Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Happy Holiday's to all of you!  I hope you all have a blessed holiday season.  My Laptop Crop schedule for my local customers is posted in the tab above for the first quarter of 2012.  I look forward to getting back to work after the first of the year!  - Laurie

StoryBook Creator Plus 4

I never thought this day would come.  Today Creative Memories launched their update to Storybook Creator Plus!  Many of you have been inquiring about how it compares with Panstoria Artisan.  I have been using Artisan for nine months and I LOVE it!  After careful review of StoryBook Creator 4.0 these are the differences:

StoryBook Creator 4.0 uploads projects directly to the Creative Memories Digital Center for printing.  Artisan does not.  

Artisan includes a license for the software to be downloaded to two computers.  StoryBook Creator 4.0 is only licensed for one computer.

Artisan has a rich photo editing Image Editor feature that includes cloning and various other advanced photo editing features.  StoryBook Creator only has the touch up brushes.  Cloning may be performed in Memory Manager 3.0, if you have the accompanying program.

Artisan retails for $39.95.  StoryBook Creator 4.0 retails for $64.95 and the upgrade from StoryBook Creator 3.0 retails for $24.95.  All three options include digital artwork.

Both programs can read .page file format.

I hope all of you StoryBook Creator 3.0 users try the free trial for StoryBook Creator 4.0 and see why I have been so excited about all of the awesome aspects of Artisan!

Both software programs offer a free 30 day trial.  

I suggest you try them both and see which one best meets your needs.

Digital Album Planner - Free Download

Here is a great tool that was designed by my friend Marcy Moreno.  She saw something similar on the internet but does not know who to give credit to for the original idea.  She and I sat down and created this document together.  It is to help you keep track of your digital albums and projects.  To download a free copy of the PDF file click: HERE

How We All Got Here Today - Part 1

This is a post that I have been meaning to write for a long time!  I would like to thank my friends Sandy Mune and Marcy Moreno!  Both of these wonderful women have been very instrumental in my digital scrapbooking journey.

A few years ago when I was using Photoshop Elements as my software of choice, I went to several crops where Marcy kept showing me all the great aspects of StoryBook Creator Plus.  She was so excited and enthusiastic about her pages and progress I could not help but listen to what she had to say.  Well, I thought I was "to cool" for such a "simple" program such as StoryBook Creator Plus!  But I kept seeing Marcy's progress and how many pages she was completing.

Then, another one of my good friends Sandy Mune, who is a Creative Memories consultant, asked me to teach her how to digital scrapbook.  After showing her Photoshop Elements, she was a bit overwhelmed.  I asked her why she did not use Creative Memories software since she was a consultant.  She said there was no one to show her how to use it.  (This was when the software was first released.)  I told her that if she bought it, I would learn it and teach her how to use it.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that we would all be where we are today!  Once I figured out how user friendly and productive Storybook Creator Plus was I NEVER went back to Photoshop Elements!  This is saying a lot, because at that time I had been digital scrapbooking since 2004 with a wide variety of software programs, before it was popular or mainstream.  I used to create all my own elements and started out making pages with "Strips and Triangles".  (Only seasoned Creative Memories consultants will probably recognize this ancient term!)

So THANK YOU Sandy and Marcy!  There are many other instrumental people on my digital scrapbooking journey that I need to publicly thank but I want to start with these two women.  They both attend my Laptop Crops regularly and continue to be a wonderful inspiration to me both personally and professionally.  Marcy is one of the few people I know that is completely current on her scrapbooking.  She swears it is because she uses all of my templates!  Here are a few photos of Marcy and her photo books.  Enjoy!

One of Kerri Powell's Free Templates!

I created this page using one of Kerri's freebie templates and the Panstoria "Easter Fun" digital kit.  To get Kerri's templates see my prior blog post.  Thank you again Kerri!

Guest Designer - Kerri Powell

I would like to introduce the first guest designer on my new blog, Kerri Powell!  Kerri is a very talented designer who has been scrapbooking since 1999.  She is a member of several creative teams.  Her blog features wonderful page layout ideas, free page templates, free word art and she is just starting to sell her new word art packages!  Kerri describes herself as:

"I'm simply a Mommy with a passion for making and documenting memories. If you know me then you know that I'm not just an ordinary Mommy, I'm a Mommy that waited forever to be one! Photography and scrapbooking are the means by which I attempt to make time stand still--especially when it comes to my little miracle!"

Please click on each of the links below to see all of the wonderful things Kerri has to offer!:

Click Here To Visit Kerri's Blog - Precious Pixels

Click Here for Kerri's Free Page Templates

Click Here To Purchase Kerri's Word Art

Panstoria Artisan - Feature Video - Coordinate Colors

This is a new video I recorded to demonstrate one of my favorite features in Panstoria Artisan called "Coordinate Colors".  I have never seen another digital scrapbooking software perform this action.  It is amazing!  Enjoy!

Panstoria Artisan - Introduction Video

Many of you have been inquiring about Panstoria Artisan.  Click on this YouTube video for an introduction to Artisan.  Two of the features I love, that are demonstrated in this video, are the "Built in Image Editor" and the "Color Coordinator" feature.

To download a free 30 day trial, click on the link at the top left of my blog that says "Click Here To View Artisan"   Enjoy!

Happy National Scrapbook Day! - New Freebie

Today is officially National Scrapbook Day.  I hope you are celebrating by doing something fun!  Here is a new Tulip Freebie for your Spring page layouts.  Click on the link below the picture to download the high quality .png version of the freebie.  Enjoy!

Click Here To Download Laurie Callison Tulip

Panstoria Launches Affiliate Program - Press Release

Follow this link to view the press release online:

Panstoria affiliate program to benefit all sales levels

• ShareThis Email PDF Print

Panstoria Artisan
We think affiliates will be very excited about this program, as it offers a competitive two-tier commission option and 90 day tracking.

Dayton, OH (PRWEB) April 14, 2011

Panstoria, creators of Artisan 4.0, a premier digital scrapbooking software, announced today the launch of a new affiliate marketing channel on ShareASale. Panstoria launched Artisan 4.0 on January 21 and has been making successful inroads in the digital scrapbooking arena.

Artisan 4.0 is perfect for the busy mom on-the-go or the experienced scrapbooker who wants to try her hand at hybrid scrapbooking. Currently retailing for $39.95, the software can be installed on up to two Windows-based PCs and includes 3 free art kits.

“We are happy to join with ShareASale to launch a new affiliate marketing channel. We think affiliates will be very excited about this program, as it offers a competitive two-tier commission option and 90 day tracking,” said Mike Carroll, CEO of Panstoria.

The Panstoria Affiliate program is a multi-tier program, offering participants 20% commission on the first $2,000 in monthly sales and 25% for sales above that. If the participant signs up another afilliate, the referrer receives an additional amount based on 10% of the new affiliate’s monthly commission. Once a company or individual becomes a Panstoria Affiliate, access will be provided to links and banners to help generate activity on their own website.

For companies or individuals interested in earning considerable revenue right away, visit http://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=31040 to sign up.

About Panstoria, Inc.
Panstoria launched in 1993 under the name Interpersonal Computing, Inc. In 2003, under the name Caspedia, Mike Carroll and Paul Schweizer began creating photo management software to meet their own needs. Eventually, they used the Caspedia Digital Scrapbooking technology to develop software licensed to a third-party. In 2010, the company changed its name to Panstoria to prepare for the release of Artisan 4.0, a premier digital scrapbooking application for Windows. More information about Panstoria and Artisan 4.0 can be found at http://www.panstoria.com. Follow Panstoria on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/panstoria and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Panstoria.

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Please contact me for more information regarding the affiliate program at callisonclan@cox.net.
Thank you,
Laurie

Questions & Answers about Panstoria - Artisan

Many of you have questions about Panstoria’s Artisan software.  I would like to answer some of your questions!

Who is Panstoria?

Panstoria is a software design company that currently writes photo editing and organization software and digital scrapbooking software.  The company was formally named Caspedia.  They wrote Memory Manager and StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 that is currently marketed under a license agreement through Creative Memories.  In January of 2011, Panstoria released their own version of digital scrapbooking software called Artisan.  For more detailed information please visit their website at: http://www.panstoria.com/our_story/company_history/

How does Artisan compare to StoryBook Creator +3.0?

Artisan is very similar to StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0, with new features added.

Does Creative Memories Digital Content Work in Artisan?

Yes.  Artisan reads, JPG, PNG, TIF, .package and .pakit files.

Can I open projects in Artisan that were designed in StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0?

Yes.  However, a word of caution – If you open a StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 file in Artisan, you cannot open it again in StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0.  It is not backward compatible.  StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 uses the file name .page to save page files.  Artisan uses the file name .papage to save page files.  Artisan can open and read .page files but will convert them to .papage files.  StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 can not open or read .papage files. 

Can I download Artisan on the same computer as StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0?

Yes.

Does Memory Manager 3.0 work with Artisan?

Yes.  You can send photos to Artisan just like you can with StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0.

If I purchase Artisan and have never owned StoryBook Creator Plus, can I purchase Creative Memories digital content to use in Artisan?

Yes.  This is great news for Creative Memories consultants, they can sell digital content to StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 users and Artisan users.

Does Panstoria sell digital content?

Yes.  Their online store is located at:  http://www.panstoria.com/store/category-page/category/digital_content/

How many computers can I load Artisan on?

The Artisan license allows you to install the software on up to two machines.

Does Artisan work on a MAC?

No.  Not unless you use a virtual machine with Windows, such as Parallels.

Is there any online support for Artisan?

Yes.  They have a technical questions website called Get Satisfaction:  http://getsatisfaction.com/Panstoria

What training options are available for learning Artisan?

They have a YouTube channel:  http://www.youtube.com/panstoria  I also offer training for Artisan.

How do I get my project designed in Artisan printed?

You may print the project yourself on your home printer.   You may send your JPG files to any online printer to be professionally printed.  To have your project printed as a photo book at Creative Memories, you may download the free version of StoryBook Creator and create a “full bleed” photo book with your pages saved as JPGS.  If you already own StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 you save the pages as JPG files and create a “full bleed” photo book..  For a detailed PDF file of how to print an Artisan photo book online visit:  http://getsatisfaction.com/panstoria/topics/how_do_i_print_a_photobook_online_using_services_such_as_shutterfly_or_snapfish

Why are you adding Artisan to your design and training business?

I have been digital scrapbooking for over seven years.  I have used many different types of software.  I fell in love with StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 when it was first introduced.  I am always looking for the next best thing in this market.  When I saw the numerous added features Artisan had to offer, I knew I had to teach it and use it for designing!  I put together this in-depth summary of the enhanced features Artisan has to offer.  I hope this helps you see why I choose to add this incredible software to my business!

Features that I love (in no particular order):

1. The Artisan license allows you to install the software on up to two machines.
   
2. Redo. – Need I say more?
   
3. It has a built in Image editor that can be used on any photo or element. It also does cloning.
   
4. Coordinate Page color change, allows you to select a photo on the page and choose from several color scheme options for changing the colors of papers and embellishments on the page to look better with the photo.
   
5. Text shapes and cutters. You can enter text using any installed, supported font to the page as a shape or use it as a cutter. For example, you can bring up the text cutter popup, select a font, then enter text and cut out that text from any element on the page.
   
6. You can choose between Basic mode and Advanced mode. Basic mode hides some more advanced features for new users. You can switch modes easily at any time.
   
7. The three views in Manage Content make looking for content easier. It includes separate views for organizing using tags, putting kits into categories, and managing content locations.
   
8. All open views are accessible directly via a tab—e.g. welcome, content, plus one tab for each open project/page—eliminating the need to go to a menu to switch views.  It looks like a Microsoft ribbon menu.
   
9. When you hover your cursor over a photo or content element in one of the panels, the software automatically shows an enlarged preview of that item.
   
10. The Auto fix option shows you four previews using different combinations of auto fix algorithms and parameters. To apply the fix, you simply click the desired option.
    
11. The Change Background feature on the Home ribbon is a quick way to fill the background with a color, a gradient, or paper.
    
12. You can add, mix, and rearrange Photo frame effects to create a wide variety of custom effects. You can also use Sample and Apply for frame effects.
    
13. There are five additional image filters in the filter dialog: Palettize, Canny Edge, Show Edges, Blur effects, Despeckle.
    
14. Change page template dialog shows a preview of what the current of page photos would look like on the selected page template. This allows you to quickly try different options without having to take the time to actually apply the change to the current page.
    
15. You can select a page from another project (or the project you are working on) when changing the template of the current page, rather than being required to use only predesigned pages in kits.
    
16. The Grid setting options go down to 1/8”. This is great for easy alignment.  You know how much I love grids!
    
17. New spell checking options.  You can add your own words, names, terms, etc. to the spell checking dictionary.
    
18. Tutorials on YouTube.
    
19. Project types are grouped in categories, allowing for a much larger number of projects.
    
20. Custom size project options include page dimensions, trim, and resolution. 72dpi – 300dpi
    
21. You can double-click a project or page file in Windows Explorer to automatically launch that project or page in Artisan.
    
22. You have the ability to open, edit and save JPG, PNG, and TIF files directly without the need to create a project or even a page file. You have the option of making Artisan the default viewer/editor for the supported image file types, allowing you to simply click on a JPG, PNG or TIFF file in Windows Explorer and have it open in the Artisan editor.
    
23. You can export a selected set of pages from a project to a single multi-page PDF file.
    
24. Local print capabilities include a wide range of page scaling and tiling options.
    
25. For book projects with a personalized cover, the personalized cover is shown in the pages panel above the pages.
    
26. The Wand cutter has a single threshold slider that controls how sensitive the wand is.
    
27. Fun Gradient fills, categorized into four separate options.
    
28. Format Photos has a Clean Up focus option.
    
29. Tab lines can be set at an exact position on the ruler.
    
30. The View ribbon allows you to Rotate the projects current view, which is useful for creating things like fold-over greeting cards.
    
31. The Photos panel has the option: Show photos on this page.
    
32. All three content panels (pages, photos, content) have three thumbnail size selectors.
    
33. In Manage my activation codes you can see a list of all installed kits and their associated codes (if any), as well as a list of all codes and their associated kits (if any).
    
34. Content panel has two small controls that allow you, with a single click, to increase or decrease the size of the content panel relative to the page size, making it easier to search for photos or digital art to use on the current page.
    
35. Insert shape (including text shapes) includes several options:
    · Four fill options: color, transparent (for outlined shapes), gradient, or paper.
    · Outline (stroke) options: color, width, compound style, joint style, dash style, and dash caps. · Flip shape (horizontally)
    · Line format options (for individual lines, shape outlines, and shape text outlines)  include: color, width, dash style, dash caps, compound line style, and joint options.
    
36. The Color picker provides fast access to colors you use, as well as advanced options for creating custom colors. It allows you to choose from:
    · Colors in selected image
    · Colors on page – (these first two choices are incredible tools to help you design)
    · Standard colors
    · Skin colors
    · Hair colors. Includes several new colors.
    · Personal art kits (created by you) containing colors.
    · Recently-used colors.
    · Sample color from screen. This includes a zoom view to show the individual pixel being sampled.
    · RGB
    · Hue, saturation and brightness.
    
37. Convert to black and white options:
    · In Basic mode, you are given four previews to choose from.
    · In Advanced mode, options include: Standard TV conversion, predefined samples, hue adjustment, color channel adjustment, infrared file effect.

I hope this information helps answer many of your questions!

For further clarification and questions regarding Panstoria Artisan, please visit their website at: http://www.panstoria.com/.

For further clarification and questions regarding Creative Memories StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0, please contact their home office at: http://media.creativememories.com/forms/ContactUs/ContactUs.html.

If I can help you with questions or training please click on the “One on One Private Training” tab at the top of my blog page to schedule an appointment.  I would be happy to help you!

Thank you! Laurie

Artisan Freebie QUICKFILL - Easter Idea

I designed this fun Easter page using my Freebie QUICKFILL template available by clicking on the tab above:

Free QUICKFILL Downloadable Templates - Artisan

The digital content I used was Panstoria's  "Easter Fun Kit" available at:

http://www.panstoria.com/store/category-page/category/digital_kits/

Please note: This template only works in Panstoria's Artisan software. - Enjoy!

QUICKGRIDS Templates Used in Artisan - By Lynn

Lynn designed these adorable pages using the QUICKGRIDS templates in Artisan software!  Yes, QUICKGRIDS templates do work in Artisan software, however the “Snap To Grid” function works a little easier in StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 for resizing the photo openings.  That didn’t stop Lynn from giving it a try!  She said she doesn’t change the photo opening sizes very often, so it worked fine for her.  I love how she was adventurous and created these beautiful page layouts.  Great job Lynn! Thanks for sharing!

Freebies For St. Patrick's Day!

Here are some freebies for your St. Patrick's Day scrapbook pages.  Be sure to Click on the link below each image to download the high quality .png and .jpg files.   Enjoy!

Click Here To Download Clover Leaf

Click Here To Download Clover With Words

Click Here To Download St. Patrick's Day Paper

Beautiful Pages From Hilary In New Zealand

Hilary sent me these beautiful pages she made using the QUICKGRIDS.  Thank you so much for sharing Hilary!

Fun With QUICKGRIDS!

Here is example of my Easter pages from 2010 using QUICKGRIDS 84 & 85.  I like the white background on these pages.  It really makes the photos stand out.  Don’t forget, you can always add text boxes over the photo openings.  Enjoy!

Before:

After:

"Thank You" - From Hilary In New Zealand

Hilary designed these pages using the QUICKGRIDS templates.  She lives in New Zealand.  When I found out where she lived, I checked to make sure she was okay considering the huge earthquakes that hit New Zealand recently.  She said she was okay, but there was much devastation, with 98 confirmed dead and 230 missing at the time she emailed me.  She ask me to forward a special thank you from her, to our country.

“Many thanks for the support and personnel arriving from your country.  I would be grateful if you could also forward our thanks from New Zealand for all the support and prays that your country has provided over our terrible earthquake disaster in Christchurch.” – Hilary

“Hilary, Thank you for sharing your beautiful pages and your heartfelt thank you.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you and country at this difficult time.” – Laurie

QUICKGRIDS Testimonial – “Mom Of Six”

Becky is a busy mom of six children!  She was one of the few people who got a QUICKGRIDS CD before I stopped selling them last year.  I am so thrilled she has time to create pages for her children using my QUICKGRIDS templates.  Thank you for sharing your beautiful children and pages Becky!

“Your QUICKGRIDS and other page templates have saved me this year.  I could not scrapbook without them.  You have kept me going scrapbooking.  I am getting better with the QG’s. Such a great time saver.  I love how you can move things around and they come together so quickly.  I have been able to post pages almost monthly on FB.  It keeps me working.  The QUICKGRIDS are so helpful.  I like how you can use them over and over and they never look the same.  QUICKGRIDS are a fabulous product.  I love using. Thank you!”  - Becky




Do you have pages to share?  I would love to post them here next!

I'm BACK!

I am so excited to share my new blog with all of you! Thank you for your patience in waiting for me to finish it. I am proud to say that I designed the whole thing myself. However, it was quite a task!

My Mission:  I want to touch each of your lives and help empower you to confidently enjoy your digital photo memories in the way that best suits your life!

Please click on each of the gray tabs above to open some fun and exciting QUICKFILL Page Layout Templates, Training Options and FREEBIES!  You may purchase my QUICKGRIDS templates for StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 as a download right now!

Click Here To View The Press Release

I am thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new digital scrapbooking software called Artisan designed by Panstoria!  I had the privilege of beta testing this program and designing the Sampler Pack templates that are included in the software!  I absolutely love this software!  To see details about the new program click on the link above to view the press release, that includes a quote from me!!  You may download a 30 day free trial of the software to see for yourself!   I am adding Artisan templates and training options to my business!

This blog will be updated with new QUICKFILL template offerings,training options and freebies regularly, so check back often.  Below are a few page layouts made using the freebie QUICKFILL templates available under the "Free QUICKFILL Downloadable Templates - SBC+3.0 Tab" and "Free QUICKFILL Downloadable Templates - Artisan Tab".  Have fun and let's get this party started again!

Thank you so much for your continued support! - Laurie

Competed QUICKFILL Samples:

This Artisan Free QUICKFILL page was designed using the "Happy Holiday's" art kit available at Panstoria's Online Store: Click Here

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

This blog is still under construction - please pardon my dust!!

Thank you,

Laurie