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Monday, July 6, 2009

THE YEA AND THE YIKES ON MY BLOG! [LAURIE WON A GIVEAWAY (YEA!)-LAURIE GAVE A TUTORIAL (YIKES!)]




I was so excited when Robin at Bittersweet Punkin drew my name to win her wonderful handmade Memory Box. Just look at all of the pretty details on this box!





When the package arrived, I couldn't wait to open it and start filling my lovely new box with trinkets. Robin's nice note, which accompanied the package, would be the first memory I placed in the bottom of the box.


But look! When I opened the box, it was not empty. See those gifts wrapped in the pretty sheet music? Okay, by this time, my excitement was unbearable! After all, I knew I was getting the wonderful box, but I didn't know that there would be surprises inside the wonderful box!



Oh how I wish you could smell this wonderful lavender soap and lavender candle! They are heavenly! My husband will surely want to know what is going on when he walks in and our home smells like lavender and so do I! Did you notice that pretty lighthouse charm that is attached to my box? I am just the luckiest girl in Blogville. (I use the term "girl" very loosely!) Thank you so much Robin for such a lovely giveaway. I will enjoy the lavender scents for a very long time, and for anyone who visits my blog regularly, you know I will enjoy the Memory Box forever! What a perfect prize for someone who doesn't get rid of ANYTHING because of the memories that she attaches to her "stuff"! What wonderful memories I will have each time I look at this pretty box. Isn't Robin just the sweetest thing?

A TUTORIAL (KIND OF)

All of you bloggers who already do wonderful mosaics, (which, in my humble opinion is all of you), please skip the following "tutorial" (I have to laugh when I use that word in conjunction with anything that involves me-especially on a computer!) If my family knew I was doing a computer-related tutorial, they would have me committed for sure!

I have been asked to reveal the "secret" to my mosaics. I'm tellin' ya'll, there's no secret. All you have to do is be crazy enough to sit for hours and play with the Photoscape program. I KNOW IF I CAN DO IT, ANYBODY CAN DO IT! I'm sure there are other ways to accomplish what I am doing on Photoscape, and there are some things on Photoscape that I know nothing about. Since you asked, I will gladly share what I have learned.


If you don't already have a Photoscape (PS) program on your computer, it is free to download the part of Photoscape that I use for mosaics. Just google Photoscape and download the free part.


When I open any of the programs on PS, there is a column on the left where I can click on "pictures" to access everything in my picture file. The sections of PS that I use most often are "Editor", "Page", and "Combine".

If I am making a mosaic, I first go to the section titled "Page". On the right-hand side of this section is a selection of mosaic patterns. When you click on one of the patterns, it appears in the center section. Click and drag your photographs (from that column on the left of your screen) to where you want to put them in your mosaic. In some patterns, you can shift the photo from side-to-side or up-and-down to get it positioned where you want it within that box. You can go to the top of the page (where there are small pictures of your photos in the order you put them into the mosaic), and you can drag them to change the order in your mosaic. (Is any of this making sense? Have I lost you already?)
Above the selection of mosaic patterns, are other choices you can make. I usually click on that little "acorn looking guy" (I'm soooo high tech), and enlarge my mosaic by 175%. There are also places to select the size, color, and shape of the margins (lines between your photos) on your mosaics, as well as a place to click if you want to select a frame to go around each individual photo.









After you have your mosaic set up, you can add things. (I just know I've already lost you, and I'm adding things-I'm not very good at this tutoring stuff.) (Ooops! I should have gone into the "edit" part and rotated that picture of the cake before I added it to this mosaic, but since this is just for demonstration purposes, I'm leaving it "as is")

You can click "save" at any point when you are satisfied with your mosaic.
If you want to add something to the mosaic, you may now click "edit" in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

Your options for this page are at the bottom of your screen. Selecting a frame on this page will frame the outside of the entire mosaic.

While in this window of PS, you can click on "object", where you will find a feature for drawing straight lines (even though the icon for it is a squiggly line). Just click on that line, select a color, and while holding the shift key, click where you want the line to begin and then click where you want the line to end.
Draw boxes and other shapes while in this mode too. Just click on the icon of the shape you want to draw, and click on your photo to drag the shape to the place and size you want. I often add a box to the top and/or bottom of my mosaic, so that I can add words (you know how I luv words!) You can add words to your mosaic by clicking on one of the letter "T"s.
There are features titled "Webding" and "Wingding" with little pictures you can add. All of these additions will appear in the center of your mosaic, and you can click on the addition and drag it where you want it. You have the option of selecting a color or an outline for these additions. All of the additions may be shrunk or enlarged by clicking a corner of the box around the addition and dragging it. Above your addition is a toggle feature, which allows you to adjust the direction of your addition.



Additions of "real picture", "cartoon picture", "illustration", "stamp", "pencil drawing", etc. are found by clicking on the icon of a tiny outdoor scene (another technical term).

To layer two pictures, right click on the photo that you want to appear on top of the other photo. Left click on "Copy to clipboard". Go back over to your pictures on the left side of the page, and left click on the picture you want on the bottom layer. After it appears in your screen, left click on the "outdoor scene" icon. In the list that appears, left click on "clipboard photo". Your clipboard photo will appear on top of your bottom photo, and you can drag the corners of the clipboard to get it to the size you like.



On the "Combine" page of PS, you are given the option of combining photos horizontally, vertically, or in a checkerboard pattern. You may also edit these combined photos in the same manner described above.




There are a lot of filters to try out. In yesterday's post, I used a filter on the photo of my grandchildren with the sparklers.


I used the "Lens Flare" effect on this one.

Since I am sure I am not using the correct terminology, and since I tend to go into more detail than necessary, this may be confusing. I told you a tutorial by me was not a good thing! I hope I have revealed the "secrets" to my mosaics, and I really hope you aren't leaving here more confused than you were when you asked for the "secret"! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll try to help out, but I really do not know what I'm doing. My mosaics have been created through a lot of trial and error (more error than anything else).
Whew! I'm worn out! What? You say you're worn out too? I don't blame you. I can promise you that I will not be doing another tutorial about anything for a very long time! Thanks so much for coming by for a visit. Sorry all you got was a tutorial! DISCLAIMER: I will not be held responsible if you become addicted to making mosaics! laurie

40 comments:

xinex said...

Congrats, Laurie! Those are lovely presents. You have been so lucky lately, haven't you? Thanks for the tutorial. I have used Flickr but looks like Photoscape might be easier....Christine

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Laurie: You ARE a lucky girl! I LOVE that memory box! I just love it!!

And thanks for the tutorial as I need all the help I can get!!

Have a great day!

Lou Cinda")

Ginny said...

I love the memory box! Sorry, but you lost me in the first paragraph on the tutorial. I have zero idea of what the heck to do here!
You made me chuckle, however in your attempt to help us dummies out....or just me for that matter!!

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Laurie, Congrats on that beautiful box..full of beautiful things any "girl" would love!

Thanks so much for the PS info...I didn't know anything about it. I know I made one...one time for my header...but I couldn't for the life of me remember where or how I had put it together...maybe PS...I am going to check it out! Nancy

Bridget said...

Beautiful prize and fantastic tutorial, unfortunately, I can't use that program, it doesn't run on Macs. : ( I'm stuck with my boring mosaics.

KBeau said...

Good job on the tutorial. And congrats on winning that memory box. Lavender is just about my most favorite scent.

Connie said...

Laurie, I think you explained it very well. I always say the thingy on the left, etc. as those terms were done by men, I think. They do think differently than we do.
My Mac doesn't want me have the Program as I have tried and they say no, no.
Another good site is* picnik* and that has women, girls, etc. in charge. You can write them if you have a problem, get the answer back by email very soon.
Another option for some who can't access yours.
Sorry you can't write me, but my blog has decided it will not accept comments from others on computers. One got through, but it was someone from out of town. ???

Kathleen said...

Holy Moley..
Put your right foot in, take your right foot out..that's about as complicated as I can understand, LOL..
Great tutorial, Laurie! I use Big Huge Labs, about as much as I can manage..not fancy like yours...you are my techie goddess! :)

Four Paws and Co said...

Congratulations on your lovely gift Laurie! It's beautiful.

Great tutorial! I'll have to give it a try. I love all the little extras on your mosaics that I haven't seen on other programs. You did good there Girl!

☺♥☺ Diane

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a great box! It's perfect! One of these days I'm going to try a mosiac -- but I'm just getting to the point that I can even take an identifiable picture! This just might be way to complicated for me!!! I'll have to wait until the calvery (daughter) comes over to help.

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! Oh, congratulations on the memory box filled with pretties! Love these things. Thanks for the tutorial on the mosaics! I haven't really tried it much! I like yours the best!
Yes, I've entered your name in my giveaway!
be a sweetie,
Shelia :0

Anonymous said...

A memory box! I like the sound and idea of it :-) WOuldn't that be nice,having something to keep all those bits and pieces of memories. What a treasure. It is certainly a delight to open it from time to time and reminisce on all those memories stores :-)

Congratulations!

Li

santamaker said...

Wooza, Laurie.... Amazing talent you have! And to think that I had offered to make you a blog! ha ha ! I couldn't even begin to do this. It looks amazing, though and one day I'll sit down and glue my butt to the chair and study these directions. Today was a first for me. I am soooo happy and proud to be able to edit html and make my picts. large... Yipee! So you never know how much you're going to learn by doing these blogs!
Again, your mosaics are stunning!

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Laurie,dear, congratulations on you prize. There couldn't be a better recipient because I know how much you'll cherish it! Thanks for the tutorial, I'm probably the only one in blogland who doesn't know how to create a mosaic. But thanks to you, now I do! Someone should write a book - Blogging for Dummies. I would be the first to buy one!

BittersweetPunkin said...

I am SO glad you like your goodies!

THANKS for the tutorial....I might have to try that!!!
HUGS,
Robin

Kat said...

Congratulations Laurie! I love that memory box, and the goodies inside are beautiful. How perfect that she used sheet music in the design, I don't think anything conjures memories better than music. And thanks for the tutorial. I've been playing around with making mosaics, just haven't gotten the hang of it. I may try photoscape, it sounds a little more user friendly. Hugs, Kathy

Sue said...

Hi Laurie,
It is always so fun to win a giveaway. You really struck gold with yours, Congratulations. Very interesting tutorial. I always wondered how everyone put together those cool pictures.
Thanks for stopping by this morning. Hope you and yours are well.
Hugs,
Sue

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OOOOOH Laurie,
Congrats on that sweet little box and all the wonderful goodies inside! Your right, it's perfect for you! My dear, you helped me with making the pics bigger and I would say your great at doing tutorials because your's is the only one I could ever understand! (Or maybe we just think alike) LOL! Anyway, tell your family that Cindy is grateful for the help you gave her doing a tutorial! That should send them for a loop! hehe, Hugs, Cindy

Robin said...

Congratulations on winning the GORGEOUS memory box with goodies! VERY NICE!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your tutorial!!! I will be trying this once I get the correct software!!

{{HUGS}}

Robin :o)

PS, THANK YOU for grabbing one of Allie's buttons! It really means a lot to me and them!!!

Tammy518 said...

Oh, I love the giveaway that you won, you lucky girl!

Thanks so much for the mosaic tutorial. I'm fairly new to blogging and just the other day I was wondering how y'all do those. Now I know!

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Thanks for the tutorial. I had downloaded Picasa. Every picture that I had on my computer was copied onto Picasa. I played around with it and made the mosaic without too much trouble. I ran into trouble when I wanted to edit/crop a photo. I couldn't figure out how to do it in Picase. When I went to the folder where my photos were and where I had always edited it, it immediately bounced me to Picasa where I couldn't edit it. I had to delete Picasa.

I'll try Photoscape. Thanks again.

Unknown said...

I've never heard of photoscape before. I have Photoshop at work and use it a lot, but not at home. I'm gonna have to try the photoscape at home -- thanks, dearie!

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Laurie!

Congrats on your prize...I just love lavender!!

I thought your tutorial was fine!!
My favorite feature that you use is the white vine that frames your photos. Is that in the PS program or did it come from your pic file??
I use Microsoft digital Image Standard 2006 that came with my computer to make my mosaics but it either doesn't have all those neat extra features, or I just haven't discovered them yet!!
I think I could add something similiar to my photos before adding it to the mosaic, I might try that!

Have a great day girlfriend!
Sherri:)

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laurie, that's a beautiful memory box - so creative! And the lesson on mosaics is great - not sure I'm ready to attempt it yet, but I love looking at your mosaics. Linda

Cass @ That Old House said...

Best, funniest, most informative tutorial EVER... written in REAL ENGLISH and not techo-babble. Thanks!
Cass

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Girlfriend...

Just stopping by to say hello...it seems like forever since we've visited! Our Texas vacation with family was fabulous...I loved every minute of it! But I sure did miss you and all my dear sweet friends! I hope that all is and has been going well for you and your family!

Well...now I'm trying to play catch up! Girl, one thing I realized about being gone for two weeks...everything moves so fast in Blogland! Hehe! I'm not sure if I'll ever catch up but will have fun trying! Hehe! I just went through all of your posts that I missed (everything since the cloche party). Girl, you've been busy! Hehe! I loved seeing all of your beautiful 4th of July decor...you have some gorgeous red, white, and blues going there, my friend! Looks like you and your family had a blast on the 4th with the grands and all the fireworks! Can you believe that we spent the 4th driving home from Texas...was kind of a bummer!

I also wanted to tell you that I loved your beautiful white picnic out by the pool...it was so pretty! Beautiful photos...they looked like they came out of a magazine Girlfriend!!! Oh yes, and I see that you got your lace charger plates from Penneys! They looked beautiful!!! I'm sure that you'll get lots and lots of use out of them!!!

Well Darlin'...I have been enjoying and admiring your fabulous mosaics from the beginning...I'm so glad that you gave a tutorial about the Photoscape program! I'll have to download it...I really like the different options that it gives! Thank you so much for showing us how to use it...you did a marvelous job with the tutorial!!!

I'm so happy for you...what a lovely gift you received from Robin! I just adore your memory box...it's lovely! Ooooh...and the lavender soap and candle...scrumptious!!! I bet honey enjoyed it too...hehe! wink!

Well Darlin'...I've written a book and was trying to keep it short! Just wanted to come by and say hello and that I missed you! Sure did enjoy all of your posts!!!

Love ya,
Chari

Carrie said...

Congratulations on your nice gifts, and thank you very much for taking the time to prepare the mosaic tutorial. I look forward to trying it out!

Muthering Heights said...

Congrats on the win!

And great tutorial! :)

SmilingSally said...

My head is spinning! Since moving my service is so slow that I'm struggling just to keep up with comments. I'm sure I won't be able to even TRY this, let alone become addicted. Thanks for trying to help me.

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie! I love Photoscape! It is the best free photo editor out there! Unfortunately, it is not compatible with Apple. :( But maybe someday they will step up... we'll see.

I love your memory box! It is so pretty and lavender is one of my favs!

~Liz

Tootsie said...

what a fabulous post today!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend friend!!! I might have to try this one day...for now, I am just barely getting things done here with what I am already addicted to!!! lol

bj said...

Beautiful memory box...you are very lucky, indeed.
Have a great weekend...

xashee's corner said...

big CONGRATS to you on winning such a COOL goodie!! Thank you for sharing such a GREAT & FUN tut too!! Laurie, have an AWESOME weekend! :)

Simply Debbie said...

Dear Laurie,
Congrats on winning the memory box with lavender gifts....I cannot think of a more perfect person to win a memory box....
I too, have been catching up on posts I have missed....I love your fourth of july mosiacs....the ones of the grandkids under water and setting at their little decorated tables in their cute little outfits.....so adorable..........
all of the mosiacs were wonderful.......
now for the tutorial......I will have to write down all those instructions because I will forget what I am to do the minute I leave your blog....you explained it great but I learn by actually doing.....thank you so much for the information....if you were going to make a mosiac for a header for a blog that would go all the way across....what size would that be
you are still as funny as ever
thank you for all the prayers and birthday wishes for amy
Angel Hugs
debbie

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Congatulations on winning such a neat give a way! Thank for the tutorial! I actually have never made a mosaic!!

Manuela

~CC Catherine said...

Hi Sweet Friend! Thanks so much for coming and leaving such a sweet comment on my (Still June Post). Your post today is precious and cute, just like YOU!I'll have to write you an update on our last month...but if things couldn't get worse, my youngest son's best friend died in a motorcycle accident two nights ago. It's a sad story...and he leaves behind a little baby 18 month old boy. Please pray for his family, his name is Justin Vest... My son will be giving the eulogy at the funeral this Sunday. He was like a third son to us. HUGS! ~CC Catherine

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Thank you Laurie for your sweet prayers, Hugs.

Unknown said...

Laurie = Thanks for the "lesson". I think you did a great job. One of these rainy afternoons, I am going to try it. I attempted once before but with no success. I love that we can always learn new things on blogs.

Have a great weekend.

Charla

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Congrats on your very nice win. Thanks so much for taking the time to put together the tutorial--I'm looking forward to taking the time to learn from it☺!

Hope you have a wonderful week☺

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Laurie, I love your memory box...it is the perfect gift for you! I bookmarked your tutorial from before...and one of these days I'm going to learn how to create mosiacs with Photoscape...though they will never compare to yours!