Conquer Your Computer

Conquer 2 and 3 are coming this weekend. Don't miss out!

Coming to class this weekend?  Thinking of coming to class this weekend?  I'd love to see you!!

Here's what I've got planned for you in Conquer 2...
It's time to get with the program, if you know what I mean.  Photoshop Elements 8 has been out in the marketplace for a while now and if you've been nervous about upgrading, here are some great reasons you'll want to.

*  It's FREE to try it.  Go to the Adobe website at www.adobe.com and get your free 30-day download.

* They've got some great new tools that make life as a digital photographer so much easier.  You can recompose 2 photos, merging them to bring out the best exposures.  For this example, I used a photo of a friend and her family on the beach in Hawaii.  They were picture perfect.  The sunset was amazing but when I darkened the photo, the sun became radiant.  I saved the dark version of the photo as a separate file and merged the light and dark photos together to enhance the color using the Guided Edit mode.  Using the Smart Brush, I lightened the family in just a few simple steps.  Check it out!

Using the Photo Merge for Exposure feature, I merged the 2 photos together to get this...

Then, I added some text and a border to complete the photo.

With the Smart Brush, you can also enhance selected areas of a photo without affecting the entire photo.  In this next photo, the exposure of the camera caught all of the surroundings but didn't enhance the sky.  If you'll notice, there is a green mountain on the left side of the photo.  I used the Smart Brush to bring out the greenery, to make it seem like the sun was reflecting on it as well.  Check out the before and after, paying close attention to the sky and greenery. 

Here's the before...

And after...

  

See how much more blue the sky is and how much green the mountain is?  Love it!!  And so simple to do. 

With Elements 8, recolor a photo has never been easier. Check out the before & after...

  

So if you like the first few sneak peeks, you'll want to check back for more.  Here's more of what's in store for you in Conquer 2...

*  Use the Guided Edit to complete some simple editing techniques 
*  Restore an old photo using the Clone Stamp Tool and Spot Healing Brush
*  Use brushes to create some quick and easy titles for cards
*  and most importantly, we'll be reviewing the changes that make Photoshop Elements 8 so easy to use!

In Conquer 3, we'll take some of our techniques to the next level.  
*  Create a reflective photo, making the image seem like it is mirrored
*  Use texture effects to dress up a photo.  Add grunge and text and you've got a simple greeting card.  Just mount the photo on cardstock, add a few embellishments and the card is complete.
*  Manipulate a photo using the Magic Extractor Tool
*  Play with masks
*  Learn to recompose a photo in seconds
*  Got digital kits and not sure what to do with them?  Let me show you how! 

Here are some of the examples...
The first 2 examples are the same photo but by using different techniques, you get different results and therefore a different look.

 

By duplicating, inverting and adding a gradient layer to this next photo, I was able to make it look reflective.

For the next example, it's the same flower photo as above but this time, I added a canvas texture.

And last but not least, I downloaded some free digital papers from www.littledreamerdesigns.com and created my own simple digital layouts.

 
 
Don't forget, if you register for both Conquer 2 and Conquer 3 on February 27th, lunch is on me!  No need to leave the store to find something.  I'll be bringing my crockpots filled with Green Chili Chicken, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans and all the trimmings to make a Mexican fiesta.  Ole!!

Join me for Conquer 2 from 10:30 to 1pm and Conquer 2 from 2-4:30pm.  See you then. 

Another Sneak Peek for Tuesday's Class

This photo was just a little bit bright so rather than adjusting the lighting too much, I made some minor adjustments and then brought down the saturation of color to give it an "antique" look.  After adding some eyelet borders and a scalloped circle with text, this photo is ready to print.

Join me Tuesday, January 5th from 6-8:30pm at Scrapbooks, Etc.  Call to register (480) 854-2303.  See you then! 

Tuesday's Conquer 2 Class...Have you registered yet?

Hi all,
With the holidays now behind us, it's time to start thinking about downloading all those photos from the camera and getting them ready to print.  In this week's Conquer 2 class, I'll show you some easy photo editing techniques that will take your photos from "so-so" to "so, so great!!"  Join me from 6-8:30pm this Tuesday, January 5th. 

Here's a couple of sneak peeks of the projects we'll work on and the techniques you'll walk away with...

 
This first photo was an impromptu photo shoot on a kitchen table.  As you can see, when the photo was taken, the right side of the photo had part of the kitchen in view.  Using the Magic Extractor Tool, I was able to remove the kitchen.  Then, with the Clone Tool and Spot Healing Brush, I was able to duplicate the left portion of the photo and place it on the right side.  After adding a slight vignette and some text with a drop shadow, the photo is complete and ready to share!  Click on the photos for a larger view.

The 2nd project is a birth announcement.  We'll talk about how you add multiple photos to a project to create a collage.  We'll add brushes to the photos to make them stand out more and we'll add texture to a smooth background to make it look like it has a canvas finish.  Check it out!  Click on the photo to enlarge it for a better view.

And the final sneak peek for today is a card that will be kitted and ready for you to create.  The technique in this card is creating text in a circle.  Receive a template so you can create your own text in a circle for future projects.  Add fun patterend paper and my favorite Bazzill cardstock and embellishments and it's ready to deliver!

Check back again tomorrow to see more of what's in store for you on Tuesday night.  And if you like what you see, call Scrapbooks, Etc. at (480) 854-2303 to register. 
 

 
 

Thursday, December 17 Conquer 1

With the days counting down until Christmas, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of the ideas I had for tags, cards & gifts for the holiday.  Let me show you how to create fun projects using your Microsoft Word and Powerpoint programs.  Here's just a sneak peek at some of the things we'll be working on.

  

 

 

       

See you Thursday from 6-8:30pm!
  

Thursday, November 5th Conquer 2

With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought it would be a good time to present some photo greeting card ideas.  In Thursday's class, you'll not only learn how to create your own photo greeting cards but you'll receive 5 layered PSD files on your Conquer CD.  All you'll need to do is add photos and print.  You can check that "to do" off your list.  Here are some examples...

 

Those are just a few examples of the cards you'll get.

Want to learn more?  We'll be using the Magic Extractor Tool, Clone Tool, Spot Healing Brush, Converting to Black and White, brushes, layer styles and more photo tips & techniques.  Take home a fun fall 12x12 layout as homework.  Check it out...

 
Want to see more?  Register for Thursday's Conquer 2 (Photoshop Elements) class!  Join me from 6-8:30pm at Scrapbooks, Etc.  Call (480) 854-2303 to reserve your spot.  See you then!
 

Just a few class examples for Saturday's Conquer 2 and 3 - Photoshop Elements

As promised, here are a few examples of the projects that we'll be working on this weekend.  After teaching Conquer 2 for the past 2 years, I'm excited to be teaching a more advanced class.  Conquer 3 will take you steps further in understanding how to create amazing photo creations.  I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

In Conquer 2, learn to restore old photos.  These same techniques will also work to repair current photos, remove blemishes, "thin" a person and so much more.

 

Convert a color photo to black & white, adjust the contract and add a border to the edge.

As an added bonus, learn the steps to creating a one-of-a-kind photo slide show.  Add your favorite music to add that special memory.  To top it all off, learn to burn to CD or DVD or transfer to a file format that can easily be played on your own computer.

Introducing Conquer 3; Learn to use adjustment layers to create new looks.  Give your photo that professional look even if the photo wasn't taken by a pro.  Clipping Masks will have you amazed and you'll even walk away with the knowledge to create your own masks & frames.  Want a vintage look to a current photo?  No problem.  Have you purchased online Digital kits but don't know how to use them?  Don't worry.  We'll not only use them but we'll create our own.  Check out these examples... 

 

 

 

 



 
 
  
 
 
 

Conquer 1, September 2nd

Where does the time go?  We're already in September.  It seems like just yesterday, we were planning our summer vacations and now they're gone.   With the kids in school, it's the perfect time to take Conquer Your Computer.  Tomorrow's class is full of Microsoft and Word tips and tricks to make your text projects a breeze.  We'll be creating shapes, adding text, filling the shapes with solids, patterns and even photos!  Have you wanted to type your text in a circle but didn't know how?  Here's your chance to learn.  Join us from 6-8:30pm and have some fun! 

Since this is an "instruction only" class, your projects will be taken as homework.  Here's what you'll be making...

This A2 card is simple but shows you how you can create text in a circle to get your message across.  We'll create this "Thinking of You" card but we'll also practice creating different shapes & styles for many more sentiments.

 

You're sure to find a favorite photo to add to this 12x12 layout.  Receive a full sheet of titles to choose from.

 

Can't wait to see you there.  Call Scrapbooks, Etc. at (480) 854-2303 to reserve your space. 

What to bring to Conquer Unplugged on Saturday, August 15

If you're registered for this Saturday's Conquer Unplugged, you're probably starting to think about the photos you'd like to work on.  Here are some things you'll want to keep in mind...

 

Bring any photos that you're having difficulty working with.  Be sure they are scanned as we will not have a scanner for class use.  You'll want your photos loaded on your computer, on a flash drive or on CD.  If you are using the touch mouse on your laptop, you may want to get a portable mouse that plugs into your USB port.  It's not necessary but it sure does make things easier for you to maneuver.  You can get an inexpensive mouse at Target, Walmart or Best Buy.  Or unplug the one on your home computer for the night.  You'll be glad you did.  Plug it in prior to class to be sure it works with your laptop.  Most are "plug and play" these days.  If you've got a power strip extension cord, you'll want to bring it along.  The electrical outlets are along the sides of the classroom.  We'll get you moved around but you'll want to be able to plug in.  It is a MUST that you have a fully loaded version of Elements on your laptop.  If you downloaded the trial version, it will NOT work in class because the trial version needs internet access to run.  We will not have internet access. 

 

Now for the fun stuff!  Here's what we'll be working on so you can plan your photos accordingly...

 

-  Bring colorful photos so you can convert to black and white and recolor using the eraser tool. 

-  Bring a dark photo or two so you can work with the lighting adjustments. 

-  Bring a professional photograph.  Those don't need much editing but they are fun to add brushes and text to. 

-  Have a photo where the subject has blemishes.  Bring them and practice your skills with the Spot Healing Brush and clone tool.

-  Bring a photo where you don't LOVE the background and we'll replace the subject to another background using the Magic Extractor Tool.  

-  Bring a series of photos to create a photo collage. 

-  You can try your hand at creating titles using step-by-step instructions. 

-  Have a photo with the date on the front?  No problem.  Bring it and we'll use the Clone Tool to remove the date.

 

I will have photo and title projects on your CD for you to work with as well.  Since this is an "open lab" type class, you'll want to have projects to work on while I'm helping other students.  The class size is very small with the intention for everyone to have plenty of one-on-one attention.

 

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to email me.  I'm looking forward to seeing you Saturday, August 15 from 4-8pm. 

 

A few more sneak peeks at Wednesday's class...

Well, with only a few days left, I thought I'd show you what else I have in store for you for Wednesday's class.  The majority of the class will be spent working with photos but don't forget, anything you can do to a photo, you can do to a title or scrapbook page.  Once you know the technique, the possibilities are endless.  I'm so excited because we've got a pretty full class and that always prompts some great questions.  So looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Here's a great summer photo taken by Cindy C.B.  Thanks for allowing me to use it!!

Before, the photo had the date stamp on it.  It is an amazing photo so I just removed the date, added a slight vignette and then added some text.

Before..

 

and after...

This next project is a simple 12x12 layout that you will take home for homework.  I will also create some variations and have the kits for sale in class.

 

And realizing that the winter holidays are still quite a bit away, I couldn't resist creating something fun using Bazzill's new Glazed Cardstock.  You'll love the rich look that it has.  The finish looks wet even though it's dry.  Check out the card you'll take home for homework.  Who knows...you just might have found your 2009 holiday card!

Here's the front...

 

and here's the inside message...

See you Wednesday, July 8th from 6-8:30pm.

Another peek at July 8th's Conquer 2 class

For those who have been to my classes, you know I am intrigued by color.  A friend recently had a baby and sent me a photograph of her new baby's sweet little feet.  The color in his socks took my breath away.  I knew that I had to create something fun to send her.  In the process, I decided to use the creation as a class example. 

First, I rotated and cropped the photo to a standard 4x6 vertical photo.  Next, I converted the photo to black and white and brought back just the color in his socks.  Finally, I added a vignette and some text to complete this fun "baby announcement".  Check out the before & after.

Before:

 

After:

 

Thanks to April for sending me this great photo!