But today I am sharing them all dolled up in their best dressed, textures that is. Kim Klassen challenged us to do a photo with a teacup. Unfortunately I don't own even one. I considered checking out an antique shop, but time got away from me. So, I cheated. And used the next best thing. A mason jar.



And rather than share the formula today, I thought I'd just talk about the instructions for how I achieved this text. You may remember this photo from a post last week, The Little Things. That post generated lots of questions. I'm sure there are easier methods out there, but I actually used photoshop elements and created individual layers as needed and turned the text in the direction that followed the curve of the leaf (using the move tool). Word of advice: Do this after the kids go to bed. It is a bit tedious and you need to be able to concentrate.
Some microsoft word programs have curvy text, paint shop pro has curvy text, adobe illustrator offers this feature, and I'm sure I haven't even scratched the surface, but if for some reason your software doesn't, try to warp text.
There is also an easy version for text paths (aka cheat method) for photoshop elements.
Creating Keepsakes offers free downloadable text paths. Circle, square, heart, swirls, waves, and several others that you can open in elements and plug your own text into. A very cool trick to enhance your photos. It's not new. It was first featured back in 2009, but the putting it into practice is new to me.
But if you want a custom shape such as the one found on the flower above, I still like do my own manual layers to control the outcome.
This last photo was featured on A Rosy Note for Photo Feature Friday and also picked as a top five fav for Fabulous Friday of McDougall Photo Blog.
That's all I have for now. Feel free to share any tips you might have and I may not always have answers to your questions, but I am more than happy to try. Ask away.

This is also part of my 30 Days of Spring Photo Challenge that runs through May 15th.
You can add your pics to my 30 Days of Spring flickr group.
You can tweet it using the #30dos hashtag.
Or you can do a post and share it here at project alicia. (The linky is over at Day 1.) Just grab this button.

Oh gosh, it would probably take me 12 hours to create that text shaping! Beautiful photos:)
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos...I love the softness of the pink. The text shaping gives it a marvelous touch. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful, Alicia!
ReplyDeleteMine is not exactly a teacup either... more of a mug. :)
Your photos look beautiful! Thanks for giving us the scoop on how to shape text :)
ReplyDelete~tricia
What beautiful images, I especially like the second one.
ReplyDeleteWow! These are beautiful. What a unique and beautiful use of text; thanks for sharing how to do it.
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks a million for sharing your tips. Keen to go and toot-too (Kiwi word for play around with) the text paths right now!
ReplyDeleteWonderful that the rhodos are finally blossoming!
These are so amazing, Alicia...especially the last one!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! My rhododendrons are fading and I didn't get a picture. I'm playing your 30 days of spring. I almost forgot about it that must mean I should join your blog. So much to do this morning before the kids get moving.
ReplyDeleteBye!
Just beautiful, beautiful! Love the pretty softness of it.
ReplyDeleteSo so beautiful. And the text - yeah, that is tedious although I think if you're looking to make a statement (and you did), it's worth the time!
ReplyDeleteI love the quote you used, it goes so beautifully with the photo. I just love the way everything's blooming now - Rob planted a rhododendron in the front yard and it's just blooming now, too. So nice to see as we leave the house in the morning. Not so nice to see what the rabbits did to our flowers, though... :(
ReplyDeletebeautiful work alicia... text on a path in elements is tedious... but the results are FABULOUS.
ReplyDeleteReally nice work! I just discovered your great blog through the Texture Tuesday linkup- I'll be sure to pop back. Love your curvy text- I used to use a scrapbooking program that did that- haven't tried it in CS5- sounds pretty scary!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! What a lovely taste of spring...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs, I don't have the patience to figure out text paths, but it's a great effect. Maybe someday....
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing eye for beautiful things. Either that or you have an amazing talent for making ordinary things beautiful. Either way...amazing and beautiful! ;-)
ReplyDeletebeautiful images...thanks for the tip on the text, too. I think I'll give it a whirl!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! I love your photography truly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLook, I don't care how you made the text curvy. All I know is I love these photos! lol
ReplyDeleteLove these! The texture work is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteReally nice photography. Love it all.
ReplyDelete