Friday 12 April 2013

Flower Photo Cards - experiments with my photographs

Afternoon All,

Again! Twice in one day! After the cake comes the cards.

I've been playing with my computer and it's all because I've long admired what Jackie, of Craft Designs, does with her photographs and the cards she makes with them. Since seeing her work I've been keen to try to find my way round Photoshop myself. So, over the last couple of days, in between eating, sleeping and WOYWW blog-hopping, ... not to mention the dreaded 'H' word, all dedicated crafters will know what I mean by that ... I've been having a bash and here's what I've done.



The photos were imported into Serif Craft Artist and then altered using Photoshop before printing off. I'm still learning but it's fun to see the different effects that can be achieved. The flowers, the pink African Daisy (Osteospernum) and blue dwarf Columbine (Alpine Aquilegia) are both plants grown in my garden.

Materials used: 
  • white bases cards
  • linen textured paper for printing
  • scraps of coloured cardstock for matting
  • various greeting stamps and Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
  • pink gems/Papermania dew drops, aqua, for embellishments
Tools used: 
  • Serif Craft Artist & Photoshop
  • Epson XP-40 printer; Docrafts X-cut dies, circles, spiro circles, flower shapes
  • Stampin' Up label punch
All this experimenting has had the added benefit of using up a few snippets too, so I'm checking in at Di's place to see what action, if any, is going on at Pixie's Crafty Snippets Playground - Week 67.

And that really is that for today ... I'm in the middle of putting a scrap page together and I really do want to finish it. It's raining, and the rain is very welcome, but I don't plan on going out into it ... I'd rather stay warm and dry in the craft room.

I'll be back tomorrow to announce the winner of this week's book giveaway. 

Take care all and I wish you all an enjoyable weekend wherever you are.

Happy crafting,

11 comments:

Hettie said...

Well done Elizabeth for trying out Photoshop! I keep trying to get down to doing this, but other things get in the way....including work!
These cards are gorgeous!
Have a great weekend. Off to Ally Pally with some of the Playground members, including Miss Di, Mrs A, Mike's Gal and Sandra!! Tee Hee!
Hugs
xx

Sandra H said...

Wow Elizabeth and the effects are brilliant nice that your showing us your results they are really good keep it up xx

Alison Scott said...

Lovely cards. Great technique.

Angie said...

This all looks so much fun ...and creates beautiful cards ....just that little bit different.
Just about organized for going now ...have packed so I cant change my mind re clothes ....as for my hair ...think I've worked a style out but my hair is getting so thin and is almost blonde/white except for the hair that grows underneath at the bottom and its a redish blonde????so looks funny when its put up.I will be so glad when we get there as I am not a good traveller. We are going by coach and boat ...on both i am travel sick ...and travelling makes me stressed anyway!!!! I was playing with makeup to day ....I use it about once a year nowadays ...cant believe it is 10 years since I could get fully made up in a couple of minutes lol.xx

Bonnie said...

These are amazing, Elizabeth!

Di said...

Super results Elizabeth - you're always trying out new things. It'll be quiet in the Playground today for sure! Still, it'll be more peaceful without some of the more mischievous ones :))

ugs, Di xx

scrappymo! said...

You are good with that photoshop...your photos are always crisp and clear and well "constructed"...I don't think that is the right word but they always seem balanced etc.

Love what you have done with these cards and it helps that you have those lovely subjects to photograph.

Jackie said...

You are doing a great job Elizabeth, your cards are beautiful as are your photographs, it is great to play with them isn't it. Thank you so much for the lovely mention, it's good to know that I can inspire someone :o)
Jackie xx

Angie said...

Just popped by to say thanks for the tip ...and to say that is an old photo ....about 7 years ago ....I meant to change it about 3 years ago ....believe me I still have the length but sadly not the volume xx

May said...

Fabulous work Elizabeth, Gorgeous cards & photos.. Jackie is a great inspiration.. Love them all, Hugs May x x x

Debs Willis said...

The photos are great, and I love what you did with them. I have the Digital Craft Artist 2 software and spent ages playing when I first had it, but don't thin I used it at all last year, never seem to be enough hours !

Hugs Debs x