12.06.2011

Christmas Cheer Tutorial

This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on
December 6, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the work of Sally Gilroy, you can purchase her work over at ScrapsnCrap
Kit of choice: I am using a cute Christmas kit by MC Designs called Noel Freebie (its only free til the end of December.
Plugins:
Masks/Templates: WSL_Mask 120 which can be found here

Let’s Begin:

1) Open a new image 600 x 600
2) Now open the frame called mcd-noel-el (27).png and resize it by 25%
3) Image –Rotate and rotate by 90 degrees to the right
4) Now copy this frame and paste on our working image as a new layer
5) Now open your tube and paste as a new layer
6) Move your tube below your frame layer and position to your liking
7) Highlight your frame layer at this time
8) Click in the center of the frame with your magic wand
9) Selections- Modify- expand by 10
10) Now open a paper of your choice ( I used PP10) and paste as a new layer on our working image
11) Send this layer to the bottom
12) Selections- invert
13) Now hit delete on your keyboard to remove things from the outside of the frame
14) Select None
15) Merge Visible
16) Open element 11 (the snowy tree) and resize by 15%
17) Rotate slightly to the left
18) Paste as a new layer on our working image
19) Move up towards the top left of our frame
20) Now move this layer below the framed image
21) Duplicate
22) Image Mirror
23) Merge down
24) Now add a subtle drop shadow of your liking
25) Open elemen7 the Christmas ornament and resize by 10%
26) Now paste as a new layer on one of the tree branches
27) Now duplicate three or four times and hang in various places on the branches to your liking
28) Now repeat the same with a couple of bows or anything else you would like to add to the tree
29) Once satisfied with how your tree is decorated open element 4 (Rudolph)
30) Resize by 20-25% and paste as a new layer on our working image
31) Position to your liking
32) Add a nice drop shadow to your liking
33) And now you can resize element 8 (candy cane snow post) by 20-25% and place on the opposite side
34) Merge visible once again
35) Now open a paper of choice and paste as a new layer on our working image
36) Send this layer to the bottom
37) Now apply your mask
38) Merge group
39) Now add your copyrights and text
40) And walla we have a wonderful Christmas tag . I would love to see your results.

Hugs,

♥Carmin

11.01.2011

A Very Michi Christmas


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on November 1, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using art from Michi Art which you can purchase from Scraps n Crap here.
Kit of choice: I am using a PTU kit from Wicked Princess called Cherished Moments which you can purchase here.

Mask of Choice: I used one that is in my folder called "22" not sure where I got this one from so I can not share it. (if this is yours can you please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due!)

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 600 x 600 (we will call this our working image) and we can resize later if you want
2. Open WP_CM_BRACH3.png and resize by 25%
3. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
4. Move to the middle left side
5. Duplicate this layer
6. Image – Mirror
7. Open WP_CM_BERRYSTEM.png
8. Resize by 50%
9. Rotate to the left by 25 degrees and place to your liking with the branch
10. Duplicate this layer
11. Image- mirror
12. Open your tube and paste at this time right in the center of all the Branches
13. Open WP_CM_ORNAMENTTRIO.png
14. Resize by 50%
15. Copy and paste as a new layer
16. Move to where it looks like they are hanging from the branches
17. Arrange- Send layer to the bottom
18. Duplicate the Christmas ornament layer
19. Image mirror
20. Add a nice subtle drop shadow to all layers now
21. Merge all layers visible
22. Open a paper of your choosing at this time (I chose WP_CM_PP4.jpg)
23. Paste as a new layer on our working image
24. Send this layer to the bottom
25. Now apply the mask of your choosing
26. Merge group
27. Add a slight drop shadow to your mask layer
28. Resize your mask layer by 80%
29. Move your mask layer behind your image a little better now
30. Add your copyright and text now
31. Merge visible and save as a png

Thanks for trying this tut I would love to see Your results.

Hugs,

Carmin

10.21.2011

A Batty Halloween


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on October 21, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the amazing Suits Me Exclusive by the talented Barbara Jensen which you can purchase only from Scraps N Crap

Kit of choice: I am using a FTU kit from Designs by Vaybs called Halloweeny Kit

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 600 x 600 ( this we will call our working image and you can resize later if you choose to do so )
2. Open DBV Halloweeny element (12).png and resize by 75%
3. Image- Mirror
4. Image- Flip
5. Copy and paste on to our working image
6. Click in the center of this frame with your magic wand
7. Selections- Modify- Expand by 2
8. Now open paper of choice ( I used DBV Halloweeny paper (5).jpg) and paste as a new layer
9. Send this layer to the bottom
10. Selections- invert
11. Hit delete on your keyboard one time
12. Selections- Select None
13. Add your tube at this time
14. Open DBV Halloweeny element (17).png and resize by 50%
15. Paste as a new layer on our working image
16. Image - Mirror
17. Place this leaf to your liking on the right side of our frame
18. Now you can either duplicate this leaf or grab the other one in the kit
19. Once you are satisfied with your leaf placement open flower of choice
20. I used DBV Halloweeny element (10).png and resized it by 50%
21. Place with your leaves to your liking
22. Now add a subtle drop shadow of choice
23. Add a “tag” of choice I used DBV Halloweeny element (5).png resized by 50%
24. Open DBV Halloweeny element (6).png and resize by 50%
25. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
26. Rotate by 45 degrees to the left and place at the top left of our frame
27. Send this layer to the bottom and add a nice drop shadow to the floral piece
28. Duplicate this layer
29. Image- mirror
30. Duplicate again
31. Image flip and place to your liking on the bottom portion of your tag
32. Duplicate once more and mirror
33. Again place to your liking
34. Add a couple bats to your liking and any additional elements of choice at this time
35. Merge all layers visible
36. resize now if you choose to do so
37. Add your text and of course your copyrights at this time


There you have it another Halloween tag for the year : o )
I would love to see your results!!!

Hugs,

Carmin

10.20.2011

Under the Sea- Tut


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on October 18, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the work of the amazing Caron Vinson which you can purchase from CDO as you need a proper license to use her art.

Kit of choice: I am using the fantastic Fullsize PTU kit from Heaven Dreams called Any Fish in there that you can purchase over at Heartfelt Perfections here

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 600 x 600 ( this we will call our working image and you can resize later if you choose to do so )
2. Open HD_any_fish_in_there_ele_78.png and resize by 12% making sure smart size is the option you choose and then copy paste as a new layer on our working image
3. Click in the center of the frame with your magic wand
4. Open paper of choice (I used paper 14)
5. Copy and paste as a new layer
6. Selections- Invert and then hit delete on your keyboard one time
7. Select none
8. Move this layer below your frame
9. Add your tube at this time (we are going to work around our tube with the elements)
10. Open HD_any_fish_in_there_ele_6.png and resize by 12%
11. Flip image and copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
12. Move below your tube layer and place to your liking
13. Duplicate this layer and rotate just slightly and place to your liking as well
14. Open HD_any_fish_in_there_ele_69.png and resize by 12%
15. Image mirror
16. Now copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
17. Place to your liking ( I have mine placed centered )
18. Add a slight drop shadow to make the net stand out a little more
19. Now open HD_any_fish_in_there_ele_103.png and resize by 15%
20. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
21. Move about half way up on the right side of our frame
22. Duplicate – Image- Mirror
23. Now move down to the bottom left of our frame area
24. Open fish of your choice and resize by 12% and again by 25%
25. Copy and paste as a new layer on your working image and place the fish to your liking
26. Duplicate the fish as you see fit and add them to your tag
27. Repeat with other fish of choice resizing the same way
28. Open HD_any_fish_in_there_ele_71.png and resize by 12%
29. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
30. Move to the top right side of our frame
31. Send this layer to the bottom
32. Duplicate and move over to the left middle of your frame
33. Open HD_any_fish_in_there_ele_89.png and resize by 12%
34. Rotate to the left 90 degrees
35. Copy and paste as a new layer move to the top middle of your frame
36. Now send this layer to the bottom
37. Duplicate – Image – Flip
38. Place to your liking at the bottom of your tag
39. At this time add any additional elements of your choosing resizing as necessary
40. Merge all layers visible
41. Resize your tag at this time if you would like I resized by 85%
42. Now add your text and of course your copyright
That’s it we are finished… I would love to see your results
Feel free to email them to me at theycallmetig@yahoo.com


Hugs,
Carmin

10.14.2011

Woot Woot Award Time

I got two awards from Dee from Dees'SignDepot which she has some amazing stuff on her blogs including her kick ass templates.. You definately want to go check her blog out if you havent already. You wont be disappointed :o)



Thank you so much Dee for these awesome awards as they are the VERY FIRST awards I have EVER gotten and that makes them even more special to me, but now I must pay it forward !!

I would like to pass these awards on to
KAREN (when her blog is all fixed)
and

I have been friends with these ladies and working with them on CT's for quite some time and I want to share the love... I think you ladies really deserve these awards. I hope that you all appreciate the awards as much as I do...




Inner Fae


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on October 14, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using Michi Art which you can purchase from Scraps n Crap

Kit of choice: No kit needed

Plugins: VM Instant Art, Xenofex 2 Constellation

Template/Mask: None Needed

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 250 x 600 ( this we will call our working image and you can resize later if you choose to do so )
2. Fill with a pattern of choice
3. Add your tube as a new layer on the working image
4. Adjust – Blur- Gaussian Blur with Radius-25
5. Effects- Image effects- Seamless Tiling- Default settings
6. Duplicate this layer
7. Image- Flip
8. Now merge this layer down
9. Effects- Plugins- VM Instant Art with the following settings
Tile Size- 12
Tile One X- 76
Tile One Y- 52
Tile Two X- 136
Tile Two Y- 127
10. Change the Blend Mode to Luminance Legacy
11. Lower the Opacity to 60
12. Add your tube as a new layer
13. Move slightly to the right side of the tag
14. Add a nice drop shadow to make your tube really stand out
15. Change the Blend mode again to Luminance Legacy
16. Lower the opacity to the upper 20’s lower 30’s until you like it
17. Add your tube again
18. Image mirror
19. Now move the tube to the left side of the tag
20. Again add a nice drop shadow
21. Position this layer a little higher up or lower down than the other tube layer
22. Add a new raster layer
23. Flood fill this layer with a color that blends well with the tube
24. Selections- Select All
25. Selections- Modify- Contract by 3 pixels
26. Add another nice drop shadow as this is our border
27. Add another layer and flood fill with any color
28. Open Xenofex 2 Constellation
29. Choose the setting ” it’s full of stars”
Now change the settings to match this
Star Size: 2.85
Size variation: 6
Edge Star Density: 1
Overall Star Density: 1
Overdrive: 100
Twinkle Amount: 100
Twinkle Rotation: 45
Make Selection Transparent
Random Seed: 1
30. Move this layer below our main tube layer
31. Add any saying or quote of your choice
32. Now add your copyright and text at this time
(Now you can rotate the tag to the left or right if your tube would justify that, I chose to leave mine taller.)
That’s it we are done!!

Lil Darlin Fae


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on October 14, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice I am using Michi Art which you can purchase from Scraps n Crap

Kit of choice: I am using a kit called Finding Neverland by Jill of Created by Jill Scraps

Plugins: Muras Meister Copies

Template/Mask: None

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 600 x 600 ( this we will call our working image and you can resize later if you choose to do so )
2. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_frame1.png and resize by 55%
3. Now copy the resized frame and paste as a new layer on our working image
4. Using your magic wand click the center of the frame
5. Selections- Modify- Expand by 10
6. Pick a paper of your choice ( I used CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_paper08.jpg)
7. Resize the paper by 55%
8. Paste as a new layer on our working image
9. Selections- invert and hit delete
10. Selections- Select None
11. Move the paper layer below our frame layer
12. Open your tube and paste as a new layer on our working image
13. Place to your liking
14. Once happy with placement add a nice drop shadow
15. I used 0, 0, 100, 5.00, Black
16. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_rainbow.png
17. Resize by 55% and again by 75%
18. Rotate by 45 degrees to the left- all layers
19. Paste as a new layer on our working image
20. Effects –Plugins Muras Meister Copies
21. Choose Encircle in the drop down menu and the very top number to 7 (or to your liking)
22. Resize this layer by 75%
23. Send this layer to the bottom
24. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_glitter.png
25. Resize by 75%
26. Paste as a new layer on our working image
27. Send this layer to the bottom
28. Add a subtle drop shadow of your choosing
29. Now add your copyrights and your text
That’s it we are finished… simple yet cute…

9.23.2011

Lavender Dreams-tutorial

This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on Sept 22, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!



Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using a tube from the talented Anna Marine which you can purchase from CDO
Kit of choice: I am using a PTU Kit from Created by Jill called Finding Neverland which you can purchase here
Plugins: Muras Meister Copies and Tramages- Tow the Line

Let’s Begin:

1. Open a new image 600 x 600 ( this we will call our working image and you can resize later if you choose to do so )
2. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_frame4.png and resize by 80% twice
3. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
4. Adjust- Sharpen
5. Using your magic wand click in the center of our frame
6. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_paper03.jpg and paste as a new layer on our working image
7. Place to your liking
8. Selections- invert
9. Hit delete on your keyboard one time
10. Select None
11. Now move this paper layer below our frame
12. Open your tube and resize if necessary
13. Paste as a new layer on your working image and place to your liking
14. Okay now we have our tube in place and the rest will fall in place “around the tube”
15. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_framewrap2.png and resize by 50%
16. Rotate to the left “all layers”
17. Now copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
18. Now place to your liking and crop off the excess images
19. Add a nice drop shadow now to your tube and the ribbon
20. I used 0, 0, 100, 10, black
21. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_string.png and resize by 50%
22. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image move towards the top of our frame
23. Once happy with placement duplicate image flip and you might have to move this one a bit
24. Once content Merge the two rope layers together and send to the bottom so that it’s behind the paper and frame
25. Add a drop shadow again but change the blur to 4 instead of 10
26. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_greenery.png and resize all layers by 40%
27. Image rotate by 90 degrees to the left all layers
28. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
29. Move around and place to your liking (you will have to duplicate to have it coming from more than one area) look at my tag for placements, but again it depends which tube you use.
30. Add a nice drop shadow to the greenery
31. From here I will let you choose what other little elements you add; I added flower 2 in a couple spots
32. Okay are we ready to move on?
33. Okay merge all layers visible
34. Duplicate this layer
35. Highlight the bottom layer
36. Open your Muras Meister Copies with these settings :



37. Now lower the opacity between 30 to 40
38. Apply Tramages- Tow the line with the settings of :
Control 0: 24
Control 1: 54
Control 2: 48
Control 3: 9
39. Open CreatedbyJill_FindingNeverland_petals.png and resize by 75% twice
40. Now paste as a new layer and place to your liking BETWEEN the two layers
41. Add a nice drop shadow once again
42. Merge all layers visible once again
43. Resize now if you choose to do so
44. Add your text and of course add your copyrights
That’s it we are done with this tag. I hope that you like your results and I would personally love to see your results if you wouldn’t mind sending them to me I will even put them on my blog!! My email is theycallmetig@yahoo.com so don’t be shy share your results!!!

9.22.2011

Thank you

I want to say thank you to someone special... Thank you so much for the very touching Blinkie in honor of my Mom. I cant begin to express how much this means to me I absolutely love it.. Thank you from the bottom of my heart...I don't know if you want to stay anonymous so you don't end up bombarded but I really appreciate you taking the time to make me something so touching.... Thank you so so much!!!

hugs and love,

Carmin

9.13.2011

Simply Broken



This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on Sept 13, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:
Tube/Image of choice: I am using a tube called Gone with the Wind from the very talented Zindy Nielsen which you must have a license to use and can purchase from her store here

Kit of choice: I am using a PTU Kit from Schnegge called My Broken Heart which you can purchase here

Let’s Begin:
1) Open a new transparent image 700 x 600 (we can resize later if need be)
2) Open frame10_mbh_Schnegge.png and paste as a new layer on our working image
3) Using your magic wand click inside our frame
4) Selections- Modify- Expand by 8
5) Open paper03_mbh_Schnegge.png (or paper of choice) and resize by 70%
6) Paste as a new layer on our working image
7) Move this layer BELOW our frame layer
8) Once satisfied with placement go to Selections- Invert
9) Now hit delete on your keyboard and select none
10) Open your tube at this time and paste as a new layer
11) Place to your liking and crop in places necessary
12) Add a nice drop shadow to your tube layer at this time
13) I used 0,0,100,5 black with Shadow on New layer UNCHECKED
14) Open doodle02_mbh_Schnegge.png and resize by 70%
15) Paste as a new layer on our working image
16) Place to your liking along the bottom of our frame
17) Duplicate this layer
18) Image- Flip
19) Now you will have to move up just a tad
20) Once happy add our drop shadow to both doodle layers
21) Open heart10_mbh_Schnegge.png and resize by 50%
22) Paste as a new layer and place to your liking
23) Add our drop shadow again
24) Open tag01_mbh_Schnegge.png and resize by 50%
25) Image mirror
26) Place to your liking or look at my tag for reference
27) Open leave05_mbh_Schnegge.png and resize by 30%
28) Now we want to paste as a new layer and move over to our bow
29) Place to your liking duplicating and placing where needed
30) Open flower05_mbh_Schnegge.png and resize by 60%
31) Paste as a new layer and place over our leaves and ribbon (look at my tag for reference)
32) Add any additional elements that you want at this time
33) Merge visible at this time
34) Add the glitter01_mbh_Schnegge.png as a new layer and move it beneath your tag
35) Once happy merge visible again
36) Resize at this time if you choose to do so
37) Add your copyrights and text and you are done!!!

9.06.2011

Fetching Roses



This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on Sept 6th 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!


Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the fabulous work of Fetch Art which you can get purchase from Scraps and Crap

Kit of choice: I am using a PTU Kit from Created by Jill called A Little Sweeter which you can get here

Plugins: None Needed

Template/Mask: Template9 by Deb here off on the left hand side you can find her bundles as zips

Let’s Begin:


1)      Open the template in PSP

2)      Duplicate the template and close the original

3)      Now delete the copyright layer on this template

4)      Highlight our frames layer

5)      Go to Selections- Float

6)      Selections- Defloat

7)      Now open a paper of choice from the kit (I chose paper10)

8)      Paste as a new layer

9)      Selections- Invert

10)   Hit delete on your keyboard one time

11)   Select None

12)   Add a drop shadow of your liking to the paper layer frames ( I used 0,0,75,3.00 black)

13)   Now delete the layer named frames so we don’t have stray edges sticking out

14)   Now repeat steps 5-13 for the Circles, Bars, and Rectangle layers on our template using different papers for each

15)   On the circles I used paper 08, for the bars I used paper04,  and on the rectangle I used paper 05, also I didn’t put a drop shadow on the rectangle layer

16)   Do not deselect on the rectangle layer

17)   Open your tube and place to your liking within the selected rectangles

18)   Once happy hit delete on the keyboard one time

19)   Select none

20)   Change this layers opacity to Luminance legacy and lower the opacity to your liking

21)   I chose 48% and applied our previous drop shadow

22)   Now merge the mask layers by right clicking and choosing merge group

23)   On this mask layer go to selections- select all

24)   Selections- float, Selections defloat

25)   Open a paper of your choosing (I used paper 09) and paste as a new layer

26)   Go to selections Invert and again hit delete on your keyboard

27)   Select none

28)   Now delete the original mask layer

29)   This should leave a faded paper layer that was in the shape of the mask

30)   I lowered the opacity of this layer to 74%

31)   Open your frame wrap of choice and resize by 50% ( I used the frame wrap1)

32)   Open the grate and resize by 75%

33)   Paste as a new layer and move just above our mask layer

34)   Open flower 2 and resize by 50% and again by 75% and paste as a new layer

35)   Place one on the top left corner just above the circle

36)   Add a nice drop shadow and now duplicate

37)   Image- Mirror

38)   Image- flip and move just a tad to your liking on the other circle

39)   Open Foilage1 and resize to your liking

40)   Paste as a new layer moving below our top roses  and line up with the arch of our grate

41)   Duplicate

42)   Image rotate 90 % to the right all layers Unchecked

43)   Image mirror

44)   Now if you would like the same greenery on the bottom roses please repeat steps 39-43

45)   Once satisfied with the placement of the foliage add a nice blurry drop shadow to make the greenery just pop.

46)   Now I added a couple hearts here and there and the white doves for a finishing touch

47)   Highlight the top layer

48)   Open your tube again (resize if necessary) and paste as a new layer

49)   Move to one side of your tag and add a nice drop shadow

50)   Add your text and COPYRIGHTS!!!

51)   If you wish for export as a JPG do so now, If you wish to export as a PNG please remove the bottom layer called background. This will remove the white background and allow you to export on a transparent background.

 Are we content with how the tag looks at this point? I would love to see your results feel free to email me with them, theycallmetig@yahoo.com

 Hugs and Love,

 Carmin

8.30.2011

Worst Birthday EVER

On Saturday evening I had a ham and cheese sandwich around 8pm... well by 10 pm I was in a lot of pain. I figured well I am going to lay down and see if I can get this to just go away... OMG I had a night of hell. I was up all night to the point of screaming most of the night and tears strolling down my face. I couldn't believe this was a stomach ache. I looked at my hubby and said I think my Gall Bladder is screwing up. I fought through the night and ended up going to the ER at 10am Sunday morning.

From 10 am until 6pm I was undergoing testing and once the ultra sound was complete I had doctors and nurses and anesthesiologists flooded my room. I was then whisked off to surgery and once surgery was complete my gall bladder was taken. I had gall stones, my gall bladder walls were thickening, and the ducts were inflamed. so they took it out and I'm in pain but no where near the pain before the surgery.So now I am laid up in bed for a while.

So Monday was my birthday and I spent most of it in the hospital. Talk about a birthday present I will never forget. Surgery!!!One thing that made it all easier was the staff was so wonderful and they even made me a little card that said Happy Birthday Carmin. I was touched by their generosity and the way they treated me from beginning to end and I will never forget that... So there you have it...

While it was the worst Birthday cause I was in the hospital and not home with Family and Friends It wasnt so bad because I was treated very well during my hospital stay and the ER Staff went above and beyond to help me... so I guess I cant "complain" its just not how I would choose to spend my birthday!!! lol

With ♥,
Carmin

8.26.2011

Seascape CT Tag



Here is a new tag I made for Star of Stars Musings

In this tag I used the art of ©Alejandra Vanhek which you must have a license from Pics For Design (PFD) to use. Also I used a PTU kit by Stars Musings called "Sounds of the Sea" which you can find here. This kit is AMAZING!!!! and has soooooooooooooo many options!!! Definitely would meet all of your beach themed tag expectations. I reccomend checking out all of her other kits too! She has some amazing work!!!

Hugs,

8.14.2011

Eternity


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on August 14, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:
Tube/Image of choice: I am using the fabulous work of the talented Mark Blanton which you can get from Artistic Dreams Imaging
Kit of choice: I am using Schnegges Summer Lovin kit which you can purchase here


Let’s Begin:
1) Open frame03_SL_Schnegge.png
2) Resize the CANVAS to 600 x 600
3) Now hit shift + D and then close the original
4) Using your magic wand click inside of the frame
5) Open your paper of choice ( I used p03)
6) Paste as a new layer
7) Move below your frame
8) Selections- Invert
9) Hit delete on your keyboard
10) Select None
11) Open shells_SL_Schnegge.png and resize by 50%
12) Add a nice drop shadow of your choice
13) Open Leaf 01 and resize by 75%
14) Paste as a new layer
15) Image-Mirror
16) Move this up to the top right side of our frame
17) Duplicate
18) Image- Flip
19) Place along the bottom right ( you might have to move just a tad)
20) Open a flower of choice ( I used flower06)
21) Resize to your liking ( I used 50%)
22) Paste as a new layer and place right in the center of the leaves
23) Add a drop shadow to your leaves and flower now
24) Add your tube and place to your liking
25) Add a drop shadow to your tube layer now
26) Add any additional elements at this time
27) I added the sign and a couple butterflies
28) Merge visible and resize now if you choose to do so
29) Add your copyright and text
30) We are finished… Simple yet pretty!!!

8.08.2011

Sand Between My Toes


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on August 7, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the fabulous work of the talented Anna Marine which you can purchase from CDO here
Kit of choice: I am using Created by Jills PTU Kit Between my Toes BUNDLE you will need the BUNDLE to do this tutorial and you can find it HERE

Let’s Begin:
1.) Open CreatedbyJill_SandBetweenMyToes_frame3.png
2.) Resize by 60% ALL LAYERS
3.) Now you will want to change your canvas size to 600 by 600
4.) Click in the center of our frame with your magic wand
5.) Selections – Modify- Expand by 10
6.) Open a paper of your choice at this time ( I used paper 04)
7.) Paste as a new layer on the image we are working with
8.) Selections- Invert
9.) Hit delete on your keyboard
10.) Move this layer below our frame
11.) Now open your tube and place to your liking (this way we can work our elements around the tube)
12.) In the sampler folder we want to open our sand dollar and our seashells
13.) Resize both of these by 60% twice and paste as a new layer on our working image
14.) Place to your liking
15.) Open CreatedbyJill_SandBetweenMyToes_seagrass.png and resize by 60%
16.) Paste as a new layer moving to your liking. I had to duplicate and move to the other side ;)
17.) Open your lantern from the sampler folder
18.) Resize by 45% and paste as a new layer and move to your liking
19.) Open the seagull and resize by 45% and rotate slightly to the left
20.) Paste as a new layer and place to your liking (again I duplicated as I wanted 2 seagulls)
21.) Open the footprints and resize to the size of your liking and paste them at the bottom right of our frame
22.) Open CreatedbyJill_SandBetweenMyToes_wave.png and paste as a new layer
23.) Now move this layer BELOW your tube layer
24.) Now at this time at your copyright and text...
25.) That’s it… a gorgeous beach scene tag thanks to Anna Marine and Jill

I would LOVE to see your results… Please feel free to email them to me. I would love to put some of your results up as well!!!

7.30.2011

Lil Bit Emo


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on July 30, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!




Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the work of Very Many which you can purchase at http://picsfordesign.com/
Kit of choice: I am using Schnegges A Bit Emo which is a PTU kit which you can purchase here at Heartfelt Perfections.

Plugins: VM Distortion Radiator-, Penta-Dot and Cross

Template/Mask: Not Needed



Let’s Begin:

1) Open a new transparent image 600 x 250

2) Open a paper of choice and paste as a new layer on our working image (I used paper 13)

3) Apply our VM Distortion Radiator at default settings- (You can play with the settings to see what you like)

4) Now apply your penta dot and cross at the default settings again you can play with the settings to come up with something different.

5) Open Frame01_AbitEmo_Schnegge.png and resize by 50%

6) Paste this frame as a new layer on our working image

7) Open GlitterSplat03_AbitEmo_Schnegge.png and resize by 50%

8) Paste as a new layer on our working image

9) Move this layer below our frame layer and move to the left of the frame to your liking

10) Repeat steps 7-9 with another glitter of choice but place to the right

11) Add a drop shadow to both glitter layers I used the following drop shadow

• 0, 0, 100, 5.00, black

12) Now highlight your frame layer

13) Click inside you’re your frame with your magic wand

14) Selections- Modify- Expand by 10

15) Open the same paper your started with and paste as a new layer again

16) Selections- Invert

17) Hit delete on your keyboard at this time

18) DO NOT DESELECT!

19) Open your tube now and resize if necessary

20) Paste as a new layer on your working image

21) Place to your liking so the part you like is inside of the frame

22) Now paste your tube again/or another tube of choice and move over the left glitter

23) Fade this layer out by adjusting the opacity to your liking ( mine is at 76)

24) Open your tube again/or another tube of choice and move over the right glitter

25) Now you can leave like this or you can crop the excess by going to EACH glitter layer

26) Selections-- Select all – float—defloat

27) Selections—invert

28) Now you can go to the tube layer and hit delete

29) You will want to repeat this for the other side

30) Open Cardboard_AbitEmo_Schnegge.png and rotate by 90 to the right

31) Paste as a new layer on our working image

32) Move to the bottom (look at my tag for reference) ( I moved this between my glitter and frame layers)

33) Add a nice drop shadow to this layer

34) At this time add any extra elements you might want. I added the staple and candles

35) Also you can add the curtains to the sides

36) At this point I think the tag is complete but live on the edge change it up play around heck you might love what you come up with.

37) Add your copyrights and names at this time.

38) Export as a jpg

Thank you so much for trying my tutorial I hope you like your results and I would love to see it. Feel free to send to me or even put on FB and give me a yell. I like to see others completed tags done using my tutorials.



-Hugs,



Carmin

7.27.2011

Pick your Poison

This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on July 27, 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the work of the talented artist Barbara Jensen and  You can purchase her work here

Kit of choice: I am using a PTU kit called Elijah from my great friend Shani of Wicked Princess Scraps

Plugins: None Needed

Template/Mask: I used 184InsatiableDreams which you can get from here

Let’s Begin:

1. Open WP_EJ_PIERCING.png and change your canvas size to 600 x 600
2. Open your tube and paste as a new layer
3. Fit your tube within the piercing to your liking and crop the excess
4. Now add a drop shadow to your tube
5. Now duplicate the piercing layer
6. Resize this layer by 70% twice
7. Move this to the bottom right of our image
8. Duplicate this layer now
9. Image – mirror
10. Image – Flip
11. You may have to move slightly to place on the top right of our image
12. Add a drop shadow to all 3 piercing layers now
13. Open the crow and resize by 25% and paste as a new layer on our working image
14. Merge all layers visible
15. Now open a paper of choice
16. Paste as a new layer and send to the bottom
17. Apply your mask at this time I used 184InsatiableDreams
18. Merge your group layer
19. Open WP_EJ_BOTTLE.png and resize by 50% and paste as a new layer on our working image
20. Open WP_EJ_SKULLBOTTLE.png and resize by 50% and paste as a new layer on our working image
21. Place both of the bottles to your liking
22. Add a drop shadow of choice to your bottle layers
23. Now would be the time to add anything else you might like
24. I added the WP_EJ_WATERDROPCIRCLEFRAME.png in the background and a rose of choice
25. I also added a different paper in the openings of the bottom left and top right piercings
26. Now merge all layers visible when satisfied with placements of your elements
27. Image resize by 70%
28. Adjust – sharpen
29. Change your canvas size to 500 x 500
30. Now move the main image up some so we have room for our text
31. Add your copyright
32. Add your name of choice
33. Thats it you are done and I would love to see your results...

7.23.2011

Beautiful Pinuptoon


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me in July 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I use PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog. Thank you!

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using the work of my all-time favorite and talented artist PINUPTOONS! You can purchase his work here at CDO though I bought mine at the former CILM.

Kit of choice: I am using Created by Jill’s’ ShadesofRion6 which is a PTU kit which you can purchase from her store here.

Plugins: None Needed

Template/Mask: None Needed

Let’s Begin:

1. Open a new image 600 x 600 (we can resize later), we will call this our working image.
2. Open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_frame3.png and resize by 85%
3. Rotate this frame by 90 degrees to the left or right
4. Copy and paste as a new layer on our working image
5. Open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_greenery1.png
6. Resize by 75% and again by 50% and paste as a new layer on our working image
7. Move towards the bottom right of your frame
8. Duplicate this layer
9. Image Mirror
10. Now you will duplicate the greenery on both sides and rotate them to your liking
11. Add a slight drop shadow to all the greenery
12. Now open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_greenery2.png
13. Resize by 25%
14. Paste as a new layer on our working image
15. Rotate by 90% to the right
16. Place to your liking
17. Now duplicate
18. Image Mirror
19. Again add a drop shadow of choice
20. Open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_flower3.png and resize by 75% twice
21. Paste as a new layer
22. Place right in the center of our greenery
23. Open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_flower1.png and resize by 75%
24. Rotate by 90% and paste as a new layer
25. Place to your liking and move below our flower layer
26. (drop shadow is up to you I added a subtle one because I love drop shadows lol)
27. At this time open your tube of choice and paste as a new layer on our working image
28. Move into place of choice
29. Again add your drop shadow
30. Now highlight your frame layer
31. Click inside your frame with your magic wand
32. Paste paper of choice at this time
33. Selections- Invert
34. Hit delete on your keyboard at this time
35. Select none
36. Now image resize (make sure all layers is now checked)
37. Resize by 75%
38. Now I was happy with that layout but later I went back and added more to it. So you can end here or continue on if you want the tag you see here.
39. Now open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_frame1.png and resize by 25%
40. Paste as new layer on our working image
41. Place to the bottom left of our current image
42. Send this layer to the bottom
43. Duplicate this layer
44. Image – Mirror
45. Image -- Flip
46. Now open CreatedbyJill_ShadesofRion6_bamboo.png and resize by 25%
47. Paste as a new layer on our working image and move into place to make it look as if it is poking out the top of the newest frame.
48. I added the butterfly and lights too but you don’t “have” to do this.
49. Now at this time add your text and your copyrights
We are now done… I would love to see what you made with this tut…

Hugs,

<3 Carmin

7.13.2011

World of Nature TUT


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on the 13th day of July 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I used PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog.

Things Needed:

Tube/Image of choice: I am using one that I took myself on a recent road trip to Washington.

Kit of choice: I am using the kit called Natures World from the wonderful Leigh of Heartfelt Perfections which you can purchase here.

Plugins: Muras Meister Copies

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 600 x 600
2. Open image of your choice at this time (or you can use a background in the kit and add a tube)
3. Open hp-carved frame.png and resize by 20%
4. Paste as a new layer on our working image
5. Click inside of the frame
6. Selections- Modify- expand by 10
7. Paste your image of choice at this time
8. Selections- Invert and hit delete on your keyboard
9. Open hp-vine2.png and resize again by 20%
10. Paste as a new layer on our working image
11. Move it to the bottom left of our image
12. Once happy with your placement add a drop shadow of your choosing
13. Duplicate- Image Mirror- Image Flip
14. And make sure he is placed to your liking (you might have to move down a tad)
15. Add berries of choice to the top left corner
16. Now open hp-fabric flower.png and resize by 20 % and then again by 50%
17. Paste on top of the berries in the top left corner
18. Open hp-rustic sticks.png and resize by 50% and 20 % and paste as a new layer
19. Add a drop shadow of choosing
20. Now merge visible
21. Duplicate this layer
22. Highlight the bottom layer
23. Muras Meister Copies –
24. Set it to Cards and make the top number 7 and shift Y to 17
25. Add a dropshadow of choice to both layers now
26. Add your copy right and name and we will call this one complete.

7.05.2011

Beeeeautiful Emo


This tutorial is for those that have a working knowledge of PSP. This tutorial was written by me on the 5th day of July 2011 and any resemblance is purely coincidental. I used PSP 9, but any version should work. I do not allow my tutorials to be translated and please do not claim them as your own. If you would like to share the tutorial please send a link to my blog.

Things Needed:
Tube of choice: I am using the work of VeryMany which you can purchase here at PicsforDesign
Kit of choice: I am using the kit called Funky Fresh BUNDLE from Created By Jill which you can purchase here. (You will need the bundle to do this tutorial)

Let’s Begin:
1. Open a new image 600 x 600 we can resize later (this will be referred to as our working image)
2. Open CreatedbyJill_FunkyFresh_frame3.png
3. Resize by 75% and paste as a new layer on our working image
4. Click inside the circles of the frame with your magic wand
5. Selections- Modify – Expand by 10
6. Open paper of choice and paste as a new layer
7. Selections- Invert
8. Now hit delete on your keyboard
9. Selections- Select None
10. Now move your paper layer BELOW our frame layer
11. Open CreatedbyJill_FunkyFreshAddOn_greenery.png and CreatedbyJill_FunkyFresh_greenery2.png
12. Resize by 50% TWICE
13. Now place your greenery to your liking
14. You will have to duplicate your greenery to add more (look at my tag for reference)
15. Once satisfied with your greenery add a drop shadow to all greenery layers
16. The drop shadow setting I used is 0, 0, 100, 5 Black
17. Highlight your very top layer
18. Open CreatedbyJill_FunkyFresh_flower7.png and resize by 25% and paste as a new layer on our working image
19. Now move this flower to your liking
20. Repeat this with flowers of your choice until you have them just the way you like them or you can look at my tag for reference.
21. Add a drop shadow to all your flowers now
22. Open your tube or Tubes at this time
23. Highlight your frame layer
24. Click inside the top frame with your magic wand
25. Paste your first tube as a new layer and position to your liking
26. Repeat this with the other two areas of the frame (You can use the same tube or multiple tubes)
27. Once satisfied add a drop shadow to your tubes ( It makes the tube pop out a little)
28. Now add a drop shadow to your frame layer too
29. Merge all layers visible
30. Resize by 75% all layers not checked
31. Now duplicate this layer
32. Resize by 75% and move over to the right of our main image
33. Arrange and send this layer to the bottom
34. Duplicate and mirror You may have to move a tad to your liking (Refer to my tag)
35. Close off your top layer
36. Merge visible the remaining two layers
37. Open CreatedbyJill_FunkyFresh_staple.png
38. Now Paste this as a new layer and “connect “ our top layer to our bottom layer
39. Merge all layers visible
40. Add any other elements of your choosing at this time
41. Once satisfied make sure you merge everything visible
42. Add your name and copyrights at this time
43. You can use the glitters of this kit as a pattern for your name like in my tag

I hope you like your results… I like how this one turned out and would love to see others results.
Hugs,

Carmin