Watercolored Squares Calendar

Hello blogland! 

Some of you have been asking me how I make my stencils for my month-at-a-glance pages in my Documented Life Project journal. For the tutorial, scroll down to the bottom of this post for the link.

A close-up of my January page, the first one I made. 

This is the June layout. Might add more details yet to this one.

Lots of doodles on my Match page. My favorite is the flower on the far right side. :)

My main inspiration for these doodles come from Tangle Patterns and Helen William's blog A Little Lime. 

For a tutorial on how to make your own stencils for this calendar, go to Emily Galore's website here.

 To download my pattern I used for the stencil, go to this older post of mine here. A note: you will want to adjust the size of the template so it fits your planner. I made it slightly too large for my 15x11 page spread. Let me know if you need help with that. Love to help you out! :)

Enjoy!

Anna

Free FotoFusion Template No. 25

I'm back with another free FotoFusion template for all you Lumapix FotoFusion users. (After at least a year break!) I have no idea if these work in the new version. I still have the old one, and I'm not willing to upgrade. It only has a few improvements, and I am really familiar with the old one. :) Let me know if my templates work in V5, any of you, okay? Thanks!

This template is fully customizable. It has room for five vertical photos, room for journaling on the middle left, and you can add a patterned background or change to a solid color.

If you don't like the flowers, you could always trade in gears or doilies or something like that, and the leaves for buttons. :) The flowers and leaves are fully customizable, so you can change the colors or even drop in patterned paper, including the middles. When you load the template in FotoFusion, you may not be able to see the flower middles, but they are there if you hover your mouse over the middle. :)

The title and journaling spots are also editable. You can move each letter close together, make them larger, change the colors, change the fonts, change the outline, etc.

I created a quick layout with the template. It only took about 15 minutes to make. The only thing I changed was the fonts for the subtitles. :) Kits used is by Creashens. It's a really old kit, so not sure if it is still available/

Download here

Would love to see the layouts you make with my templates! :)

♥♥♥  Anna   ♥♥♥

Free Facebook Cover Collage Tutorial and Template

Hi everyone!

This post has a free FotoFusion V4 Template you can download. :)

I've been very busy creating and learning new art techniques, but have not taken the time to share those things on my blog. Lately, I feel a bit overwhelmed with posting anything. Perfectionist me, I want it to be a quality post, and I feel inadequate, so it hasn't happened! :(

So, this morning, I decided that was enough.

I just updated the cover photo on my Facebook using my digital software, FotoFusion. People are asking how I do it, so figured I could make a little tutorial here. :)

My latest photo collage:

It's my simplest layout ever! :)

1. Download the template. (Only tested in Version 4 of FotoFusion.)
2. Open FotoFusion and load the template.
3. Simply drop in the photos you want included.
4. Output it as a JPEG at about 700dpi and 100% quality, as you don't want it to be pixelated.
5. Go to your Facebook profile, hover over the bottom left photo area, until "Change Cover Photo" pops up. Click on it.
6. Upload your layout, and VOILA! Done! :) It should be the right size. If not, email me or post a comment, k?

Note: Keep in mind that your profile picture at the lower left side of the layout will overlap onto your cover photo, so don't drop in a picture that you don't want covered in that area. :)

Here's your download link for the template:

AWCAL Facebook Cover Photo Template

Enjoy!

Annawhocropsalot

Two-Page Template

Hi all! How is your summer?

I've been busy busy busy playing with Instagram instead of my templates! I'm so sorry if you were waiting for another one. But finally it's done. :) This newest template is actually a two-page version of the previous one. So, when you download it, you will get two SCRAP packages, instead of only the usual one.

The layout I created:



The following are some of the steps I took in creating the layout from the templates.

Some of these tips might be too easy for the more advanced user, but perhaps some techniques might be new to you. :)

First, a picture of the right side template. Lots of space for journaling, and a nice big spot to place a photo or to showcase patterned paper.

♦I removed the border on the frames. I felt the journaling would looked a bit trapped with them there.
♦To change the color of the space behind the text, I increased the opacity to 255, and then used the color picker to get the color I want.

To do that:
      1. Select the frame (I had to move the text away from the frame, in order to select it.)
      2. Hover your mouse over the Frame Dialog Box and click when the image (little square) part becomes red.
      3. Move the slider on the Opacity level of the Background Fill until it is 255.
      4. Click on the little box right below the 255. The color picker will appear as your cursor and make it hover over the color you want. I simply selected the cream right beside it.    
      5.  Move the text back into place. 


NOTE: When I work with a color scheme, I bring in a picture of it, and "color pick" from the picture/paper. For this project, I used the papers to color-match, and the background of the FotoFusion interface. LOL (Love the browns and creams, great neutrals.)

♦I wanted some of my sub-titles by the journaling, so I added them where there was room. In the end, I decided to title all four of my journaling spots with my "predictions", and single words to sum up the pictures for the sub-titles in the other places. :)
♦I change the sub-title: "We will live on an acreage", so that the right margin was lined up, instead of centered.

♦There are three little different-sized circles by that sub-title. I added flower embellishments on top of those circles, instead of dropping in paper. Got these cute little embellies from Sahlin Studio called Candy Flowers. So those circles in the template work well for proper placement of embellishments, if you find that you struggle to know where to place items.

♦I didn't want the shadowed flower embellishments to lie underneath the non-shadowed sub-title, so I selected the text>right-clicked and chose MOVE TO LAYER>selected COLLAGE. By default, FotoFusion is programmed the text to be always on top of everything else. This changes the text to the same layer as the rest of the stuff on your page.

♦Next, I changed the flowers to white, and dropped in patterned paper for the flower middles. I changed the opacity of the background fill to 255, but you could also experiment: what color change would occur by simply changing the brightness of the main image. See picture below.

♦I "grounded" the journaling spots to the background by adding a brown and a white paper behind them. I also removed the shadow from each journaling block and made the top and bottom spots larger so there was no gap between the top and bottom of the page. Does that make any sense?


And here's the finished page for the right side of the layout.

Now, on to the left side of the layout. Here's a pic of the template:

♦First thing, I dropped in the coordinating paper.
♦Edited the text.
♦Dropped in the pictures.
♦Added patterned paper to one flower circle and one little confetti circle.
♦Changed the color of the flower to white.
♦Substituted the leaves and some of the flowers from Sahlin Studio's Precocious Felt Leaves kit and from her Candy Flowers kit.
♦Added stitches by Anna Aspnes at O'Scraps. Made sure to remove the shadow, as it looks more realistic without.
♦Removed the shadow on the little strip of paper under the title. Used the color picker to coordinate the paper strips with the other papers.

In the end, I put the two together to see how they would look side by side, and decided it looked too dark. So I switched patterns and changed the background color.

I also made the top and bottom pictures go off the page, like I did with the journaling spots on the right side layout. I also widened the paper strip under the main title so that it reached the very edge.

This is the end result: It looks a little busy, but sometimes I'm okay with that. :) To see larger, just click on the picture.

Enjoy!

Preview of Next Template

I've received requests for two-page layout templates, so that's what my next freebie will be. This is a two-page take on the previous layout, based on Amanda Probst's sketches. I'm really loving creating this!

What do you think?

I am big into journaling, so this template will be perfect for those of you that like that as well, and, perhaps, it might inspire others to try journaling? You know, the text here is in paragraph form, but one could really just make lists of things, or phrases. Paragraphs can be daunting and scary, but making lists is easier. So, I dare you! You won't regret it!

The template will be coming soon!

♥Have a blessed, memorable and♥

♥bonding time with your family this holiday Monday.♥

FotoFusion Template No.23

Back in 2008, Amanda Probst wrote a monthly column in the Creating Keepsakes Magazine called Album in a Year. Every month she suggested a topic for you to scrapbook, capturing and documenting specific things every month. So, for January, she had you come up with predictions for January of the following year, and snapping photos or find some in your stash that would suit that topic. I was instantly hooked on the idea of creating one layout a month. For a (almost) complete list of her monthly topics, go here.

My daughter and I are working on this project for 2012. I figured this would be a great way for her to practice writing. I am a little late with this of course, like I often am, so my predictions weren't made until May. LOL

I chose to predict four things, and found a picture that would suit each one:

Prediction #1. determined: I will have more determination to achieve things.  Okay, now writing this for my blog, it sounds a little vague and wordy. Sorry. :) Maybe more specifically, focus on my goals more? The photo is of me cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. I get bogged down easily when the task is unpleasant or hard or when I'm not sure how to do it... Maybe just a nice way of saying I'm lazy? :) I am not picky when it comes to cleanliness, so it's hard to be motivated.

Prediction #2. captivate: I will have a more servant heart toward my husband. Like I mentioned earlier, cleaning, doing something for my husband that he really appreciates. I can be selfish, thinking of only my wants and needs, I want to love and respect my husband. Jesus my Saviour was King of Kings, but instead of wearing his royal robes, he chose a towel to show his love! I want inward beauty. See John 13:4 and 1 Peter 3:4 The photo is of a layout I made after being inspired by a lovely lady to be more captivating. I sewed and painted like crazy on this layout. I really like it.

Prediction #3 read: Levi will start reading independently on a more regular basis. He knows how to read, but it's still difficult for him. I aim to be more consistent in coaching him in this. Find books that are more up his ally, perhaps Captain Underpants stories, Sigmund Brouwer books, etc. You know, boy books. The picture I chose is a close-up of a sight-word game I play with him. I actually made those cards myself. Teehee

Prediction #4 play: We will live on an acreage. We are working toward that goal right now. There are many reasons we want to live in the country, one being I want my kids to be able to climb trees with abandon, not being yelled at for breaking off branches! The photo is taken at a local park, in the city. Thought that was fitting. :)

So, here is the preview of the template I created for this project, based on the sketches by Amanda. I made versions of the layout in 11x8.5 and 8.5x11 as well.

This is the 8.5x11 version:

I like the 11x8.5 version better than the 8.5x11, I think. :)

Notice the small leaves? They are one of the mattes that FotoFusion has. I really like it! Love that you can color them whatever you want to. :) So, when you download the template, they will be included in the package automatically, but you won't need to keep the matte, since you will already have it.

Note: These templates only work in FotoFusion, as they are .SCRAP files.

I had a great time making these templates, even though I did spend countless hours on them. LOL I am a crazy perfectionist when it comes to certain things. If you find a problem with these templates, please let me know, so I can fix it. Enjoy!

Here are the download links.

Products Used:

Papers: Michelle Underwood Feb Two Peas Soup

Candy Flowers by Sahlin Studio

Houndstooth button and leaf by Sahlin Studio: Precocious

Stitches: Stitched by Anna No.07 by Anna Aspens

White splatter paint and white doily by AWCAL Designs 

Journaling fonts: John HancockCP, Century Gothic, Cheri Liney, Mel's Type A Personality

The title font is AWCAL Designs 

♥Enjoy your day! ♥

8.5x11 FF Template No.22

For those of you who work with 8.5x11 layouts, here is Template No.22 in that size.

Click below for a safe instant download.

 

Happy Day to you!

Template No.22

Some of you like 11x8.5 sized layouts, so for layout No.22, I've created both. The 12x12, shown below has more elements and more papers, with the center the same as the 11x8.5.

Next, is the 11x8.5. As you can see, this is exactly like the one above, minus the outer area.

Below is the layout I made templates from.

I home educate, so my kids don't get the yearly school photo, so I have fun taking my own. I am happy with how Liam's photos turned out this year. Often I get the eyes in shadow so you can't see their color, but this time it was much better. :)

I love the paint splats.

But most specially, I LOVE the subject: dear Liam. Happy-Go-Lucky, content Liam. Liam who is just proud to be himself. No hurry to be someone he's not. No hurry to talk, no hurry to read, heck, no hurry to even memorize his ABCs. He's so very different from his older siblings. I love him to pieces. Oh, did I mention he loves cuddling? His favorite things are Cars, Nathaniel, Daddy, sleeping in late and chocolate. :) Oh, and he loves to cuddle. :)

Products Used:
Papers, and brads, washer, bracket, number, paint "mess": Michelle Martin Mischief Maker
White paint below picture: Michelle Martin Little Boy Blue
Fonts: Cheri, Bodini Poster and Century
Templates: my own: AWCAL Template No.22

 I actually started the layout by creating an 11x8.5 layout, saving it as a JPEG, and then dragging it onto a 12x12 canvas, and adding a few elements. Here is the layout using the11x8.5 template:

One neat trick/tool in FotoFusion I like to use is the Frame Splitter. See THIS TUTORIALhttps://artfulstories.blogspot.ca/p/splitting-tool.html to see how I do that. Works great to quickly add more spots for more photos, perfectly alligned. So, instead of using just one photo, I can use several, lickety "split". Here's that version:

For the 12x12 Template, click on the link below:

For the 11x8.5 Template, click on this one:

For both sizes, click on this last one:

Hope you enjoy these templates. Please let me know if you encounter any problems. I love to see your layouts! Leave a comment with a link to your page. Happy Spring! (Though, in my area, we got inches of snow today!)

Template 21

I made a layout of the latest template. With this template, it's important for you to copy the snowflake mattes that come with the file to your mattes folder on your hard drive, the place where the FotoFusion files are stored. If you don't know how to do that, please let me know, and I can help you.

Products Used:

Papers: KPertiet: From My Bookshelf - Solids

Alphabet: CD Muckosky: Suzie Q

Stitches: Traci Reed: Bad Sewing Machine-Write It Down, Brittish Designs: Tie It Down

Flowers,leaf, paint splat, number rub-ons: Vinnie Pearce Placid

Font: Century

Snowflakes: my own mattes made using a snowflake font.

Here's a preview of the template. Note: this is a Scrap. template which is made for use in Lumapix FotoFusion. 

For the background, you could put in a solid paper or a pattern. I used a patterned, and added two others from the same line. 

Occasionally I like to keep the border around the paper.

Three of the snowflakes are somewhat see-through, so if you would prefer them at regular opacity, just change that in the image dialog box. You could also drop in papers, since they are mattes, not embellishments.

I added some additional elements to the background: the numbers in the bottom right corner and some snowflakes, but reduced to a low opacity, so that they're not as bright. I just wanted to add a little bit of detail, not something that would stand out too much. Now these snowflakes are the same ones as I put near the large photo, but with shadow removed and "moved" to the back (Right-click>Send To Back).

Instead of using the title font, I brought in alphas by CD Muckosky. I love these letters!

For the stitches, I made sure they didn't go off the paper, only to the edge of the top paper. In order to "cut" short the stitch, right-click>Scrap Image Frame. Then adjust the blue handles until you have the stitch at the size you want. Sometimes this method doesn't work for some reason. LOL  If I don't do that, but want to shorten the stitch, it would make the whole stitch smaller.

Do you scrapbook a summary of each month? I always plan on it, but I somehow get lost in all my other projects. :)

Here's the download link to the template:

Happy Scrapbooking!