Font Shapes

Have you purchased a few new fonts (some are shapes & not fonts) and can not find them?  That is because, you use them differently than the rest.  There are two at the present time that are Alpha Shapes and not the regular fonts.  They are Playful Digital Alpha Shapes and Formal Digital Alpha Shapes. To use these alpha shapes use the following instructions:

• on the content ribbon click Shapes
• Select Alpha shapes, and then the one you want to use (I created a folder in content manager for my Alpha Shapes), if you do not have them listed in a folder you will have to find them.
• You will then letter by letter select the ones you need, using one of the following choices: 1) create this shape, 2) cut this shape out of a piece of paper, 3) apply this shape to text.

You will now be able to resize, move and apply filters to your font shapes. 

Have fun with these, as the possibilities are endless!!

Tropical page

A big thank you to Brenda DeJong.  She has some really fun templates.  Here is her blog address, if you are interested if seeing what she has http://www.scrapitdigi.blogspot.com/

The other day, I thought it would be fun to turn the macro feature on, on my camera and shoot a bunch of flowers.  These are all in my yard this time of year.  Pansies are a favorite because of their beauty and different colors.  Lilacs are a favorite because of their fragrance and forget-me-knots remind me of you youth.  When I was a teenager I asked my Dad if I could plant some flowers, and he agreed.  However, over the years, he had a hard time getting rid of the forget-me-knots.  He use to say “how can I forget you Cathie, I can not get rid of those flowers, they are like weeds.” 

Have fun and happy scrappin’

Template tidbit

What is a template or blueprint you may ask?  Well simply put, it is a predesigned page with shades of greys or blue.  You select the element, and choose "fill the item with" and choose your background and embellishments.  Then you drag your photos on and your pages are done quickly.

When you download a free template, save it to a file on your desktop.  I like to save them in my "exchange folder."  After you have downloaded the template open StoryBook if it is not already open. 

• click on the home ribbon
• click on import page
• go to the folder, where you downloaded the template to
• click on the template and then in the bottom right corner click on get pages

This will bring the pages in at the bottom of your project.  You will then need to left click on the page and drag it into the order you want the page to be.  If you have never made a folder on your desktop, right click on top of the desktop.  Choose "New" then "Folder"  At this point name your new folder, as it should be highlighted in blue, unless you hit the enter key.  In which case you would right click again on the folder and choose rename, then you can name the folder "Exchange Folder" 

Remember that your exchange folder is for things going into or out of the folder.  Example:  you download a template and bring it into Storybook, or you save your page and want to upload it to your favorite photo center for printing.

Little tidbits

Would you like to get rid of the white edges some of our papers have?  Well there are three ways to accomplish this task.

• 1st - in the Elements panel unlock the background. Then click on Order, next click on Make normal (not the background)  Then you will be able to stretch the paper to eliminate the white edge. 
• 2nd - after your paper is on the page, right click and then choose flatten.  You will then be able to stretch the paper and eliminate the white edges.
• 3rd - choose your paper and drag it to your page instead of choosing make the background and then stretch it to eliminate the white edges. 

Another thing I have been doing, so that the paper can be used as "fill this element" option, is to cut the paper with the rectangle cuter.  Next, right click on the paper and choose "Save as Content"  Save it in Your stuff as paper and you can name the paper at this point.  Now you will be able to use the papers without the white edges. 

Cute as a Bug page

This page was made with the new Cute as a Bug digital kit.  This is such a fun kit for little boys. 

Celebration time page

It is time to celebrate the 100th follower of this blog.   This page is 12 x 12 size.

This page was built using our new Wishful Digital Kit.

Importance of sharing

About six months ago I had to opportunity to listen to Rhonda Anderson.  Wow, what a fantastic night it was, to listen to her and her story, of how Creative Memories got started.  If she were ever to come to Salt Lake City again, I would drop what I was doing and go and listen to her again.  She is one fantastic woman, and listening to her just inspires you to want to be and do better in recording those precious memories.  Here is a copy of a post by her from http://blogs.creativememories.com/why/2010/05/how-important-is-sharing.html  I felt it was important enough to share here on my blog. 

Recently I received a letter from a Creative Memories Consultant. And, as I read, I was  filled with gratitude for the thousands of you who have felt called to share the Creative Memories Mission so effectively. Because of you, countless people’s lives have been touched by their pictures and stories.

More than that, Creative Memories Consultants inspire each other. Here is an excerpt from that letter: “As a CM Consultant, I have grown in many areas because of the people I have worked with. And I covet the relationships that were created. They have helped me to be more outgoing and a stronger person than what I was. But most of all, it's the special people that I would have never met if Creative Memories hadn’t brought us all together! And my albums are a forever treasure.”

Wow, what a lovely message that reminds us of the powerful relationship building that happens when you share Creative Memories. And there is such strong documentation that supports the power of relationship building through pictures and stories.

Here's some interesting information I learned from child psychologist, Dr. Ken Condrell. Dr. Condrell specializes in helping children recover from depression and trauma. He says, “ALL children, no matter if they have stress in their life or not, need to have strong self-esteem. And viewing family photo albums with children emphasizes what is right about a child’s life and shows children that the bad stuff is temporary. Pictures and stories offer proof of how they are loved. Everyone, no matter their age, needs photo albums to build their self-esteem and give them hope.”

I wish everyone in the world could have at least one album about their life. In fact, in our Ten Questions Idea book there is a chapter called “Life is Great.” The chapter includes questions about your great family, friends, faith and more. An album like this is easy to create, yet holds so much power to show love and encouragement to people of all ages.
Like Dr. Condrell confirms, pictures and stories unite us, strengthen relationships and help us to be more grateful. Completed albums are one of life’s most powerful tools and we need to help MORE people to experience that blessing. I am so grateful to be serving alongside amazing people like you –- Creative Memories Consultants and customers –- as we help the world see their GREAT LIVES captured in albums. 

What’s New in May and other tips

This webinar covers what is new products in May 2010.  Also covered in the webinar

• how to sort your pictures in StoryBook
• working with masks and overlays
• cutter tools and shapes
• photo touchups and understanding the histogram

Join this webinar and learn some fun tips and techniques.  What’s New in May and other tips

Edges and photo frames

This webinar was recorded April 29, 2010.  The first 2 1/2 minutes the sound is missing, so be patient with the recording.  You will learn how to create edges using the Cut & Fill ribbon cutters.  Also how to frame your photos and change the colors and shapes.  Hope you enjoy this webinar Edges and photo frame webinar - click here

Pixels2Pages.net

 

Hey all you digital scrapbookers if you have not already checked out Pixels2Pages.net, you are totally missing out.  There are so many new and fun ideas.  There are blueprints you can download and use to create your new pages.  There are instruction sheets and webinars to learn from.  These ladies are AWSOME that have created the site.  So what are you waiting for, get on over to www.Pixels2Pages.net and check it out. 

Here are just two sample pages of what I created learning some of the fun techniques from the Pixels2Pages website.  You will learn how to make the globes, make plaids and so much more. 

Creating new packages, folders and shapes

Here are some instructions on how to create new folders and packages in the Content Manager of StoryBook Creator.  Also there are instructions on how to create your own new shapes, using any image.  Click on the page to make it go larger and open a new window.

Text from content packages page

You have to be in Content Manager to create new folder or package

1.  click the + sign

2.  click on Create user content package

3.  enter the new Package name

4.  choose the drop down arrow and choose the folder you want to place the new package in, such as My Stuff.

Text from creating shape page

Start with your shape picture.  If you do not have one use google and search for a photo that has a shape you want to create.  For this example, I went to google and searched for pictures of flowers.  When you find the picture you want right click on the photo and choose Copy.

1. back in Storybook right click and choose paste and your picture is now on your page

2.  click on your picture to make it active

3.  click on the insert ribbon

4.  click the down arrow under Shape

5.  click on Custom shape using curved lines

6.  click around the desired shape you want to create, in the bottom left corner is Edit Points, if you need to change any points

7.  when you are satisfied with your shape outline, click Save this shape as content, select the correct folder to save your shape in

8.  on the Custom Shape window now click close

To use your shape

9.  You must first create a text box and write your text, then with the text box selected go to the format text ribbon

10.  choose Text shape and click the down arrow

11. go to the folder where you saved the new shape and select it

New Edges in Storybook

Have you had problems finding the new edge you purchased from CM?  I have read several comments lately on facebook groups about this very problem.  So here are you instructions on how to find where they are located.

Happy scrappin’

Lace edge

 

The lace edge was made from the new edges package, that came out the first of March.  These papers are from the new Dance Digital Additions kit.  Here are the instructions to build your own lace edge.

Africa 12 x 12 pages

I was asked by a friend to help put her pictures of her trip to Africa in a book.  I designed the layouts of these pages and we were able to place lots of photos within 74 pages.  She was so pleased with her book.  She shares the book with all her violin students and their parents.  The middle pages is not of Africa, it is my family. 

Fun 12 x 12 pages

I was asked by a friend to help put her pictures of her trip to Africa in a book.  I designed the layouts of these pages and we were able to place lots of photos within 74 pages.  She was so pleased with her book.  She shares the book with all her violin students and their parents.  The middle pages is not of Africa, it is my family. 

Edges, Edges, Edges

Here is a webinar that will show you how to create edges from any shape you you have in StoryBook Creator.  There are so many possibilities and could spend hours playing, experimenting and creating.  Edges webinar link

Happy Scrappin’

Colorize photos

Steps to create and colorize photo

• flatten your photo
• use the custom cutter and go around the area you want to color.  Make sure you have the shaded area on the part you want to color
• use the "copy the shaded area"select the copied portions and click on the format ribbon and select Threshold.  Select your colors (2) and then adjust the slider for the desired coverage. 
• You can also use the rubber stamp to create a softer color and look.

Memory Manager recycle bin

Learn how to clean out all your deleted photos from your Memory Manager recycle bin.  Some people might thing that when you delete photos in Memory Manager that the deleted photos go to your computer recycle bin.  This is not the case, Memory Manager has it’s own recycle bin and you should keep it cleaned out to free up computer memory. 

This webinar will show you how to empty the recycle bin.  Memory Manager recycle bin webinar. 

Get those photos off your computer and into your lives using Memory Manager and Storybook Creator Plus.  Get your books printed to preserve the memories. 

Happy Scrappin’

12 x 12 Template from Nancy Cernak

 

Created by Nancy Cernak. She has a group called I *heart* Creative Memories! on FaceBook

Happy Scrappin’

12 x 12 page From FaceBook

Here is a new page I found from one of the facebook groups.  This one was really a lot of fun and there are a lot of possibilities.  Background paper and flowers are from the Simply Beautiful Digital Power Palette, lady bug is from the Simply Beautiful Spring Digital Additions.  I think the magnifying glass with the bugs was from the freebies on the CM site.

Happy Scrappin’

12 X 12 page from Nanci Cernak

Nanci Cernak created this page and has shared it with the Facebook group at “I *heart* Creative Memories!”  What a fun page to use, thank you Nanci! 

Happy Scrappin’

12 x 12 Page

  

To create this page I added the background paper, then created a photo mat that was 12 x 12 and used the Maple leaf edges, that are on the format photos ribbon. Then I filled it with the same background apply a 3-D filter to the that layer.  Paper is from the Classic Spring additions as are the flowers, bird, and butterfly.

 
Happy Scrappin’

Tameka Bond webinars

Tameka gives some wonderful new ideas.  Here are a few links to her webinars. 

Blended Photos Tidbit

Alignment Section of the Arrange Tab

Blended photos

Tameka is a fantastic teacher with great ideas.  These webinars are a must. 

Happy Scrappin’

Photography by Nick Kelsh

How to photograph your baby by Nick Kelsh (click on the link)

Use Nick’s tips for all you picture taking needs.  He has some really good tips and helps that will teach you how to take better photos.

Copying a page to a different project

Have you created a page in one project and want it to be part of your calendar?  Or wanted to copy a calendar page and make it apart of one of your StoryBooks?  Well here is the answer for you.  This is an easy process and you can have 3 projects open at one time.  Just make sure that both projects are open and ready to copy and paste the pages either way. 

This webinar will teach you how to copy a page and paste it into another project.  Also covered in this webinar is Keywords and organizing your contents.  There are also many other useful tips.  Copying a page webinar link.

Happy Scrappin’

Copy & Paste Text

Here is a tip that will allow you to copy text from a word processor, the internet or any other program.  When you are doing your journaling you do not need to retype text that is already typed in a word processor. 

You can copy text from a word processing program, from the internet or any program you have typed text in.  To accomplish this:

• go to your word processing program
• open the document
• left click, hold and drag to highlight the desired text
• right click on top of the highlighted text and choose copy
• go to your StoryBook project where you want to paste the text
• click on the insert ribbon
• click the down arrow on text
• choose "place clipboard text on page"adjust your text box to fit your text

Following these instructions will save you a few steps when copying text and pasting into a Storybook Project.

This page was created using the Simply Beautiful Digital Power Palette. 

Importing pages from other projects

To copy a project page to a calendar project.

• open both projects (you can have 3 projects open at one time)
• make sure that all elements are unlocked
• on the project you want to copy the page from, left click, hold and drag from the upper left corner to the bottom right corner.  This will copy every element.  Do not copy the calendar area.
• your screen would look like this one.
• next you can right click and choose copy, or hold the CTRL key while pressing the C key.  This will copy every element.
• go to your second project where you want to paste the page to.
• right click on the new page and choose paste or hold the CTRL key while pressing the V key.  This will paste what you have copied from your project page, to the calendar page in your new project.

This feature lets you copy from a project (book) where you have created your pages for books or page prints and then will let you copy them to a calendar project.  Using this feature you are able to print page prints for $1.75, when you order a calendar.  Even if you do not use the calendar part of the calendar, your page prints are beautiful quality and at a cheaper price. 

Note:  This process can be reversed, if you have created a beautiful calendar page and you want to use that page in your book. 

Welcome Page of StoryBook

Just as a little reminder on the Welcome page of Storybook are some very helpful items.  At the top row there are the following choices:

1. Create a new project
2. Open an existing project
3. Check for pricing and content (this takes you to the CM site for purchasing. Please make sure you use your Consultants website for purchases!)
4. Manage my content (this is where you organize, import new packages, enter the activation codes and create keywords)
5. Tutorials (here you will find two webinars and more tutorials online link)  The first choice is Virtual Tour, Second is Getting Started and then at the bottom left is the link for View more tutorials online.)  Everyone of these are very helpful and will teach you more about the programs. 
6. User settings. (use this option to make your personal settings for the program)  You can also change the directory of where your content and packages are located if you have them stored on a different drive than the “C drive”
7. Then there is the Blue ? – this is where you can search the help contents, User Guide,  Tutorials, User Settings and About (the program information and serial number)

At the bottom make sure you check for updates to the program.  This is in the bottom left corner and if your software is up to date it will tell you.

Happy Scrappin’

Webinar fix

If you could see me now, I am so excited and just jumping out of my chair.  Kevin Klar of Creative Memories came to the rescue with the link that would fix our webinars.

If you have been one of the people that use Windows 7 and the webinars are not working and the error you get is “video codec error,” here is the fix.

Click this link G2M3 download, then click the “Install GotToMeeting Codec”  You will then be able to view every webinar on this website. 

A HUGE thank you to Kevin Klar!!!

Photos as backgrounds

This page was created in a about 10 minutes using the Simple Click and Fill pages 12 x 12 from Creative Memories.  I used one of the photos as the background, which gave this page just the look that was intended.  The font for the title is Edwardian Script and the text box is Andy.  The paper in the center is from the Vintage Digital Power Palette.  Happy Scrappin’

Copying/Backing up your CM packages and books

I have been asked many times how to back up files, and decided to come up with an instruction page.  Please remember there are many ways to back up your files and this is the way I choose to do it.  I have checked out back up programs and have not yet found one I like.  A lot of the backup programs condense your files and you can not just open them.  You would have to restore the backup which is not an option for me. 

This method is how I back up ALL my data files, not just CM files.  Please click on the page to better read the instructions.

If you have any questions that I can help you with, please feel free to contact me.

Cathie

New Webinars

If you are interested in learning more about StoryBook Creator 3.0 and Memory Manager 3.0.  There are lots of webinars posted here on the blog.  They are on the side bar under “Creative Memories Webinars” and “Webinars page 2” 

When you watch these webinars, you need Windows Media Player to view them.  I like to watch a little and then pause the play and practice what was just watched. 

If you have any requests for other webinars, please email me at bobsiglow@msn.com

When you learn the software, there is so much more you can do with your pages and photos. 

The very latest webinar that was created is “Using the Simple Start” cd.  These pages are so much fun to play with and create beautiful pages.  Plus when you purchase the CD there is a coupon that can be used towards the printing of one of your StoryBook’s   Click here to order your copy of the Simple Start CD  There are 150 predesigned pages in this package.  Happy Scrapbooking!

Click the picture to watch the webinar on the Simple Start CD

Bubble making

To make the bubbles:

• Select the Silver Glass brad from the Digital Embellishments office supply kit.  You can also use the same brad from the gold kit.
• Use the ellipse cutter and cut the center out
• Select your photo, use the ellipse cutter and cut out the part you want.  You will need to flatten your photo for it to be cut.
• Use the Arrange feature to make the bubble and photo the same size.  I turned the opacity down to 75 to lighten up the white strip on the bubble.  

Color Wash and Adjust Hue

Have you ever liked the layout of a page but not wanted the color?  Here is a sample of the original page and the page changed using the Color wash and Adjust hue features found on the Color ribbon. 

Original page

Changed page

To change the background paper color make sure you unlock the element on the left side by un-clicking the little yellow lock.  You will have to select each element individually and change the colors according to your preference.

Add a little Bling to your pages

This it the CM – Go Digital challenge #10 from the Facebook group.  This was so much fun and easy to do.  Here are your instructions on how to add bling your embellishments. 

Add the item to be "glitterized" to your project. While clicked on the item, click on the "Format" tab. Next, click on "Surfaces". Choose the very first surface option, "Block". Slide the "Amplification" selector all the way to the right, to number 10. Click "Accept".

Repeat the above process again. In most cases, this will yield you a bling-ish enough glitter finish. If you would like more, do it again.

Thanks to Miss Macy for teaching us this fun technique.

Happy Scrapping!!

Text and embellishment outlining

Jenny MacKay from Australia created this handout.  She gives some fantastic instructions on text, and how to make they look outlined. 

Thanks for sharing Jenny!

Shaped photo in SBC 3.0

Thanks to Jenny MacKay for creating this wonderful instruction sheet on how to create a shaped photo in SBC 3.0.  There was no reason for me to create an instruction sheet when she did such a fantastic job.  Isn’t it great how everyone shares ideas and how to’s on Facebook.  What an inspiration everyone is.  Here is a direct link to Jenny's page "creating a shaped photo"

A fun page challenge

Ok, I know it is not Valentines yet and we are 1 1/2 months away from that day.  However, while I was at the store today, there were these candy hearts for 25 cents.  Well, being a digi scrapper, my mind went crazy with ideas to use these word hearts.  So I brought home my little box of candies.  Have you ever bought a box of these candy hearts, well at least 1/2 of these were rejects.  There was no writing or they were printed badly.  Just thought it would be fun to create this page. 

Glitter Embellishments

Have you ever wanted to turn an embellishment to something that glitters?  Here is an instruction page created by Janice Gillhooley who is a member of “Jan’s Storybook Fans”  Have fun creating!

Calendar Tag Webinar

On the Facebook group Cathie Owens StoryBook Tips and Helps a request was made to make a webinar showing the calendar tags.  Hope you have fun creating these and please do share your calendar tags with everyone else. 

Calendar Tag webinar link

Using Filters and having fun

Using the filters can sure be fun but very addicting.  This was posted on the Creative Memories Go Digital group and I had to try my hand at making these.  No one turns out the same, so have a ton of fun making them. 

Steps:

• Create a circle
• fill the circle with paper of your choice
• Format Ribbon >Filters> Posterise and flatten now
• Format Ribbon > Filters> Mosaic – choose tile size, boarder size and color and regularity, flatten now
• Format Ribbon > Filters > Sphereize, Rotation 100% clip outside.  Add a drop shadow and a little white bling star to add some sparkle!!

I created the topper by using the crown from the Discover Grunge Bling Digital Kit and the paper clip is from the Office Supplies Digital Kit.

Shape Matting Webinar

Tameka Bond does a fantastic job teaching us how to mat photos into shapes.  She is very easy to follow and has great and fun new ideas.  Tameka Bond shape matting link

Fun with Calendars

This calendar was created using the Insert Ribbon calendar feature.  I used the Black & White digital power palette and then changed the color using the format ribbon filters and then threshold.  Changing the colors and then you can use the color wash to adjust and change to what ever color you want.  This was a lot of fun to create and thanks to the CM Digital Australia group for the ideas.

Hoping everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

Calendar webinar link 

Fun with filters, color wash, glow and more new features

Join this webinar to learn more about the fun you can have using StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0.  Kathie will teach you more about filters, color wash, glow (I love this one) and more about what is available.  She also gives you great ideas to use these tools.  Thanks Kathie for a great webinar!

Fun with Filters and more link

Stretch your paper capabilities

This webinar is Tidbits from Tameka and was posted on FB by Susan Lee Thoenes.  She changes the black and white papers by using the filters ribbon and then uses the color wash to adjust further.  Great webinar Tameka, thanks for sharing. 

Tidbits from Tameka link

Content Manager & Keywords

Learn how to organize your content manager and create keywords for searching.  When you organize your content, do this the way your brain thinks.  There is not right way or wrong way to organize.  Just think how you will best find them down the road.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Seasons
• Package type (discover, earthy, jewel, etc)
• Pre-designed
• Digital kits
• Power Palettes Digital Additions

These are the categories I have used:

• Digital Embellishments
• Digital Overlays
• Commercial
• Free Downloads Themes
• Pre-designed pages
• Word Expressions
• My Stuff

What’s New with StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0

Want to learn more about StoryBook Creator Plus and what is new with this update.  Join Brandi as she shows the differences and wonderful features.  This webinar is about 30 minutes long and can be viewed by clicking this link.

Checkerboard Challenge

Here is a new challenge for you.  This was a fun page to create, took me all afternoon, but very rewarding. 

Happy Scrapping

Text and Format Text ribbons

The insert ribbon has the ability to insert empty photo frames, text, text path, fancy text, embellishment, paper, shapes, lines, rubber stamp and calendars. 

The format ribbon is where you will format your text, copy text boxes, apply shapes to your text boxes and edit paths. 

Join us in this webinar that will show and explain more of the things you can do with these features.  This webinar is about 30 minutes long and taught by Cathie Owens.  To view this webinar click on this link.

Creating "live" or "workable" templates

Saving a Page as a “Live” or “Workable” Template

Have you created a page that you love and would like to send to someone so they could make the page, too??? You can do this. We call them "live" templates or "workable" templates. All you have to do is open a project (any size you prefer) and create your page (make sure that this template is the ONLY page in this project). It is easier if you remove the actual paper and just use shades of gray. When you have finished your template, browse to where your project is saved on your computer. Open the project and you will see only one file with a .page extension. That is your "live" template!! Copy and paste that document to your desktop - this is where you can name it whatever is logical to you but leaving the .page extension. By copying and pasting to your desktop, you will not disturb your storybook. NOW, you are ready to send to your friend! Just open your email and attach this file and your friends will be able to open it IN Storybook Creator 3.0 and not have to recreate the wheel and make the exact same page!! This is a tremendous time saver!

What to do when your friend receives your "live template"

First, save the page to your desktop. Be sure to tell your friend what size the project is. They will now need to open Storybook Creator 3.0 and open a project in that size (such as 12x12 or 8x8 or whatever). While they have the project open, they will need to go to the home ribbon at the top of the page and click on "import page" over to the far right of the ribbon. A box will open to allow them to browse to where they saved the page. They should now see the page. They should then select the page and click on get page. The page will pop into the project and they can now customize and personalize as they wish!! Voila, you have successfully sent a live template and your friend now has the same document!! Hooray!!

Click on Home Ribbon, click on import page, browse to saved page, select, click on get page, page will pop into your project - ready for you to customize.

Thanks to my new Digital Diva friend Sue for creating this page.   Facebook is wonderful for making new friends and learning from each other.  Thanks again Sue Thoenes for helping all us digital diva’s.  You are Great!!!