Digital Photography Seminar

March 19, 2010   9am – 5pm ($80*)

Clear Lake, IA

Professional photographer, Leah Neimeier, will be teaching us on a variety of topics all related to the use of those all-too-fun digital cameras we’ve all fallen in love with!

The day will include:

• DSLR Basics
• Point & Shoot Basics
• Critical Tips for Getting Great Shots
• Effective use of Lighting
• Photo Walk
• Photo Review w/Tips and Constructive Feedback (for anyone who wishes to participate)
• Sources for great supplies and auto-enhancers

*There is a $40 discount for anyone also attending the DigiChick Retreat March 19-21

If you are interested in attending, contact:  theMastMasters@gmail.com

 

Spring 2010 Retreat Plans

Plans for our Annual Spring Retreat are well underway and you’ll want to check it out! We’ve hatched so many DigiChicks that we’ve out-grown the wonderful ChickNest, so we’ve decided to offer two retreats this spring . . . each having a different focus. Read on!

MARCH 5, 6, and 7, 2010

It’s All About Digi-Scrapping

This weekend is perfect for anyone who wants to get started and needs some encouragement,  inspiration, and  instruction or gals who already know how, but want to get away and have focused time to finish projects.  We’ll start the weekend with our famous Intro to Digital Scrapbooking class on Friday night (6:30pm), followed by hours of assisted scrapbook page design time.  Saturday is filled with tutorials geared to help you go home with lots of completed pages and the confidence to continue working on  your own.

Throughout the weekend we’ll have fun ways for you to “earn” free digital scrapbooking kits (and OH BOY are they gorgeous! We’ve been spending our free time shopping all over the world for you!)  Bring your stash of digital photos and your favorite slippers . . . you’ll be hooked in no time!

DETAILS:  Arrive Friday anytime after 2:00 pm and stay until Sunday 11:30am.  We offer an Early Bird deal for anyone wanting to arrive Thursday (after 2pm) and work independently, see payment schedule below.

MARCH 19, 20, and 21, 2010

It’s All About the Photo!

This weekend is devoted to your photos! We will explore the many ways to use Photoshop (CS or Elements) to enhance  photos (make them POP on the page!), repair old photos, and remove unwanted people/things from photos.

(Sidebar Comment: You could be considered “dangerous” after this weekend…you’ll have the skills to put your friends and family into all kinds of incriminating images!)

There is an extra “option” for campers attending this weekend – we have a photographer coming on Friday from 9am – 5pm who will be teaching you the techniques you need to get the best possible photo from your digital cameras. Whether you have a nice DSLR or a small, point&shoot digital camera you’ll find this “special” well worth your time and money!  The class is optional, has an extra fee of $40 (payable on the day of the class to the photographer), and includes topics like:

• DSLR Basics – the equipment and settings
• Point & Shoot Basics 0 the equipment and settings
• Critical Tips for Getting Great Shots (a Top 10 of sorts!)
• Tips on Lighting and its impact on your camera settings and photos
• Photo Walk
• Photo Review w/Tips and Constructive Feedback
• Sources for great supplies and auto-enhancers

Camp Location
As always, we’ll be gathering at TheChickNest in Clear Lake, Iowa. On I35 about 2.5 hours south of Minneapolis, MN and about 2.5 hours north of Des Moines, IA.

Registration Fee (either weekend) & Payment Options

$255 – Make 3 payments (January 15 – $85, February 10 – $85, March 1 – $85) or
$235 – Pay one payment only (Due by Jan 15) or
$275 – Late registrations, one payment (Due by Feb 10)
$300 – Anyone registering after Feb 28 (Pay cash at camp – this offer is only good IF there are spaces available, so contact us first!)

PLEASE NOTE: These fees do not include the Early Bird Option!

Early Bird Arrival (both weekends have a Thursday arrival option)

Want to come early and have some extra time to settle in, work on your projects, or just take time to slow down and relax?  You are invited to arrive on Thursday anytime after 2 p.m. Just add $20 to your first or full payment (you’ll be on your own for meals…this just gives our hostess, Annette, extra motivation to put up with all our chatter while she prepares all our meals and snacks before everyone arrives Friday!)

Registration fees cover . . .

• Food – Fantastic meals (if you have special dietary needs our hostess will work with you to ensure your needs are met . . . just let us know in advance please)
• Lodging – Luxurious home, beautiful setting! Not your ‘normal’ camp environment.
• WiFi – of course!
• Classes and tutorials -  Friday @ 6 p.m. we kick-off the weekend with our famous “Intro Class” and follow up with lots of great tutorials!  Watch the blog for details on the tutorials offered at this session!
  NOTE: This INTRO Class even covers ‘Clipping Masks’ … so some who already use the software may find lots of helpful material in this class!
• Unlimited access to two instructors from the time you check in till it’s time to go home (ok . . . maybe we’ll have to give one instructor time for a catnap here and there . . . but the plan is to have enough good coffee available to keep the sleepytime-fairy away)!
• Snacks and beverages – oh yeaaah . . . our work room is fully stocked!

Ready to register?    Send checks to:

1000words DSF,
1114 – 630th Street,
Storm Lake, Iowa  50588
and include your name, address, phone number(s), and email address.

TIPS on packing for camp and a nice little checklist . . . click HERE!

Seasoned digital scrappers, photoshop users and even those who have just now installed their software and don’t know where to get started . . . Come One . . . Come All!

For a weekend filled with tutorials, individual tutoring, inspiration, and encouragement . . . Come, Create, Accomplish . . . meet new friends . . . have a great get-away!

SEE YOU SOON?

 

Packing for DigiChick Camp

Okay . . . if you’re like me you’ll appreciate having a nice checklist to help ensure you don’t miss anything when packing for camp. I will post the list I use when I’m getting ready (and I DO start my packing a week early … it helps me feel less stressed the day I leave for camp).  After you read the list … if you find something missing … email me and I will add it to the list and perhaps have some extra Chicken-Feed waiting at camp for you in return for your helpfulness!

Here’s the list … hope it helps:

1. Computer – laptop or desktop…either is fine!
   If desktop…be sure to bring all the cords, the mouse, and keyboard! 
2. Photos (digital preferably)
3. Your digital camera (both camps…you’ll want it along! trust me!)
   Bring the charger and the download cord/devise too!
4. Thumb drive (we have files we’ll give you if you have one of these along . . . )
5. Mousepad!!!!!
6. Your favorite note-taking pen
7. A 3-ring binder with printed copies of the tutorials we’ll be emailing you the week before camp
8. Inspirational books and/or magazines with your name on them (for sharing during the weekend)
9. Completed projects – pages, books, custom printed items … anything! We LOVE show & tell time!
10. OPTIONAL (but very fun!) – bring your ATCs (Artist Trading Card)
    If you don’t have one yet, click HERE to learn more.
11. Comfy clothes – Our campers agree that comfort is KEY and they suggest you chose things you can layer! Sometimes our group will generate so much heat you may want to be able to shed a few layers! It’s crazy what happens when you get that many computers and that many women in a room together!
12. A warm pair of slippers (again pretty isn’t key…comfy and warm is! you may get a burst of inspired energy and want to stay up through the night…you’ll want your feet to be happy!)
13. Personal hygiene items…toothbrush, hairbrush, face lotion, your favorite shampoo/conditioner etc
    NOTE: Hair dryers, body soap, and lotion are provided
14. Charger for your cell phone (?) – (just don’t forget to take it back home with you!)
15. Your vitamins / medications you may need
16. A well-rested YOU!

That’s about it! Most campers arrive carrying a small overnight bag and their laptop … talk about EASY! See you soon?

 

Artist Trading Cards

What are they anyway?  and . . . Why would I want one?

Well now, you’ve asked a couple of really good questions. Let me see if I can shed some light on this!  According to Wikipedia, ATCs are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards (or the cards in a deck of cards), small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets. The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland.

In the digi-scrap world, ATCs are exchanged among fellow enthusiasts and make your ‘contact file’ so much more fun than just a plain old address card!  Here’s a digital copy of my current ATC:

Use your imagination! Just be sure to include your Blog address, email address, and/or USPS address and phone number so new friends can get in touch with you later!

A great place to have them printed is ArtsCow.com, especially if you sign up for an account (they will send you some fantastic coupons for “playing cards” … There is currently a deal for $3.99 per deck!!!)

We LOVE and cherish our collection of ATCs from our DigiChicks! When you attend one of our retreats … bring:

A of diamonds for Kim

Queen of Hearts for Linda!

 

Installing / Using Custom Brushes (PSE)

ONE of my FAVORITE benefits to using, teaching, and promoting Adobe’s Photoshop Elements software is that there is such a HUGE user community. As a member of that community you will find an endless supply of freebies available to you.

Kim Conover and I just started a Facebook Fan Page for our little Photoshop training company (The MaskMasters … aka 1000Words DSF). So far, we’ve had two speed scraps with our fans and shared some great online resources through our fan page. We thought it only appropriate that we give our fans a gift … a set of calendar grid brushes.

These brushes can be used to create printable or digital calendars … simply “stamp” the grid on a new layer, grab your text tool and fill in the blanks! You pick the font, you pick the size, you pick the colors! Lots of possibilities!

To install the brushes:

1. Copy the *.abr file to the Presets>Brushes folder.
   NOTE: If you don’t know how to find it, simply use your File Finder and do a search on *.abr (on mac – use spotlight and type in abr).
2. Open Elements
3. Create a new file
4. Activate your Brush tool
5. On the Options bar (at the top of your screen…) open the Brush Preset Picker window (far left end of the options bar).
6. Click on the very small rightward pointing triangle in the upper right corner of this window.
7. Scroll down the list … do you see a new set on the list? Called MaskMasters Calendars? Select it … the software will ask if you wish to Replace or Append … the answer depends on whether or not you’ve recently created some new brushes and haven’t saved them yet. If you have not, then you can Replace.
8. Now you can play with the brushes … change the size of the calendar grid, set the color, adjust the angle, etc! There’s no limit on the fun!

I will return tomorrow with some samples and perhaps some photos to help you install and use this fun set of brushes.

 

Another successful retreat!

It’s hard to describe the energy that comes from a room filled with artistic people … you just have to be there. Last weekend we had 14 digiscrappers and two instructors working ’round the clock on all kinds of great digital designs!
Some were new to the software (Adobe’s Photoshop Elements), some were familiar with it and there were a couple that are quite experienced and knowledgeable in the program and a wide variety of digi-scrap techniques.
With a full slate of classes, we still managed to make a dent on our personal projects! Perhaps we’ll get everyone to upload some of their fine work on our new Fan Page (The MaskMasters … over at Facebook). Just as soon as life gives us a break, we will be posting some pages depicting all the fun from the weekend!
Come visit our FAN PAGE!  If you are a Facebook member, sign up as a fan and get our updates!

 

Fall Retreat 2009 – Check out the plan!

Okay … so … IF you’ve already signed up for one of the two fall retreats being held this year … you’ve already received some of the tutorials. Have you tried them yet? We can’t wait to see how you all do and what your thoughts are on the new approach (those of you who have been to camp before anyway!)

If you haven’t signed up here’s what you’re missing! We still have openings for campers the weekend of Nov 6-8 … INFO HERE

1. Creating your own Custom Alpha sets from papers that came with a kit.
2. How to string elements onto a string or ribbon.
3. Adding chipboard edges to alphas, elements, and other items that came with a kit.
4. Extractions, Extractions, Extractions … well … what else is there to say about this subject?
5. Out-Of-Bounds – How to create extractions with dimension.
6. Snowglobes & Glass ornaments

This year we decided to send out the tutorials in advance so everyone could give them a “test drive” … jot down questions … and bring the homework (results) to camp. We will be going through each of the tutorials (lessons) together. After each lesson we will address any remaining questions and have lots of fun creating layouts with our new found skills!

While I’m basking in the beautiful, sunny, southern California weather I’m also working hard on getting all the fun “prizes” ready to go! Check it out! We will be giving out tokens at camp each token is worth one kit … as long as we have kits left you will be able to redeem your token(s) for one of these great kits  … what you do to earn a token is the surprise!

 

Our first ever DigiChick Hatchery!

Welcome to the first ever … DigiChick Hatchery!

A retreat designed specially for any experienced “DigiChick” (you…if you already love digital scrapbooking!) where you can invite up to five of your friends to join you for a weekend filled with Photoshop/Photoshop Elements training, digiscrap inspiration and challenges, and chick-style pampering!

In addition to classes for all levels on topics essential to all digiscrappers, there will be great kit give-aways (kits from all over the world, packed full of frames, florals, journaling tags, papers and more), gifts for all campers and, as always the famous gourmet meals!

If you hoped to attend our annual Fall Retreat, but didn’t get signed up in time . . . Sign up now for the DigiChick Hatchery!

Here’s how it all works…

Camp Dates
November 6 (2pm) through November 8, 2009 (noon)

Camp Location
As always, we’ll be gathering at TheChickNest in Clear Lake, Iowa. On I35 about 2.5 hours south of Minneapolis, MN and about 2.5 hours north of Des Moines, IA.

Registration Fee & Payment Options . . . and this is the good part! The whole idea of a hatchery is to HATCH NEW CHICKS, right? so …
$255 – If you come alone (your friends just couldn’t make it)
$205 – If you bring one friend along (she pays $255)
$155 – If you bring two friends along (they each pay $255)
$105 – If you bring three friends along (they each pay $255)
$55 – If you bring four friends along (they each pay $255)
FREE – If you bring five friends along (they each pay $255)

SHARE THE FUN … HATCH SOME NEW DIGICHICKS! Spread some of the chicken-feed around if you like!

Early Bird Arrival (arrive on Thursday)

Want to come early and have some extra time to settle in, work on your projects, just take time to slow down and relax?  You are invited to arrive on Thursday anytime after 2 p.m. Add $20 to your payment (no meals until Friday supper).

Seasoned digital scrappers, photoshop users and even those who have just now installed their software and don’t know where to get started . . . Come One . . . Come All!

For a weekend filled with tutorials, individual tutoring, inspiration, and encouragement . . . Come, Create, Accomplish . . . meet new friends . . . have a great get-away! What could be better to get you ready for the holiday season?

Registration fees cover . . .

• Food – Fantastic meals (if you have special dietary needs our hostess will work with you to ensure your needs are met . . . just let us know in advance please)
• Lodging – Luxurious home, beautiful setting! Not your ‘normal’ camp environment.
• WiFi – of course!
• Classes and tutorials -  Friday @ 6 p.m. we kick-off the weekend with our famous “Intro Class” and follow up with lots of great tutorials!  Watch the blog for details on the tutorials offered at this session!
  NOTE: This INTRO Class even covers ‘Clipping Masks’ … so some who already use the software may find lots of helpful material in this class!
• Unlimited access to two instructors from the time you check in till it’s time to go home (ok . . . maybe we’ll have to give one instructor time for a catnap here and there . . . but the plan is to have enough good coffee available to keep the sleepytime-fairy away)!
• Snacks and beverages – oh yeaaah . . . our work room is fully stocked!

Ready to register?
Send checks to:
1000words DSF,
1114 – 630th Street,
Storm Lake, Iowa  50588
and include your name, address, phone number(s), and email address.

Packing for camp?
About your equipment/computer . . . while laptops are the easiest computers to bring to a digital scrapbooking weekend, it doesn’t take that much effort to bring along a regular desktop computer – we’ll even help you bring it in from your car and get it all set up! (Just don’t forget to bring all the cords, the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and of course the CPU/BlackBox!)
Anyone using an external hard drive … do be careful with them! They can be delicate – bumping or dropping them while in transit can result in problems. Pack them carefully!

SEE YOU SOON?  ALL REGISTRATIONS DUE BY OCTOBER 15, 2009

 

2009 Fall Retreat

Plans for the Annual Fall Retreat are well underway! New and exciting tutorials are ready to go! Great kits (chuck full of frames, journaling tags, and other supplies) are waiting. NEW THIS YEAR . . . some fantastic gifts for all campers AND we/you have the opportunity to arrive a day early  (Thurs eve)!  Sign up now!

Camp Dates
October 16 (2pm) through October 18, 2009 (noon)

Camp Location
As always, we’ll be gathering at TheChickNest in Clear Lake, Iowa. On I35 about 2.5 hours south of Minneapolis, MN and about 2.5 hours north of Des Moines, IA.

Registration Fee & Payment Options
$255 – Make 3 payments (July 31 – $85, August 31 – $85, September 30 – $85) or
$235 – Pay one payment only (Due by July 31) or
$275 – Late registrations, one payment (Due by September 30)
$300 – Anyone registering after September 30 (Pay cash at camp – this offer is only good IF there are spaces available).
PLEASE NOTE: These fees do not include the Early Bird Option!

Early Bird Arrival (arrive on Thursday)
Want to come early and have some extra time to settle in, work on your projects, just take time to slow down and relax?  You are invited to arrive on Thursday anytime after 2 p.m. Add $20 to your first or full payment (no meals until Friday supper).

Seasoned digital scrappers, photoshop users and even those who have just now installed their software and don’t know where to get started . . . Come One . . . Come All!

For a weekend filled with tutorials, individual tutoring, inspiration, and encouragement . . . Come, Create, Accomplish . . . meet new friends . . . have a great get-away!

Registration fees cover

• Food – Fantastic meals (if you have special dietary needs our hostess will work with you to ensure your needs are met . . . just let us know in advance please)
• Lodging – Luxurious home, beautiful setting! Not your ‘normal’ camp environment.
• WiFi – of course!
• Classes and tutorials -  Friday @ 6 p.m. we kick-off the weekend with our famous “Intro Class” and follow up with lots of great tutorials!  Watch the blog for details on the tutorials offered at this session!
  NOTE: This INTRO Class even covers ‘Clipping Masks’ … so some who already use the software may find lots of helpful material in this class!
• Unlimited access to two instructors from the time you check in till it’s time to go home (ok . . . maybe we’ll have to give one instructor time for a catnap here and there . . . but the plan is to have enough good coffee available to keep the sleepytime-fairy away)!
• Snacks and beverages – oh yeaaah . . . our work room is fully stocked!

Ready to register?
Send checks to:
1000words DSF,
1114 – 630th Street,
Storm Lake, Iowa  50588
and include your name, address, phone number(s), and email address.

Packing for camp?
About your equipment/computer . . . while laptops are the easiest computers to bring to a digital scrapbooking weekend, it doesn’t take that much effort to bring along a regular desktop computer – we’ll even help you bring it in from your car and get it all set up! (Just don’t forget to bring all the cords, the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and of course the CPU/BlackBox!)
Anyone using an external hard drive … do be careful with them! They can be delicate – bumping or dropping them while in transit can result in problems. Pack them carefully!

SEE YOU SOON?

[Kit used in layout above - Pretty Funky by Chanin Mettey of Genia Beana Scraps]

 

2009 Fall Retreat Tutorials

So . . . you want to know what we are going to be learning this year at camp?

Well . . . here is a list of the lesson plans that are all ready to go!

1. Extractions – several approaches with tips on when to use each approach to your advantage.
2. Making Out-of-Bounds Layouts – You know . . . the layouts where people or things appear to be “popping out” of the photo? Well . . .  we are going to show you just how easy this is and get you started on your own OOB LO!
3. Creating scalloped edged paper, journaling tags, or borders! We’ll even explain how to “punch holes” in it.
4. How to “string” elements onto a Digital String or Ribbon.
5. Creating your own alpha set from papers in a kit. We will take this lesson a step further and learn how to convert them in to chipboard alphas!
6. Creating a snow globe and/or a glass ornament to put your photo into.BONUS – If Lessons 1-5 are done and you still have the energy to attack another lesson, we will cover another topic . . .
7. How to curl the edges of a tag or element (including a paper)

Complete copies of the lessons will be available to all campers (after September 1). When your payment has been received, you will be given a download link, giving you the opportunity to work through the lesson on your own – before camp. Bring a printed copy to camp and add notes.