" now I know that Jessie was my Great Grandmother's first name, so I figured out the relationship. I really wish I had a name of this beautiful woman, but that information was lost forever when my Grandmother and all her siblings passed away.  It is quite possible that she passed away at an early age, because my Mother wasn't sure who she was either.  

This brings me to the point of today's post.

When I create a layout - you rarely see my journaling and sometimes the title is subtle. But the 5w's [Who, What, When, Where and Why] are always addressed somewhere on the piece. I love to hide my journaling behind photos on pull out tags because I find it distracting on the layout.  If the design doesn't offer an appealing display of the journaling it is written on the back of the base page.

We often forget to do this because we know the person in the picture, or all of our current family members know the person. It is kind of one of those things that our mind tells us it isn't necessary because everyone knows the person. As time passes the information is lost much like it is with the subject of my layout share today.

While I know little about this woman, I know that Marion's collection fits the time period this photo was taken. It is probably safe to assume that she sewed since it was common in this era for women to make their own clothing.

I love how Marion's Garment district showcases this photo.  I used a lot of layers to frame the photo. This gives the photo more presence on the 12x12 layout.  Although I may not know the name of the woman in the photo, I was able to capture the information that I did know on the back of the layout.

Also note that this is not the original photo, I scanned and reprinted the photo used in the layout.

Thanks for stopping in today,

I hope you have a great weekend.

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

 

Two of a Kind / Garment District Layout

Besties-two of a kind girlfriends since second grade my daughter Olivia and her best friend Mikaela. Who both are now miles apart in colleges but are so close in heart. I knew when I saw this picture that I had to use the new Garment District Printables by Marion Smith.

The printables are 8.5 x 11 (with a 1/4 boarder making them slightly smaller) perfect for creating a 12x12 layout with layering. To save on the paper I stacked three of my fav's on top of each other marked where to trim out (cut a good size square of paper out of the middle-to save for another project) scraps work great for cards or tags.

12 x12 card stock base I used a script stamp, inked edges and brushed on white paint randomly to help fill in the edges.

I used the Tim Holtz Alterations Distressed Doily die to make a frame around the photo. What girl doesn't want a shabby chic dress form to dress up the layout!

Then I fussy cut out the roses from another sheet to help bring out the roses on the base paper. Added some Prima flowers and embellishments with tulle and peals.

Loved the two ladies that comes in the Add-ons a journal spot just fussy cut them out and tucked them in around the photo.

little tip-see the ruler under the dress form (that is from one of the pages I cut a strip off, snipped it to desired length inked the edges and popped up to give depth. so cute...

Tip of the day-don't let the size of the printable discourage you for doing 12 x 12 layouts or anything you desire to create-look at it, rethink it, arrange it before you glue down. You will create your very own master piece!!

Happy Scrappin-Peggy Lee

http://pegbaker.blogspot.com

Supplies:

Garment District Printables

Bazill card stock

Tim Holtz Alterations Distressed Doily Die, Dress form Die, Distress Inks ( pumice stone, brushed corduroy and walnut stain) and Adirondack Acrylic Paint (snow-cap)

Prima flowers (star spray-cut apart, Innoscence collection)

CTMH stamp (script background)

Ranger Archival Ink (black)

olde book text paper

trims, lace, tulle, pearls and gems

Adhesive-Helmar 450, 3D dots

   

Garment District Mini Album

 

Garment District is the latest digi collection by Marion Smith Designs. It is full of rich color tones, and vintage dressmaker style ads.  The designs print as a full bleed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper which make it easy for you to design your own cards, layouts, mini albums, journals, or altered projects.   There are a few add ons to this kit that includes journal cards, ephemera and extra page designs.

I decided to make this simple mini using policy envelopes.  The album took about an hour to put together. It would make an awesome gift for someone, or a personal journal.  I thought about cataloging some of my fav. Sewing tips in this little cutie.

Here are the instructions on how to put the mini book together.

To see a complete walk through of the mini please watch this video.

Have you created any projects with this collection?  If so, please post them in Artsy Addicts and be sure to tag me in the photo.  I would love to see your creations. 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

Cottage Chic Mini - Winner Is....

Before we announce the winner of the contest, the Artsy Addicts Admins would like to say that this contest was very difficult to judge.  Every submission had a unique view on the album, and elements that each of us LOVED!  It was very difficult for us to narrow this contest down to a single winner.

After hours of  deliberation, we decided that our winner of the Cottage Chic Mini Album Contest from Marion Smith Designs, A Piece of Craft, is  Kerry Duff, Duffer 9904.  

We all felt that  Kerry's deckle edges gave the book a sophisticated chic style that kept with the spirit of Marion's design concept, but offered a unique twist.  We also loved her idea of making the journal into a perpetual calendar. Both of these elements left us pondering - "hey, why didn't I think of that!"  Here is a view of Kerry's submission.

Kerry Duff - YouTube:  duffer9904






We also wanted to showcase the other contestants.  WOW - you ladies are all super talented, and your albums blew us away.  After watching these videos you will understand why this decision was so difficult. Marion has graciously offered a prize for each contestant. Someone will contact you.

Here were the other submissions:


Roseannstamps




Pinkscrapper99




ThePaperAddiction



Annie Vincent



techmom54



gisellerose1



JJsJoyfulCreations



MissCraftyCat81



blossomsinpink



DreamzEtc





Congratulations again to Kerry. 

Artsy Addicts Admins.

April MS Journal

I finally found the time to finish working on my April Journal for Marion's Monthly challenge.  I used her April Digi Downloads that can be found at http://www.apieceofcraft.com.

I decided to Coptic stitch the journal and I love how primiative it made this book look.  I used some of Marion's vintage trinkets on the cover and distressed them with patina rub-n-buff  and Picket Fence Distress Ink  to pop a little color on the cover.   The Tim Holtz word plate says "Live in the Moment" which is perfect for a monthly journal.

It is so awesome to look back at each month and see all of the things that have gone on in my life.

here is a video page by page walk through of the journal:




Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com

Father's Day Frame

Father's Day is right around the corner, and today I wanted to share with you a little altered frame I did for my husband for Father's Day. 

I used Garett Smith's Digi pages that are available at http://www.marionsmithdesigns.com to cover a 4x6 wooden frame from the dollar bin. I love the rich tans and masculine motifs in this paper line, so I fussy cut a few of the designs out to use as embellishment on the frame.  The back side of the frame is stained so it has a nice clean look in the back.

In the next few days I want to get a picture of my daughter, son and husband so I can replace the photo before Father's Day.

Have you started working on Father's Day gifts?  If so then be sure to share your projects on the Artsy Addicts facebook page. Don't forget to tag me in the comments. I would love to see them.

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomoms.com

Prim Rose Journal

This week I decided to play around with the latest digi journal from Marion Smith Designs.  This little Prim Rose Journal is so cute it measures 4x6 completed.  I combined this Journal with the Journey kit to create my extra signature pages.  The two kits work so well together.

I printed my covers on grunge paper and they have a really nice suede feel to them.  They were mounted onto black chipboard for additional stability.  Then I decorated the cover with a Tim Holtz key hole, and one of Marion's Vintage trinkets.



Here is a step by step video of the completed book.




Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com

REFERENCES:

• videos for the binding technique: Binding Technique 1
• videos for the binding technique: Binding Technique 2
• Purchase the Journey kit
• Purchase the Prim Rose Kit

March 2012 Daily Journal

WOW - March's 2012 Daily journal is CHUNKY, 3 inches to be exact! I had a great time working with these awesome designs available for purchase at http://www.marionsmithdesigns.com. This month's color inspiration was:

I'm loving all the colors and details in this month's book. And these colors are some of my all-time favorites.

I decided to try a different method of binding. It is called a hidden hinge and I love it! Binding the book this way, allowed me to include embellishments on every page. For embellishments I used several of the motifs on the page in reduced or enlarged sizes, then fussy cut them out and added some vintage Prima flowers.



Look for a video soon on how I bound the book. In the meantime, here is a walk through video of every page.



I hope you enjoyed this project. Are you working on Marion's Journals? If so, please be sure to tag us in Artsy Addicts so that we can see what you have created.

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com

Cards & Journal Pages

While working on January & February's digi kit I had printed out some extra pages by mistake. So I wanted to share a few projects on how to use these pages for something other than the monthly journal.

Last year I was bitten BIG TIME by the "Smash" bug. I think I have bought all the accessories and all of the books created by K&Co. This is the Red Smash book and its theme is "all about me", so I decided to fill it with things that make me happy.

Journal Page

This man started making me happy in 1985. I love that we can be silly together after being together for 27 years. On Valentine's day my husband and I spotted a photo booth when we came out of a movie. I think they are perfect photos for "smashing". I used the beautiful rose motif lined notebook paper that was February Day 29's insert as my background paper. The side was punched with a border punch from Martha Stewart. For the photo mat, I used Day 14's insert.

Another challenge I have for this journal is to use one of my favorite stamps on every page in the journal. On this page I used the new Prima Songbird collection. The tickets are so small and perfect since one says "best friends" - and he truly is my best friend. The same stamp set has the birds (love them!). The bird's nest and Love stamp are both Inkadinkadoo.

Card

When gathering up my supplies, I spoted a torn hymnal page on my desk that said "sowing the precious seeds" which made it a perfect match for this extra sheet of the January Day 23 paper. I wanted this to have a rugged/distressed look so I used some paint on corrugated board for the background paper. I also dry brushed some of the paint onto the music paper and patterned journal pages. I dipped butterflies from 2 different Martha Stewart punches in melted UTEE to give them a glass finished.

Are you using Marion's downloads for something other than the Journal pages? If so share some of your projects on the Artsy Addicts Facebook page. Be sure to tag me in the post so that I don't miss it.

Thanks for stopping in today.

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com

Planes Trains & Automobiles

This 4x4 mini of my nephew Cooper was designed using the digi downloads from Garett Smith Designs, available on apieceofcraft.com. His papers are designed to print as 8x8 layouts, and include 12 page designs 3 envelope designs and a journal insert design. The rich colors and distressed looks make it rugged and tough looking. I also love the vintage "transporation" icons of bicycles, trains, cars, and planes. These downloads are perfect for boys as well as travel journals. I love the size, and the elements are perfect for fussy cutting.

Here is a glimpse at the pages of my mini album:

On the cover I fussy cut some of the elements from the ads and popped them up to give the cover depth. I also included a stamped sentiment from the Lost & Found stamp set, and the Old Jalopy, arrow, and bookplate from Tim Holtz.


The pocket was die cut with Tim Holtz' on the edge ornate die, and the button is holding down the booklet that lifts to reveal the journaling.

On this page I printed the hot air balloon twice and then fussy cut the balloon, banner and basket and raised it off the page with pop dots. Cooper's image is inside the pocket and journaling is on the back of the photograph. The "Fun" banner was from the new My Mind's Eye FundDay stamp set.

I used the scraps to create a library style pocket to house some of the ads from the paper collection, journaling has been added to the back of the ads. Again the stamped images are from the My Mind's Eye Fun Day stamp set.


On this page, I reduced the size of the coin envelopes to 50% to make them the perfect size for Tim Holtz' Tiny Tags tag diecut. I also fussy cut around the image of Cooper in the race car to give this spread more interest.


This is a typical view of my living room when Cooper is over. I cut the words from one of the papers to create these banners. The journaling is on the back of the advertisement that is nested inside the pocket.

I had a great time working with these designs and I can't wait to make another project with them. I hope that Garett continues to design some fun masculine designs.

Here is a video walk through of the mini...


Thanks for stopping in today, I hope you have enjoyed this week's post.

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com

February 2012 - Journal Challenge

I have completed my February 2012 Journal using Marion's digital downloads. I really have had a blast working with these this month. This month's theme was filled with flowers, butterflies, and distressed postcards. I did some fussy cutting on some extra printouts and used those as accents throughout the book so that my book would remain somewhat flat.

Here is a video walk through of February in the Gibbs household.



Thank you for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.Psychomoms.com