Hello "talentuous scappers",

The french newbie I am is always wondering
how all of you do the effects of fading(or bluring, sometimes this word is also used,
I don't know the difference) on your LO.
For example in the LOs "Claire's smile" and "For Becki.." of Laurie this week,
but in so many others the borders(edges) of the photo(Claire, Becki) seem to vanish or merge with the background of the LO.
Do you add overlay, do you brush the photo, etc... ???
Well I hope you'll understand what I am trying to explain
and thanks to all of you to share your work.
Michel.