Welcome to my blog.

This is where to come for my newest templates, blends, frames, or just to find out whats new! Please check back often for the latest freebe.

Feb 10, 2009

Paper Pack

This is one of my favorite paper packs. I have had it made for a while now, but forget to post here. I am going to really try from now on to keep up with all the blogging and forums! Please don't hesitate to request something custom. If I can help, I will do just that!
As ususal, this pack comes in 12x12 300 DPI squares of delicious designs, and these are versitile ones for sure! Any of these can be incorporated easily into your other projects or mix and match the ones here for your creative digital projects.
I used one of the papers in this set as a frame on a large mat. Below is the sample:
Interested in the paper pack or large mat? Please email me at Graphicsgarden@aol.com

Jan 30, 2009

Designing a digital paper tutorial

This is my very first tutorial, and tonight I am proud to post it (mostly because I finally learned how to do a screen shot in Photo Shop!) That is something I have wondered how to do for a very long time. Some of my friends who don't have as much time as I do have asked " How did you make that?" Well, I can say its never really planned out how the final paper will really look. Most of it is just playing around! I may have to go back and edit this tut. as well. I welcome your feed back!

Some established artist may design differently, but since I am a self taught crafty kinda gal, I just thought I would share with you how "I" do this. For the life of me though, I have no idea why so much of this is showing as a link, so it will have just do as shown.
First, I pull up a new canvas the color I want it to be. ( Or, you can just start with a white back ground and duplicate or make a new layer and then fill that in).OK, as you see I have duplicated my first layer and filled it in with green. Now, I open my brush pallet and make a few strokes on each corner. ( You can choose a new layer if you desire, to put in the new brush strokes.) Here is what my brush window looked like. Notice in the next screen shot, the little checks are checked so I can rotate my brush for the corners.)When you are happy with your brushes designs, you are ready for the next step. I added a new layer and chose a grungy brush to rough up the canvas a bit.
Next, I search for a texture. I chose a light colored rock . This is where the fun starts.With your move tool, drag it onto your canvas. I put it on top of all the other layers, since I want the brush strokes to be a little less blunt. Now stretch your texture over the entire canvas, covering all of the layers.Then, change the blend mode of that layer.( see right above here.) I usually scroll through all of the blending modes to see what look it may take on. Oh, the many choices! I could stop here, but if the night is young and I still want to play, I add a gradient to the background copy layer by opening the fx at the bottom of my layer pallet.I felt like pink, so I applied that.I saved this paper as is, since I thought it would make a pretty cool blog topper.
And then, I duplicated this, and added a pattern. To do this, click on the little fx again, and choose "Pattern overlay." I searched my patterns and applied a new one I made this week. Change the blend mode in the new pop up window as well as the opacity, until you are satisfied.I now have 2 different papers to add to my collection!
You can have them too, by late tonight, after Iupload them and post the link.
Ok, so how did I do?( I mean on the tutorial.) How can I improve? How do my screen shots look? Now that I can do that, or Those, I just may post a tutorial on how to make brushes. If you don't see me soon, that probably means IM editing a new session, ( And that is a good thing!)
Thanks for stopping by!
Here are links to the two papers:File name: 1212PaprDezne.jpg
Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/file/yzmmoanidzm

File name: 1StepFurther1212.jpg
Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/file/noywyzjhkd2

Jan 29, 2009

Photo Shop brushes- Planets




Digital paper


And here is a Valentines pack ! If this isn't your style, check out my other papers. I think I am now officially paper design addicted! These as well, are 12in.x12., 300 DPI, jpg. flattened, and ready to use. This paper pack: $10.00
Here is a mixture of boy inspired papers, but these would also work well in invitations, templates greeting or blog pages for all ages! This pack: $10.00. Specs are same as above.

Jan 4, 2009

Valentines paper pack

I wasn't going to post this paper yet until I had some templates created, but it looks like it just may be a bit popular so I am throwing it out there for a trial run, through Valentines day. I shared one from the pack on ILP so either visit there or email me for the link to that one!
In this pack, there are 5 JPG files saved at 300 DPI, ready for what ever you want to make. This paper is $10.00 for the pack.
I still dont have a buy it button. Sorry to be a pain, but upon payment via PayPal with an email to Graphicsgarden@aol.com stating the title of the paper, I will send an invoice and you will recieve the link to the whole pack.
Please check back for additions, such as Valentines greeting cards, or other templates!
Happy New Year!!

Nov 29, 2008

New paper, New template


I made this patterned design a few days ago and have been working on new back grounds for the damask overlay. Boy, this one is fun! Here is a square template, which is down sizable to any size, since it was created with the 12x12 paper. I will be offering the whole set of papers soon, but for now, here's a flat greeting so you can get the sneak peak. ( Yes, I am a vintage freak!)

Nov 18, 2008

New elegant vintage paper

And there it is- the template!! ( All made from two of these papers. This is very versatile, and has extra options for the front and the back, and can be used for so many occasions!) It is elegant enough for a very fancy event, vintage enough for an old fashioned greeting, and could be just perfect to show clients for their special Valentines card. Text left open for adding your own, of course. As always, these are saved at 300 DPI, appropriate for beautiful photo printing, as well as press print products. This template is designed for press print greeting cards.


This set comes in jpg. form, at 300 resolution, ready for card making, blog toppers, collage back grounds, etc. I stuck with one design this time,and added hues and colors I thought would work good together but the darker hues have a texture applied. The light ones are as is. I am digging this set!! Leave me a comment on what you would like to see from these papers as far as templates go, and I will make one up to share! ( Well, I will do my best.)
There are 11 in this pack- yep, IM feeling odd.. So $9.00 for now, gets all 11 papers, plus your requested template file.

Nov 16, 2008

Antique Xmas card 5x7

This 5x7 card has two built in color options, one frame and clear tape. The text is left open for personalizing. It is great with toned images. This gorgeous back ground design with a personal photo and greeting will certainly stand out! This file was made in PS CS3 ready for press prints.
.25 inch. added on the top and bottom.

Single file card template: $6.00 until it is added to a set. Please email your request to Graphicsgarden@aol.com and file will be sent within one day upon receipt of payment.

Nov 15, 2008

Vintage Christmas card pack

The Christmas vintage card template pack is here!
I have finally finished these as a set you can still order in time for this season for your clients! Order by the 10th of Dec. and I will include paper back grounds, 12x12. ( The red diamond and the 12 inch across Christmas holly trees!) Updated tonight and added a folded 5x7 to the set!( front, back and inside spread)
This whole set is just 30.00- and there's goodies inside! Follow the link to view the gallery with samples and more details.
http://cherylskinnerportraits.homestead.com/TheGraphicsGarden/VintageXmas_set/album/index.html

You will receive personal links to a private folder by the next day after payment is received via PayPal to ldylites@aolcom.

Oct 5, 2008

8x10 frame with 5x7 opening


This frame is an 8x10 made from a paper I have here on the blog ( Look through the digital paper from the labels posted to see the whole set.) You can get it free by clicking the link below.
If you like the design, check out the posted labels for paper. This one is from a set of 12x12.
http://www.mediafire.com/?gykg9dyofnv

Sep 27, 2008

Collage


I found this collage to be quite versatile by cropping, down sizing, and then placing on a new canvas for different size greeting cards. I shared on a forum tonight so I will share here as well! Download is free.
http://www.mediafire.com/?tyx4ti5mlyy

This one was downsized to a 4x6

This one is sized at 5x7 or 5.25 x 7.25 for safe press printing.

Sep 24, 2008

12x12 Paper set


This set was created for those who like to make their own templates, greeting cards, blog headers, etc. These are loaded with textures and rich colors. Designed in CS3, saved at 300 dpi in jpg. files, ready for the creative mind. I have used a few for templates and cards, and I frequently visit this folder while designing. Here is a sample using one:

7 opening10x20 story Board


This story board has 7 openings, on a 10x20 back ground. Made in CS3 with clipping masks, which makes it easy to insert photos, add your favorite paper to the back ground, or add color if desired. All of the elements are changeable/customizable. This file will be sent directly to you in a private link. Please email me with any questions. graphicsgarden@aol.com