A Defining Title (Photoshop Elements)

Just between you and me, I have a confession to make. I have a tendency to ‘dig my heels in’ when it comes to journaling!

I’m constantly telling myself, “The pictures tell the story,” in an attempt to get out of journaling. Many times, I just don’t know what to say!

In this tutorial we will create a Defining Title–a “classy cheat” to the title and journaling dilemma.

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

• Create a Document by choosing File > New.
• Enter information in the following fields:
  • Width: 6 in
  • Height: 2 in
  • Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
  • Color Mode: RGB
  • Background Contents: White
• Click OK.

Step 2: Color It Pretty!

• Click on the Foreground Color Chip.
• Choose a nice medium tan color. I chose color #d0b796.

• Click OK.
• Press Alt Backspace (Mac: Opt Delete) to fill the layer with the Foreground Color.

This is what your document should look like.

Step 3: Add a Definition

• Get the Horizontal Type Tool.
• Choose an appropriate font. I chose Batik Regular, 24pt.
• Click on the Text Color box in the Options Bar and choose a color for your type, then click OK. I chose color #705736.
• Click on your document and start typing!

Step 4: Ideas of what to say

• Try listing several different definitions with Bullets or Numbers.
• Try being creative with your actual definition. None of Webster’s definitions of family seemed to sum up MY family, so I searched online for quotes and found something that fit us better.
• Use a person’s name and the meaning behind it.
• Use a person’s name and then list their character traits.
• Webster’s Online Dictionary is a great place to get syllable breakdowns and pronunciations.

Step 5: Flatten and save your creation

• Save your Defining Title as a .psd file, so you can make changes later if you want to.
• Save it again, this time as a .jpeg file. This way you can use it again on another scrapbook page.
• Once you are ready to move it to your scrapbook page, Click Layer > Flatten Image.
• Now your Defining Title is ready to go onto your page!

Now what? We love, love, love to see what you’ve been creating!! Log in to the Scrapper’s Guide Gallery and show us your masterpiece!! There is a special Gallery set up just for Tip of the Week creations and layouts. We’d love to see your Defining Title and the layout you used it on! Don’t forget to give proper credit for the items you used in your layout and especially don’t forget to give yourself credit for the Definition Die Cut made by you!

Credits: Tutorial and Defining Title page by Jen White. Background papers and elements are from Stephanie Ogren’s kit: Waiting for the Sun.

Download a PDF version of this “Defining Title” tutorial.

Windows: Right click on the link and choose “Save Target As” or a similar command.
Mac: Click on the link to download the file.

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