Easy Photo Editing Tutorial {Guest Post-Amanda Padgett}

Meet Amanda! She is a "Pioneer Woman" of sorts, although, she says she's not nearly as talented, witty or culinarily gifted as the real one. Amanda grew up in the suburbs or on military bases, but ended up in the country on a cattle and chicken farm an hour from any sizeable town. She is an amazing stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to four children, ages 11 to 4.

Amanda and I really "clicked" as we started our photography journey about the same time, last spring, and it has quickly become a passion for both of us! Most of her subjects are her beautiful kids, the cows, her mother-in-law's flowers and her weeds ("they're prettier in a picture than in real life", she claims). She enjoys editing (with PSE 7) and continues to learn daily. The tutorials she writes are very basic and well documented so that brand new users can learn how to use their editing software. Amanda's tutorials have been an amazing resource for me!! I had owned PSE for years and rarely ever used it because I didn't know how.

Amanda has recently started Everyday Elements, online workshops and video tutorials for PSE users. Also, she has a photography resource blog, PhotographyHaven where you can find lots of free actions, tutorials, workshops and more. You can view her personal pictures at Moving Forward or her Flickr stream.

Today Amanda is going to share one of her basic tutorials that can be used for any picture!

*******************************

Hi there! I am thrilled to be guest posting here at TidyMom! Cheryl invited me to do a guest post and after my initial excitement, I started thinking about what to share. I tried to think of a quick, "tidy" trick to share with you and I hope this one hits the spot.

Whether you shoot with a DSLR or a point and shoot, I recommend getting some a photo editing program. There is so much you can do with your images, regardless of the camera used to capture them. The program I am using today is Photoshop Elements, but this tutorial will work in regular Photoshop (CS5 or earlier versions) just as well.

With almost every picture I edit, I do this edit trick which provides light while also boosting color and contrast.

Step 1: Open your image in PSE or PS. Create a Gradient Map adjustment layer by clicking on the half black/half white circle (see "1st"). Then choose 'Gradient Map.'


Step 2: Once the Gradient Map options pop up, navigate until you see the B&W option, click on it. If you don't see this menu, click where the * is and another fly-out menu will appear, then choose 'Default.'


Step 3: Click on the Blend Mode menu box (1st). A menu will either pop up or pop down. Choose 'Soft Light' (2nd).


Step 4: Lower the layer opacity to suit. For portraits, I usually lower this down to between 15% and 25%. For still life, I usually keep it higher.


Here is a before/after shot, with nothing else done to it, not even sharpening. I wanted to show the effect


Here is a little tidbit - I use this technique with 98% of my edits. Never right at the beginning, but usually before I finish with an image, I will have used it. I love it and I think it adds just the right amount of definition to most shots.

I hope you find this helpful. If you give it a try, let me know your blog address or Flickr stream so I can go take a peek.

*******************************

Thanks again Amanda, you are SOOOO generous with your knowledge and I learn something every time I talk to you or read one of your posts!!


Seriously people, if want to learn more about editing, head over to Amanda's sites and even consider taking some of her online workshops, they're VERY affordable and you will be amazed at how much you will learn!! The Everyday Elements Facebook page is another thing you don't want to miss........she has been known to "give out" free actions and more to those who "like" her!!

This tip "works for me".....so I'm linking up at We Are That Family's Works For Me Wednesday

Don't miss a post subscribe via Rss Reader or by E-Mail

Mod Podge Rocks {Guest Post} tutorial

I have a fabulous treat for you all today! Have you heard of Modge Podge Rocks? Amy is an amazingly talented lady.....I wished we lived closer we could have some serious fun crafting! Today Amy is sharing an adorable Mod Podge project for us!! I LOVE this idea!! ..........!

Well hallo! I'm Amy from Mod Podge Rocks, your local wacky decoupage expert. You may have visited me to learn more about Mod Podge, but if you haven't, please swing on by. Be prepared to be "wowed" by the amazing community of people who use and love Mod Podge. Cheryl and I are both part of that community, and I'd love for you to join us!

One thing you might not know about me is that I started my crafty journey with a sewing machine at about 10 years old. My mother sewed a lot and made me learn, which I hated at the time but am thankful for now. As an homage to my mother and to the many seamstresses/Mod Podgers who read my blog, I created this sewing award. It's actually a pin that you can attach to a sewing bag or a shirt . . . you can even use it for a gifty tag. Customize it for the crafter in your life.

Gather These Supplies:
Die cut machine - I have a Sizzix Big Shot and an award ribbon die
Scrapbook paper - I used two sheets of Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl
Maya Road Chipboard Collection - Sew Cute
FolkArt Paint - Pink, Baby Pink, Titanium White and Silver Anniversary
Mod Podge Hard Coat
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Flat paint brush
Liner paint brush
Lara's Crafts 2" wood circle
1 1/2" pin back - self-adhesive

The first thing you are going to do is cut out your ribbon piece. I used one sheet of scrapbook paper for the main part of the ribbon and a second, coordinating sheet for the inside of the ribbon. Once you have your die cuts, set aside.

If you don't have a die cutter, never fear! You can use a template from the internet (search for award ribbon line art) - just be sure to use something license-free if it's for other than personal use.

I painted my pieces next. I chose to use a wood piece as the main part of my pin to make it sturdy. I painted the wood piece and the main body of the thread Pink, the "spool" of my chipboard thread Titanium White and the needle Silver Anniversary. Let everything dry and set them aside. Set them aside in a safe place - I spent about 30 minutes looking for the MIA needle at one point!

Attach the ribbon die cut to the wood circle. I used Hard Coat Mod Podge - you don't have to, but I wanted the Satin finish. Paint Mod Podge around the edge and then adhere the ribbon shape to the wood circle. Smooth thoroughly.

Add Mod Podge to the center of the circle, and place your circle piece in the middle. Smooth and allow to dry for 15 - 20 minutes.

Coat the entire piece with Mod Podge - I even did the back! Mod Podge will help the ribbon not to tear. Do at least three coats, allowing time to dry between coats.

Glue down the chipboard pieces with Mod Podge. I decided at the last minute to use my Baby Pink and liner brush to give some texture to the thread. Just a little swoop here and there adds some interest.

Now's the fun part! I love Dimensional Magic. LOVE! It fries with the same kind of look as an epoxy, glassy and raised, but without the mixing and chemicals. All you have to do is turn the bottle over and tap gently to remove bubbles (don't shake), then start squeezing gently on the object(s). Build it up as much as you like! I added to both the thread and needle.

Allow to dry overnight.

Add your self-adhesive pin back and press . . . you're done. It doesn't take long to make a variety of awards for friends. I love buttons, so I'm thinking a button award might be next! Would it be bad to give it to myself?

Thanks to Cheryl and you, her readers, for having me. Your visit means a lot. Swing by Mod Podge Rocks! anytime for the latest decoupage debauchery. Hope to see you soon!

Thanks again Amy.......you really do ROCK!!

Don't miss a post subscribe via Rss Reader or by E-Mail

Red White & Blue Cupcakes!

Some people like to celebrate the 4th of July with barbecues and fireworks....I say,

"Let's celebrate with cupcakes!!"




If you are looking for an impressive treat for your 4th of July celebration, look no further. These Patriotic Cupcakes are too cute, a box cake mix makes it easy and they are sure to be a hit with the kids. Disclaimer - yes, I've heard all the "evil" about food coloring in food.....if this bother's you, please just close this post.

I've seen these cupcakes around the web for a while, like here and here and I've been looking forward to trying them myself! I will to say that I was thrilled with the results! They turned out even cuter than I had hoped for.

Here's what you do:

Mix up a batch of white cake batter, using The Perfect Cupcakes (using a mix)

Divide your white cake mix into 3 bowls.

Add red gel coloring to one, and blue to another.

I highly recommend using the gel-paste food coloring. The color is concentrated, so it does not require a lot to achieve the hue you’re going for. The liquid food coloring from the grocery store will "water down" your batter.

Spoon a little of each color into your cupcake liners, filling about 1/2 full.

Bake at 350° for 20 mins. and let cool.

Next I made a batch of Glory's Frosting

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
(from Glorious Treats)

Ingredients:
½ cup butter, at room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1 to 4 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions:

• *Place butter in a large mixing bowl and blend slightly. Add cream cheese and blend until combined, about 30 seconds.

• Add vanilla and sugar and blend on low until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat until it begins to get fluffy. (*I used clear vanilla to keep my frosting nice and white)
  

• Slowly add the cream a little at a time until desired consistency is met. (Don't add too much if you want the frosting to stay in place when piped on cupcakes.)

• I added some bright white gel coloring at this point to make my frosting nice and white.
  

• Beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.

• Pipe onto cupcakes!

To make my icing multi colored, I tried something new this time.

I bought the Wilton Holiday Gels in red and blue and lined the inside of my pastry/decorating bag with 2 stripes of each.



I then filled the bag with my white frosting and piped my cupcakes using my Wilton 1M tip.

I did add some fun patriotic sprinkles to some, that I found in the Dollar Spot at Target a while back, and topped all of them with these little red pin-wheel toppers I picked up at WalMart.

See how fun they look when you bite in!

I'm going to make these again this weekend as our family all gather's at our family log home.

If you more the adventurous type, you may want to pop over to i am baker, and see the incredible cake Amanda "whipped up" *you're in for a treat when she makes an appearance here on TidyMom soon with a fabulous guest post for you guys!!

While we celebrate with yummy food, I cannot help but think about the life of freedom we have today that is due to all of the people who gave (and are still giving) the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our country. I appreciate their dedication and sacrifices from the bottom of my heart. It is because of them and their families that we can fly our flags high and be thankful that we live in the U.S.A.

I'm sharing this recipe at
Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, Mouth Watering Mondays and Tuesdays at the Table, Tuesday Tastes, Tasty Tuesday, 4th of July Party, Get Your Craft On and Cupcake Tuesday
CSI Project on Tuesday for this week's challenge of Red White and Blue!
and Stars and Stripes Party at Centsational Girl

Now thru midnight EST on Friday July 2, 2010 you can
use the discount code FRIEND at checkout, you will get 10% off any subscription, or coupon code LOVECM for 20% off a lifetime subscription.

Don't miss a post subscribe via Rss Reader or by E-Mail

Fabric Covered Switch-plate Tutorial

You may remember last week I showed you how I made some easy fabric covered wall art for my bathroom.

After I hung them, I decided to make the switch-plate match!




It's super easy, but I took a few pictures along the way to show you!

Fabric Covered Switchplate

Supplies:

• Switchplate cover
  
• Small piece of fabric
• Plastic or something to cover your work surface
  
• Mod Podge
• Sponge brush for Mod Podge
  
• X-acto knife
• Scissors

1. Start with your average outdated switchplate cover.
2. Cut fabric that you ♥ just a little bigger than your switchplate.
3. Cover the switchplate with Mod Podge.
4. Lay your piece of fabric on top of the Mod Podge, and press down all surfaces. Be sure to smooth out any creases or bubbles.

5. After the fabric and Mod Podge sit and dry a bit, trim the excess fabric around the edge of the switchplate.
6. Use an X-acto knife to cut out the slots where your switch thingies will go(I left one side attached- see next step)! - you can also use the X-acto knife to punch a whole where the screw holes are.

7. Flip switchplate over and use a little Mod Podge to glue down the pieces you cut for the opening.

8. Turn the switchplate back over and cover with 2 coats of Mod Podge.

Hang your beautiful new switchplate!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm Grilling Pizza's today over at Living Locurto!! come check it out

~ I'm linking this up to the following parties ~

Between Naps on the Porch
The Girl Creative
DIY Day
Blue Cricket Show and Tell
Strut Your Stuff

Don't miss a post subscribe via Rss Reader or by E-Mail

Easy Fabric Covered Canvas Wall Art

I'm interrupting this post with a quick little plea....

I have been nominated over at i am mommy for "Best Overall Blog"
I would love your forever if you could head over and put in a vote!
There are several categories.....I think you'll spot a few other fabulous bloggers you might like to vote for as well!! - Only one week to vote!

Click here to vote at i am mommy

**The winner of each category will receive a $50 cash prize.......If I win I plan to spend a day using the $50 to perform Random Acts of Kindness. (inspired by this post)

~Thank YOU!

OK.........Now back to our regularly scheduled posting.........

******************

Can you believe I finally have a project for you today?

I recently changed the colors in our bathroom. I bought a new shower curtain, hooks, towels, rugs, but that left me with a problem......the walls.

I needed something for over the towel bar.

This idea first hit me when Becca did it. I did mine a little different, since I was only needing small wall art, I simply bought a two pack of Artist Canvas at Hobby Lobby for $4. But if you want a large piece, I would recommend the way Becca made hers.



I love how they turned out! They were super easy.....and cheap!

What you will need:

• Artist Canvas in the size you prefer (I used 2- 11"x14")

• Fabric that you ♥ (I got 1/2 yard of 2 coordinating fabrics- which was more than enough fabric, but I want to do a few other things with the fabric)

• Staple gun

• Picturing-hanging wire and screw set

Let's get started........



With any size canvas and your choice of fabric, lay the right side of the canvas on the wrong side of the fabric. Measure your fabric and cut to size.




You will want to be sure to iron your fabric, or you will see creases in your finished piece.
Pull fabric tight and staple several times along two opposite edges. On the ends fold the corners as you would a present, pull up tight and staple.

To hang:
Attach the small screws and picture wire to the back of the frame. (I forgot to buy these, so I have not attached the wire to the back of mine yet)

Step back and admire!

This is an inexpensive way to decorate a wall, and when I get tired of this fabric, I’ll rip it off and start over.
The possibilities are endless, and there are so many amazing fabrics available! This was fun, easy and quick.....I can't wait to make a large one for another room!

Wouldn't something like this be amazing?!


picture source: the style files


I'm linking this up to the following parties

Between Naps on the Porch
The Girl Creative
DIY Day
Blue Cricket Show and Tell
Strut Your Stuff














Don't miss a post subscribe via Rss Reader or by E-Mail