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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
 |  Posted: 3/24/2007 11:41:46 AM
I bought this CD that has instructions on how to use a template and the instructions are using Photoshop. I know that Photoshop and PSE are similar but it just isn't working for me. One of the things I notice is that when I open a paper or pictures, for instance, they show up as backgrounds and are listed in layers separately by themselves. Maybe there is some tweaking I have to do with the software. One of the instructions tells me this:
4) Select the next layer above the background (on this template, it is called “paper block” . Now shift-drag the
paper you want to use for this layer. Again, it will show up on it’s own layer above the “paper block” layer. If
you accidentally drag the paper to the wrong location, no problem. Just move the layer up or down. You can
see how it’s covered up the background paper. To fix that, you will create a mask over the “paper block” layer.
for instance, and they show pics (using Photoshop). I shift-dragged the paper to the template from my workspace to the photo bin and the instruc above just do not work. But then again, I wasn't able to follow them the way it says b/c I'm using PSE. Maybe?? My layer wasn't above the background paper for example b/c my background paper is all by itself.
I must be doing something wrong!!!!
HELP!!! |
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Libby Weifenbach
PeaAddict
PeaNut 2,221
January 2000
Posts: 1,394
Layouts: 47
 | Posted: 3/24/2007 12:54:46 PM
I"m sure there are some good tutorials out there, but here's how I do it in PSE4.
If I have a paper that I want to use in the template (for example, let's say that it's the blue paper that I used in my "Blondes" page in my gallery), the very first thing I do is drag the paper on top of the template.
What I mean is that I open the template, and I open the paper I want to use. 2 separate files. Then, I drag the paper (from the workspace) down into the photo bin on top of the template file. This combines the template and the paper into one file... but separate layers.
Then, I look over at my layer list and drag my blue paper layer so that it is the layer ON TOP of the layer in the template where I want it placed (I haven't actually cropped the paper at this point). When I say drag the layer, I mean literally click on it in the layers list and drag it up or down the list to place it where you want it to be.
When I have the paper placed where I want it in the layer order, I press CTRL + G on my keyboard. This "clips" the paper into the shape that is on the template.
If I want to move the shape on the layout, I just make sure to select both the blue paper and the shape in the layers section before I start moving things. This keeps them grouped together.
Then, I just repeat the steps for the rest of the layers in the template.
Did that make any sense?
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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 3/24/2007 1:34:12 PM
I think I've tried that before and wasn't successful. I'm going to try that again later using your instructions instead of the ones in the tut., but Q.
Are my pictures and papers (when I open them) suppose to open up separately as backgrounds?
In other words, I've opened up the template... the template shows under layers all the parts of it ...
then I open my pics and my papers and they each open up separately as backgrounds and are not in the same list as the template.
Is this the way it should be??
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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 3/24/2007 1:45:30 PM
OK, I'm working on it and your instructions are not like the other ones so I'm thinking this is going to work. I'll let you know if I stumble on something I don't understand. |
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Libby Weifenbach
PeaAddict
PeaNut 2,221
January 2000
Posts: 1,394
Layouts: 47
| Posted: 3/24/2007 2:06:59 PM
I'll be around for a bit, so just post if you have any questions. 
Yes, when you open all of your papers and elements, they're going to be on their own background until you put them on your template. So, if you're working with 5 separate things, you're going to have 5 separate files open. When you click on one and it shows the big picture in the workspace, you have to drag from that big picture down into the photo bin on top of the template (or your blank document if you aren't using a template).
I know some people don't like the dragging down into the photo bin, but I've never had any trouble with it. If you find that confusing, you can go to SELECT and then ALL and then copy (CTRL + C) your photos/elements and paste (CTRL + V) onto your template or blank document.
Either way (copy/paste or drag/drop), you end up with the same results. PSE won't know that you want to work with all of those elements in one document unless you tell it. So, that's why you have to put everything on one central background layer.
Did you ever paper scrap? I did, and that's how I think of layers in PSE. My background layer is like my base cardstock. Then, everything I want to use in the layout is its own separate layer. I can't put a picture on my cardstock without physically moving it to the cardstock. Make sense? Same thing with digi. If you open a picture, the only way the computer knows that you want that picture to go on that cardstock is if you move it there.
Anyway, I'm here if you need more help. |
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Julie Ann Shahin
I'm Bi-scraptual. Are you?
PeaNut 168,193
September 2004
Posts: 9,750
Layouts: 430
Loc: Western Upstate NY
| Posted: 3/24/2007 2:44:26 PM
Please see our tutorials
http://everydaydigitalscrapbooking.blogspot.com/search/label/Sketches%20and%20Templates
and a good one here
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/cgi-script/tutorials/publish/article_593.shtml |
xoxo,
JA
COME READ MY {NEW}BLOG
Inspiration for Generation C 2.0 -- Scrappy Artsy Fun for Generation Crafty!!!
Team Member:
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Contact me: julieann@scrapstreet.com
Nietzsche: You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star. | |
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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 3/24/2007 3:00:06 PM
Thank You Thank You Thank YOU!!!! I think I've got it! The only problem I had was with the flower rub-on (over the pics) that wouldn't turn colors when I dragged a colored paper (I tried red, black, green and it stayed white each time so I gave up). Anyway, I'm posting my accomplishment!
AND YES!! JULIE!!! I'll check out those tutorials as well!
I'm going to post the LO in the next post after loaded to the gallery. |
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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 3/24/2007 3:05:55 PM
OK, here it is! Now I think I might not like templates... seems to be to be more work than doing it from scratch! so to speak... I have never used a template before. I've used ploppers and I like those. They seem so similar but seems like there is more to a template than a plopper in accomplishing a finished layout.
Anyway, here's my newest layout:
Pet Me Too! |
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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 3/24/2007 3:11:08 PM
LIBBY, thanks again.
Actually, I have been digi scrapping for over a year now and I love it. I've done several layouts but I have never used the templates before. I want to learn as much as I can. I really want to learn how to make my own papers, embellishments, alphas, the whole bit, but don't know where to find tutorials for THAT. Also, I know that I have to learn my software ins and out. I have been getting by for the past year or so with what I know about my software, but I know there is much more to learn, so I'm ready NOW to do that!
Julie, I appreciate your linking those tutorials b/c I'll certainly take advantage of learning.
Thanks again, and let me know what you think about my layout. I so appreciate comments from other scrappers!
BTW, I paper scrapped only for a couple months before I discovered the digi way and I put that down after spending GOBS of money of equipment, papers & stuff (seems like a loss) and now all I care about is the digital way. I just love the way it looks and all my albums will be digital.
Thanks AGAIN!
PS: did I say Thanks? |
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nanaclaire
PeaNut
PeaNut 194,001
March 2005
Posts: 329
Layouts: 38
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 3/24/2007 4:10:43 PM
Julie, where is that template tutorial in that blog you posted?
http://everydaydigitalscrapbooking.blogspot.com/search/label/Sketches%20and%20Templates
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writermom1
Thrift Whisperer
PeaNut 114,407
November 2003
Posts: 22,289
Layouts: 66
Loc: At the intersection of Hooterville and Stars Hollow
 | Posted: 3/24/2007 7:06:05 PM
I am retyping this from a forum at scrappersguide.com (9/16/2006)
I printed it and have referenced it often.
Use Magic Wand to selet an area of the template
Switch/click to the photo to be added and ctrl-a to select; ctrl-c to copy
Back up to template edit / paste into selection / then resize the photo by dragging it to fit into the template "window."
Keep doing this until the entire template is done, add papers, elements, journaling as desired.
HTH! |
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