Thursday, September 15

What is tranparency

What is a transparent background.   How can it be used.

Normally a transparent image is in .png format, as a digi when purchased etc.

What a transparent .png should NOT be  is a TOTALLY transparent image, i.e. number 2, that had just as well have a solid\white backgound and be in any (exchangeable) format, i.e. jpeg or .png

Demonstration

This is the usual appearance of a digital download
Black outline
White (solid) background
The check background represents transparency
When working with layers, it aids the use of the graphics programme, not essential - but helps

As you can see the whole is transparent, therefore it will print the same as above, as though on white card (if white is what you are using)

A layer can be dropped behind, but there would remain nothing to colour, i.e using Promarkers. This type of transparent .png is useless and when there is fine detail, you just as well have the usual .jpeg



This type of .png now allows you to use LAYERS, behind it, when printing, keeping the original digital image free to colour.  Or allowing you to see the overlap of multiple digi images

Paint.nett - is free & layered graphics can be easily achieved

Serif Photo plus - free at basic level but you'll soon want to purchase the full programme or something else

Paintshop Pro - gives a 30 day trial period





Using a digital download\graphic or whatever you have at your fingertips
allows for graphic\colour\or other background(s) to be dropped behind.
Still allowing the original digital to be coloured.
Top layer - umbrella
middle layer  -  snow
back layer  -  sun & grey sky
The layers can be re-organized, i.e. snow on top
Layers can be added, changed, recoloured & text added
BUT the original graphic\digital remains to be coloured
Also, of course you can add more digital images, depending on what you want to achieve
Leaving them to be coloured with Promarkers\Copic etc
or just pre-coloured clipart.

In general, any good graphics programme can render the background transparent of any sketch, clipart, digi.  Much will depend on the sketch\etc the degree to which it can be achieved, remember sketches aren't simple like the above umbrella's, but often very detailed.  If the graphic has strong JOINED lines, rendering the background transparent is possible.

When you work on these images within a graphics programme, you start with the .png and then tend to work within the programme, i.e. PSP (Paintshop pro), Photoshop, Paint.nett etc.  Depending where you then store or use the finished image, you can, as I do save in PSP.  But to send it to someone you 
SAVE AS and change the format back to .png  Sounds geekie gobblegook - but each graphic's programme has it's file format, but equally has a vast number of file extensions it will load & on exit and finish of work will change back.
 ....................

SCREEN SHOT of PAINT SHOP PRO in action

This is a totally fun demonstration of a seven layers,  some layers could have been combined, but experience shows you can do more if you don't combine ideas\graphics on the same layer, i.e. snow directly on the background, i.e. gives you the option to print with or without it on other occasions.


Saved within the programme's own format .psp without merging the layers, it can be re-used, deleted & added, re-ordered, or layers switched off.  Copied & pasted (as merged) to A4 then printed.  

Monday, September 12

Just Chilling

5'' square, orange card
Digital image & diecut layers
Scanned


A really fun ©Sherri Baldy digital image.  Can be worked in many colourways and
themes
Coloured with Promarkers,   Tonic diecut layers
Just looking now at the offset layers, makes her look drunk tipsy!

Submitted

Sunday, September 11

Spots galore

6'' Scalloped edge, folded card
Technique digi
Scanned

©Sherri Baldy Digi, there is something about these digis that really appeal, at first
the large face canvass looks so vast, but they are actually easier to achieve, than
something like a Tilda
The emphasis has been colour and background & insert created in Paintshop Pro
Digi coloured with Promarkers

submitted

I Love Promarkers -  Fortnightly Challenge #217 Spots or stripes

Saturday, September 10

Golden wish

6'' square folded Kraftcard
Technique: Layered
Scanned



©Mo Manning digital image coloured with Promarkers
Tonic square layers & Creative expression diecuts
Peel offs on ribbon (we must use those!)

submitted

Its this time of year

5'' square folded card
Technical digital, CAS & embellished
Scanned




A ©Sherri Baldy digital image, created as a single printed layer, embellished
with X-cut smalls, they are fantastic for small cards & cut well
Peeloffs!! - remember those
Image coloured with Promarkers

submitted

Cute Card Thursday Challenge  -  422 Animals and creatures

Friday, September 9

Dotty Friends

6'' folded Square card
Technique: digi & layered
Photographed

©Mo Manning digital image, coloured with Promarkers
Layered using Tonic square diecutters.

Submitted

I love Promarkers - Fortnightly Challenge #317 Spots & Stripes

Furry Friends

6'' Square scalloped card
Technique: Digital & crafting
Photographed



Digital image ©PolkaDoddles  coloured with Promarkers
Layered crafting using Tonic square dies

submitted

Animal Friends  -  Challenge 42 September Animal Fur

Wednesday, September 7

Lush and fun







These are often given as gift sets with envelopes
In which case they will have either matching inserts
or
inserts with the recipients personal details, i.e. address (on left)
also
acknowledgement of artist


Typical (basic) insert 6'' x full length (landscape width) of A4
then cut to fit
Made using PSP but can easily be achieved with Word Processor 
in Landscape


Tuesday, August 30

Sing your heart out

6'' Scalloped Square folded card
Technique:  mixed
Scanned


Main character coloured with Promarkers, is © Mo Manning Ragged Carolers
The background & theme is based on another crafter's idea I saw the other day,
but I created the backgrounds in Paint Shop Pro & used, these die cutters to complete the challenge
Tonic outside edge
Spellbinders - edges
Original sizzix (green) dies Christmas trees & star 

submitted

I love Promarkers - Challenge 316 - Use a Die Cut

Many thanks to DT & sponsor
Dr Digi


and
 of course the (sadly) un-named fellow crafter for their inspiration

Thursday, August 18

Thinking of you

6'' Square card
Multi-layered
Photographed: New Sony camera


Alldressedup digital stamps ©Little Treasure

A multi-layered paper\card, patterned paper by Trimcraft, digital image coloured 
with Promarkers
I have now made six cards with this image, various patterns, colour-ways, but very impressed 
by the range of sentiments that can be used with this image.

 submitted



Wednesday, August 17

Nude Dudes

6''square scalloped card
Mixed mediums\collage etc
Photographed: New Sony

Alldressedup digital stamps © Little Treasure

I've done this digital in many colourways, but.... I just love this basic white with
 Promarkers Soft Green & Tea Green.
Due to the plainness of the card, I've watermarked to respect the copyright of the artist.
A joy to work with & made matching colour insert



Monday, August 15

You are my princess

6'' square
Technique: Mixed\CAS
Photographed New Sony Camera



(note:  I've changed the wording)

Another digital image wording changed from Wedding theme.
Coloured with Promarkers, backgrounds created in Paint Shop Pro

submitted

All Dressed up  -  August challenge add ribbon or lace

This background has been created by me
Please feel FREE to take


To save
Right click
Select - SAVE AS
Select somewhere on your computer i.e. desktop
Open in programme, i.e. A graphics or Word ETC
Resize
ENJOY !

Friday, August 12

Just dance the night away

6'' square
Technique: Mixed \CAS
Photographed New Sony Camera


All Dressed Up - Digital image © For Your Wedding day
(note I've changed the wording)

Digital image, wording changed from Wedding theme (as I have no need of wedding cards)
Coloured with Promarkers & Stickles.  Square embossing folder
(If you wish further information please leave a comment)

submitted

Tuesday, August 9

Wonder of Digis

6x5 folded card
Technique CAS & Digi
Photographed New Sony


Simple CAS single layer mounted card, the background is an 'old' microsoft clipart (no longer available)
The background,  digi then repeat background making a three layer digi, the top layer is selectively erased, thus leaving the layer of flower across the main image.
It is not possible to revert this Kiki digi to a transparent (png) type, but CAREFULLY erasing the white background can achieve this result.  It takes time.
The result, is fantastic and various backgrounds can then be slipped behind.  Of course the way forward is the .png formated images allowing to be achieved simply every time.

Kiki - Coloured with Promarkers

Enjoy these


Right:  Embossing folder, Coloured & gutted
Left:  Die cuts in glitter
Both using old micrsoft clipart as background.

Submitted





Friday, July 22

Pink Celebration

6'' folded square card
Technique Digi
Crafting various
Photographed: new Sony



submitted


Inspired
by
The DT team
This wonderful little die cut, you know, must have, must get.  Memory Box Starlit Breeze (also snowflake & flowers - look out for those) The die itself is limiting, it needs a least a card of 6'' whether square or oblong, but such a joy to work with.  Certainly works well with this theme, waiting for the parade. 
With regard to the Pinwheel, can't believe I never made one before - SIMPLES. 

Saturday, June 18

Ever Lasting Card

6 x 8'' basic image
Technique: Digi
Photographed (Sony2)

**Best viewed by double clicking**

Coloured with Promarkers

Special card coverted to a picture for my Sister's Birthday

So much effort to make cards just a pity to think they are thrown away

Submitted


Thursday, February 18

Kisses and Roses

6'' folded Square card
Technique Digi
Crafting CAS
Scanned

Coloured with Promarkers
Bling

Submitted


Inspired by


Wednesday, February 17

Fresh Spring

5.75'' Square Folded card
Technique Mask & Stamping
Crafting Layers & collage
Photographed

Magnolia Tilda Stamps  -  Floral Wreath & Floral Background
Stamped with Memento
Coloured with Promarkers
Spellbinders - diecut flowers
Ribbon

Submitted


Signs of Spring Yellow and Green

Saturday, February 13

Beeee my love

6''Square folded card
Technique Digi
Crafting layers
Photographed


©Mo Manning Digi  -  Baby Fairy Bee
Coloured with Promarkers
Square Tonic diecuts
Ribbon
This interesting font is Quickier Demon (never knew I had)

submitted

Simply Papercrafts Challenge  -  23 Anything Goes

(ribbon, sentiment & flower)

Friday, February 12

Modern Valentine

6'' Square Card
Technique Digi
Crafting layering
Scanned

(inside same background For Me)

Coloured with Promarkers
not the jumper (see below)
Heart bling & bakers yarn

How was this done
Using the .png format the brick wall was dropped behind
the jumber was filled with pattern
using Paint Shop Pro


Submitted




(Jan & Feb Christmas free)