Quick PhotoShop Tip

There are many ways to make selections in Photoshop. Some are easy, some can get tricky. I find one of the easiest and fastest ways to select text for example, whether it’s been rasterized or not, and as long as it’s in its own layer is by holding down the APPLE (Command) key and clicking on the text layer. This method is more accurate than say using the MagicWand, especially if you’ve added effects or blending options. The same goes for selecting artwork in other layers.

This tip has come in handy many a times.

Try it!

Happy Scrapping!

Sure Cuts A Lot Discount!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here’s a discount on S.C.A.L.

Be sure to look at the right side column under COOL and HELPFUL LINKS right here on my website and click on the SCAL link, you’ll be directed to SCAL’s website:

Coupon: 8665847

Discount is not valid for version 2 upgrades.

Discount is for 10% off

Expires on 1/2/2010 11:59PM PST

The Best Scrapbooking Adhesives

Ok, is anyone freaking out about the discontinuation of Kokuyo brand adhesives????!!!!

Aaaahhh!!!!! I sure am!

I finally found an adhesive that works practically on everything and now I have to start the search again!!!

How frustrating!

I know some of my scrapbooking pals are upset about the end of Kokuyo adhesives as well, so I thought I’d post about this dilemma and see what adhesives you are using.

For years I’ve used Hermafix, mainly the double-sided squares in the dispenser, and they work really well, except when it comes to using Bazzill cardstock and then that’s where Kokuyo came in and worked like a wonder!!! Sniff, sniff…

So, please comment. Let me know what’s your favorite adhesive(s). I’ll post a summary or a list from 1 to 10 and hopefully this will help us all to keep scrapbooking fun not frustrating.

SCAL on Sale

Hey all!

Sure Cuts A Lot has a sale until tomorrow, July 6.

The discount is 10% off your SCAL purchase.

Use the following coupon code: 4757558

Take advantage click here now!!!!

SVG files for Cricut

Personal die cutters are gaining popularity by leaps and bounds! You all know my favorite is the Craft Robo but, most of my scrapbooking friends have the Cricut. And now they all have the Sure Cuts a Lot software, better known as SCAL, which works with the Cricut.

Haven’t heard about SCAL, click here to learn more!

SCAL reads SVG files. For those familiar with PhotoShop and Illustrator it is very easy to save a file in SVG format. For those who don’t have access to these programs I’d like to offer my services!

First I’d like for you to know that all my paper piecing patterns are available in various formats including SVG. You can find patterns at The Shop.

Second, if you have patterns you’d like to use with your Cricut and don’t know how or don’t have time to make them into SVG files you can send them to me via email and I’ll convert them for you. Go to The Shop or click here on SVG FILE CONVERSION and check out the options available.

Please email me BEFORE choosing an option and include your patterns so I can better tell you what can be done.

Send your files to: orders@cocscrapbooking.com or cristy@cocscrapbooking.com

About the Craft Robo II

What about the Craft Robo II? I really love it!

Up until YESTERDAY I liked my Craft Robo. Today, I love it!

See, I thought that by being a Mac user I was limited to a very narrow area of cutting because registration marks had to be printed on whatever I wanted to cut. Narrow, because the marks had to be about 2 inches in from the edges of the paper/cardstock so the digital eye of the cutter could recognize the marks. Then, I always have had to try positioning the paper/cardstock in slightly different ways until the cutter finally recognizes the marks. And then, if I used a dark colored paper/cardstock or one with a busy pattern, the cutter cannot see the marks at all. I did realize that by oulining the marks with my trusty white Galaxy Marker it helped the cutter see the marks…..but come on…… a bit frustrating to get something cut.

BUT……..the revelation! Read the rest of this entry »

Save Money by Creating Your Own Scrapbook Albums

Here’s a really great way to save money by creating your own scrapbook albums! Have your heard of the Bind-It-All from Zutter? It’s awesome!

What is it?

It’s a binding machine. But not just an ordinary binding machine, this one will punch and bind allowing you to create your own books, journals, calendars, craft projects and most importantly scrapbooks of any size!

Read the rest of this entry »

Freehand Doodle In Your Scrapbook

If you like to doodle here’s a great way to do it and have it cut it out at the same time to add more detail to your scrapbook layouts. Using Fiskar’s Craft Knife Fingertip you can now cut as you doodle. You hold it just like you would a pen except that it cuts rather than draw! This is an easy way to make your layouts unique. If you prefer a more symmetrical look use a stencil to draw out your doodle then cut it out with scissors, but remember, your pages are more personalized and special using the freehand method.

This tool is also great when you have to cut duplicates of things like letters or flowers or other embellishment for a project you want to look uniform. It’s easy on your hands, less tiring than using scissors.

Here’s what it looks like:

The cheapest I’ve seen it at is $3.59 on Create for Less.

The New Craft Robo II is here!

For several months I’ve been in contact with Graphtec, the manufacturers of the Craft Robo, and a few weeks ago I got the long anticipated email announcing the release of Craft Robo II. I immediately was on the hunt for the cheapest offer. I stumbled upon Specialty Graphics who had a great FREE shipping offer and I bought the crafty machine for $299 flat. Read the rest of this entry »

Save Money Scrapbooking

My sister got married this past year on a very tight budget. One way she was able to save money was having me create her wedding album. The “professional” album was going to cost an arm and a leg so she asked the photographer to give her a CD with all the wedding pictures instead of having him make the album. I then went through the CD along with pictures that I was able to take and also pictures from friends and family, and began to create the album pages using Photoshop. Read the rest of this entry »