Collagelt Free App

Recently discovered this very useful app called CollageItFree. It's a drag and drop photo collage maker for both windows and OS X. Here's an example of what it puts together. You select the photos, make a few preference selection like number of photos, border treatment and size as well as background.

There is a free version as well as pro (pro cost is $19.90). Why it appealed to me — it has a lot of flexibility and takes no time to put a collage together. 

Tilt Shift — Blurring the lines

After capturing a sesson of photos, I usually sit down at the computer for a good amount of time editing and adjusting. Well, for those of you that don't have access to Photoshop and can't spend extra $$ on a new lensbaby, but you love the blurring effect that Instagram offers, there is another option called TiltShiftMaker.com. Have a look at my test shots before and afters.

There are loads of options for getting the customization that's right for your shot. Plus, once that's all done you can download a great quality jpeg of the final shot. Here's a peak at the interface.

And if you're looking for some great examples of tilt-shift photography to give you a little inspiration before you get started, have a gander right here.

Fun Graphics - Overlays and Add-Ons to Enhance your Photos

One of my favorite sites for free vector art is VectorStock.com. They sell a great collection of royalty free vector art for next to nothing ($1-$3 per download for a standard license), but they also have a large section of free art. This free floral and bird sketch by Nataliia-Ku inspired me to get creative with some personal photos. I changed up the color palettes to work with my two different photos. I also cropped into the graphics to help frame the subject matter of my photo or highlight some copy. Have a look at the results below.

I also got crafty with a creation by Cinzia Loosemore from Oscraps (on the left) and free flowers from this background vector by vectorstock (on the right). I just love how you can build on the creatiions of others to enhance the tone of your own photos. What fun!

Crazy for Chevron?

Seems like everywhere I turn there is a cute chevron rug, tape, shower curtain or pillow. And, it's just not enough. I want my iphone engulfed in that welcoming wave of wonderful color. And as it heats up outside, I just want to slide my foot into those easy flip flops that dance with zig zag delight.

Well, I'm jumping into the pool. You can download my reinvention of chevron. A little play of varying thickness and subtle color gardients. For your crazy pleasure — find an illustrator file, a PDF and a jpeg.

How to create a free custom monogram or name for a special event

This is a how-to for creating a name logo or monogram with a free font download. It will walk you through font selection and the basic design and type arrangement in Illustrator. Then once you complete your design you can print it on cards, have a stamp made, or whatever you want really!

New Resource - Creative Market

Handcrafted, mousemade. Easy access to fresh design content like icons, brushes, fonts and more. From the creators of COLOURlovers. Get $5 in early access credit and be the first to know when Creative Market launches! 

Oil and Vinegar - a Perfect Pair

My bottles have arrived! I'm so excited because these oil and vinegar bottles from
PaintCreekHill are just perfect. I was able to work with Susan to design just what was needed to work in my kitchen. Have a look at the beautiful work.