Happy Friday! Carey here, and like many scrapbookers, I've been documenting our everyday lives using pocket pages in addition to 12x12 layouts. I'm also using both traditional and digital supplies. Although I mostly use 4x6 in. photos for my pocket pages, I like to include smaller photos as well. The most common size I use is 3x4 in., which fit perfectly into the smaller pockets. This size is also great for photos taken with my phone, since they often look better printed smaller due to their lower resolution. While some photo processors will now print small sizes such as 3x4 or instagram-friendly 4x4 or 3x3, these sizes generally are more expensive than traditional 4x6 prints. To take advantage of the lower cost, I print two 3x4 photos on one 4x6 print, using Photoshop Elements. Here's how:
Step One: Open a new file at 6 x 4 in., 300 dpi.
Step Two: Open two photos and make any necessary edits. Crop each photo to 3 x 4 in., 300 dpi.
Step Three: Using the Move Tool, drag the first 3 x 4 file onto the 6 x 4 file and move until aligned with the left edge.
Step Four: Repeat Step Three using the second photo, but align with the right edge.
Step Five: Save your file as a .jpg. Now it's ready to print at home or your favorite photo processor.
Once your 6 x 4 file is printed, simply cut the smaller photos apart to use in your pocket page album, or on any project! The same steps will work for 2 x 3 in., 3 x 3 in., or any other small-sized photos - even mix and match sizes (such as one 3x4 with two 2x3 photos) to fit on a single standard 4 x 6 print. Here's a few examples: one pocket page and one 12x12 layout.
Using smaller photos is a great way to get more photos on one layout!
Happy scrapping!
