Tutorial Tuesday (Potpourri)

November 7, 2023 by

Yes! You Can Add a QR Code to Tour Layouts!

PDF Version : https://bit.ly/3MKBAsF

And omigosh, you won’t believe how easy it is!! Last month the Journaling Challenge had two options for topics: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Or tell us about the last time you cried. I chose the latter and created my layout, as shown below.

I ugly-cried when, while watching a country music awards show with my son, I heard Toby Keith sing Don’t Let the Old Man In, looking gaunt and pale from his battle with stomach cancer. I lost a close friend 5 years ago to the same cruel disease and I found myself sobbing. I used the lyrics as my journaling but never even thought to include a QR code linked to the video of his performance until much later. Let me tell you how I did it.

First, I did some Googling to find the safest, most reliable, completely free converter out there. The one I chose to use is found here. (Click on “here”.) Or type in the URL from the screenshot below. Look at all the options for file source you can use for your code! And it’s completely customizable.

I’m linking to a YouTube video, so I clicked the YouTube icon and Copy-Pasted the URL (Universal Resource Locator, or web address) into the source bar. For this step you need two tabs open, one with your source and one with the QR code generator website. Highlight the URL on your computer screen by click-dragging your cursor over it. Right-click and choose Copy, or CTRL/CMD>C. Then go to the QR generator and put your cursor in the source box. Right-click and choose Paste, or CTRL/CMD>V. Last, click on the green bar to Generate QR Code.

Your QR code appears instantly as shown. Before you go any further, get your phone and test the code to make sure it works. Most phones these days don’t need a separate QR code scanner app, just the camera. Try mine!

There are so many options for customizing your code. I don’t want to add a logo, but the instructions are very straight-forward if you choose to add one. I DO want to make the colour fit into my layout better, so I’ll show you how I did that. Click Set Colors.

I had my layout’s PSD file open in Elements so I used the Eye Dropper Color Picker to choose a russet-brown shade from one of the flowers. Keep the Color Picker dialog box open, you’ll need it! I tried to Copy the hex code for the colour – the one with the # symbol in front of it in the blue box – into the code generator but it wouldn’t let me do it.

So I tried typing the numbers shown in the R, G and B boxes on the Color Picker into the R, G and B boxes on the code generator. It worked. Here’s a closer look at the Color Picker so you can see what I mean.

The colour of the QR code changed automatically. I verified that the hex code matches with the Elements Color Picker. It does!

I could use the code as is, but decided to add a border.

I changed the default colour to one from my layout in the same way. There’s even an option to change the text inside the border, and the font too. To save it so I can add it to my layout, I chose to go with a PNG file so it would have a transparent background.

Here it is, added to my layout next to the lyrics. I’ve tested it in its location and at this size, as shown on my computer screen and it works perfectly! I may have to do this again (a few times) for other layouts.

Does this look like something you’ll try? It can add so much context to our layouts that just won’t fit into a journal box. And it’s easy-peasy-free!

Filed Under: Be Inspired, Behind the Scrapbook, Creative Style, Digital Scrapbooking, Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, Theres An App For That, Tutorials Tagged With:

November 3, 2023: Fresh Baked

November 3, 2023 by

Happy Friday! We’ve had a first cold snap of the year here. We went from 85° F to 55° F in less than 24 hours. It was a bit of a shock. And we had our first freeze this morning. But no worries, it will be back warmer again in no time. That’s how our weather goes here. 

Remember if you spend $10 in the store, you will get this great collab for free.

Let’s see what is new in the store this week.

Have you gottten started on your challenges? Complete any 10 challenges and get this great kit as a reward.

 

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking, Fresh Baked, GingerBread Ladies Tagged With: , ,

GingerScraps: New FREE with Purchase Collab, New Monthly Mix, New Guest Designer & More!!

November 1, 2023 by

It is the 1st of the month and you know what that means; a huge, exciting newsletter! We have a New Buffet, New Monthly Mix, New Free With Purchase Collab, New Challenge Reward, New Guest Designer, & a New Daily Download on the GingerScraps Blog.

Let’s start out with the November Buffet. Don’t forget to check out the Buffet Bundles. One easy click to add bundles of Buffet goodies to your cart.

The November colors are perfect for those late fall pictures. And with the buffet kits, you can mix and match to get the perfect kit for you.

Remember any $10 spent in the store gets you this great collab.

“Golden Days” by the GingerBread Ladies is a captivating digital scrapbooking kit that embodies the enchanting hues of autumn. With a harmonious blend of tan, pink, and orange, this kit captures the essence of fall, reminiscent of breathtaking autumn sunsets and the warm glow of pumpkins. Each element is meticulously designed to infuse your scrapbook layouts with the magic of the season. Transform your memories into timeless treasures with this vibrant and elegant collection, and let your creativity shine as you craft beautiful pages that celebrate the beauty of “Golden Days.”

This Free With Purchase was created by Miss Fish Templates, Neia Scraps, Scrapbookcrazy Creations by Robyn, and WM[squared] Designs.

This collab includes: 1 Alpha {Uppercase & Numbers}, 54 Papers, and 91 Elements.

November Monthly Mix

“Harvest Hayrides” by the GingerBread Ladies is a charming digital scrapbooking kit that captures the essence of autumn on the farm. With its vibrant palette of bright colors, this collection brings the fall season to life, featuring delightful elements such as barns, tractors, and farm-inspired motifs. Whether you’re reminiscing about hayrides through golden fields or capturing the rustic beauty of the farm, this kit provides the perfect backdrop. You will enjoy creating layouts with this playful and heartwarming collection, celebrating the joy of harvest time and the rustic charm of the countryside.

This Monthly Mix was created by Aprilisa Designs, Adrienne Skelton, Jumpstart Designs, Kristmess, Lisa Rosa Designs, and J. Conlon and Sons.

This collab includes: 1 Alpha {Uppercase, Lowercase, Numbers & Punctuation}, 73 Papers, and 107 Elements.

Now to the Novembrer Daily Download Sneak Peek. This month’s Daily Download is from Scrapbookcrazy Creations by Robyn! Make sure you are checking the blog every day to get all the pieces of this kit!

We have a new guest designer for November.

Connection Keeping

BIO:

Hi GingerScraps Community, thank you so much for having me here. My name is Kelly and I design under the name Connection Keeping, because that is what scrapbooking has been for our family. We have four kids – an elementary school-aged kid, a middle schooler, a high schooler and a freshman in college. I’ve been digital scrapbooking since 2015 and I make family yearbooks every year that are a mix of pocket scrapbooking and traditional scrapbooking. On any given week, one of my kids can be seen with one of the yearbooks on their lap looking through it. It gives them the ability to remember the fun times, the family activities, their accomplishments and to see how far they have come. My latest obsession is adding QR codes to our book. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 18 years, but once upon a time I was an engineer and then a middle school math teacher. I love learning new things and drawing so when I discovered digital scrapbook designing in 2020 I was hooked. I truly hope that you enjoy the designs and I look forward to seeing the beautiful layouts and art and memories you create with them.

Take a look at the new challenge reward kit. If you complete any 10 challenges this month, you get this gorgeous collab as a reward!

“One Fall Day” by the GingerBread Ladies is the ultimate digital scrapbooking kit that captures the essence of autumn’s charm. This carefully crafted collection features a vibrant array of rich, earthy tones, complemented by cozy textures and adorable fall-themed elements. Whether you’re preserving precious memories of pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters, or crisp autumn walks, this kit provides the perfect backdrop. With a seamless blend of rustic elegance and modern design, “One Fall Day” makes your digital scrapbook pages come alive, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your fall memories. Dive into the beauty of the season and transform your photos into timeless keepsakes with this delightful digital scrapbooking kit.

This Challenge Reward was created by Dear Friends Designs, JB Studio, Just So Scrappy, ScrapChat Designs, and Sweet Pea Designs.

This collab includes: 2 Alphas {1 Uppercase, Lowercase, Numbers & Punctuation AND 1 Uppercase, Numbers}, 59 Papers, 84 Elements, and 4 12×12 Template {png, psd, tif file formats}.

Here is a few layouts from our amazing store CT using the Buffet kits.

 

Filed Under: Buffet, Digital Scrapbooking, GingerBread Ladies, Guest Designer Tagged With: , , ,

Tutorial Tuesday: Pre-empted

October 31, 2023 by

Happy Hallowe’en everybody! Jan’s taking the day off today and will be back next Tuesday with some fresh, new content. She hopes…

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking

October 27, 2023: Fresh Baked

October 27, 2023 by

Happy Friday friends. It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of another month. The Christmas holidays are slowly (or not so slowly) creeping in on us. 

Remember if you spend $10 in the store, you get this great collab for free.

Let’s see what the designers have for us this week.

Have you picked up the October Monthly Mix? Only a few days left to get it at the sale price.

How are your challenges going? Complete any 10 challenges to get this kit as a reward.

Have you had time to check out the feature Digital Scrapper class for October? This time we are featuring a Template Mini Class called Easy As Pie. 

In this class by Jenifer Juris, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of it all.

Exclusive Sale for GingerScraps Customers

Save 35% through Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Midnight EDT. Regularly $30.

 

Check out this tip from Jenifer for using your new pie templates.

Pie Template Photo Tip:

  • Place one photo over half of the sections.
  • Doing this allows you to really make the photo the star of the template. And you can decorate the other half of the shape with coordinating papers.

And, here’s the page Jenifer created with her tip:

I hope to see you in class!

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking, Fresh Baked, GingerBread Ladies Tagged With: , ,

Tutorial Tuesday (Photoshop Elements)

October 24, 2023 by

Quick Trick – Hiding Multiple Layers

PDF Version : https://bit.ly/40foM33

Have you ever been working with a template and found yourself struggling with placement of elements because there are SO MANY LAYERS in the way and you wish they would just disappear? This happens to me a lot when I’m trying to adjust photos for size. I don’t want the clipping mat to be visible, but sometimes one or more edges is invisible because they’re underneath a cluster or another photo spot. If this sounds like you, read on! I JUST learned this trick and I can’t believe it took me this long!! I’m using a template from Miss Fish‘s Just the Basics (retired) collection. Look at all those layers…

I want to isolate the layer this bow is on. I right-clicked on the eyeball (visibility icon) and this menu appeared. So I chose Show/Hide all other layers.

And POOF! All the other layers are sleeping. It’s magic. It has to be! But this is one situation where Undo [CTRL/CMD>Z] won’t work. To turn on visibility for all the sleeping layers, just reverse the process… Right-click>Show/Hide all other layers. Of course, you know there HAS to be a keyboard shortcut, right? For the Work Smart Not Hard crowd, it’s just ALT/OPT>eyeball.

How’s that for QUICK??

It looks like autumn is here to stay. Yesterday I was doing yard work in shorts and a t-shirt, this morning we woke up to snow on the mountains (none at our altitude… yet) and the mercury is struggling to stay at 6°C (43°F). There are still lots of leaves on the trees, even though we had gale-force winds yesterday, but winter is definitely on its way. What’s it like where you are?

Filed Under: Be Inspired, Behind the Scrapbook, Creative Style, Digital Scrapbooking, Tutorials Tagged With:

October 20, 2023: Fresh Baked

October 20, 2023 by

Happy Friday! The weekend is almost here, and our excitement knows no bounds! Fridays are not just the gateway to the weekend; they’re your ticket to discovering the latest treasures our designers have crafted just for you. Get ready to unwrap a world of creativity and inspiration. Let’s dive into the delightful offerings awaiting your artistic touch!

Remember if you spend $10 in the store, you get this great collab for free.

Let’s see the great things the designers have for us this week.

Have you gotten a good start on your challenges? We are more then half way through the month, make sure you get them all wrapped up before the month is over. Complete any 10 challenges to get this great reward.

Have you had time to check out the feature Digital Scrapper class for October? This time we are featuring a Template Mini Class called Easy As Pie. 

In this class by Jenifer Juris, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of it all.

Exclusive Sale for GingerScraps Customers

Save 35% through Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Midnight EDT. Regularly $30.

 

Check out this tip from Jenifer for using your new pie templates.

Pie Template Photo Tip:

  • Place one photo over half of the sections.
  • Doing this allows you to really make the photo the star of the template. And you can decorate the other half of the shape with coordinating papers.

And, here’s the page Jenifer created with her tip:

I hope to see you in class!

 

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking

Tutorial Tuesday (Individual Style)

October 17, 2023 by

Challenge Spotlight: Pinterest

This month, Lisa Minor chose this fall wedding photo as her Pinterest Challenge inspiration.

Her description of the photo is “it’s all about the colors!”, “floral fall colors” and her Challenge is to use the photo to scrap what the Pin says to you. So far, eleven scrappers have taken her up on it. They mostly seem to have chosen the same theme for their layouts, as you’ll see. As with each month’s Challenge Spotlight, these layouts appear in the order they were uploaded. I’ll point out the aspects that caught my eye, and each layout is linked to the Gallery so you can pop over and offer some praise. Just click on the scrapper’s user name and you’ll fly over to the Gallery.

First up is B2N2Scraps. She’s got the fall theme, the colours from the photo and the flowers. She didn’t miss a trick! Her simple layout puts the focus on the smiles in her photo.

KarenDiamond has the fall theme as well, with a bit more of the blue from the Pin. I see she’s anonymized the child in the circular photo as a silhouette. This technique works perfectly in a backlit photo, instead of just blurring features.

DianeInOz went for the colour palette, creating a whimsical layout with a clever nod to autumn. I love that wood-look cow cutout!

This stunning layout is from greenfiend27. Her choice of soft oranges and corals against a gray, dusty background, with ample floral elements, provides the perfect foil for that beautiful photo. The result is elegantly grungy. I think this is my favourite of the bunch.

Windswept has all the colours in there, and chose our major autumn celebration as her theme. Her focal photo is so cute!

The pocket style of zippyoh‘s layout works so well with all those pumpkin photos. The harvest/autumn theme is obvious but not in-your-face. She accents all the orange in the photos very nicely with touches of purple, gold and white. Aren’t those little foxes just too sweet?

For her layout, pinklily chose to document a week of her late fall activities from last year. (I’ve been to that mall… just sayin’. Winkwink!) The colour palette was what inspired her here.

Route66 pulled only 4 of the dozen colours in the Pin for her layout. Looks like somebody’s been playing with title tuts. 😉

The subject of this layout from gmae is a somber one. It could be seen as a play on “fall”, and a clever one at that. She has pulled a few of the fall colours from the Pin, and added some floral elements. Possibly the only flowers these resting places see these days…

Pippin went all in on individual style here. Her sole connections to Lisa‘s comments are her floral clusters and the pinks and blues from the Pin photo. This is a layout after my own heart.

 

Last up is this very autumnal layout from snojewel. She has some subtle hints of gorgeous teal stamped in her background. The oranges, browns, golds and burgundies complement her photos of Ben very well.

Next week I’ll have a Quick Trick for you. I haven’t decided which one from my little list of topics… we’ll all find out together!

Given what’s happening around the world these days, I hope this has given you a brief break from fear and worry. I also hope the people you love are safe and healthy. And that we all stay out of harm’s way.

Filed Under: Be Inspired, Be Pinspired, Behind the Scrapbook, Challenge Spotlight, Creative Style, Digital Scrapbooking, Tutorials Tagged With:

GingerScraps News: $1.50 Bake Sale NOW OPEN & A New Digital Scrapper Class!

October 15, 2023 by

Who is ready for the $1.50 Bake Sale?! I know you are going to LOVE what we have to offer this month!

I’m so excited to share a new class with you from Digital Scrapper! This time we are featuring a Template Mini Class called Easy As Pie. 

In this class by Jenifer Juris, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of it all.

Exclusive Sale for GingerScraps Customers

Save 35% through Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Midnight EDT. Regularly $30.

 

Create 10 Templates w/Hundreds of Possible Variations

 

This class will teach you how to use actions and shortcuts to create digital scrapbooking templates that showcase a geometric shape cut into equal sections.

I hope to see you in class!

 

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking

October 13, 2023: Fresh Baked

October 13, 2023 by

Happy Friday! Did everyone make it through DSD? Did you find some great deals? We can’t wait to see what you make with your new goodies.

Remember if you spend $10 in the store, you get this great collab for free.

Let’s see the great things the designers have for us this week.

Have you gotten a good start on your challenges? Did you use anything you got during the DSD celebration for a challenge. Complete any 10 challenges to get this great reward.

Filed Under: Digital Scrapbooking, Fresh Baked, GingerBread Ladies Tagged With: , ,
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