Pit Pass 2014

I went for a Nascar ID badge look this year.   This one is designed for one per photo

Here you get two per photo.  I was excited to find there is a barcode generator you can use for free.  That is how I made the Pit Level Access barcode scanner ;0}

So basically, you just put one cub scouts photo in the square provided, using whatever scrapbooking or photo editing program that allows you to layer images, save the file and repeat the process for each racer you have.  I like to use the boy's name as the file name to make things easy to name.  Then, I send the files over to the photo lab via the Internet to get them developed.  You can also load the images onto a disc and take them into the store for developing.  After that I laminate them with my dandy little laminator I bought at Walmart, punch a hole in the top and run a ribbon or yarn through the hole so the pit pass can be worn around the neck.  The smaller ones that are side by side measure 3x4 and can be inserted in the clip-style id badge cases sold at local office supply stores.  

After repeated requests, I have started including certificates in the collection.  Here is the award I came up to match this year's pit pass.  

You can access and download all of these files HERE in my dropbox.  If you want to check out any other pit pass versions or any other cub files I have you can find them HERE.  If you open your own dropbox account, you can just transfer the cub folder to your box and not have to download everything to your computer!  Score!

Let me know if you have any other questions 

vanessa.cam5@gmail.com

Pit Passes in PSE Format!!!

OK people.  My head just grew a few inches.  My pride is probably swelling just a little beyond safe limits today.  After several requests, and dropping the 4yr old off at preschool for some mommy/computer alone time, I have managed to convert these files from my Creative Memories program where I created them, over to Photoshop Elements!  I now have files so you over worked and under paid Cub Scout Leaders can just plug your pictures into these pit passes if you have PSE!

Small accomplishment for some, but NOT ME :0]

So, the file is HERE in dropbox for the yellow pass...

And HERE for the black one.  Don't get too excited yet.  I plan to make a new version for this year's model!

I know, I know.  Stop holding your breath.  It is at the bottom of today's list, so that puts it getting done some time in December ;0}

Back to work.  Childless minutes are valued above all else now a days!

Adding Photos with Photoshop Elements {Basic Version}

I got a couple requests today for instructions on how to add a photo with Photoshop Elements.  I currently have version 9, but hear that a version near that will work pretty much the same.  I started by opening, for example, my Pinewood Derby PitPass.

Then I open the photo I want to install.

Choose the cookie cutter tool, then choose the shape from the drop down menu of shapes at the top of the screen {only shows up after you choose the tool}.  There are several cool masks that would be fun for the pit pass, but I chose the rounded corner rectangle for this demonstration.  

Once you have your shape selected, click where you want the shape to start, then while holding the left mouse button down, drag the shape as large as you want it to be.  When you have the shape about the right size and orientation, let go of the mouse button.  You should still be able to move that shape around on the picture to make sure you have your picture cropped to your liking.  Once everything is as desired, click on the green check mark and the outside scrap will disappear.  You will only have white grid-looking stuff outside your picture now.  Not sure you like it???  NO problem.  Just hit the undo button, backing things up to where everything went wrong, and start again.  

Once your picture is cropped the way you want, go back to the graphics page, or in this case, the pit pass.  As you can see by the arrows, at the bottom of the screen {or wherever your program shows thumbnails of open files} you can see both the picture file and the pit pass.  Now, just move your cursor over the picture of Eli, push the left mouse button and drag the picture onto the graphic, holding the mouse button down until it is in place.  When you are dragging the picture, you only see the picture the size of the thumbnail.  When you let go of the mouse button, the picture will take it's full size.

You may now notice that the picture you added is not in the right place, and probably not the right size either.  

That is easy to fix!  Just click on the move tool, shown in the upper left hand side {purplish arrow}, looks like an arrow next to a compass-looking 4 arrow thingy.  Yes, very technical language, I know :0)

Once you select the move tool, you can move the picture around on the page wherever you want it, you can stretch it out any which way or rotate it around, then just click the Green arrow, and you are done.

I know that there are more advanced ways to get that picture on the page, like behind the letters and such, but this is a basic way that works great for the beginner!

Let me know if you have any questions or any tips!!!

New Pinewood Derby Pit Passes

I made our new 2012 PitPasses for the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby last night.  Here is what Eli's would look like if he were still a Cub Scout {sniff, sniff}.  He turned 11 and moved on to 11yr. old scouts, but Mr. Sew*CakeMaker is still the Assistant Webelos Leader, so we are still worken' the derby :0)

Here is the blank.  It doesn't have the cute little license plate, but it can be added easy enough.

Like last year, I made Staff tags.  Here is the print for that, but it is actually just as big as the pit passes, to be printed on a 4x6 photo.  Last year I did make tags that said, Pit, Concessions, Judge, Cub Master, and a few other things.  I decided this year to just go with "Staff" to make it easier on myself. 

I also made tags for all of the treats to be sold {given away} at the concession stand.  These are just two.  I made like 20 or more.

Lastly, here is the frame.  I had never thought of a frame until one of my viewers requested one to go with last year's prints.  I meant for this to be on it's side, but can't figure out how to lay it down without a whole lotta trouble, so it can just be turned on your computer ;0)

So, if you are interested in any of these printables, email me at vanessa.cam5@gmail.com and I will get you hooked up.  I decided to just email them out because of the huge number of options this year.  Enjoy and I will be back, probably tomorrow, with the pics from this years 

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby!

Files for download HERE!

The yellow version below can be downloaded HERE with Dropbox!

Here is the link to last years model too!

{I do have a version with no year or the current year}

Pinwood Derby 2010

Man were we off to the races in our Pinewood Derby this year. It was Eli's second derby, the first on I was in charge of (yikes)! We had a lot of fun planning it though! We got traffic cones from the city and lined the track with them wrapped in these checker flags. We had the race posting up so that the kids could keep track of their standing.
These fine gentlemen were our judges. Below is our wonderful wolf leader not too happy to have her picture taken.

I copied most of the things we did from our fabulous Primary president who put the derby on last year with such style and class as has never been seen before. I did ad my own little things here and there. Like the concession stand. I brought my quilting frame, set it up on a table and draped a sheet from the top of the wall down to the frame. We filled the stand with popcorn donated by the local theater, marshmallow pops and other treats cleverly named car-related things like grease swabs and axle rods, etc. We gave each child three tickets they could redeem for treats of their choice and had the activity day girls run the stand. Total hit!

This would be my son! Overall winner!!!! He planned long and hard what design to use for his car. Thanks to mom ruining the first one, he had a second chance to change his mind, landing on this beauty! He can't wait to go to the district race and give that one a go!

February 2010