Hello everyone!  Does anyone else get a little excited when Adobe release a new version of Photoshop Elements is released?  I've had mine sitting on my scrapping desk since last November.  It took me awhile after the holidays ended to get it installed on my laptop.   

I've been wanting to show everyone how I optimize the Photoshop Elements Photo Editor (i.e. the workspace) for digital scrapbooking.  It takes about 15 minutes or so to get things set up, and then PSE can really go to work for you.  I made a video showing the process, because writing it all out and telling you is not the same as showing you.  Here's the video for you to watch if you wish: 

As outlined in the video,  actions, layer styles, and brushes will add greatly increase your power to create artsy and more realistic pages.  It's so much fun to create a page with realistic drop shadows, artistic photo effects, and layer styles that can transform your page embellishments.  Below are lists of my favorite actions, layer styles, websites that offer free brushes.  Try them out and enjoy!

Favorite Photoshop Actions

Check out the CoffeeShop Blog for a whole 

slew of actions: http://www.thecoffeeshopblog.com/p/images-of-all-of-actions.html

 Lilypad Store Actions

WendyZine Actions   (her actions are great for so many things that are hard to do in PSE)

Paint the Moon Actions

Favorite Paid Layer Styles

Mommyish Layer Styles

Layer Styles by Meagan's Creations at the Digital Press

NBK Designs Layer Styles 

Scrapgirls Store Styles  

Photoshop Brushes

Check any of the above listed digital scrapbooking shops, or your favorite digital scrapbooking supplies store

Alright guys...get your PSE editor set up, download some actions, layer styles, and brushes and get to it!