PAPIER CREATIF Studio Scrapbook*Works

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Feb Monthly Clik*Board

2012-02-11T12:06:00.000-06:00

[ 20TWELVE CLIK*BOARD - 2*PAGE TEMPLATE ]

H*A*P*P*Y V*A*L*E*N*T*I*N*E*S D*A*Y!

Be Sure To Do Sumthin' Romantic

Valentine's fairies, glimmery swirls, glitzy rhinestones and bows add a festive touch to 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases! Amanda of Maygreen Fairies has sweetly shared her beautiful altered art fairies, hand-picked, just for Papier Creatif! She lives in East Sussex, United Kingdom - on the other side of the pond. I have been a long time Follower and enjoy popping by to see all the darling whimsical projects she creates. Visit her BLOG and STORE to marvel at the charming handmade altered art projects, such as Vintage Altered Books, Jar Fairies, Little Bookworms, Wonderland Brooches, Pendants, Holiday Projects, Gifts & M O R E!

. . . Thanks so much for jazzin' up this Month's template, Amanda! . . .

This Monthly Clik*Board Template is a 2-page option with larger photo masks. You can quickly add photos, journaling and thumbnails of your digi projects to showcase your month in 20TWELVE! You will be creating great memories, as well as doing something that your artful soul enjoys. Add your own papers & embellishments or visit my STORE. Personally, Papier Romantique is my fav. Vibrant, great altered art styled elements and beautiful papers. And it's really great for Valentine's Day or little girls!

[FEB CLIK*BOARD 2-PAGE TEMPLATE]

Password: 20TWELVE {case sensitive}

Check out last week's tutorial on

How To Create a Clipping Mask from a Vintage Image

This tutorial is packed full of great basics and techniques for Photoshop! Beginners with some experience and intermediate digital scrapbookers will find my tutorials easy to follow. Learning to Create a Clipping Mask in Photoshop opens up countless options to build digital scrapbook pages with. The 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases Workshop provides free digital scrapbook kits, freebies and detailed tutorials that show you how to Learn Photoshop Creatively step-by-step!

By the end of the year,

you will have created an amazing

PhotoBook for YOUR 20TWELVE
digital scrapbook layouts,
altered art images/projects
&
art journaling.

Give yourself a pat on the back,
Memories Matter!

Creatif Spotlight: Jana Martišková, Photographer

2012-02-07T12:42:00.001-06:00

[ CREATIF SPOTLIGHT. ]

Jana Martišková of world{s} of nevara

. . . Visit her Blog and leave her some love . . .
{don't we all enjoy basking in the sunlight if only to daydream}

OR PLAN OUR NEXT SHOT!

The Creatif Spotlight for February is Jana Martišková. To punctuate how many images I filter through on flickr's search engine, well -- let's just say it would be in the 10s of thousands. Jana's photographs have so many elements of art: color, balance, perspective, emotion, light, composition. Drawn to images that engage me in some way, hers have a light-hearted vibe. I adore the earthiness, gorgeous texture and soft color she depicts which are cheerful and artistic. She is truly creative and an artist on her way.

Her photos & candid thoughts during the interview hint that she has the heart of an old soul. I had no idea she is a mere 19, studying marketing. Yet, I do recognize a purity of spirit in her images that are joyful & inspiring. Simple beauty captured in such an appealing way. Turquoise, Aqua, Bokeh, Sunbursts, nature jump lightly from her camera lens! I totally fell in love her photography style and you will too! Here is a sampling of her images along with her interview. You can also find her on flickr. And I just had to highlight the mittens and snow in one of my *Poloroidish Frames*! So perfect for the horizontal size. And the colors look fantastic in it!

Please visit Jana's blog where she resides on the other side of the World. :)

. . . Photography: the picture of one's soul . . .

Jana

Jana Martišková, 19 years old, student of marketing, big dreamer and lover of life. With the soul of an artist and many untold stories in my mind.

. . . this is what she has to say . . .

What was the 1st photograph you took that you realized your love for photography?

I was a little girl, who loved to play in the garden. Once I made bouquet of meadow flowers and put it on the wooden table. I was so fascinated with this that I realized to take a photo to remember this sweet moment. That was the day when I totally fell in love with photography, but in that time I didn't have my own camera. I had to wait until the year 2006, when I got my first digital camera. Two years later, I bought the DSLR camera. In these days, I prefer analog camera instead of the digital one.

What list of things goes through your mind before you press the button?

It just happens. In reality, I don’t think a lot about how to take the photo, maybe I can say that it is very subconscious process. It’s true, that there are some occasions when I have created an idea in my mind. Then, I imagine the picture in my head and I try to follow this imagination in reality, too. Sometimes it is very difficult to express my internal thoughts.

How has photography changed your view of the World?

I can enjoy my life more, I am more sophisticated now, I found harmony, the beauty, I am more able to observe details and feel them, I have changed my days into poesy. And I have created my own philosophy of life, that I try to influence and dulcify the being of the others. It does not matter how many people will be interacted, if only one is interested in, that is the success for me.

Favorite camera and lens?

Not very many choices. Canon EOS 450D with basic lens and EF 50mm f/1,8. And my beloved analog camera Zenit-E + Industar-50-2, 50mm f/3,5.

What is your favorite go-to photo processing tip?

Mostly, I stand aloof from the postprocessing. I prefer the natural look of the pictures, of the light, of the colours. Sometimes, when I want to add the melancholy into my photos, I play with the saturation.

How do you capture such lovely color in your photos?

I think, everything is about natural colors of this world, about natural light and the character of the film which I used, of course. But the world and nature and people are truly the best creators of my colorful photos.

Outside of photography, what have been the strongest influences for your art of photography?

The whole life. I know, I am repetitive, but the daily life and the world around us is the biggest inspiration for every artist. A very special part of my inspiration is the light and its metamorphoses. The morning light, the light before sundown, the light after rain, those specific visions at the sky. Yes, it is the sun which influences me the most.

What is your favorite trend in photography?

For me, the analog photography is one of the trends I see in photography. And it is my favourite. Analog photos are totally different, with lovelier atmosphere and more natural colors. None of the effects in Photoshop can make the same aura.

What are the most important key items you look at, when determining where to crop a photo?

It's just a feeling. Mostly, I don't conform to the rules about the composition which are known in the sphere of the photographers.

Which of your photos do you feel defines you most as a photographer?

Truly, I don’t consider myself as a real photographer. It is just my passion and way of capturing my memories. So, I can only speak about my closest and lovable photos, but it is still hard to choose them.

Your favorite person to photograph and why?

My sister. Because we are very close to each other, she is very beautiful and fresh woman, always grateful and able to accept my wishes.

Thank you so much, Jana, for sharing your lovely work! All inspiring & beautiful!

Juls~

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Creatif Layouts Winteresque

2012-02-05T00:07:00.003-06:00

I have designed some tres joli {very pretty} layouts

with papers & embellishments from

February's Kit

*Wintereseque*

For MORE digital goodness,

click the Workshop Tab for the list of

Digital Kits, Templates & WordArt!

*WINTERESQUE* is perfect for Valentine's Day!

I will be posting more digital scrapbook stuff this week.

ENJOY!

[fly away with me.]

[pampered.]

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Winteresque

2012-02-04T23:22:00.006-06:00

[ *WINTERESQUE* ]

LEARN PHOTOSHOP BY CREATING THIS LAYOUT WITH MY STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIALS

Full Screen & Audio

February's kit, Winteresque has arrived! The vimeo Photoshop Tutorial is paused and waiting for you to hit go! This month's gorgeous vintage woman sans adorable pooch look as though they are greeting us. What an inspirational image to Photoshop -- so pristine! My little dog, GiGi, has sat in that exact spot while I work!

Gigi & Georgie, what a sight! Papillons are the most amazing little dogs! Awesome companions, affectionate, sweet and good natured. They recently had a batch of puppies. We had a meager taste of what it takes to care for a small litter. Happy that they all went to wonderful homes! But I sure do miss their sweet faces & puppy kisses!

. . . Eagle, Lily and Leo . . .

{xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo}

"GIGI & GEORGIE"

And speaking of pets, I received an email last week from the ASPCA Texas initiative requesting the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to strengthen breeding laws. Things like not allowing the use of injury causing wire flooring, stacking cages and enforcing temperature settings standards in kennels. Here's the link, if you live in the State of Texas, I urge you to support this cause. Check your state's ASPCA organization, sign-up for the mailing list to keep up-to-date. This legislation will improve the conditions and lives of commercially bred animals dramatically.

[ 20TWELVE FEB KIT LINK. ]

Password: 20TWELVE {case sensitive}

Here's the February kit links! All 2012 Photos + Phrases kits and items on my blog are for Personal Use Only.

Blogs may participate with a link crediting Papier Creatif - http://www.papiercreatif.blogspot.com Commercial use is welcomed, however, you will need to contact me directly via email for the proper commercial use license and pricing. Thank you.

How's your 2012 Projects coming along? Feel free to post your blog's 2012 project or your 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases layouts below. Would love to see what you are up to.

[ *WINTERESQUE* TUTORIALS. ]

HOW TO USE BLENDING MODES IN PHOTOSHOP
TO CREATE DEPTH & INTEREST.

HOW TO CREATE A PHOTO MASK
FROM VINTAGE CLIP ART
& RECOLOR SPECIFIC AREAS.

HOW TO ADD EMBELLISHMENTS,
LAYER DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK PAGES,
AND USE VARIOUS DROP SHADOW SETTINGS.

ADDING THE FINAL TOUCHES.

[ CREATIF CREDITS. ]

Mister Linky's Magical Widgets -- Thumb-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
For best results, use HTML mode to edit this section of the post.

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Phrases Post No. 4

2012-01-27T14:52:00.003-06:00

{Right Click to Save Image / PU Only}

[Phrases Post No. 4]

Have you been staying true to your Inner Creatif?

Flexing your creative mojo?

Sticking to your resolutions to improve, create, love, & document your life?

20TWELVE Photos & Phrases can help you achieve that

through Altered Art, Digital Scrapbooking and/or Photography.

20TWELVE is passing by like a locomotive! Yes?!

Time has flown by and I have been so very bizzy designing some beautiful papers and embellishments for the February Tutorial & Mini-kit. Papier Creatif's newly organized Creatif Team is putting together some fabulous layouts for you, so be on the look out for some cool ideas! These ribbon freebies are adorable for Valentine's! Just consider this a sneak peak for the upcoming kit, "Winteresque". The February Clik*Board calendar will knock your socks off!

Here's a quick tutorial on How to Extract an Image from a Photoshop .png (transparent background) File that has multiple images {like the Freebie above}. And to ice the cake, I've added a *BONUS TIP* at the end for ya . . . ;)

ENJOY!

Have a Super*Fantastic Day!

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Journaling w Techy Apps

2012-01-23T20:13:00.005-06:00

MAKE JOURNALING SIMPLE + EASY TO REMEMBER

Occasionally, I enjoy writing "books" about my life. That's why I have an "InSights" tag on my blog. Typically, I am always busy and happy being in creatif mode. I find that titling and journaling take a secondary seat to my photo-based layouts.

I use two things to write down notes. I really want to buy Microsoft Outlook for my new Mac but have been holding out. Hopefully, soon!

1. SPIRAL NOTEBOOK - {Papier Creatif Post: Parisian Journal}

This is a gift*journal I made for my Mom. What I really love about this are the circle punched tabs stapled to 3 pages to create sections. Makes it easier to find specific categories of notes you create for yourself.

If your paper stash is collecting dust, this is an easy and darling project that family members will adore, a handmade journal.

I jot down notes constantly for ideas, reminders, track lists of to*dos for personal and business. And occasionally, exclamations of frustration and great BIG smiley faces!

2. MONTHLY CALENDAR

A simple monthly calendar that I jot down important events, appointments. Typically, it's hit and miss for me.

Diva of jourNaling? Nope. That's exactly why 20TWELVE appeals to my inner creatif. Anything that looks pretty or that is an outpouring of my soul from a digital design, interior design, or musical perspective, I AM THERE, BABY!

I am DOING instead of JOURNALING! Right?!

. . . But wait . . .

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE computer. I enjoy Blogging, Texting, Surfing the Internet, Facebooking, Twittering. All of these things leave a great written format of who am I and what I do. THESE APPLICATIONS ARE DOING THE JOURNALING FOR ME!

Yep, I dig this stuff. ALOT! And it takes T>I>M>E! Yet, it provides a digital footprint of what I find important. Like photos, layouts, posts, tweets, inspiration. [Photos + Phrases] that could be condensed and made to look ... totally cool on a digital scrapbook layout!

E N T E R

SO! For those of you who enjoy recording special moments and events here are a few awesome cell phone apps that provide journaling/diary and stream a lot of the primary social networking hubs along with it! These apps are great tools for your journaling, tracking events, creating your to do lists, making voice notes, and merging your posts & photos directly into your "diary".

A convenient method to record funny interactions, stories, activities, prose, projects, kids activities & sports or personal & professional goals that will hit you out of nowhere!

Wherrrre's a piece of Paper & Pen?

Who knows!?

But my cell phone is attached to my hip!

I still have questions about cell phone Diary / Journal apps. The idea appeals to me because it personalizes our thoughts more. Not everything I think and feel winds up in my Blog and there are moments when emotions and energy flood out of me! An app like this allows me to bridge the love of writing publicly through Blogging and expressing myself intimately and privately through a personal digital journal. On a side note, I noted that some apps allow you to post to your Blog!

The primary drawback of "journaling via cell phone" is my preference for using a computer keyboard. I type very fast and texting frustrates me! I am sure I would use the diary app as an abbreviated albeit way to record my thoughts and ideas for my own 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases project. There IS a voice recorder in some of these programs as well, but that does not see to be an efficient way to scan and absorb as much as I can seeing something written. There are also Diary/Journal programs that provide daily prompts for journaling, if you are inspired by that. I like that idea.

IMPORTANT ITEM TO NOTE: I've read threads about backup issues, these apps are relatively new. If you decide to use a cell diary/journaling app, follow the developer's instructions on proper backup.

" Great idea for enhancing 20TWELVE projects,

especially if you love being techy.

Diary Apps are an added step

but looks like a fun one worth investigating. "

[iPhone Diary App.]

Momento Diary/Journal

This one sounds really good. I like that it includes Flickr & Instagram. Right now, it appears that we just can't have it all but as much as they are throwing at us, WHY SHOULDN'T WE? Personally, I'd love for Blogger to be included. Perhaps we can add our own Blogs with the RSS/Atom web feeds. On photos, since we are taking with our cell phones, we could simply use our own gallery. The issue here would be memory storage for pics. This one also links up with vimeo which is really cool.

The Apple website lists its features and supported feeds --

FEATURES:

Write privately about your activities, thoughts and experiences quickly and easily
Tag memorable events, people you meet and places you visit for a fast and effective way to browse and search your Moments
Custom tags provide the flexibility to categorise and keyword Moments however you wish
Attach multiple photos to each moment from the camera or photo library
Rate moments to see your best days at a glance
Connect with popular web services and RSS/Atom web feeds to import, search and browse your online activity
Search your private moments and archived online activity
Passcode protect Momento to keep your moments safe and secure
Backup and restore your data using iOS 4's file sharing
Export your data in plain text with images using iOS 4's file sharing
Beautiful, easy to use, award winning interface

SUPPORTED FEEDS:

Facebook statuses & check-ins
Twitter tweets
Flickr photos
Instagram photos
Gowalla check-ins
Foursquare check-ins
YouTube videos
Vimeo videos
Diggs
Last.fm loved tracks
RSS/Atom web feeds

[Droid Diary App.]

I zoned in on a few Droid apps that would incorporate most of the social networking apps & sites that I use every day. The Internet is where most of my daily inspiration and work are cultivated. Things "happen" for me right here!

Andriod Market lists the following features for Diaro:

DIARO

FEATURES:

Protect your entries with security lock and backup encrytion.
Backup / Restore all entries and media files to ZIP archive or Dropbox
Select default entries view (Timeline, Categories, Calendar)
Manage categories and tags to organize all your entries.
Capture or add unlimited photos, images, pictures to entries
Set location and address automatically or manually
Search/filter entries by Categories, Tags, Location or other data
Share your entries via E-mail, Facebook, Twitter or other
Font sizes, backgrounds, themes, AM/PM 24h time
Get Twitter entries alongside your diary
Use notification bar icon for fast entry
App 2 SD
Available for all Android versions
Full Developer support
With ads (can be removed)

Have fun trying these out and if they work for you, let me know how you use them for your 20TWELVE projects!

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Jan Clik*Board

2012-01-22T01:34:00.002-06:00

[JAN CLIK*BOARD TUTORIAL.]

Introduction

ORGANIZE, PLAN & DO WHAT YOU'VE BEEN DREAMING OF FOR 20TWELVE!

. . . Is it Photography? Picture a Day? . . .

. . . Is it Learning Photoshop? Digital Scrapbooking? . . .

. . . Is it Focusing on Your Faith? Faith Journaling? . . .

. . . Is it Creating Altered Art? Altered Art Journals & Projects? . . .

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases can be tailored to all the above!

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK'S CLIK*BOARD Template No. 13

Click Image for Template No. 13's Post and Freebie Link

Papier Creatif Clik*Boards are GREAT templates for laying out your month or special occasion! Last week's {shabby chic} example with pretty digital papers and a few quick embellishments illustrates how papers and sticky note styled masks totally change the look! Download this Freebie and have fun with it!

On to the Photoshop Tutorial :) ENJOY!

Here is the Tutorial's Template changed up quickly

with a digital paper that will be in February's Kit!

Look how much clipping this paper to the "photo mat" changed the look.

What do you want your
20TWELVE to look like???

[CLIK*BOARD JAN KIT/TUTORIAL.]
Template No. 14

Decide which of your photos, images, projects, inspiration, layouts, typography, notes, you want to use for your Clik*Board or use the images provided in the kit. 20TWELVE should reflect what goals, events &/or ideas are *MOST IMPORTANT*!

Copy those images to the "PC-2012PP-PHOTOS&IMAGES" folder. Download my quick and easy 20TWELVE File Organization System HERE. This tutorial also shows you how to Download from my Blog and save files to respective folders.

Have PC-2012PP-TUT-JAN-CLIKBOARD folder's contents ready to go in Adobe Bridge or Windows.

To view these vimeo's larger, go directly to the vimeo text link and view in *couch mode*! This will allow you to resize the vimeo window while Photoshop is running. That way you can follow along while you are working in Photoshop!

Questions? Click on the Kontactr Me button on the sidebar and send an email. :)

[Jan Clik*Board Tutorial - Segment 1]

How to Create Folders in Photoshop

[Jan Clik*Board Tutorial - Segment 2]

How to Clip Layers in Photoshop

[Jan Clik*Board Tutorial - Segment 3]
How to Add Embellishments to Digital Scrapbook Layouts in Photoshop

[Jan Clik*Board Tutorial - Segment 4]
How to Make Embellishments Appear Intertwined in Photoshop

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Organization in Photoshop

2012-01-20T16:06:00.000-06:00

. . . Let's Begin with "First Things First". . . :)

As you gather up your ideas, inspiration, completed layouts, quotes and photographs for your 20TWELVE project, you will need to have a strong filing system in Photoshop Bridge or your computer system.

This tutorial covers a basic, yet thoughtful, filing system to help you locate your digital products, templates, images ... anything relating to your 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases project, quicker & easier! Giving you lots more time for creating & planning!

I've zipped the folder system for you to grab! Tweak it as you need to.

. . . What do you do to organize your 2012 projects??? . . .

[20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES: File Organization]

InSights: Photographie 01.09.12

2012-01-17T00:34:00.004-06:00

I caught 3 of my dogs looking very, very pathetic as they sat out in the misty rain on the 9th. The furry trio were sitting at point in the corner there, under the eave's shelter, looking steadily at the door, SITTING THE SAME EXACT WAY & WITH THE SAME EXACT EXPRESSION on their little mugs! They were oblivious as I watched them from inside. My camera happened to be out on the kitchen cabinet {collecting dust} and, well, they saw me move!

Woulda been such a stinkin' cute photo!

With a bit of Photoshop, texture and edge burn, I managed to get this pic to turn out pretty cute! The window film, misty rain, poor light . . . made for an artsy kinda photo.

At least I am attempting to use my camera more! This was my 1st attempt for my 20TWELVE resolution to improve in photography.

Now you know why . . . . ;)

News and Events: Create With Joy Highlights 20TWELVE Workshop

2012-01-16T15:05:00.001-06:00

[CREATE WITH JOY]

Ramona of Create With Joy featured my 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases Workshop on her *Inspire Me Monday* Blog Hop this week as an Inaugural Contributor! Makes me giggle & happy! :: blush :: ;) If you want to find some really cool crafting projects, visit her website and jump on board the Blog Hop, visit some of the participants & leave a little love!

. . . Her website in her words . . .

"Create With Joy is an inspirational blog that celebrates creativity in all its facets! Inside you’ll find art and crafts to enrich you; mouth-watering recipes to entice you; books and resources to enlighten you, and so much more! As I share my heart and creative passions, it’s my hope you’ll be inspired to live each day to the fullest, and infuse creativity in all you do!"

Here's what she wrote about the 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases Workshop!

"Do you aspire to learn or deepen your Photoshop skills in 2012? If you love digital scrapbooking and are inspired by beautiful vintage creations as much as I am, then visit Julie and check out her 20 Twelve project. She’s inspiring others with her Photoshop tutorials, free digital kits and embellishments, and a link for participants to share their creations!"

Thank you so much, Ramona! {xoxo}

Julie

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Monthly Clik*Board

2012-01-13T17:30:00.000-06:00

[PHOTOS.]

Photos Post No. 1

Template No. 13 Clik*Board

Want a fun project to work on this weekend? I added new digital scrapbooking papers that work nicely with this template and color scheme for 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases.

The Poloroidish Landscape frame is such a great eye-catcher! Highlight your favorite photo. Make it fun! Like my daughters and niece hamming it up! They are so silly - *REAL LIFE*!

This template is for those of you who want to do MORE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING! You may use this as a Monthly Clik*Board to track favorite photos or journaling notes.

[Ideas 4 Clik*Board.]

Date each Clik*It Note Consistently for the Month {1-31} or Randomly by Actual Day
Add a Photo a Day or Favorites of a Monthly Photo Shoot
Simple - One Photo a Week
Random Photos Tied to Your Random Dates
Use Coordinating Digital Papers to Attach to Those Cute Little Clik*It Notes
Journaling Notes on Clik*It Notes

How to Clik*It on Your Clik*Board? {How to Clip Layers Together in Photoshop.}

Select Move Tool
Target the Layer of Desired "Clik*It Square"
To Find a "Clik*It Square" Layer in the Layers Palette - Press Your Mouse Down on the Square
Which in Turn Highlights that Layer in the Layers Palette
Next - Open a Paper, Photo or Cool Word*Art
Drag That Item's Layer with Your Mouse to Your Clik*Board
The Item Will Automatically be Pulled In Above the Clik*Board Layer You Selected
Hover Between the 2 Layers, Select Alt or Option, and Press Down with Your Mouse
Adjust Position of Item by Highlight It's Layer and Holding Down with Your Mouse
Position or Resize Creatively

[PHRASES.]

Phrases Post No. 3 Monthlies 20TWELVE

Dating digital scrapbook layouts with the month and year can be fun and document exactly when "what was goin' on . . . was goin' on!" ;) Here are coordinating 20TWELVE Monthlies to use on your scrapbook pages, photos and altered art. These images are on a transparent background, so you can put them on any digital paper that you'd like :)

This project is going to be so pretty!

[Clik*Board & 20TWELVE Monthlies Download.]

Password: 20TWELVE

ENJOY & EMAIL w/ ANY QUESTIONS! Just hit that Contactr buttton at the top of my blog.

Creatif Spotlight: Karen Burns of Vintage Findings

2012-01-13T11:50:00.002-06:00

Artfully Created by Karen Burns

[ CREATIF SPOTLIGHT. ]

Karen Burns of Vintage Findings

Karen Burns is a photographer/altered artist who I follow on Flickr. I commented on a new photo she posted recently and visited her gallery. Her beautiful, scenic photos drew me in along with her inspiring altered art layouts designed with Photoshop. Thoughtful and vintage in style, and as she mentions, she "really wants to tell a story!"

. . . And that she does . . .

Here's the story behind her submission of January's Template for 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases,

entitled "THE VIOLINIST".

. . . Visit her Blog and leave her some love . . .

Such is the draw for us to altered art. The story behind the images. Some candid. Some symbolic. Some trite. Some humorous. Some passionate. Some elegant. I enjoy seeing what each artist finds funny, interesting, or time telling. The image makes you feel as if you learn something from or about the artist. Quite often, I find that it is an outpouring of one's soul, creatively, figuratively and more often than not, spiritually.

Interestingly, Karen's collection piece she feels depicts herself best as an artist was the one that drew me in the most - "Lucky No. 7" {shown below}. My eyes studied it with great interest. I love the fonts, colors and vintage mug shot which makes me smile, along with her sassy little comment you'll read below! The mood is set by her antiquing, blending modes, layer styles, vintage ephemera and color selections which transport me to a quieter time with less issues than those we face today.

. . . ART the great escape . . .

Karen's Brief Bio & Expose. ;)

I'm a modern girl with a vintage soul. A mixed media artist, originally from Michigan, living in Northern California.

When did you realize that you had a panache for photography?

When I started a blog! I needed some good images for the web :-)

What motivates you as a photographer to capture images?

The light, the shadows. They motivate me. I am also highly motivated by vintage elements and vintage images.

Which photographer are you most drawn to and why?

Tom Weisimel. He was one of my first contact on Flickr and his work is beyond amazing. Also, Marie Otero. I have taken several digital on-line classes from her. They are THE BEST if you want to hone your digital skills.

Where and what subjects do you enjoy photographing most?

In my own backyard, I love nature. I love capturing what is around me. I'm a country girl, so all things nature and natural appeal to me. I love macro photography.

What is your favorite tool and tip for using Photoshop when editing your photographs?

Wow, tough one. Favorite tool, I would say is to have a to have a good background in all the basics from classes. My tip? Take classes with artists that you admire. Ask questions of them, pick their brains.

When did you become an altered artist?

I began as a textile artist evolving to PhotoShop, which has captured my attention, my drive, my passion.

What do you love most about Photoshop?

Oh, the more I learn, the more I need to know! I love the fact that there is always something new to learn. It never gets old. There are always new techniques, new ways of getting the desired results, and new things to learn.

What area of your life has been most inspired by your digital art?

My soul. Seriously, it feeds my soul. Not everyone will understand that, but that's ok.

Do current color trends affect your decisions when designing altered art?

Nope. I tend to go with what I love, with what I see, with what I want as a result. I have no idea what current color trends are.

What one photograph and altered art project do you feel best defines you in each area and why you feel that way.

Photograph: This digital collage that best describes how I like to work. I seek out vintage images that tell a story. I really want to tell a story! I collect elements, saving them, where they are ready to pull out and use when needed. I scan everything!

Karen Noted on Her Layout: "Lucky number seven, but most likely unlucky number seven for poor John Cavanauagh (just noticed that he was arrested in Chicago). I love these Bad Boy mug shots, this one from my collection. Card states that he is 27 years old, 174 lbs., chestnut hair, medium build, and he has all his own teeth! Snappy dresser, what's not to love?". :)

Altered art project: Made in Clarissa Callesen's class at ArtFest last year. Great techniques! I love my doll. Her name is Favia and she is my muse in my studio.

Thank you for participating in the 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases Workshop, Karen! And for creating such a dreamy layout to share with everyone! I love Favia too!

News and Events: Creatif Team Call

2012-01-10T14:46:00.003-06:00

This year is going to be a blast!

So, if you LOVE Digital Scrapbooking

or are a digital designer looking for a creative team to join

send me an email!

juls@papiercreatif.net

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Whimsical

2012-01-06T21:47:00.000-06:00

What would you like your 20TWELVE to be about!?

Have you visualized your goals for the year?

What's your spin for the month of January?

Are you going to use WordArt each month to get yourself in gear?

Make really cute layouts about your kids?

Or make 20TWELVE something funky, cool & artsy!?

. . . I can totally see some journaling pages . . .

. . . along with some altered art pages . . .

. . . placed inside this beautiful album . . .

And if you really LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the direction that I am going,

follow along and make one just like mine for YOU-YOU-YOU!

~ Directions for "vimeo.com Couch Mode" Viewing ~

The Intro and Tutorial No. 1 videos are ok to view directly on this blog.
The videos can be viewed here as is or full screen!

. . . to follow along while working in Photoshop . . .

To follow along while Photoshop is running,
click the link above the tutorial,
the link navigates directly to my vimeo channel
Select Couch Mode {right of vimeo title}
Adjust Window as desired.

:) ENJOY LADIES!

[ JAN TUTORIAL *WHIMSICAL*. ]

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases January Tutorial No. 1 {intro}

To get right to the action -- you can start with Tutorial No. 2!

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases January Tutorial No. 2

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases January Tutorial No. 3

[ 20TWELVE JAN TUTORIAL KIT LINK. ]

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases Jan Whimsical Tutorial Download

Password: 20TWELVE

[ CREATIF CREDITS. ]

Blog Event: Feature Me Friday

2012-01-06T10:25:00.001-06:00

Hi Bloggy Moms!

Looking for a nice Blog Hop today?

Please Follow Me

and

Link up to this post!

There are some great blogs, friends to be made, fun to be had

and you know ...

It's Friday.

on to my post . . .

[ MONTHLY CALENDAR JOURNALING. ]

I am so excited about this story, ladies! I couldn't believe the serendipity!

I went for a quiet walk with my eldest daughter last night who is on break from college. She has been so patient with me. Thoughtfully appreciating my enthusiasm of digital design and the launch of 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases. She keeps busy but I can always tell when she is needing time with me. She'll give me subtle hints like ...

"Mom? Don't you think you should go walking today? Wasn't that one of your resolutions?"

translation . . .

"Mom ... Let's spend some time together and go for a walk. I'm worried about your weight."

(She's working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.)

-and also this-

"Wooowwww.... (sigh) I am really craving some sweets but I just caaaan't . . ."

translation . . .

"Let's make some homemade cookies!"

I stopped what I was doing and thought to myself, she'll be married soon and how many opportunities will I have to go for a walk and make cookies with my daughter? :) What's a few extra hundred calories, when I need to burn about a million. After a casual, non fat-burning walk, chili for dinner and vanilla chocolate chip cookies for dessert, she asked if I wanted to look at some of her childhood memorabilia. We sat down on her bed and looked through a stack of baby and childhood things I had saved for her.

We poured over a baby calendar I had journaled on so sweet and tenderly as a new mother.

[ACTUAL BABY CALENDAR. CIRCA 1987. ]

P R I C E L E S S. T o t a l l y P R I C E L E S S.

This calendar illustrates how your 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases project could be a real tear jerker for your family in years to come. :) If you are into journaling, perserving memories and want a fun project to do while learning some Photoshop skills. I would love for you to join me!

The 20TWELVE Monthly *on this day* template serves the same purpose as this, with only a few words jotted down and some simple journaling. With the help of the Photoshop, now I can amp up my 20TWELVE Photos + Phrases with digital scrapbook styled pages or altered art to highlight each month.

[ GREAT MEMORIES. ]

My parent's 1st visit.

The 1st time she uttered "Mama" . . .

{I told her that should be the day our family actually celebrates Mother's Day! ha!}

My brother going with us for her 1st checkup.

A little game that she and her daddy played.

The Tulsa ice storm in 1987 - no heat! We had Jacqueline sleep between us to keep her warm!

There was so much more over the course of a year. And she was thankful and excited that she came across this tucked away treasure in her room. They are for her. Her family. Her future.

When I saw those sweet calendars, it really iced my opinion of this project! I haven't changed much after all these years. I write less neatly but still enjoy scrapbooking, journaling and photography. It made me feel good to know that I had preserved those memories especially for her and she will always remember that of me.

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Phrases Post No. 2

2012-01-05T16:40:00.001-06:00

[ ABOUT USING TEMPLATES. ]

As a child, I recall a distinct day that my teacher instructed the class to be creative and while everyone's hand flew to their paper coloring away, I stared at mine & froze!

. . . I had to think . . .

. . . because I wanted it to be special . . .

I have enough creatif*ity that allows me to complete projects and be happy with them. And as long as I am happy with the result, it's all good! One of the greatest things about scrapbooking is

. . . enjoying what you do and liking what you create . . .

This layout is an example of what I'd consider an eclectic, cutesy, little mess. :) When I look at it, I see 3 different styles of scrapbooking going on. And the ribbon cluster, I envision to be like a *mantle* over a brick fireplace? Well, to me it's a bit on the biggish side. Yet, I still like it. I could fine tune it. Make it perfect. But then I would not have enough time to go for a walk with my daughter or design some more cool freebies!

Time wise, designing layouts can eat away at the clock and end up pitching it because it "doesn't look right." Yep, your heart was in the right place. You liked elements of it. But wound up dragging it to the computer trashcan. The balance was off. The theme was off. Your creatif mojo wasn't on fire that day.

. . . Creating a good digital scrapbook page is primarily about BALANCE . . .

[ CREATIF IDEAS. ]

Use the January kit and layout as a guide, create a similar layout for you
Search galleries and digi sites for inspirational layouts that you just love
Use a pre-made digital scrapbook template

Templates will teach you layering and balance without you realizing it. And remember - Repetition, repetition, repetition. Coz as with anything you do, practice makes perfect! And what about those goals you are working on this year? Get crackin'!

[ PHRASES Post No. 2 ]

I thought you all might like this cute quote I designed for this layout! Save this .png {transparent file} and drag it onto a *happy photo* in Photoshop!

[ Embrace Happiness. ]

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Phrases Post No. 1

2012-01-04T17:18:00.001-06:00

[ PHRASES Post No. 1 ]

Phrases & quotes are powerful. More so than the spoken word at times! To inspire and encourage your creatif or personal goals, I put together a list of uplifting 3-word Snippets. So cute & cool! Have you noticed that when reflecting on positive words while working on your layouts, art projects and journals . . .

y o u j u s t f e e l b e t t e r a b o u t L I F E!

[ 3*Word Snippets. ]

{Right click on 3*Word Snippets}

These will look great used on your Monthly *on this day* layout somewhere! I will show you some Photoshop tips about working with .png files when I update this post.

By the way . . . here's some staples for ya!

[ CREATIF IDEAS. ]

Use 3*Word Snippets on your Monthly *on this day* Template
Perhaps choose a phrase to use each month to focus on
Use as descriptors for your family & friends in digital scrapbook layouts
Use as labels for your way cool altered art projects
Add the 3*Word Snippets directly onto a photograph to add interest

Simple list so you can edit with your own special font!

acceptance | aspire | achieve

believe | blossom | become

courage | clarity | confidence

dream | determination | dynamic

embrace | empathize | encourage

faith | fly | fulfill

grow | goodness | grateful

heal | healthy | happy

inspire | improve | invigorate

jump | joy | jubilant

keen | knowledge | kindhearted

loyal | learn | love

mirror | manifest | miracle

natural | nurture | nourished

open | optimistic | original

patient | purpose | peace

quick | quirky | quaint

reflect | refresh | renewed

simple | sincere | special

trust | transcend | transformed

understanding | uplift | unselfish

versatile | value | vibrant

worthy | warmth | whole

x*cel | x*uberant | x*traordinary

you | yielding | youthful

zealous | zippy | zest

Blog Event: Bloggy Moms Blog Hop

2012-01-02T17:28:00.001-06:00

W E L C O M E B L O G G Y M O M S !!!

As a Bloggy Mom who is almost an empty nester, I know ladies - I have been there! :) Motherhood is filled with joy, great times & memories, crazy busy days that are stressful. You find yourself spinning a half-dozen plates and wearing 3 or 4 hats at any given moment. And -- let's not forget the laundry piled up that needs folding. Or, trying to get through blow drying your hair before the baby cries or spills milk!

And -- all you awesome sports moms, I know, your weekends are sometimes filled with 3 - 4 tournament games, your face gets all wind burned and your voice started giving out from "cheering". Whatever happened to date nite???

Yes? I know! :) And guess what - they were some of the best years of my LIFE! Perhaps there are a few days I'd gladly trade, but for the most part, being a Mom is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life! I am not done yet ... Motherhood lasts forever!

So ... here's a secret. Take the time to photograph the tender years, the school years, the sports years, the holidays. Take the time to organize it on your computers, in your photo albums, on your favorite website. And if you want to get creative, take the time for YOURSELF to *create* ... to *get away* from time-to-time. To make beautiful keepsakes for your family and friends. To look at your life from the outside and see all the beauty in it. That "imperfect life" that makes it uniquely your family's.

Digital Scrapbooking has been a huge inspiration in my life. I have grown in so many ways from a simple program called Photoshop! I love it. I want to share it with those of you who are needing more from your life - or perhaps you just *think* you need more, when actually, digital scrapbooking is a visual thumbprint of *the good things* in life. It reminds you of all it's blessings.

I read an article that it is VERY GOOD for children to see themselves in family photos. It gives them a much deeper sense of their identity. It builds their self-esteem. Imagine if your child, toddler to teenager, saw digital scrapbook layouts you have done of THEM. That you took time out of your day to focus on their life and what they are doing. My kids loved it and still do. They range from 19 - 24!

WHAT IS 20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES?

this is another post relating to it with video clips

Do you need visual inspiration to hone in on your 20TWELVE goals this year?

Try my new TOTALLY FREE WORKSHOP: 20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES! It's a great way to help organize your creative goals, photographs, digital scrapbook layouts!

Learn how to do digital scrapbooking
Complete a cool Photobook for 20TWELVE
Target your creatif or personal goals
Plus, collect some totally FREE digital goodies
Use the templates as a 2012 Calendar

Here's a look at what's included in the January kit!

[20TWELVE JAN KIT DOWNLOAD.]

Password: 20TWELVE

20TWELVE Jan Template
2 Digital Papers
1 Ledger Paper
3 Photo Masks
3 WordArt
3 Ribbons
1 Tack
2 Photo Frames

There will be step-by-step tutorials. These are screen videos so you can *see* how it's done - not a lot of text you have to read through. Fun projects that you can put your own signature style on or simply follow along with me to learn!

I have designed 12 months of beautiful creatif templates that are customizable.

Use the project to focus on your creative or personal goals for 2012. The monthly templates will remind you of your targets each month. See how your year unfolds with a snapshot look month-to-month!

I have some really great digital goodies for you to use! Remember ... you can use whatever digital papers you want from other sources to make it look like you. Questions about Photoshop, all you have to do is post a question in my forum for 20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES or send me an email at juls@papiercreatif.net

Bloggy Moms totally new to Photoshop are Encouraged to Participate!

Have an awesome Bloggy Moms day! Enjoy the January Hop!

Use my FREEBIES for PU, credit not required, but appreciated!
When you complete your layout, Link up on the Monthly 20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES Blog Hop for Papier Creatif!
Please share my Blog Button for this cool project! :)

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: January Digi Kit

2012-01-01T11:34:00.002-06:00

[2012 PHOTOS + PHRASES: *Whimsical* January Digi Kit Download]
Password: 20TWELVE

20TWELVE Jan Template
2 Digital Papers
1 Ledger Paper
3 Photo Masks
3 WordArt
3 Ribbons
1 Tack
2 Photo Frames

Y A Y F O R T H E N E W Y E A R!!!

So, here we go! Are you ready?!!! January's a time of reflection, hope and resolution. What do you resolve to do this year?

* Improving Your Photoshop Skills *

* Improving Your Photography Skills *

* Creating Photo Based Layouts with Simple Phrases *

* Creating Altered Art Layouts *

* Writing a Digital Journal with Monthly Prompts *

* Writing a Soul Journal *

* Creating a Family-Oriented Album *

* Organizing Your Day to Day Life *

* Focusing on Digital Scrapbooking Techniques *

[Blog Button 4 Sharing - Right Click on Image]

20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES can prompt you towards achieving your creative and/or personal goals for the New Year. You'll have a cool, digital snapshot of your life using photos and phrases! Check out my vimeo on the prior post to see the lovely and transitionally designed Monthlies! I am all about flexibility. A photo a day or heavy journaling isn't required - UNLESS you are up for that! This project is Month-based with coordinating Templates for Day or Week.

No need for a lecture here.

You know what you need to do.

MAYBE YOU JUST NEED ME TO REMIND YOU EVERY SINGLE MONTH!

hahahahaha! ;)

1. Review STEPS TOWARDS CHANGE and note your thoughts

2. Decide what your 20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES will focus on

3. Introduce yourself in PAPIER CREATIF FORUM and please excuse the cheesy ad. It's a free Forum, you know how that goes ... :)

4. Share what your plans are for the 20TWELVE PHOTOS + PHRASES project and list your Top Three Goals.

5. Groups are welcome! Faith-based digiscrappers, altered artists or digiscrap buddies are welcome to join in. Part of the digi industry? Feel free to join in :) The more the merrier. Tailor this project to your own Blog's community needs!

S T E P S T O W A R D S C H A N G E

I. [INSPIRATION.]

II. [DREAMS.]

III. [GOALS.]

IV. [PLANNING.]

V. [CHECKLIST.]

VI. [ACTION.]

[S A M P L E L A Y O U T.]

VII. [PAPIER CREATIF IDEAS.]

How will you use your Monthly Templates? Ideas? Post a comment!

3 Word Daily Quick Thoughts
Events, Holidays or Appointments
Action Completed to Achieve Goal
Creative Calendar
Digital Scrapbook Layouts List
Digital and/or Art Classes
Inspirational Quotes
Biblical Quotes

I'll be posting a Weekly template soon. :)

VIII. [PAPIER CREATIF TUTORIALS.]

New to digital scrapbooking? Look for my Papier Scissors ROCK photoshop tutorial for the Sample Layout on tomorrow's post!

IX. [CREATIF CREDITS.]

Shadowhouse Creations
Courtneys Digiscrappin
Parisian font
Romantique font
Velvet font

Download this beautiful kit, sign up in the Papier Creatif Forum and get ready!

M O R E T O C O M E !!! S T A Y T U N E D !!!

InSights: Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T22:24:00.001-06:00

H E L L O W O R L D!

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !!!

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases - Project Intro

2011-12-30T18:16:00.000-06:00

Are ya ready for 2012???! I AM!

C O U N T I N G D O W N T O M I D N I G H T!

Plus! I am super excited about this latest project!

AND . . .

Are ya ready for some really cool templates that may just kick your digital scrapbooking up a notch!?

Over the course of 2012, I will post Monthly, as well as Weekly templates for you to use as a springboard for creating a visual snapshot of your year in photos and phrases. You will also receive prompts and embellishments that aim to inspire and make you think about YOU, YOUR LIFE, & YOUR GOALS.

This is gonna be Super E-Z!

SNAPSHOT OF MONTH WITH PHOTOS + PHRASES!

Tailored in a way that makes it simple to simplify and fun to amplify!

ADD WEEKLY LAYOUTS AS YOU CAN!

BUILD IT HOW YOU WANT IT!

What is great about the Monthly On This Day template is that it can be used as a mechanism to record events or daily quick thoughts, as well as to pool your inspirations, dreams & goals through the imagery. I'll also be writing posts & creating tutorials about Photoshop, a sprinkling of my photography "efforts", ideas & creatif stuff! You put your spin on it and post your layout here. Chat about your project and how it's coming along in the Papier Creatif Forum.

Think your Followers would enjoy this? Share the info and freebies - here's a BLOG BUTTON to post on your sidebar, which would be really sweet of u!

For now, here's a vimeo intro & overview for the project!

InSights: Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T17:57:00.000-06:00

C H R I S T M A S 2 0 1 1

What a great holiday season this has been! We actually got the house decorated festively. Thanks in large part to my daughter, Jacq, who just got back home from inservice for physical therapy at an acute care hospital in Oklahoma City. She stayed with my sister and brother-in-law for 6 weeks working full time. She enjoyed working with the staff, meeting with patients recovering from a multitude of disabilities and illnesses and providing care in an actual hospital setting. We are so proud of her!

Jessica also attends college and works full time in a day care setting. She was recently promoted to Lead Trainer and her classroom has been used as a prototype for other facilities within the organization. She is working towards a degree in Occupational Therapy. She has always been very gifted with children, who adore her. And I think it's partly because she still has a bit of little girl inside and is very laid back.

Mason is playing collegiate golf and his team had a pretty impressive season. He placed 4th at a local tourny here in Texas and boosted the team to 3rd place overall. We are really looking forward to seeing how they do next year! He keeps busy with golf and his friends constantly. We are proud of his efforts and accomplishments. He has changed so much since starting college and is becoming a man . . . :: sniff sniff ::

Our puppies, Lily, Leo and Eagle, kept the holidays warm and fun. It was really nice to have a pack of pups with us to share Christmas. Nothin' like a sweet puppy-dog to make you smile. I just can't stop kissing and loving on them! Lily is "my little kitten". See? She's the one pictured at the bottom looking right at you. She connected like that from birth and I instantly knew she was special. Leo, in the middle, is getting prettier and prettier. Looking a lot like his Mom. Starting to be a little more social lately. Loves playing keep away. Eagle, pictured at top, is a sweetheart. She is so loving and affectionate. She has the ultimate puppy eyes with that beautiful mask of butterfly ears. She loves belly rubs!

Hubby is now working from Dallas instead of Washington, DC. Two and a half years of traveling to bring home the bacon. We are all very appreciative of his hard work. He never complained. He worked on the big US Post Office website redo. H-U-G-E. They are still wrapping things up. He is supportive of my career aspirations and determined spirit. That's me . . . I always have stuff goin' on. He likes me busy, actually. Check out my You Tube channel and you can see him playing guitar, *Stormy Monday*. He videoed it for his sister, Debbie, who is learning to play guitar.

So, we spent Christmas day at my brother's with his family. My parents and sister's family came in to Texas as well. That always makes the holidays feel more special. We made our traditional pot of Wassail, turkey and dressing, white chocolate chip cookies which we've devoured! So yummy! Then, hung out in the evening at our house playing cello, guitar & piano. Singing Christmas songs and a little Stevie Nicks ;)

I am looking forward to getting back into Creatif Mode!

Hope you all enjoyed your holiday too!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T11:25:00.000-06:00

W I S H I N G Y O U & Y O U R S

A B E A U T I F U L

H O L I D A Y S E A S O N !

Photographie Creatif: {winteresque}

2011-12-14T17:48:00.000-06:00

I put a flickr gallery together of snow-inspired imagery & titled the collection, {winteresque}. Click on the link for a closer look at this beautiful photography & credits. Albeit at 5 am yesterday morning, I took some time and relaxed while browsing through photos. Love the snowy lenses, feathery trees, natural splendor and beautiful architecture iced with that wintery background! The angles on these photos are fantastic. Some of the scenes fade gently in a monochromatic color scheme. Picture perfect.

We are preparing the house for the holidays and working on the master bathroom reno. It is getting there and looking good! You all will have to check out my interior decorating blog, Tres Joli Home to see what the tile looks like. My tile guy, Francisco, finished installing the tile, so now it has to be sealed, grouted and sealed with a top coat. I am using my son's bedroom as a "walk-in" closet! ha! It will be really nice to have it finished. Then, I'll start painting / priming to get the walls ready for a Venetian Plaster finish. I have also added to the list, painting and glazing the shutters. It's a very unique, yet classic tile design. I hope to have photos up over the weekend.

Have a great weekend!

New Product: Romantique Mugs for Christmas

2011-12-12T14:31:00.000-06:00

I n t r o d u c i n g T h e L a t e s t

"ROMANTIQUE MUGS"

Studio Scrapbook*Works Digital Kit
{zazzle*works}

for the Juliet in All of Us ...

Do you have scrapbook friends, family or co-workers
who love their java?

These vintage Romantique Coffee Mugs

will get their creative juices flowing for sure!

{order your favorite for yourself!}

AVAILABLE @ MY ZAZZLE STORE

The gypsy mug with the red interior looks the most Christmas-y! This is my favorite of all the patterns.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

The Romantique Coffee Mugs may be ordered individually or order all for a really cute set! I am getting several sets as gifts this year ... {shhhh!} :)

Order the style and color option you prefer. The images wrap all the way around the back. Really, really cool! Go to My Zazzle Store. View the front, center and back. And best of all, these are *MADE IN USA*!

Our family traditionally makes Wassail every Christmas. Here is a great recipe for it. It's soothing & delicious! Perfect for holiday parties and dinners.

[ Moi. Bein' Kris Kringle!]

[Wanda Holding Her Namesake Mug.]

[Jessica Holdin' Them All at Once!]

[Jacqueline Giddy! SCORE!]

[Cheri {sipping} and Brandy {smiling}!]

HOME RUN FOR CREATIF MUGS!!!

Print this recipe out and tie it to the mug as a gift!

WASSAIL RECIPE WITH RUM.

2 quarts apple cider
1 cup dark rum
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 orange
1/2 cup light brown sugar
pinch of nutmeg, grated
Cinnamon sticks, garnish

PREPARATION:

Stud the orange with cloves, slice.
Place spice in cheesecloth & tie with baker's strong.
In a medium pot, combine the studded orange slices and the remaining ingredients except the rum.
Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and add the rum.
To serve immediately - strain, ladle into mugs and garnish with cinnamon stick.

FOSSIL LUVS VINTAGE TOO!

New Product: Boo Da Licious Frame*Works

2011-12-10T10:13:00.000-06:00

AVAILABLE AT PAPIER CREATIF STORE

I n t r o d u c i n g t h e L a t e s t

"BOO DA LICIOUS"

Studio Scrapbook*Works Digital Kit

{mega*works}

it's fun to be Spooky!

The *Boo Da Licious* Halloween {mega*works} digital scrapbook kit also includes these 3 different frames in .psd format so you can adjust according to your photos. Fun & festive! Perfect for your own little spooks!

New Product: Boo Da Licious Alphabet Previews

2011-12-09T14:31:00.000-06:00

I n t r o d u c i n g t h e L a t e s t

"BOO DA LICIOUS"

Studio Scrapbook*Works Digital Kit

{mega*works}

it's fun to be Spooky!

Here's some more Halloween fun in case you haven't had a chance to scrap your Halloween pics from October or years past!

The Boo Da Licious {mega*works} Halloween digital scrapbook kit also includes 3 styles of alphas that you can use for various occasions. Plus, BONUS! BONUS! I have added some extra elements to the kit for you to play with!

You can have a lot of fun with this kit! I love it!

AVAILABLE AT PAPIER CREATIF STORE

Click to see a larger image :)

1 PLAIN ALPHA - Midnight Black Background, Spice and White

1 GLITTER SCRIPT ALPHA - Ghoul Green Glitter with White

2 GLITTER BLOCK ALPHAS - Ghoul Green and Broomstick Brown Glitter

News and Events: Three Papillons, Two Turtle Doves and a ...

2011-12-09T12:32:00.000-06:00

My 3 little Papillons are growing up and I am getting more and more attached. I thought I'd share these photos with you dog lovers out there! I just put the ad in the paper for them this week. They will make really cute Christmas puppies. And I am looking for tender, loving owners who appreciate this beautiful breed of dog.

Lily is the runt and the most affectionate in a snuggly way. She is content to curl up on my chest underneath my sweaters and jackets. It's been in the 30s - 50s in Texas the past few weeks. Makes potty training kinda chilly sometimes. I love watching the interaction between her and her mom, Gigi. They have very similar dispositions. This dog will be a *Momma's Girl * for sure! ... ohhhhh ... I am going to miss her.

Eagle, or as I affectionately refer to her as *Eaglie*, is my other little girl ... She is a lot like her Daddy, Georgie! Athletic with his face markings and bounces straight up in the air just like him! I call out *Boing! Boing!*, when she starts jumping around. She is as affectionate as Lily, lots of kisses, but prefers wrestling around with Leo. She is so smart! When I am preparing their food in the kitchen, she stands looking at me and turns to go to the family room where I feed them. The other two follow me while my little, Eaglie, gets a head start! Look at her beautiful markings! She is just about pure white except for her pretty winged face and black spot above the tail. She has a hint of a spot on her back. I think she'd be a great show dog. And if someone were to train her in agility, she'd be excellent.

Leo is ALL BOY! He loves playing. I knew it from the first time I took him outside. He was quieter than the others when he was born. As soon as he went outside, he perked up and became more playful! He listens well and is the first to curl up with me, when the day winds down. He's got a beautiful, thick tri-colored coat. Note in this photo, he is the first to run to me. He's such a sweetheart!

I am still working on my Master Bath Reno, adding a few extras to the Boodalicious Halloween kit, and tryin' to get geared up for Christmas. With my house turned upside down, I am not looking forward to making more messes with boxes. And my girls and son are all off to college now. They used to help me quite a bit..... BAH! HUMBUG! But! I always feel so good when it's all done and lookin' festive! I'll put some Natalie Cole Christmas music on and have a glass of wine. That ought to do it!

Christmas Kit: Noel Primitif

2011-12-05T20:18:00.000-06:00

"NOEL PRIMITIF"

{studio scrapbook*works kit}

Treasure Your Memories

Available at Papier Creatif Store

This is a fun Christmas kit with a really cute & whimsical alphabet, a tin-styled frame in turquoise, berry & nutmeg that may also be used to border other papers and/or pages. I really love the Xmas Photograph No. elements. Totally cute idea to use the actual numbers from your camera, as an accent! You can reduce the size of the element to suit your taste. The decal/sticker graphics are excellent and great to layer your digital scrapbook layouts with.

{mega*works kit link}

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS!

x-o-x-o

News and Events: My Little Babies

2011-12-01T17:49:00.000-06:00

Here they are! Six weeks old and sweet as can be! I know that I will cry like a baby when they go to their new homes. If you live in the Dallas area, they are for sale :)

They are Papillon, French for Butterfly! Named for their large, butterfly shaped ears with long fringe. This breed has a very sweet disposition, even a bit sweeter than the Maltese. They are loyal, patient, playful and loving. They are also quick to learn agility training. My male, Georgie, is bright and one Summer I had him hopping over bars in just a few minutes. They are very fast runners, quick and natural hunters. They love treeing squirrels and cornering rabbits. I believe that these three will grow up to be Tri colored, as they are now. They all have a touch of black. The mother, Gigi, is a red and white. Georgie is a tri.

Hopefully, I will get back into Creatif Mode. I am having a hard time focusing with everything on my plate right now. All I have to do for Papier Creatif is to wrap & pack the Halloween kit and finalize a beautiful album. With my Master Bathroom Redux going, most of my energy has been going into that.

You are welcome to visit my interior decorating blog, Tres Joli Home, to see what I've been up to. I am starting back to work full-time in January now that my son is in college. I really feel that digi and Photoshop has added more depth to my design knowledge. I'm so thankful for everything that I have learned and for the friends and contacts I have made. You guys are great!

New Product: Boo Dalicious Halloween Digital Scrapbook Kit

2011-11-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

I n t r o d u c i n g t h e L a t e s t

"BOO DA LICIOUS"

Studio Scrapbook*Works Digital Kit

{mega*works}

it's fun to be Spooky!

The crescent moon grabbed my attention this past week and up bubbled a cauldron of fun! This whimsical ditzy of a kit screams BOO - DA- LI- CIOUS HALLOWEEN! in vibrant colors of Grape Seed, Pumpkin, Ghoul Green & Ghost and, witchfully speaking, casts a magical touch of sparkle!

Purchase the kit at my STORE.

GREAT PRICE & PACKED WITH ADORABLE GOODIES!!!

I hope you all love this kit as much as I do and that it lights up your family's Halloween pics. It includes lotsa papers & elements to complete your layouts and help stretch your imagination. Delightful and fun!

Digital Scrapbook Papers {18}
Frames - Dotted {5} - Oval, Square Single, Vertical Tri, Horizontal Tri, 9 Pix
Sparkly Chandelier
Sparkly Crow Silhouette
Happy Man on the Moon Tag
Sparkly Swirls {3}
Cool Photo Masks {3} - Halloween, Spooked & Boodalicious
Pumpkin Colored Ribbon - Foil Style {4}, Ric Rac {3} & Velvetine {5}
Velvetine Bow w/ Flower & Button
Acanthus Leaf Accent Mats {5}
Digital Halloween Alpha {3} - Simple, Script Sparkly and Block Style Sparkly Alphas
Staples {4}
Creatif Quadrilles {3}
Pumpkin Vine {3}
Trick or Treat Button Black & White{1}
2011 Button Black & White {1}
Buttons {5}
Epoxy Buttons {7}
Greenery {2}
Halloween Tree
Halloween Sign
Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns {3}
Halloween Pendant Banners {2}
Spider Necklace
Spice Ranunculus Flowers
Black Hydrangea Flower

I loved Halloween this year!!! After 120 degree summer spikes in Texas, the cool weather prompted me to do a lotta yard work and decorate the front porch for the holiday. Layering cheerful yellow and rust mums, along with a whimsical tin pumpkin head and wreath provided a nice, welcoming touch. We planted mixed daffodils for Spring, as well as yellow and rust mums in the front flower bed and hung a decorative *WELCOME AUTUMN* flag!

We made our traditional pot of Chili and Rotel dip, carved pumpkins and greeted spooks with candy. I have happy memories of our 3 kids picking Halloween outfits and getting ready to trick-or-treat! One year was so cold & windy that their witchie poo hats blew off and cartwheeled ALL THE WAY DOWN THE STREET! They've been Scarecrows, Little Mermaid, Princess Jasmine, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ninja, Skateboarder, Beat Up Football Player, The Flintstones, a Turtle ... If I were younger, I could remember more!! HA!

Between raking, pruning and planting, I have been busy as a bee designing this BOO*DALICIOUS HALLOWEEN Scrapbook Kit and another upcoming product. So, stay tuned for more!

~CHILL WITH THIS CHILLY*ICIOUS CHILI RECIPE~

{INGReDIeNTS}

1 pack Williams Chili Seasoning
2 lb. 80% 20% Ground Chuck
1/2 Chopped Onion
1 Chopped Small Green or Red Pepper
2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes
1 Can Tomato Sauce
1 Can Tomato Paste - Small
2 Cans Kidney Beans ---or --- 1 Can Kidney Beans and 1 Can Pinto Beans

{INSTRUCTIoNS}

Combine Meat, Williams Seasoning, Onion and Green Pepper
Brown thoroughly and until onions are clear
Add Canned Goods
Stir Together
Simmer for 20 minutes

Serve with Velvetta & Rotel Cheese Dip, Fritos and/or Tortilla Chips

BOO*DA*LICIOUS!

Photoshop Tutorial: How to Use Photoshop for Digital Scrapbooking

2011-09-30T06:37:00.000-05:00

Papier Creatif - Bridal Party Segment 1 from Juls on Vimeo.

Papier Creatif - Bridal Party Segment 2 from Juls on Vimeo.

Papier Creatif - Bridal Party Segment 3 from Juls on Vimeo.

HOW TO USE PHOTOSHOP FOR DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING!

Are you a beginner or intermediate user of Photoshop? If so, this Photoshop Tutorial will step you through how to create this *Bridal Party* digital scrapbook layout in 3 segments. You can make it yours by using your own photo and changing the text to whatever you'd like! The photo is included for the photo editing portion of the tutorial.

In a little over an hour, you will learn Photoshop commands, tips & tricks for creating this whimsical layout. If you are an intermediate Photoshop user, set-up your new document, papers and skip to the 2nd Segment.

TUTORIAL TOPICS {ALOT! ALOT! ALOT!}

Creating a New Digital Scrapbook Document
Layers: Creating, Clipping, Merging, Moving
Photoshop Blending Modes
Photoshop Brush Tool
Photoshop Eraser Tool
Creating a Mask
Distressing
Adding a Texture
Photo Editing
Creating a Hand Made Stamp Look
Adding Embellishments
Saving Document

TUTORIAL SEGMENTS

Segment 1 - Setting Up New Document, Adding Papers and Mask {14 min}
Segment 2 - Photo Editing and Distressing Papers, Layers & Photo {35 min}
Segment 3 - Adding a Texture, Constructing Accents & Highlights, Adding Embellishments, Saving Your Layout {24 min}

Have fun and post yours on my Creatif Challenges page!

PAPIER CREATIF *LA BEBE* TUTORIAL KIT

4SHARED Links for Kit

PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 10 & PHOTOSHOP PREMIER ELEMENTS TRIAL VERSIONS
So, you've been toying around with the idea of getting Photoshop and want to try it out? Here is Adobe's product page link offering a 30-day trial period. No purchase required. It's also a great way to decide which version is the one for you.

Adobe Products Page

GREAT PHOTOSHOP BRUSHES

Fudge Graphics Rolled Paint Set 2

Grunge Borders by METH

Glitter + Sparkles Brushes by redheadstock

A COOL FONT

Faith Collapsing

Download kit, brushes and font. Save to the La Bebe folder. Unzip files. Install Font. Install brushes {covered in tutorial}.

You are ready to roll the videos! Enjoy!

Photographie Creatif: {parisian purple}

2011-09-18T11:51:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Here is a fresh collection of violet-hued images reflecting that beautiful cool tone, paired with hints of gold and splashes of red. This photography has me dreaming of a light mist of rain, 70-degree weather, a Starbucks hazelnut latte and afternoon shopping for some special little treasures. The umbrella & boots are begging for more rain here in Texas! I am so happy that Summer is just about over!

And remember ...

Friday, September 23rd is officially the 1st Day of Autumn!!!

Don't you enjoy the architectural lines and sophisticated vintage scenes captured in these beautiful photographs? Ahhh ... tres joli! And to be in Paris!

{credits} flickr gallery

New Product: Graduation Yearbook Template "Simplistic"

2011-09-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

I n t r o d u c i n g T h e L a t e s t

"SIMPLICITY GRAD TEMPLATE"

{template*works}

Treasure Your Memories

This clean, contemporary-styled Yearbook template frames out photos crisply. Highlight the memories of school, family, friends and extracurricular activities. Or, fill completely with childhood photos. Then, accent the page with one *wow* factor picture!

A pop of their school color borders the layout, along with a simple journaling block that keeps the focus on photos. Get creatif with the small rectangles - clip the same photo or a cool detail pic, as illustrated here. The boyfriend/girlfriend photo was rotated for interest.

School or favorite color ok. {.psd format}

Available at my STORE.

New Product: Graduation Yearbook Template "Brick Wall"

2011-09-02T12:52:00.000-05:00

I n t r o d u c i n g T h e L a t e s t

"BRICK WALL YEARBOOK TEMPLATE"

{template*works}

Treasure Your Memories

The "Brick Wall" Yearbook Template has grunge appeal with 3 areas for photo placement. Very cool weathered film strip for primary photo. Split the top areas with 2 - 4 photos of your son. Customized school or favorite color ok.

Template Saved in .psd, 300 dpi Format
Customize Text
Custom Colors Ok

New Product: Graduation Yearbook Template Set "Boutique Chic"

2011-08-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

I n t r o d u c i n g T h e L a t e s t

"BOUTIQUE CHIC GRAD SET"

{template*works}

Treasure Your Memories

Our kids and their accomplishments in high school are important!

Is your daughter a Senior this year? Let her know how loved and special she is by purchasing a page for her High School Yearbook!

Available at my STORE.

3 Templates: 1 - 9x12 and 2 - 5x7
Available in 5 Colors: royal blue, green, gold, silver & red
Custom colors are okay, send me a message with your order

For the 9x12 Yearbook Template - Place your favorite photos under the template. Type in a note or quote. The lower label is blank for customization.

REALLY CUTE 5x7 MINI-GRAD PRINTS!

Place your photos under these templates and order as prints. Then, mail along with your child's formal announcement. A real cost saver when graduation expense starts adding up. Your friends and family will appreciate the extra photos of your child. And of course, these coordinate with her Yearbook theme!

*Boutique Chic* Mini-Grad Print 01 - Grad Party Announcement

*Boutique Chic* Photo Mini-Grad Print 02 - University Announcement

Questions, help or tips -- email juls@papiercreatif.net

PAPIER CREATIF Studio Scrapbook*Works

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Feb Monthly Clik*Board

Creatif Spotlight: Jana Martišková, Photographer

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Creatif Layouts *Winteresque*

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Winteresque

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Phrases Post No. 4

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Journaling w Techy Apps

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Jan Clik*Board

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Organization in Photoshop

InSights: Photographie 01.09.12

News and Events: Create With Joy Highlights 20TWELVE Workshop

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Monthly Clik*Board

Creatif Spotlight: Karen Burns of Vintage Findings

News and Events: Creatif Team Call

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Tutorial - Whimsical

Blog Event: Feature Me Friday

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Phrases Post No. 2

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Phrases Post No. 1

Blog Event: Bloggy Moms Blog Hop

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: January Digi Kit

InSights: Happy New Year!

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases - Project Intro

InSights: Christmas 2011

Happy Holidays!

Photographie Creatif: {winteresque}

New Product: Romantique Mugs for Christmas

PREPARATION:

New Product: Boo Da Licious Frame*Works

New Product: Boo Da Licious Alphabet Previews

News and Events: Three Papillons, Two Turtle Doves and a ...

Christmas Kit: Noel Primitif

News and Events: My Little Babies

New Product: Boo Dalicious Halloween Digital Scrapbook Kit

Photoshop Tutorial: How to Use Photoshop for Digital Scrapbooking

Photographie Creatif: {parisian purple}

New Product: Graduation Yearbook Template "Simplistic"

New Product: Graduation Yearbook Template "Brick Wall"

New Product: Graduation Yearbook Template Set "Boutique Chic"

20TWELVE Photos + Phrases: Creatif Layouts Winteresque