Since a lot of you out there don't have Photoshop, I thought I'd share a digital scrapbooking technique that you can do in Microsoft Word (which most people have). Before we begin, I will mention that I'm on a Mac. So, if you're on a PC and get confused, let me know and I'll try to help you out as best I can. You will need a computer with Microsoft Word, photo paper, and a color printer.
STEP ONE: Open a new document in Microsoft Word (File>New Blank Document).
STEP TWO: Make sure that you have the drawing tool bar open. Go to View>Toolbars and make sure that "Drawing" is checked off.
STEP THREE: Create a Text Box. Click on the Text Box icon. It looks like the letter "A" with a cursor. Using your mouse click in your document and then drag your mouse and release to create a text box.
STEP FOUR: Insert your photo by clicking on the "Insert Picture" icon. It looks like a photograph of mountains or hills or something. When you click on it, you will be able to choose any photo from your computer. Choose the one you want and hit "okay."
STEP FIVE: We need to resize our photo. Use your mouse to click on your photo. In the formatting palette (if you don't see it View>Toolbars>Formatting) the "Size, Rotation, and Ordering" section will flip open and you can resize your photo to fit your needs.
STEP SIX: Staying in the formatting palette, we are going to get rid of that outline around the text box. Click on the text box. Then, under "Colors, Weights, and Fills" choose "No Line" from the drop down menu.
STEP SEVEN: Following the same steps you used for the photo, you are going to import a digital embellishment.
- Create a new Text Box.
- Insert your digital frame or embellishment.
- Get rid of the outline
Many, many digital elements are available for free or a few dollars all over the internet. But, because I love you, here's the one I used (designed by me just for you).
ETA: Thanks, Cheryl, for pointing out the spelling mistake! I guess I should stop doing things late at night! I fixed it and the link above should lead to a properly spelled overlay!
STEP EIGHT: We want our frame to be transparent over the photo, so in the "Formatting Palette" under "Colors, Weights, and Fills" choose "No Fill" from the drop down menu.
Click on the digital element and do this. And then click on the text box and do this.
STEP NINE: Click on the text box that is around your digital element and use your mouse to drag it over the photo. Then, just click on the corners of the digital element and drag to resize it to fit your photo!
STEP TEN: All that's left is to print your fabulous new photo! Use it as you wish!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. It's part of a challenge I'll be posting over at My Kits & Pieces in a few hours as part of their online crop. Please do come and play along! And, as always, let me know if you have any questions!
