fun with photoshop {elements}

I guess after years of waiting tables, bartending, and being an on again/off again college student for an eternity, I always feel like I need to be doing something. I love to stay busy. Preferably doing something fun and challenging {trying to keep my mind sharp, you know!} Unfortunately, I don't get to sew during the day most days. My sewing room is teeny tiny and full of not so kid friendly stuff so Syd and I don't hang out back there. I think maybe that's why I've gotten sucked into taking lots of photos and playing around with them in Photoshop Elements. That I can do with the kiddo or while the kiddo is busy playing or eating.

I picked up Photoshop Elements 8 a few months back and love it. There is a *ton* of free stuff out there that you can use along with PSE to spruce up your photos, blog posts, digital scrapbooks ,etc. I'm addicted! I spotted this deal on Craft Gossip and thought I'd pass it along! You can pick up a copy of PSE 9 for $50 through November 30th! There's also a giveaway if you're feeling lucky. Go here for all the details.

I took these photos on Sunday when Sydney was spruced up for church. I wish I'd been able to get some good shots of her actually looking at me but I'll take what I can get! I also wish I'd noticed that one of her buttons wasn't buttoned. Oh well. I've still got lots to learn but it sure is cool to see what I can come up with. So many possibilities!

       before:

      
   after:

Freebies I used to edit the photos above:

Lemon and Honey Action by Paint the Moon 

{seriously love this action-use it on just about every photo}

There are several freebies, tutorials, and tons of actions available for purchase on this site.

Cross Processing Action by The Coffeeshop Blog 

{first time I used this action-gave the photos sort of a retro feel, I think}

I have learned so much about PSE on this site!! Definitely check it out if you are just starting out 

and trying to figure out what's what.

Facebook Fix Action by MCP Actions

{resizes and sharpens photos perfectly for posting on Facebook and/or blogs}

You can find more MCP freebies here.

*the "before" photos were shot in raw and tweaked just a bit in Adobe Camera Raw before

editing in PSE 8. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!