Saturday Snapshot: Starfish

Saturday Snapshot: Pirate Crab

This dungeness crab had a barnacle grow in an unfortunate location -- right on top of his eye. He was pretty tasty any ways.

Freebie: Template 01

I've created a template! The zip file contains both PSD and XCF (GIMP) formats. I only use the GIMP, so I hope the psd file works for you. I really like the GIMP, and find that I can figure out how to do most things with it. It even supports the PSD format. I've never really used photoshop, but the one think I think it probably does better is layer masking -- or I haven't really figured it out in the GIMP. My simple 'how to use' is this:
1.) Choose a layer labeled 'photo'
2.) Size and move your photo to fit in that layer.
3.) Select the 'photo' layer and right click on it and choose 'alpha to selection'.
2.) Select your picture layer.
5.) Invert the selection (Ctrl+I)
6.) Cut (Ctrl+X)
Please let me know if you have any problems using the template. Thanks in advance for leaving a comment when you download. My inspiration for this template was the layout I did for our engagement pictures.

Freebie: Child's Play

We recently purchased alphabet blocks for my boys. Those blocks are the inspiration for this kit. I'm trying something new, this kit is password protected. The password is freebiefun. Be on the look out for some add-ons to this kit, more papers, elements and maybe even an alpha! Please leave me a comment if you download the kit. Thanks!

Saturday Snapshot: Mendendhall Beaver Dam

I've had a pretty busy week, and I had to dig into my photo archives for today's snapshot. I've always enjoyed this photo of a beaver dam near the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. It was taken around Thanksgiving in 2004. It was a cool autumn day and was just barely raining.

Internet Safety and Privacy

I love digital scrapbooking. I love making pages of my twins' special moments. I love looking at others layouts in online galleries. However, I have concerns over the safety of posting such personal pictures and information in public forums.

Internet safety experts warn teens to protect their personal information on social networking sites. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, in Blog Beware, warns children and teens to "Think before posting your photos. Personal photos should not have revealing information, such as school names or locations. Look at the backgrounds of the pictures to make sure you are not giving out any identifying information without realizing it. The name of a mall, the license plate of your car, signs, or the name of your sports team on your jersey or clothing all contain information that can be used to determine your location."

We warn our kids to be aware of what they post, but as digital scrapbookers we frequently post photos of our kids at school, at the park, and in front of our homes. Do your scrapbook layouts contain personally identifiable information? Could someone with ill-intent find you or your family based on what they learn in your online gallery?

I would encourage you to think about the issues, consult internet safety resources, and make the best decision for you and your family.

I will not post identifiable pictures of my boys on my public blog or in layout galleries. I will provide some information & photos of myself. I will try to find a healthy balance between extremely paranoid and completely ignorant of the dangers. Mostly, I'll try to always "think before I post."

Favorite: Gunhild

I've decided to occasionally feature a favorite of mine. My first favorite is Gunhild. She has some of the best elements. I created this page using her "Postage Stamp QP". It is of my boys' first Halloween. Check her out at http://www.storeide.se/gunhild/index.htm.

Saturday Snapshot: Happy Halloween

I hope everyone's halloween was filled with treats and not tricks! This week's snapshot is of one of our holiday pumpkins.