Go digital - a (basic) tutorial!

Some basic instructions for using HA Digital Images with Microsoft Word  (please note, although I have a Mac, it is virtually the same as Word for Windows)

1.  To print an image.

Once you have purchased the kit from 2Peas online shop, you are able to download it instantly onto your computer.

Then, open Word and start a new document.  (I have a Mac, but it is the same in Word for Windows)

Go to 'Insert Picture' - 'From File'.  Then go to your "downloads" file, and choose the picture you want to play with.  It will then load it into Word.

Resize it to the size you want, then print!  Note that many of the HA images are already coloured and therefore only require cutting out.

The black images or overlays can be printed directly onto patterned paper.

2. To play with an image.

Click 'Format' and then 'Picture' and play with the settings.  You just need to experiment a bit.  It is surprisingly easy once you get going.

I know this is very basic - I am NOT a techno expert.  I have been playing with Photoshop too, but have mostly been using Word to print out the coloured images.  It is SO easy!

If anyone would like any help with Photoshop, leave me a comment here, but I just used Shari's excellent tutorial here to guide me in changing the colour and brightness of images.

So finally, I thought I'd give a step-by-step for one of my HA Hybrid Digital cards.

1.  I selected the image from the Hero Arts Digikit Vintage Lifestyle.

2. I inserted it into a Word document and resized it to fit on a Hero Arts notecard.

3. I printed the image onto some patterned paper by My Mind's Eye.

4.  I randomly stamped Hero Arts 'Old Letter Writing' stamp onto the edges of the paper with Tattered Rose distress ink.  I then inked the edges with a distress ink blending tool and distressed using a ranger distressing tool (OK, I am addicted to Ranger products at the moment).

5.  Finally, I adhered the paper to a Hero Arts cream notecard.

I hope this tutorial is not too patronising - I just know that I was a bit overwhelmed by digital a few weeks ago, and now I am addicted.  I was so surprised by how easy it is.  And FUN.  HA are adding new images to their collection at 2Peas almost every week.  There are some AMAZING kits on their way too.  Keep your eyes peeled. :)