2 StepOnPins.com Classes Announced!

I am pleased to share date information on the next two StepOnPins eclasses- including my long awaited Tablet Class, held just after Beginning Photoshop Elements Class by the Pixeladies!

Introduction Photoshop Elements March 2012- Registration begins on February 16, 2012 for the March 5-25, 2012 Beginning Photoshop Elements Classby the amazing Pixeladies!  Here is a mini-description for this introductory class:

Through online lessons, videos, and webinars (real-time online meetings), you will learn the tools that allow you to perform magic with Photoshop. We will focus on selection tools, their function, and how to use them. We will introduce you to the wonderful world of layers. Working with layers is much easier than getting out the seam ripper!

This is a true beginning class using PSE, no experience with this program is required.  This class fulfills the prerequisite for my Tablet Design Class.

Tablet Design Class for Quilters-  Carla Barrett’s Tablet Design Class is scheduled for April 16-May 5, 2012.  This class teaches students how to use their tablet, combined with Photoshop Elements program, to design quilts, quilting lines, pantograph designs, wholecloth quilts and more!    Registration will begin on March 26, 2012.  *Please be aware that this class does have a prerequisite- Beginning Photoshop Elements Class or equivalent proficiency with using PSE.  Please note that StepOnPins.com is offering a March Beginning Photoshop Elements Class by the Pixeladies.  If you are new to PSE and/or need a refreshment class, please sign up for the March Class.

Tablet Types Used in this class:  Students will need any of the following type of tablets for this class, along with Photoshop Elements, version 8-10, loaded onto your computer:

1. Wacom Brand Tablet- any Bamboo, Intuos or Cintiq models. Plug-in Peripheral Tablet.
2. Wacom Competitor Tablet Plug-in peripheral.
3. PC Tablet Slate- Window 7 and needs to run Photoshop Element.  Many brands are available.
4. PC Tablet Convertible- Laptop or Notebook with Tablet feature.

Ipad and Android Tablets will not be used in this class as they are not able to run Photoshop Elements program.  For more information about tablets, please see this blog post HERE.

Here are a few class examples showing you what you will be learning.  The class will cover using your tablet to design on quilts like my designs shown below:

Quilt top by Joyce Abbott

Quilt top by Cindy Bartosewcz, shown above.  Please not that I have used a Sherry Rogers-Harrison digital design in both quilts for my design inspiration.

You will also learn how to create other designs, including a wholecloth quilt.  Here is a wholecloth quilt design I drew on my tablet:

More Creative Exercise projects are also completed in the class.  A full class description is coming soon, along with price, how to register and more information.

StepOnPins.com: Registration Starts Tomorrow!

I am pleased to report that the new website, www.StepOnPins.com is ready for registration starting tomorrow for 2 Pixeladies classes.  Please keep reading for more details and links:

Classes at StepOnPins.com

Introduction to Photoshop Elements for Fiber Artists and Sewing Enthusiasts

Instructor: The Pixeladies

Registration begins on September 19, 2011.  Class begins on October 10-30, 2011.  Students to have access to all course material until May 1, 2011.

Through online lessons, videos, and webinars (real-time online meetings), you will learn the tools that allow you to perform magic with Photoshop. We will focus on selection tools, their function, and how to use them. We will introduce you to the wonderful world of layers. Working with layers is much easier than getting out the seam ripper!  Click here for more information

(Note from Carla: This class fulfills the prerequisite for my long awaited  Tablet Design Class learning how to draw on quilts using PSE and a tablet.  This is the last time I am offering this Beginning PSE class before my Tablet Design Class.  I will be finally scheduling the tablet class for early December.)

Designing Fabric with Photoshop Elements

Instructor: The Pixeladies

Registration begins on September 19, 2011.  Class begins on October 31-November 20, 2011.

Designing Fabric with Photoshop Elements!  Want to learn how to turn a photo into a border print, design fabric for that special occasion outfit, or create a unique fabric panel for a memorable quilt? In this course, we will work with filter galleries, blend modes, layer styles, and adjustment layers to help you go from ordinary to extraordinary. Click here for more information

Course Requirements: Student must know how to use the basic tools of Photoshop Elements and layers or have taken the beginning PSE class above. Consider taking the introductory course if you need to refresh your knowledge of PSE.

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For more info, please post a comment or visit the new class website at www.steponpins.com.  The quiltwhisper.com forum will remain up and active.  Thank you, Carla Barrett

Old Photoshop Homework

Many years ago, I took a Photoshop Digital Imaging Class at a local college.  I used my new 1 or 2 megapixel camera, which at the time was latest technology.   Anyway, the class assignment one week  was to create a magazine ad for a fictitious product called “Diesel.”

Below is the ad I designed for my class.  Working with the low res camera had its limits, so I decided to blur the truck images on purpose as an artistic decision and background for the Metal Diesel font.  I learned how to turn the font into metal by reading a new magazine on working with Photoshop.

By the way, my instructor gave me an A on the assignment.  I found this ad while I was moving older files onto my new HP tablet laptop.  I thought it was most fitting to share an older work with you, especially since the Intro Class to Photoshop has been happening on my Class Forum at quiltwhisper.com.  It is the last week of this class session.  Thanks to the Pixeladies for their hard work teaching this class!

Registration is Ongoing!

I am happy to say that registration for my Fall Quilt Whisperer Online class is filling fast!  I am excited to see so many sit down quilters sign up, too, who finish their quilts using a  domestic sewing machine (DSM).  I designed my class to help all machine quilters- from those who use their home sewing machine to longarm users who quilt for clients.  I have even had a hand quilting student in a previous class, too.

To register for my Fall Online Quilting Class, called Quilt Whisperer 101, simply click on this sentence. (Note: Registration is now closed!  Thanks you, Carla)

If you need more information about the 3 week class, you may click the tab above that reads, “next class.”  That will give you information about this class on quilt design.  I developed it after discovering that many quilters struggle with the idea of what to quilt on a quilt.

The class will be held on my new site:

Click the picture to visit the site.

Thanks for your support with my new endeavor.  Hugs, Carla

Favorite Apps

I admit it… I am an App junkie.  I love my Apps and I am always looking for new ones.  As of today, here are my favorite Apps:

Kindle App- I love that you do not even need a kindle device to use this.  I now download books to both my KIndle and my ipad.  I prefer to read on my ipad since it is back lit and doesn’t make any annoying “click” noises.

Netflix, ABC Player, NPR, Hulu Plus, etc- I love any App where you can watch movies, tv and listen to your NPR broadcast.

Dragon Dictation- Don’t like to type?  This is the App for you!

Pandora- worthwhile if you love music!

Google- so many uses!  I love the “voice search” feature!

Favorite Games: No Surprise, this list is pretty long!

Spider HD The Secret of Bryce Manor- This is my #1 all time favorite game app.  In this game, you are a spider and need to solve the crime!  Eat bugs to keep your energy up, and look for hidey holes, too.  I do not like spiders, but I love this game!

Doodlejump- very addicting.  It is hard to stop once you start.

BeJeweled 2- Another mindless, but addicting game!

Bookworm- Another favorite way to keep my brain from shrinking.  Hint: Mute the Worm from offering annoying hints.

Arcade Bowl- I love to play this with Jack.  I love the progressive play!

WordWarp- Another favorite word game.

Labyrinth 2 HD- realistic game.  You almost feel that the game is real.

Scamble, Scamble 2- word find game.

Random Apps:

Talking Carl, Talking Tom- Get this to entertain your kids and grandkids.  It kept Jack entertained for more than 5 minutes.

Find iphone- Ok, i’m a blonde.  I admit it.  Enough said.

Spinart- I find this to be a stress reducer.

Now onto drawing apps.  Here is my over view for some of them:

Drawing Apps- My opinion, no matter what.

Coloring Pad- easy, simple, fun.

TypeDrawing- another fun app to waste time!

Draw- fun drawing program!  Easy to draw on photos, too.

Doodlebuddy-  Draw your quilting ideas, then save to your photo album.

Layers- Terrific drawing App.  One of my favorites!

Sketchbook Pro- Go online to learn.  This app could benefit from tutorials in order to get you started.

Brushes- Another great app to draw on photos.  Easy to use.

Doodle2lite- simplistic, not my favorite.

Colors! Lite- again, not my favorite one.

That is all for now.  Do you have a favorite App??  Please share!  Carla

iphone 4

If there is a new technology, you can bet I will get my hands on one.  The iphone 4 was released today and I must say I am impressed with the new technology and features.

Most noticable is the improved resolution of the screen and the higher resolution camera.  Tap the little icon while using the camera and the screen switches to a front view.  Tap it again and view reflects the back of the the viewfinder.

It also has video conferencing feature and more.  In case you are wondering… no, I am not upgrading my current 3G iphone.  I just have my sources for getting my hands on new products on release dates to try out and blog about.

As always, the only downside to any iphone or ipad device is the weakness of the AT&T network.   I personally have had issues with AT&T while traveling last month.  I had problems with accessing mail on both my ipad and iphone.  Even their website mail page would not work.

Thus said, I still love my ipad and iphone.   For my trip, I have already loaded several new movies to watch on the plane, a dozen new books on my Kindle app to read, and some new music to listen to while I am lazing in the sun.

So…   has anyone purchased one yet or are planning to?

ipad, iphones, i oh my!

Wondering where I have been?  I have been enjoying my new ipad and enjoying all the features.  It does so much!

Sometimes I can be a blond without trying very hard.  Today, I lost my iphone, luckily it was found by a good Samaritan, who called Joe.  In case you are wondering how I lost it, it fell out of my purse, which doesn’t have a zipper closure.  I now have a very good reason to go buy a new purse… LOL

Speaking of retail therapy, I bought 2 pairs of Privo shoes today.  They are very comfy, too.  I also bought some camisoles that you wear under low cut shirts so you can control not showing too much boobage.  Not a good look on anyone over 50….  LOL

Tomorrow is a fun day!  I’m traveling with my Studio Art Quilters Association (SAQA) group to the Quilt Museum in San Jose.  We get a special tour.  I bet my face hurts from all the laughter.  They are a fun bunch of gals!

That’s it!  I need to QW and draw on some quilt pictures now.  Hugs, C

iFriday!

Today, my new 3G ipad arrives!  I received a message and tracking number from Apple saying it shipped.  I decided to wait until the 3G model arrived to get one, actually, Joe bought it for me as my Mother’s Day gift since he knew I wanted the 3G  feature.

My iphone has  3G  and I love it, too.  No waiting for wifi, I can get my emails, surf the web,  and download Apps, books, music and movies anytime.

Thanks to all the lovely readers who said they wanted tickets to the Guild quilt I quilted.  I hope to get my emails written tonight.  You all are awesome!!

That’s all from the Ranch!!  Oh yes, I almost forgot… Joe found a turkey egg on the driveway.  Why the turkey would lay it there is anyone’s guess.  I took pictures then hid it in the tall grass.  The egg is very interesting, larger than a chicken (as you would expect).  Vicki Welsh would love it since she has her bird cameras.

ipad Review

Ok, I freely admit I was a skeptic about the new ipad from Apple.  However, now that I have had some quality time with the ipad, I am in LOVE with it!  Here is why:

It works very similar to my iphone, only in a larger package.  I downloaded about 6 or 7 apps to try out.  The Labyrinth 2 App was very addicting and hooked me quick.

The ibook feature is first rate!  Apple is bound to give Amazon (kindle) a run for their money since there are obvious limitations to the kindle.  My kindle is not back lit for reading; but the ibook/ipad is.  You turn a page easily with the ibook/ipad;  with the kindle you push a button that makes an annoying “click” sound.  I predict that the ipad will take significant market share away from the kindle.  Time will tell if I am correct.

I didn’t want to cook for dinner (what else is new?) so I searched restaurants in my area for ideas.  A quick trip to In & Out Burgers for a protein style burger (that is lettuce wrapped for the In & Out uninitiated) sounded yummy, so off Joe went to pick up dinner for us.

I next decided to experiment with some basic drawing programs.    I first tried out a few free apps and read up on several paid ones.  Draw, a basic drawing app shown above, was actually pretty good for a free app.     You draw with your fingers, though I did find a special stylist pen called “Pogo,” that was designed to work with iphones and the new ipad.

Also relevant to quilters who have taken my Quilt Whisperer class, many of the apps will allow you to import in a photo, then draw on it.  Obviously, this is now a cruder application than using photoshop or PS Elements, but still you can do it.

The next drawing program, Adobe Ideas,  had more potential for quilters who want to practice quilt designs:

What I liked about this app is the automatic smooth line function in the software.  It is a helpful feature.  This is actually more of a note taking App, but could be used for quilting designs.

There are some more professional paid apps worth looking into:   Sketchbook Pro looks to be a desirable professional program that I would get, along with the Pogo stylist pen (mentioned above).

The only complaint/ suggestion for Apple would be how they organize art and drawing apps.  There are separate categories for Music apps and Photography apps, but they organize art, sketching and drawing programs into their generic Entertainment app section.  IMHO, they should create an Art app section.

The bottom line is I will order the 3G model and have it shipped when it is released.  Buying the non-3G model does not make sense, especially if you are used to the 3G functionality of the iphone.   This product is  innovative, interactive and downright fun!

Off to play a few games on the ipad before I have to give it back.  The owner might have to pry it out of my hands to get it back.  LOL

Regards, Carla

Apple Anouncement

Carla Note:  If you are looking for info & pics on the new apple ipad, click HERE.

Tomorrow is the long awaited unveiling of the new Apple tablet product.  The buzz is that it will be like a large, oversized  iphone, but will allow apps, act like a book reader, watch TV, movies, and interact with your life in a whole new way.  Oh yes, internet anytime feature, too

Since my old tablet laptop is on its last leg, I am in the market for a new tablet.  I want to draw on it, too.  The other stuff will just be a great perk.

Anyway, I will be watching the announcement closely and placing guesses on the new name choice- ipad? islate? itablet?  ipad is my first guess.

Speaking of technology, I am in week 3 of my online class now.  I find I enjoy teaching in this format, and all the techno stuff I needed to learn to hold the class.  Probably my favorite thing about the new class is all the new people I meet.

Off to work now!  Carla