Using PowerPoint to Edit Photos for Greeting Cards ~

I nearly always use personal photos in my Greeting Cards but often the original image needs a little tweaking to produce an eye-appealing card or to get a specific effect I'm aiming for.

There is an abundance of photo-editing software available that will produce beautiful results, but I don't own any of that and I am the Queen of making the most of what I already have. Since newer versions of Microsoft PowerPoint have so many fabulous editing options, I use it for all of my designing and image-editing needs. Besides, I'd been using PowerPoint in my daytime jobs for years ... why not make it work for me?

Below is an example and the process I used to transform a favorite snapshot into a sweet little card, perfect for sharing with a best friend. The 'Before' image is a snapshot of my darling granddaughter Haylee Sky taken in her home's driveway. The expression on her face - and especially her stance! - is priceless and inspired me to turn it into the special Greeting Card you see in the 'After' image.

How did I do this using only the PowerPoint 2010 that came with my PC? Here we go!

• I inserted the original photo into a blank PowerPoint slide that was sized 5" x 7" with a Portrait layout.

  • By clicking on the image, then selecting 'Format' under 'Picture Tools, I had the option to 'Remove Background'. This process takes practice and patience, but eventually, I got to the image below. I saved it as a new image. 

 • I opened a new, blank PowerPoint slide and inserted the original color photo. Again, by clicking on the image on the slide, I can utilize 'Picture Tools' and 'Format', then 'Color', where I selected the Grayscale option. I then clicked on 'Corrections', where I adjusted the sharpness as desired.

 • Next, I added the color image that had its background removed to the slide with the grayscale image and layered the color image on top of the grayscale one, lining them up perfectly.

 • Now, highlight all components on the merged slide, right-click and 'Cut', then 'Paste' them on the same slide as an 'Image'. If desired, add a Text Box and type in your Greeting, selecting the Font style and color that works best for your design. 

You'll notice the front of the card carries the greeting "Some girls are just born with it." I added this sentiment inside: "And we know exactly who we are, don't we?"

I've used the same technique on other designs, as well as utilizing other PowerPoint editing options. I'm always happy with the results and it saved me lots of headaches by not having to learn an entirely new program. 

Let me know how your project turns out or if you have questions!  

Ready to have fun and give it a go? We both know you've got this ♥
~windypoo

A Perfect Sunday Sentiment ~

Butterflies that sparkle? Yes, please! How to make your own hand-glittered paper ~

Butterflies cut from Handmade Glitter Paper

I just finished crafting 800 (yes, I said 8 HUNDRED!) of these darling little Butterflies in sparkly, rich gold. I can't wait to see how the lovely lady who purchased them intends to put them to use. 

What makes these little guys so especially gorgeous? I make my own glitter paper and you can, too! Here's how: 

• Clear a large work surface because this can get messy! 

• Start with a thin, white cardstock or flexible NON-glossy photo paper.

• Using a large soft paintbrush, apply a VERY THIN coat of non-toxic glue over the entire sheet of paper (white school glue works perfectly). 

• While the glue is still wet, sprinkle your favorite extra-fine glitter over the entire surface of glue-coated paper.

• Gently - with a very light touch - rub the glitter into the wet glue using circular motions. This is why you want the layer of glue to be very thin: thick glue + glitter = gloppy glittery porridge.

• After the entire sheet is covered with glitter, carefully shake off loose glitter, then quickly rub in a second layer of glitter.

• Place the wet, glittered sheet of cardstock/paper between two pieces of wax paper (cut larger than your paper) and press under a large book or heavy object overnight.

• When you are certain that your glitter paper is completely dry, have fun using it any place you want a boost of sparkly goodness. I've used paper punches as tiny as 1/2" on this paper with no problem. 

Lots of work? Yes! But worth the effort? Absolutely!! I am yet to find a 'glittered card stock' in craft stores or online that brings this much sparkle, giving each little cut-out a genuine hand-glittered look.

Go ahead ... try it! We both know you can do this ♥
~windypoo