Learning to use "layers" ....

[Lynda Farabee]

I hope I know a little of what I'm talking about, but could someone step in with a tutorial or good description of using layers on a LO. I'm not talking a lesson on Photoshop layers....but taking lots of embellishments and making them look attractive...sorta like what Len did with her latest page in the gallery...(I don't have a link to it). I think it is the latest trend!

[Diane (diney)]

Lynda, you're talking about the element clustering, right? I have a hard time with these too and could use some help.

[Lynda Farabee]

Yes, that would describe it too. I see it as a lot like flower arranging...something I don't do well at all! :-(

[Kayla Lamoreaux]

Do you mean this one?

[Lynda Farabee]

Yes, m'am. Isn't that darling? And I think all that "stuff" qualifies as "element clusters" or "layering"? Do you just start putting stuff one on top of the other? Like I said, "flower arranging"....pooh-bah...can't do it.

[Brooke - in Oregon]

I agree with you layering of elements is one of the hardest things to get to look 'real'. Like this cluster, I have used it a few times cause it is awesome and would love to be able to do this on my own. In this layout I used from the in-retrospect kit by Taylormade and Fei fei's Stuff. I have NO DESIRE to be a designer but I would LOVE to know how to make things look 'right' when I cluster them instead of looking like a pile of umm stuff!

[Lynda Farabee]

So was the cluster already made or did you do it. If you did it, it doesn't look like a pile of stuff! ;-) I'm beginning to note that elements in kits are being clustered for display. Hmmmm..... something more to learn.

[Diane (diney)]

My schtuff looks more like something else (sorry ladies, can't use the word crap here! (LOL!!)

How about asking Len to give us a hand with a tut! She is fabulous!

[Brooke - in Oregon]

Hi Lynda, yes this was already clustered and I would LOVE to be able to put things together like this!! lol I have to agree with Diane, my stuff looks like a pile of the 'stinky' stuff when I try it on my own! ;-)

[Paula]

I LOVE to layer and cluster. It's fun!! A friend of mine wrote a tutorial about it, I'll email her and ask if I can share the link.

[Lynda Farabee]

What did you find out?

[Paula]

Here's her tutorial: http://www.vimeo.com/2571324

She also did one on shadowing if you'd like to see it as well.

[Paula]

Here's her shadowing tutorial: http://www.vimeo.com/2567408