Jen Caputo

Eww!!!! Popcorn Ceilings :(

Can you guess what that is? (If you read the subject of this post I bet you can...)

Yes, it is my hideous popcorn ceiling that makes my window filled living room look like a cave because it sucks in every speck of light into it's hills and valleys and makes the ceiling one giant shadow.

Here's the deal, I want to get rid of that ceiling while they are doing our kitchen.  But it's not cheap. Adam said I could do it if I raised enough money.

So guess what that means. New Product!!! Sale!!!

I know you guys love to help me out of a crisis and things don't get much worse than a popcorn ceiling so I'm rallying my digi scrapping troops (if there are any of you still out there) and asking for your help!

Ok first, check out this new product.  I'm really excited about it because as far as I can tell, it hasn't been done before!

These templates allow you to add the look of a photo mounted behind tabs with realistic shadows to your digital scrapbook pages. You can move the frame anywhere on the page and it will look like notches were cut out of your paper and the photo was stuck behind them!

For example (paper by Flergs):

And a few sample layouts from my lovely ladies

You can pick them up right here BUT because I really want you to buy them along with anything else you might like in my store, use coupon code jc-popcorn40 through September 8th to get an extra 40% off your entire purchase!

So go shop, have fun! As always, tell your friends :)  Let me know what you think of the new product as well!

Newsletter subscribers should watch their mailboxes for an extra discount!

Be gone popcorn ceiling!!!!!!!

National Scrapbooking Day Sale & Freebie

Saturday is National Scrapbooking Day and SBG is having a hude sale!  30% off the entire store! No coupon codes required, just add stuff to your cart and when you check out you'll see your 30% off!!!  Go shopping right here!

Plus for every $25 you spend you will be entered into a drawing receive an SBG shopping spree (Grand Prize), or our new collab - Impressions of Mother Earth (random drawings throughout the day for this one).

Speaking of Impressions of Mother Earth, I scrapped with it!  Digi-scrapped! I'm not kidding, I really did!

I scrapped it with this new template of mine which just happens to be a freebie just for you on NSD!

Click on the image to go to the download page!  Enjoy!  Have a wonderful scrappy day!

New Sketches & More Couponing!

I must be the slowest digi-designer in the universe... I've been working on these for about 2 months now :P

Some sample layouts from my wonderful ladies!

If you are so inclined, you can pick them up right here.

 

I wanted to show off my latest Walgreens deals again - I am having way too much fun, I tell you!

This picture represents 2 transactions.

Transaction #1
Ecotrin - On Sale for $2, used $2.25 printable coupon = $.25 overage!
Campbell's Soup - On sale for $.59 each w/Walgreens coupon, used printable $1 off 2 cans = $.09 each
Rembrandt Mouth Wash - On Sale for $5.99
Nivea Body Wash - On Sale for $4.99, used $1 off printable coupon = 3.99
Got 2B Hair Products - On Sale 2 for $10, used 2/$2 printable coupons = $6 for both
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner - On Sale for $13.99, used $7 off printable coupon = $6.99
Band-aids - on sale for $3, used 2/$1 off coupons from the sunday paper = $2 each
Neosporin - on sale for $4, used 1/$1 off coupon from the sunday paper = $3
Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Inserts - on sale for 2 for $20, used 2/$2 off printable coupons = $16
Turned in $10 in Register Rewards from Last Week

Register Rewards Generated
$2 for Ecotrin
$6 for Rembrandt
$5 for Nivea
$5 for Got 2B Hair Care
$10 for Dr. Scholls
$4 for Band-aid/Neosporin deal
$3 for Scrubbing Bubbles

Total In Products = $43.90
Register Rewards Redeemed = $10
Total Out of Pocket = $34.90 + tax
Total Register Rewards Generated = $36
Total Savings: $51.56

 

Transaction #2
Ecotrin - On Sale for $2, used $2 coupon = Free!
Nivea Body Wash - On Sale for $4.99, used $1 off printable coupon = 3.99

Register Rewards Generated
$2 for Ecotrin
$5 for Nivea

Total In Products = $3.99
Register Rewards Redeemed = $0
Total Out of Pocket = $3.99 + tax
Total Register Rewards Generated = $7
Total Savings: $3.00

 

I had so much fun on Sunday and generated SOOO many RR that I decided to go back today and grab a few more things. This time I grabbed things I really wanted (like the Fiber 1 yummies, the 100 calorie bars, and the chocolate)

Transaction #3
Ecotrin - On Sale for $2 (they wouldn't take my coupon today) = $2
Campbell's Soup - On sale for $.59 each w/Walgreens coupon, used printable $1 off 2 cans = $.09 each
Rembrandt Toothpaste - On Sale for $5.99
Bayer Quick Dissolve Crystals - On Sale for $2.49 = 2.49
Fiber One 10 pack of Chewy bars (love these!) = On Sale for $4.99
2 boxes of Fiber One Carmel Delight - On Sale for $2.79, used 2 printable $1 off coupons = $1.79 each
Snickers 100 calorie snacks (not on sale but I had to try 'em) = $3.49
Hershey's Bliss - 2 for $8, used 2/$1 off coupons = $3 each

Turned in $23 in Register Rewards from Previous Transaction

Register Rewards Generated
$2 for Ecotrin
$6 for Rembrandt
$1 for Hershey's Bliss
$2.50 for Bayer Quick Release

Total In Products = $28.72
Register Rewards Redeemed = $23
Total Out of Pocket = $5.72 + tax
Total Register Rewards Generated = $11.50
Total Savings: $38.89

So, all together, on these three transactions I spent $44.61 Out of Pocket, Saved $93.45, and still have $27.50 in Register Rewards to spend next time.

Click here to see a round-up of what deals other people are getting this week at the drug stores.

Photoshop Tutorial: Using Digital Sketch Templates

I've done various tutorials on using sketch templates before but some of those have gotten lost and some are outdated, some were before I knew certain keyboard shortcuts, or how different versions of Photoshop behaved.  So today, I'm posting my most up to the moment tutorial to show you how to use my sketch templates!

PSD or TIFF?
When you purchase my templates you have the option of selecting the PSD or TIFF version of the files.  Which should you pick?  Well, if you use any version of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, you should definitely choose the TIFF version.  Why?  Because they are saved with LZW compression turned on which is a lossless compression algorithm that will result in a file about 1/2 the size of the PSD file without a drop of quality loss.  When you save your layout you will also want to continue to save it as a TIFF File.  Finished digital layouts can be huge (300MB for an unflattened PSD saved layout is not rare in the least) so saving in the tiff format (with LZW Image Compression and Zip Layer Compression turned on) will save you gigs of hard disk space in the long run.

To summarize, if you have the option of choosing TIFF (meaning, if you use any version of Photoshop), choose TIFF!!!!
Who can't use TIFF?  Users of other software such as Paint Shop Pro.

Working with the sketch template
Well now that you've decided which file to download, let's open the template of our choice in Photoshop (any version). 

1. In Photoshop, choose File -> Open and browse to the template you wish to work with.
   
   Here is the template I'm using, it's from Sketch Collection #22:
   
2. To avoid accidentally overwriting your template file, choose File -> Save As, and save the template with a new name (the name of the layout you are working on for instance)
   
3. Open the photos you wish to use on your layout in Photoshop.
4. Select the layer on the template that you wish to replace with your first photo (it should be highlighted in the layers palette).
   
5. Select all of the image you want to use in the template (CTRL/CMD-A) and copy it to the clipboard (CTRL/CMD-C).
   
6. Paste your photo into the template (CTRL/CMD-V)
    
7. Your photo should now be on the layer directly above the template piece you are replacing.
   
8. Press your magic key sequence:
   • Photoshop CS+ w/Windows: CTRL-ALT-G
   • Photoshop CS+ w/MAC: COMMAND-OPTION-G
   • All Other Versions w/Windows: CTRL-G
   • All Other Versions w/MAC: COMMAND-G
     
9. Voila! Just like that, your picture should have conformed to the shape of the template piece. 
   
10. Press 'V' to select your move tool and move your photo until it is framed the way you like it.  If you need to resize it to make it fit in the template piece better, press CTRL-T (Command-T on a Mac) and drag in the corners (to maintain the correct proportions hold the shift key down while you transform unless you have the "Constrain Proportions" box checked which will do it for you!).
    
11. You can repeat steps 4-9 for every piece of paper and photo that you wish to add to the layout.
12. Finish your layout by embellishing, journaling, and adding a title.

Journaling in/on Text Paths
Many of my templates include text paths which are basically shaped journaling blocks.  Text paths can ONLY be used in PSE 3+ and PS CS+ so if you are using an earlier version, you will not be able to take advantage of the text paths.

1. Double click on the text layer (the T icon).
   
2. You should see all of the text highlighted.  Begin typing your own journaling, when you are done, press the Commit button.
   
3. When you have finished typing, consider changing the font-style or size.  To do so, select all of the text by again double clicking on the text layer.  Now just change the font settings until you get something you like!
   

Saving your layout
At this point, if you save your layout with all of the layers, even as a TIFF file, it will be fairly large because we haven't merged any of the layers.
Some people don't even save the layered version of their files but I always prefer to in case I need to go change something at a later time (misspellings are a common occurrence :))
To make your file size smaller but still maintain the ability to edit the layout at a later date, do the following.

1. For each clipped layer, simply hit CTRL-E (Command-E on a Mac) one time. This will merge it with the template layer below it and thus you will only be saving the part of the photo/paper that overlaps with the template instead of the entire file. 
   
2. When you save your layout again you should notice a significant decrease in file size.

Finished layout:

Layout Credits:
Sketch Template - Jen Caputo Collection #22
Shawna Clingerman and Michelene Martin - Pieces of You
Date pieces by Janet Phillips

Try it yourself!
Well, now that you know how to use the templates, why not try some out?  I have plenty of freebies to the right under "Freebies". In addition to those freebies, all of my new freebies are sent out via my newsletter, so be sure you are signed up for that (you will get a confirmation email immediately after signing up - you need to open that and reply to be sure you are subscribed - check your spam box if you don't see it)!
Finally, if the freebies have you convinced you need lots more templates, then hop over to my store at Scrapbook Graphics and pick up whatever you want for 20% off using coupon code jc-tutorial20.

If you have any questions or I didn't cover anything well enough just leave a comment on this post and I'll be sure to come back and answer you!

 

Looking for a blinkie/banner maker!

I am in search of a banner maker to help me promote my products at Scrapbook Graphics.  Here's the details:

What you would do: Create a 468x60 pixel blinkie/banner for each new product I release at Scrapbook Graphics. Occasionaly I may ask you to create a different sized non-animated ad instead of the blinkie/banner.

What you would get in return: Access to all my products - past and present - for the duration of your term as my blinkie/banner designer with no other obligation than to create the blinkie/banner.

I will use your blinkie: On my blog, on websites to advertise, in newsletters, etc.

Application Process: Submit your application in the form of one (1) 468x60 pixel blinkie/banner advertising any of my previous products that you currently have in your stash.  If you want to apply but you don't currently own any of my products, go ahead and purchase one and I will reimburse you upon your application.  You may use any of my products or CT Layouts in your application.

How/When? Submit your work no later than Friday, April 10th, 11:59PM, CST by email to jenAtJenCaputoDotCom  <--- replace the At with @ and the Dot with .  :)

Giving credit where credit is due: Thanks Heather for letting me steal your idea :)

Leave a comment if you have any questions.  I'm so excited to see your blinkies!

For Anna

Studio Crew Member, Queen of the Crop finalist, and mother of two sons, Anna Benjamin, was recently diagnosed with cancer. The Scrapbookgraphics family wants to show our support for our dear friend…and you can help!  The Studio Girls have put together a grab bag of goodies that you just won’t believe! It’s an amazing assortment of mini kits and elements at an incredible value!  The grab bag will be available for two weeks only, so get it while everything is altogether at this great price (most everything will be available separately in individual studios later). 

This grab bag includes contributions from Studio Maya, Studio Alana, Studio Baersgarten, Studio Birgit; Bluebell Designs, Studio Ellie, Studio Flergs, Studio Helene, Studio Lorie, Lotta Designs, Studio Manu, Studio mgl, O.N. Designs, Studio Phuong; Studio Tangie, Studio Traci, Studio Wendy, and Studio Ziska:

10 mini kits
5 alphas
2 element packs
1 brag book album
2 fonts
1 template pack
$7 coupon to Studio Maya
Coupon to Studio Helene, good for her next kit

SPOILER: To see the contents of the bag, you can click on the previews in the store.

Proceeds from the sale of this product will go to assist Anna with housekeeping and meals while she goes through treatment. 

Thank you so much for your support of this project.  Get well soon, Anna!

Anna loves Tea, Teacups, etc, so I sent her this little get well card.

All supplies from Papertrey Ink.

Technorati Tags: Papertrey Ink,Cards,Scrapbook Graphics

New Template Collection & Hybrid Layout

I have some new templates in the store and I think they are pretty keen :) What do you think?

You can grab them here. But first you may want to see some samples? Ok here ya go, I even made a hybrid layout with one of them :)

 
They are normally $6. But I currently have them marked down to $5. Hurry, offer expires 2/23 at 11:59PM EST!

I wanted to show you my Hybrid layout up close. Celebrating our sailfish landing over Christmas :)

I used a bunch of goodies from a Studio Calico kit and just added some ribbon from PTI.

I love how easy templates make hybrid layouts :)

Lastly, I did a bit of spring cleaning and added a bunch of craft goodies to ebay. Go check it out!

Technorati Tags: Scrapbook Graphics,Template,Hybird Layout,Sketch Collection,New Product

I'm in the Spotlight!!

So I've been totally remiss in not pointing out to you all my dear friend, Janet's, amazing new site, The Daily Digi.

I'll admit, I've fallen way behind in the digi world for no other reason besides lack of time and too many sites to visit.  That's why I'm absolutely thrilled that Janet managed to combine digi inspiration from all over the 'net on her new venture.   I'm absolutely blown away by the work and talent it must take to maintain The Daily Digi. The site is better than I ever could imagine and if you don't add it to your Google Reader you will definitely be missing out.

So yes, as I mentioned, I'm in the spotlight today!!! Janet approached me about being a sponsor a month or so before the site even went live!  I was so excited for her and jumped at the opportunity and she paid me back with the sweetest write up I've ever seen.  You can check it out right here.

Now, to support the site, all of the months sponsors come together to create a grab bag of sorts called "The Digi Files".  This goodie bag will change once a month, it's only $5 and it's loaded with stuff!!! Check it out:

And today, Janet previewed my contribution!

I made this almost a month ago and I've been dying to share!  My contribution is a template set to create your very own weight-loss journal complete with daily tracking sheets, shopping lists, recipe pages,  weight-loss tracking graphs and tables, monthly dividers, and a 15 page pdf file showing you step by step, how to put it together with ideas on how to fill out each page!

I really really really love it and if you are like me, trying to battle the bulge this year, there is no better inspiration than having your very own adorable handmade journal to track your progress.

So do you want to see my completed journal?

And here's a view of it open

And a little peak at some of the inside pages:

Anyway, for just $5 you receive all the pages, the instructions, the tips, etc. as well as all of the amazing contributions from the other sponsors:

Shabby Miss Jenn
Melissa Bennett (stores HERE and HERE)
Flergs
Vera Lim
Audrey Neal of be Audacious Designs
Pineapple Plantation
Heather Ann Designs
and…
Sweet Shoppe Designs

Pretty ridiculous huh?  So what are you waiting for, go grab The Digi Files now!!!

Ringing in 2009 and wrapping up the Florida trip

Can you believe we are already 5 days into 2009? I sure can't. With a new year comes lots of resolutions in my house. Eat healthier, exercise more, floss daily, etc. Lots of boring things. I figured I needed a fun resolution to go along with the boring ones though so this year, I am participating in Project 365! For those who are unfamiliar, Project 365 is basically just a challenge to take a photo every single day for the whole year! To help me display all of my photos, I created a new template set so I can scrap all of my pictures.

This set includes 12 double page templates so you can scrap all 365 pictures you take this year! Heck, even if you don't want to take a picture a day it would still be an awesome way to do a month in review layout. These templates are Shutterfly ready and I plan on ordering my book at the end of the project.

You can pick up the templates right here. The normal price is $12 but I currently have them marked down to $8 so grab 'em fast!

I wanted to share a few more pics from Florida. On our last full day there my dad took Adam and I out to try and catch Spanish Mackerel. We failed miserably so instead we went to the beach and on the way back home we came across this pod of dolphins.  It was crazy, they were everywhere!  Totally awesome.

This picture kinda sucks but you can see a ton of fins.

ditto

They were swimming all around the boats

and I love this one of the 2 dolphins together, I imagine they are out on some sort of date :)

I'm ready to go back :)

Year In Review Template & Another Gift Idea

How was everyone's weekend?  Ours was party filled.  Saturday night our friends hosted a grown-up formal attire party and today was our neighborhood Christmas party.  Fun stuff :)

I managed to get a Year in Review template done today:

Check out what Nikki and Raven did with it:

 

You can pick it up here for 20% off with coupon code jc20off.

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I whipped up this quick little hostess gift yesterday morning to bring to the neighbors who hosted our block's Christmas Party. Nothing too new or exciting here :)  I stamped Avery address labels with PTI's Holiday Treats stamps and wrapped them around some nuggets. I stamped the nugget tin with white StazOn before wrapping it in an embossed piece of cardstock.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Holiday Treats, Snowfall
Paper: Stampers Select White, Ripe Avocado, Ocean Tides, Spring Moss
Ink: PTI Ocean Tides, Staz-On White, Versamark
Other: Nugget Tin, Oval Nestabilities, White Embossing Powder, Avery Mailing Labels