![]() ![]() The ability to adjust the opacity (transparency) of your layer is a huge asset to photographers. Not only is this great for composite images (as seen below), but this also works well for any kind of editing you want to apply but may have to reverse later on down the line.Ĭlonal pluralization of the self by eqqman, on Flickr When you duplicate your image layer, you’re making edits onto an entirely independent copy, allowing you to reverse what you did at any point by deleting that layer and reverting to the one below – even after you save and close. If you’re not familiar with layers or how they can benefit your photography workflow, consider the following: However, the biggest complaint I've come across is that they lack the ability to work with layers – a huge drawback and sometimes a deal breaker, making photographers opt for the much more expensive Photoshop instead. Now I’m a Photoshop guy and don’t use either programs often, but I do enjoy the clean workflow that both Lightroom and Aperture provide (especially for high-volume projects) and see why many photographers love them to pieces. It's working really well for me, and if I have to replace the mats at some point due to wear and tear, it will be easy and cheap enough to do so.Recently I was introduced to Perfect Layers, an add-on or stand-alone program that gives layer functionality to photo editing software like Lightroom and Aperture. (This method does not use the MISTI, but I suppose you could stack the mats into the corner of a MISTI instead of affixing to a base and use them that way.) It cost me NOTHING because I had the materials lying around, but you could make one from supplies for less than five bucks. I had been trying to figure out how to create a jig for my MISTI to accomplish this, and was seriously considering buying an expensive jig on the market, when I came across the instructions on a wedding site (no longer available, unfortunately). ![]() With this jig, I can do more layers on one card without affecting the accuracy. I have the Perfect Layers ruler type tools but I found that they are only good for one layer. You have to cut your layers first, and they need to be true. If you start out knowing the size of your card front, then you can cut your layers down the required amount to create the border. This is a boon for making lots of cards and not needing to measure or trim. In my sample below, you can see I cut up two mats, one with a wider bottom layer showing (1/4 inch) and one with a narrower bottom layer showing (1/8 inch). I used a piece of Plexiglas, but you could use thin wood or heavy cover stock. Just cut in half diagonally, then affix to a sturdy rectangular base, aligning with the corner. The mat has two layers already glued for you. ![]() All you need are some purchased photo frame mats (you can get at Michael's, an art framing place or even the dollar store), a knife and ruler, some tape (I used double-sided Sookwang) or glue and a sturdy base to tape the mats onto. I found the instructions from back in 2010 online (link no longer available, sorry!) and in minutes had my own jig that allows me to leave 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch borders around my layers. With this homemade tool, I can forget measuring, slicing with rulers and knives, or just eyeballing and hoping for the best. Fancy cards might have more than one layer. Typically you would decorate your focal layer, and then want to mat it much like a painting. If you are a cardmaker, you know the agony of trying to line up layers on a card front so there is a nice even border of under layer showing all around. I am so excited to show you the one I made. This is a tool to help you line up your layers on a card front with ease. I have added a few more details on how I made this per requests.Ī jig! A cardmaking jig! No, it's not a new dance craze sweeping the card-making community. NOTE: Updated as original link no longer works. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |