Digital Diva

Ok, so maybe I'm not quite a diva yet, but I've been playing around with my Christmas gift - Photoshop Elements. I've figured out a few things and thought I'd share what I've been able to create so far.
I sat through hours of a tutorial and was able to create this page of Parker...
It has many different effects (some I'm not sure if I can create again without using the tutorial)
Then I played around with colorizing the photo of Parker...
Turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself!
So then I was feeling brave and decided to tackle my blog background.
You can check out the "New Year" background and header for my personal blog here at Ginger's Jingle . (now I won't need to bug my sister every time I want to change it)

Last but not least I was feeling pretty secure in my abilities so I created an invitation for Parker's (and friends) upcoming Arrow of Light ceremony. I had 50 printed up as a 4x6 photo to give out to everyone involved in scouts (and some family)

Right now I'm working on a February background for my blog.
I can tell it's going to take ALOT of practice and patience to get this digital thing down, but I'm a willing pupil.
Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT going to give up my hand-crafted art of Scrapbooking. There's just something about the texture and dimention that makes me so happy.
However, Digital scrapping will find it's little place in my creativity nook!

Putting it all together

This year was a close call...
I almost didn't get my Christmas cards finished in time to mail out to family and friends

I start planning and purchasing supplies in July.
My family makes fun of me because I start so early.
(They get more mad when I make them take holiday photo's.)
The planning process isn't easy. I try out many different color and paper combo's before deciding on the right one. This year I went out on a limb and chose a non traditional color combination.
Red, brown, white and blue...When I showed my mother in law she was not too excited about my color choices, but had faith in my abilities to make it work. I changed the design a couple of time until I was finally happy with the look and design of the card.
Over the next few weeks I'd cut out paper and assemble pieces whenever I had the chance. Finally I had all the makings of a card, all 70 of them..... assembly required!
It took a couple evenings to get the final product put together, but finally HERE IT IS!
The heart has glitter around the edges and the circle reads...
"keep Christmas in your heart"
It ended up being a tri-fold card... super fun and easy!
Parker was concerned that no one would figure out how to open it, but I assured him it wouldn't be too difficult. (sorry if someone had a problem)
So that's it....the making of the Dennett family Christmas Card for 2008....
Now to start planning for 2009... Christmas in July takes on a whole new meaning for me!