3 simple Photoshop tricks

As a somewhat new Photoshop user, I'm still figuring out little tricks that makes designing a bit easier. Today I'm sharing three simple Photoshop tricks that I use to jazz up my photos. I own Photoshop Elements 8, but I'm pretty sure these tricks can be used with most versions (you might need to take a look around your program for the same settings). 1. To draw perfectly straight horizontal or vertical lines, simply hold down the shift button. For dotted lines, click the brush icon in your toolbar, then click the same brush icon in the long toolbar near the top of the screen and change the spacing (I usually do about 300%).

2. To get the look of confetti, go to your brush settings (click the brush icon in your toolbar, then click the same brush icon in the horizontal toolbar near the top of the screen) and change the settings similar to the ones above. Note: using 'fade' will eventually completely fade out your confetti. Just keep using the brush

3. To 'colorpop' your picture, place a black and white layer of your photo on top of a color layer. Then erase the areas where you want color to show. I love Canary Lane Photography!

Festival

Last week I hung out at the Chinese Cultural Center festival. It was a perfect day (not too hot, not too cold) and filled with booths selling cute things. Oh - and you can watch the cool dragon dance I saw below. :)
Photos: 1. Dragon boat 2. Dragon dance 3. Painting 4. the festival

I love Canary Lane Photography!

"Bee Mine" Valentine Printables

Are you scrambling for last-minute Valentine's Day ideas? Me too ;) Well I was, until I made these 'Bee Mine' valentines today. They are super easy and cute! Go HERE to print out a sheet of six. You can write your "to and from"s on the back and attach a piece of candy if you'd like.

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day! Check out Canary Lane Photography's Valentine mini shoots!

The Inspiration Project

It is a great feeling to be inspired. I love it when i'm surfing the web and I see something that sparks a million ideas in my head. That's why I've decided to start something called The Inspiration Project   (Inspiration or T.I.P. for short). I will be posting often (usually about once a week, on any given day) about T.I.P, sharing photos and quotes. Why? Because I love sharing what inspires me, and I hope it will inspire you too. 

(at least this is what it's like for me)

Today is the first day of The Inspiration Project. Ever since the art challenge I did in January, I am so ready to create more! Here are some things that inspire me to whip out those paints and pens:

(from left to right) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What inspires you? Check out this month's sponsor: