Become the next American Idol - supersized!

Super-size your images onto a city skyline and look like the next American Idol. Follow these simple steps:

1. Add a photo box and adjust it to the size of the building.
2. Soften the edges (selection from the Photo Ribbon).
3. Change the OPACITY to 55.
4. Add your photo.

Tips for photographing Fireworks!

Tips for Shooting Fireworks:

• Bring a tripod and flashlight to the fireworks display. It's dark and you'll need longer exposures, so use the tripod to avoid blurry pictures. The flashlight will help you adjust your camera settings in the dark.

• Set your camera to Fireworks mode (if you have that feature), which will automatically take care of the settings. If you don't have Fireworks mode, set your camera to Manual mode: ISO 200, aperture f/8, and shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds. After you take a few pictures, take a look at how they are turning out, and adjust the shutter speed accordingly (leave the ISO and f-stop alone).

• Include a landmark in the photo, such as a statue, stadium, park, lake, or whatever the surrounding area includes. As the fireworks explode, they will light up the landmark beautifully.

• Take a lot of pictures! You can take over 100 pictures and only keep 2 great ones. The more pictures you take, the greater chance you have of capturing the perfect shot. Be a ruthless editor; you only need one or a few photos to frame andshare!

• Remember that fireworks come fast and furious during the finale of the show. Therefore, you may need to decrease your shutter speed. 15 seconds will likely be overexposed during the finale. Try 5 seconds instead.

Table Tent Cards for your July 4th parties!

How to create:
For each tent, begin with a cardstock base that measures 7" x 4". Fold in half to create tent that measures 4" x 3-1/2".

Decorate front of each tent by adding layers of stickers, patterned paper and cardstocks. Use Foam Squares to adhere some pieces to tents for dimension. (TIP: to avoid any stickers that are propped up with Foam Squares from "smooshing" down and sticking to project, coat with baking soda. NOTE: adhere foam square to backside of sticker, then BEFORE peeling away protective sheet from foam square, sprinkle baking soda across back of sticker. Remove protective sheet, then adhere to project).

Create labels for dishes by adhering letter stickers to papers and trimming around. Add distressing by sanding edges of patterned papers.

Projects created using Cardstocks - White, Cranberry & Royal Blue, Primary 4th of July Additions, Swirly White ABC/123 Stickers, Foam Squares, Scissors and Sandpaper.

Designed by Addie Rysavy