[Dollykatz]

I have seen layouts with large pictures in the layout kind of blended in. I want to learn how to do this. I have photoshop elements. Not sure if it is called Blending or Masking. Don't know the difference. Just starting digital scrapbooking. Any place I can go for instructions.


Thank you.

Dollykats

[ValerieT]

There are two ways that I use.

1. Create my own clipping mask with a brush.

2. Use a Scrap Simple paper, this is the easiest. Put the Scrap Simple paper on your layout, then put your photo on top and "clip" it to the SS Paper (ctrl + G I think in PSE).

There are a few SS papers that you can use, here are a couple.

ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Absolutely Blended
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Blendability 2
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Blendability

This is just a few, there are more.

[AggieB]

Something else you can try is to select around the area you like best (I use the lasso tool) and feather the selection, then invert the selection and delete the area outside your selection. You can also play with the opacity to make it look very light. A paper with a strong texture can look good behind the photo, too.
Good luck; don't be afraid to ask questions. There are people here who use your software frequently and can give you more detailed instructions. Looking forward to seeing your layouts.

[Dollykatz]

Thank you. I think I need step by step instructions.

[April Showers]

Brandy Murry has a few great video tutorials on this.
Background Blenders Tutorial
Blending Photos into the Background Tutorial
She takes you through how she does it step by step.

[MariJ]

I also like to use a soft eraser brush and erase around the image. You can start closer to the image with a lower opacity (like 75% or so) and then as you fade out into the background, gradually move to 100% opacity.