The digital scrapbooking community is growing! Every day dozens of new people download their first digital kit and launch Photoshop for the first time. I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they “get” it for the first time. All of a sudden a whole new world opens up to them and they can think of nothing other than scrapping.
I still remember when I was first learning. A friend of mine had given me a stack of scrapping magazines and as I flipped through them I was amazed to see an article on digital scrapbooking. I knew right then that digi was the way for me! I bought Photoshop Elements 3.0 and Photoshop Elements for Dummies and I got to work. I tried my best to learn my program and then I made my first layout. What a scary (and yet exciting!) experience.
And now, almost four years later, scrapping is woven in my life (and my family’s life) in a way that I never could have imagined. It is a part of who I am and as I look back I am in awe of all that I have learned. And even though in digi terms I have been around for a long time, I still remember what it felt like to be new, what it felt like to be trying to learn new things about my program, and how it felt that very first time I posted in an online community. Being new is hard!
Here at THE DAILY DIGI we want to be a support to those who are just starting out on their digital journey. We are working hard at developing a great resource system for beginners that you can get to by clinking in the “FOR THOSE NEW TO DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING” graphic on the right side of the screen. In there you will find information on doing your first layout, printing layouts, using templates, and more! That section will continue to grow so keep checking back and let your friends who are interested in learning know that we have a section all for them! If there are things that you think belong in that section, make sure to let us know! You can email steph@thedailydigi.com
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In addition to the beginners section we will also be having regular posts that are “just for beginners.” However, sometimes as we hurry to create the perfect page when we are just starting out we miss out on some vital information and techniques. Admittedly, I had been scrapping for over two years before I learned how to load and use brushes! So, with that in mind, any topics that we think could be relevant to beginners AND some not-so-beginners, they will be posted in the main section first and then moved to the beginner section.
No matter how long you have been scrapping, there are always new things to learn and new ways to do things. So let’s get started!
Drop shadows are something that changed the look of my (Steph’s) layouts when I started using them. Since discovering them, I have spent probably more time than I care to admit studying the look of drop shadows on paper layouts in magazines. I get a huge sense of accomplishment by creating a realistic shadow on a layout. I also love to admire shadows in the galleries as much as I do the layouts themselves. I have gathered some fun examples of drop shadows, some tutorials on how to create your own great shadows, and finally some tips and tools (and a goodie or two 
)to make your shadows LOOK great without spending very much time on them at all!
First, some drop shadow eye candy:
I love this layout, “Pug Love”, by Scarletheels! The drop shadows are perfect! Notice how she used a larger shadow for larger items, keeping everything in proportion. Mi says she usually uses a brown shade and puts the shadow on its’ own layer, then uses the warp tool (see tutorials below).
KayM’s “Giggles” is a great example of shadowing layered items. I especially like how the bottom orange/brown flower has a smaller shadow than the gold flower that is layered on several other items. Notice how the frame around the photo has a much larger shadow on the left side, where there would be a larger gap than there is on the bottom because of the items layered under the frame (see the tutorials below for using the warp and liquefy tools).
I thought the drop shadows on “Your Smile” by JennV were fab! I love how she shadowed the string to make it look like it was lifting away from the paper! Notice though, that as the string goes under the element cluster on the right, the shadow is very close to the string because logically, the string would be closer to the paper there (see tutorials below on using the warp and liquefy tools).
Top Tips — for great shadows:
1) Keep the direction of light the same.
2) Keep the size proportional for the size of the object
3) The bigger the space between the object and its’ shadow, the lighter the shadow will be (the shadow for a piece of paper placed directly on top of another paper will be darker and less opaque than a button or flowers).
4) Play with the blend mode. Using the color burn mode when applying a shadow to acrylic works best.
Some great tutorials for creating perfect drop shadows:
Perspective – techniques can be applied to any program
PSCS – This tutorial changed the way I do drop shadows, love it!
PSCS – using the warp tool
PSCS – using the warp tool (video)
PSE – using liquefy
PSE – using liquefy (video)
Shadowing Acrylic and opaque items (video) PSE
Tips for Great Shadows (any software) and free styles
Tools for Making it FAST
It is always a good idea to know how to do these things in your program, but if you would like some tools to make it easier, they are out there!
Tool 1) Copy/Paste the layer style. Once you have created the perfect drop shadow, you can right click on that layer> copy layer style and then select all other layers and right click>paste layer style. I will often create my paper shadow first and then just increse the distance and size for the larger items after pasting the layer style.
Tool 2) Kristen Rice has some great shadow layer styles.
Tool 3) Flergs has some FREE layer styles to get the look she creates with her drop shadows.
Tool 4) Megan has some FREE layer styles on her blog.
P.S. Thank you to everyone who played with the template we gave away the other day. We LOVED seeing what you all made. Here are the random winners! Ladies, watch your inbox for some fun coupons for free stuff at Fontologie and Studio Janet!
Share This Using…
I swear you are reading my mind, beginner here who needs lots of help, ggg. Thank You!!!
Thanks for the great links and tips!
Thanks for the great tutorial links!
Thank you for posting all of these links. It is great to see PSE links included.
Thanks!
Thanks for the links to PSE tutorials! I’ve seen so many for PS…and while I’m saving for it, I’m not able to buy it yet!
I need these! Thanks!! (and I’d love to win Tracy’s actions)
What a goldmine of info, I am so glad I followed a link I saw somewhere and landed here!!! Thank you for the time you are putting into this site, I will be back everyday!!!
Oh this site looks awesome! Just found it today! I am constantly working to improve my drop shadows so any help would be great!
I hope I’m not too late! Would love to win the drop shadow action.
How fun, I need Drop Shadow help! (without taking hours to do it!)
I so needed this! Thanks so much!!!
Awesome! Now I just may start digi scrapping instead of hiding from it all!
Great site btw! Love it!
Thanks for the tutorial and links! I lost some of my drop shadow actions when my computer got repaired (forgot to back those up, lol), so I have been in need of some instructions. Thank you thank you thank you!
WOOT…thanks so much for the great tutorial, I will use this often!!! Thanks too for the chance to win.
Thanks so much for the great tutorial.
This is a great tut. Although I’ve been scrapping over a year, shadows are still something I am trying to work on. One of my scrapping goals for 2009 is to drastically improve my shadow work! Thanks for this – it will definitely help me!
I struggle with shadows constantly so this is a great resource, I will definitely be back for more lessons – thanks SO much! I’m off to explore all the tutorial links!
This site is great and this is definitely something I could use some help with! Thanks!
I think I said this before, but I am SO loving this site!!! And thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for the chance to win and the tutorials on shadowing!
Love the new site!!Thanks for the tips on shadows as I am sorely lacking in that area
I’d love to win – thanks for the chance!
Love ur blig! been visiting daily since u opened up!
Thank you! This has been so informative!
oooooooooooh i just luv shadowing!!!
thanks for the great tips too!
(altho i admit to using Eye Candy and/or Lokus plugins cuz i’m lazy lol)
Thanks so much for this awesome blog! I love EVERY post and live by it. It offers a little bit of everything I love to do all in one place! I’ve never seen one as great as this! I’ve been slowly working my way into scrapping and gaining confidence to make and post layouts and I think with tips like this I’ll really feel ready soon to share my work!
I may not be a beginner but i can always use shadow tutorials…I *still* struggle with this!!
Love! Love! Love the layouts, those drop shadows rawk!
Thank you so much for the instructions on drop shadows….I will be printing this out for future use. This is the one thing I definitely need to learn more about!!! Keep up the awesome work!!
Great to see some tutorials on shadows using PSE
I am really enjoying your daily tips and information. The whole concept is a great idea. Thank you.
Wonderful tips – so glad to see you included PSP. Thanks a bunch!!! I am really enjoying each day.
wonderful thank you Janet! Definitely in need of these tips as feeling very rusty!!
Thanks for the wonderful tips and links. I’ve definately picked up some new info!
Thanks for the awesome tips! I love this blog.
Thank you for those tutorial links, I feel that shadowing is the most important technique for beginners to master!
Just the info I was needing – I always stress over my drop shadows! Thanks so much ladies
)
Terrific tips, even for more advances digiscrappers! Thanks a lot!! Oh, and I’d looooooove to be added to the drawing!
Oh boy, I have been eyeing Traci’s drop shadow actions for PSE for awhile now. I would love to win them. Count me in for sure in the drawing!
keepscrappin’
kayla
Oooh, I can’t wait to try some of the techniques in the tutorials and to just experiment! Drop shadows in my layouts have always been a thorn in my side because they just never look very realistic. Maybe now, that can change. Thank you!
This is my favorite post so far! I really NEED to learn more about drop shadows and I appreciate all of this great info. Thanks!!
Janet… I wanted to say “Your site is totally awesome!” I love everything that you’ve done here!
Thanks for this tutorial… it is great for both beginner and for long time digiscrappers!
Oooh! I would love the drop shadow actions! Do they work in PSP?
Thansk, Erin-Joi
woohooo!!!! Thank you so much for the prizes!!!!
Can’t wait to go shopping!
And I love today’s post about drop shadows. I am now determined to learn more about drop shadows this year. Thanks again for all the wonderful information.
Thanks so much for the template challenge of the other day, and thank you very much for my prizes! I look forward to using them. Like so many others, I have not mastered the drop shadows-but am excited to check out these tutorials. Thanks!
Oh man I am so glad I someone talked about this site. I love it. Drop shadows are the hardest for me. I struggle so much to find the best shadow and I’m not always happy. Thanks for everything. I look forward to more posts.
Such an important part of digi scrapping! Thanks for sharing the tips!
I think this is one of the most important things to learn in the digi scrapping world – thanks for the great post!
My shadowing never looks “right” to me, so thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the info. I’ve got some reading to do now about how to make my own drop shadows…..
Wow – I never new there were options beyond the basics. Thanks for sharing the tutorials.
I haven’t looked at the tutorials yet – but I remember when I first read one on drop shadows and learned how to change the (ridiculously huge) default shadow size in PSE – what a revelation!
Another great “shortcut” for drop shadows is Katie Pertiet’s drop shadow actions on Designer Digitals. I use them all the time! They’re technically for PS, but I figured out how to use them in PSE (if anyone needs to know, they can ask me on my blog).
Janet–thank you so much for creating this site! I found it when I learned that your template shop is closing (So sad)–but this info is amazing! I love drop shadows…but only use basic knowledge to create them..THANKS!
Wow! So much great info, I love it! Thank you.
Thanks for the tips on shadowing. I’ve been scrapping for 3 years and am just learning how to do great shadows…I would love to have Tracy’s shadows!!!
I need so much help with drop shadows. I know what they can do to so page, I just need to figure out the ins and outs. Thanks for all the help and an opportunity to win some help!
I just love these tutorials and they are so helpful, as is this section of TDD. Traci’s shadows are wonderful and I wanted to send a thank you for the opportunity of winning them.
The Daily Digi is fast becoming my favorite site
Thanks for the tips and tricks! I’ve been a “standard” PSE drop shadow girl, but after reading this and peeking at all Traci has to offer, I think I’d better save up for some real drop shadow actions. It’s amazing to see how much better well-planned shadows look!
Thanks for this! I am definitely not a newbie at digi-scrapping, but I have just started applying custom shadows to my layouts, so this tutorial was very helpful! Off to look at the tutorials for the PSE shadows! Thanks!
Good drop shadows make all of the difference on a LO! thanks for the tutorial links!
Thank you!
I love playing with shadows
I agree that drop shafows really make the difference! Love the wonderful layouts you showed today!
You really have provided a wealth of information.
I am always wanting to improve my layouts. Thank you.
Love the layouts and your comments about each one were very helpful. I’ve been digi scrapping a little over a year and still have so much to learn. Looking forward to visiting the “beginner” section often.
Great layouts all are wonderful and unique! I love looking at layouts that have the right shadows as they are so dimensional
. Thanks for all the great links, I can always use help with this. Love that you are doing a ‘beginner’ section. I am not a beginner but it is amazing the things we miss along the way.
Thanks for all the info in one place. I’ve put basic shadows in most of my layouts, but they were all exactly the same. I’ve missed the idea that the shadow size should be proportional to the element size. Thanks for showing me the light (or in this case, shadow)!
This is awesome! I can’t wait to look at the tutorials. I’m a paper/hybrid/digi girl that loves learning new things. It’s one thing to know something it’s another to actually do it, LOL. I can’t wait to play with some shadows
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Thank you thank you for the drop shadow tutorial sites!! I’m not a beginner if you consider the time I’ve been doing Digital Scrapbooking, but when it comes to things that you don’t want to just hit the auto button on, I need a little direction!!
Great tips! thanks for the info.
Drop shadows make such a huge difference, but I always find them to be such a pain to make at times… thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the links-I’m always working on the shadows on my los!
Wow – great stuff…I never thought about copying the layer style – I just do it all separate…so thanks! Tracy’s actions have always been on my wish list, but something I’ve never splurged for…what a great opportunity to win:) Thanks!
I am constantly looking for ways to improve…and shadows seem to make a huge difference. I would a chance to win.
Thanks.
I’m ashamed to admit that I always use the drop shadows in Photoshop! I’m definitely checking out these tutorials. Thank you!
Hi there, I just found you via another blog (Miss Kim!). I’ve been digi scrapping for a couple of years and just learned some new stuff about drop shadows! Thanks!
This post is wonderful! I am not a newbie in this world (two years in May), but I am a newbie in this Photoshop world. I had used Powe Point untill last month, and shadows are my biggest problem. As soon as I come back home I will read it all again and play. Have I said before how much I love you? Thanks!
This is great stuff, even for those of us who have been around awhile! Thanks!