Techy Thursday, tips and tricks. Freebie too!

It's already Thursday again. This week went so quickly, as they usually do! I have been trying to pin down what I want to blog about today. The tricky thing is I don't know what level everyone is on. Some of you will be newbies, some comfortable, but by no means an expert and others of you will be able to teach me a thing or two. I don't claim to know it all. I am learning new things on my Photoshop everyday. That's what makes it fun right?!

So I had two options basics, or products.... I've decided to do both!

My favorite "gadget" of the week is (drum roll please)..............

My Western Digital Elite 500 GB portable Hard drive. I have a 1TB (terabyte or 1000 GB) desk top external Hard drive that is fabulous but not very portable! For all you Costo lovers out there this item has coupon for $20.00 off. That brings it down to $100 ( I paid $250 in 2008 for my 1TB so that is a fabulous deal!)

Here is the link so you can check it out. http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=525

TheAmazon rating is also 4.5 stars! :) Its small and comes with a case and a usb cord.

If you don't shop at Costco check out Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G8Z3E8/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=electronics it's $119.00, it comes in four colors and has reviews for you to read from other happy customers.

This is great for all the digi downloads and photos. I have a lot and they are all pretty big files. I can scrapbook in bed now that I have a portable HD(my husband is so pleased. LOL)

Okay now on to a technique that I love and use every time I do a Layout or design a kit.

step 1

Use any shape brush or element that you want really.

step 2 next use place what ever paper, color etc... on the top layer (highlighted in orange above)

step 3

next click the menu on the right of your layers palate (in CS it looks like a an arrow with lines next to it.)

OR you can click on the layer menu and select "create clipping mask" on a mac CS 4 the the shortcut is the "option, apple and G keys"

On PSE I believe it is "apple and G" for mac and I am assuming on a PC it would be "Cntrl and G". (if anyone know for sure please feel free to comment!)

step 4

Your layers palette will look like this with an arrow pointing down to the shape layer.

I decided to merge the layers "apple and E" Mac or for "PC Cntl E" (I belive)


step 5

Next I added a bevel Style and a white back round to the frame would pop a little more. You can move this layer to your Layout by dragging it to the layout you are working on.

That's it. Pretty cool! I love clipping masks. I can do sooooo much with them.

I hope you enjoyed my little techy tips for today.

I used this frame in my freebie Quick Page. The kit is our Chillaxin' Collab kit!!

Have a beautiful, creative and inspired day!

Here is your Freebie
click on pic to download

Amy

Misti Faery Designs