patterned transparency tutorial

In this Project Life spread, I decided to create my own transparencies using the digital stamp brushes. They’re quick and easy to create and they’re fun to use. Click here to download this tutorial as a PDF.

(supplies : Roller Rink Main Scrapbook Kit, Rainbow Kneesocks add on, Crack the Whip add on, Roller Rink Digital StampBrushes, Roller Rink Card Kit Stamp Brushes, Roller Rink Printable #1, Stencil Tags, Honey Bee Scissors, Glue Glider Pro)

First, you’ll need to purchase the transparencies. I’m using an Epson R340 Inkjet printer. I’ve purchased my inkjet transparenies through Amazon.com but you can also find them in your local office supply store. Just make sure you get the correct transparencies for you printer. They make them for laser printers as well. The inkjet transparencies have sort of a “tooth” on one side to accept the ink from the printer. That is the side you want to print on. Once you have your transparencies, you’re ready to create your patterns.

I’m using the Roller Rink digital brushes that are currently available in the shop. I start by creating a new layer.

Then I open up my brush window. If you can’t see it, just look under window and select brush.

Now select the brush you wish to create your pattern with. I’m going to use the long chevrons. You’ll also need to select a color as well. I have a visual of the pattern I want to achieve but I’m also playing around with the brushes too. I know I want my pattern to have 2 different colors and 2 different chevron images. I go ahead and “stamp” the first brush leaving a space in between for the other chevron I plan to stamp.

Once I have the first color down, I create a new layer and begin my second pattern of chevrons. I’m going for a non-uniform look and overlap some of the chevrons. I’ve also added a quote on top of the finished pattern.

I’m really trying to get 4 different overlays for my Project Life album onto one transparency. I’m keeping an eye on my ruler as I stamp down my pattern.

The last pattern I want to create is with the asterisks. I like that it came with one fill and one outline. I start with the fill image, select my color and I space the image out so that I can just hold down my cursor and drag across to create a line of asterisks.

After stamping down a few rows of filled asterisks, I select the matching outline included in the brush set, space them, then stamp over the filled pattern. I don’t want these to line up perfectly with the filled pattern.

After I’m finished with my full sheet of patterns, I flatten the image and print.

You’ll have to select the glossy finish through your print settings for your printer to print properly on the transparency. I let my sheet dry for a few minutes before handling it.

Now it’s time to assemble my pockets. I print my photos and select a few of my favorite pieces from the Roller Rink kit and add ons.

I cut down my transparencies to fit the 3x4 pockets.

I decided to layer the quote over some patterned paper.

I like how layering the transparency over patterned paper added subtle dimension. I’m some what of a “flat” scrapbooking. That’s why I love overlays so much. It adds that subtle dimension that I’m comfortable with, especially when it comes to Project Life layouts.