Photoshop Element iphoto tutorial

I am really having a lot of fun figuring out how to use photoshop element 9 to create fun photo keepsakes. It's difficult to say which is harder trying to get your child to pose for the right effect or messing around with photoshop.  Well, I'm going to try and help with the photoshop part so good luck on capturing that perfect pose.  Open the iphoto icon on your dock.  Select under iphoto Preference.  click on the Advance icon and select Use Raw.  Click on General and select In Adobe Photoshop element.  Then an PSE will pop up click on the Open button.  Click on the image you want to import over to Adobe.  For the first picture up top create another layer for the Text.  Type out your child's name in desire font.  Size your text.  Highlight each letter and select the color you like per letter if you choice.  I added a date to the bottom corner.  For the second photo once you get your photo imported into PSE you can change it to black and white by selecting Image--Mode--Grayscale.  Or you can slowly change the saturation, hue, lightness, sharpness to whatever shade you like.  Create another layer and import your child's artwork.  Grab the rainbow and drag it into the black and white photo.  Click on the rainbow to size it where you want.  In order to see the other black and white photo underneath to know where you want to move the rainbow just change the Opacity from 100% to around 63% enough to see through.  Then click on the erase tool and erase away the paper outline of the rainbow to what you like.  change the Opacity back to 100% and your artwork is on top of your black and white photo.  I love this idea from Smart Class Blog.  I realize that the effect looks much better if each layer of rainbow color is nice and thick leaving no space between.  Still looks cool though.  Here is some bloopers photos.  

"get your hand out of your shorts please"  He did it on purpose and laughed.  

He simply had enough and will not stand to "paint the sky" anymore as he realize the rainbow I said he would paint didn't appear.  However, he had a grand time painting his own rainbow on paper.  

Easy Pleasy pants with suspenders

for a pattern I just trace a pair of pants that he currently fit into.  I cut out a pattern on cardboard so I don't have to pin thin paper to the fabric in order to cut.  Usually I would use give wrap papers since they have a grid on the wrong side.  The different with this pants and the earlier version is that the elastic waist band is only half way around the back.  The front is straight with button holes for the suspender.  Notice that the front piece of the pant legs I tapered it on the top since it will be flat with no elastic running through it.  I don't have a serger so I use an overcast foot which gives the look of a serger.  Sew the front leg pieces together from the crotch to the top of the pants.  do the same with the back pants legs.  Then with right side together sew from one pant leg all the way to pass the crotch area down to the other pants leg.  Clear pictures I saw on this tutorial here.  Cut two long straps for the suspender.  I saw this idea here I made the mistake of making the straps too short so I added another section to it.  I like the look plus when he outgrows it's it's faster to just take this part out and add longer length.  I also make it longer and just move the placement of the button as needed.  The button hole foot was extremely easy to use.  Last I just roll up the pant leg and stitch the cuffs.  I am going to make matching pants with  pockets for the older siblings.  I got carried away sewing and didn't stop to take more pictures as I go.  I will update with more photos when I make more.

DIY Hot/Cold pack

I made a couple of these and they are fabulous!  Never have to buy expensive heating pads again.  Help those sore muscles with these homemade packs.  In Asian this idea is very common.  I saw reminded of this when I saw it on pinterest.  Great to use up your fabric scraps.  Just sew a square or rectangle.  I added the flannel fabric to help it retain heat better.  I also added adjustable elastic straps to the pack.  This will keep the pack in place more.  I need mine to stay around my belly after having a baby.  Before you sew the piece together pin the elastic bands on the Right side of the fabric.  Right sides together zig zag stitch.  I used my overcast foot which gives the same effect as a serger.  Happy to save money not having to buy a serger.  Just get the sewing foot.  I further reinforce it with a straight stitch about 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Give yourself an opening probably best to do this after you sew in the elastic band first this makes it for you to turn your project.  Turn it right side out and fill the rectangle half way with rice.  Then tuck in the raw edges and sew close the opening.  There you have yourself a heat pack!  Pop it in the microwave for a 1 minute for smaller 4x4 or 2 minutes for larger size.  Depending on your microwave strength you can fiddle with it till you get it so it doesn't burn your skin.  Be warn it can get really hot!  Make more smaller version without the straps to freeze and put in your lunch box and go on  a picnic.