What would you like to learn ?

[Tbog]

Is there something you have seen done--perhaps a technique, or a neat element, and want to know how to do it ? Please post it here, and we will be more than happy to try to help you out !!

[vkimmycat]

Since you asked, I would love to learn how to make bows - in any version of PS.

[luckymomto3]

Oh me too! And tied ribbons, too.

[Phyllis]

I would like to learn how to make my elements look more realistic looking also.....

[armybrat]

I would like a step by step tute on how to extract a person from a photo and place onto another background.

Thanks, Judy

[LJ Prater]

Oh so many things!!!

Right now my top 2 are:

How to make an alphabet stencil.

How to make a cute avatar.

- jolyn

[tajicat]

I would like to learn how to blur the background of a photo so that just the person is the focus. :)

[cyberblonde2]

Open you file and duplicate it so you have it to go back to if you need to.
On the duplicate layer use your lasso tool to select what you want to remain sharp and clear. When it is selected go to selection and inverse.
Then go to filter, blur, gaussian and play with the settings until you see your background blur. I like to blur mine alot so it is just colors, then click ok. It is that simple. You can even change the background while you have it selected. You can fill it with a pattern or a gradient for a really neat look. Try filling it with a gradient that closely matches the colors in the photo, then use the gaussian blur tool so that the colors really fade into each other. Sometime this will look like the backgrounds that professional photographers use.
Good luck and have fun! :D

[Betsy]

I would like to learn step by step how to use a template.

[Tbog]

Betsy-Not sure if this is what you are looking for or not, but I thought I would point this tut out.

[Betsy]

I would like to learn step by step how to use a template.

[Betsy]

I did not mean to post that twice. Now I'm afraid I'm posting this twice! Anyway, I do not see what turtorial you are referring to. Is there a link?

Betsy

[Tbog]

ROFL--Sorry-guess thats what I get for posting too early in the morning. Heres the link:

http://www.gottapixel.net/phpBB2/cms_view_article.php?aid=7

[Betsy]

Thank you! I see I wasn't doing the Group with previous.

[Flutterby]

The thing I would love to learn real soon is how to put the grograin in ribbon.

And I would really like to learn how to "ink" the edges of my stuff....

I would also like to learn about actions....what they are, and why do I want them, how to use them, and how to save them.

I have photoshop 6.0

I would also (rofl) like to learn what a tube is....what do I do with it? ;D

THANKS for asking :) :) :)

[Betsy]

How do you round corners of a square or photo using Photoshop?

[michie_michie]

I make a new layer and draw a rounded rectangle over my picture... select the rectangle with the magic wand, then "select inverse". I then choose my photo layer and hit delete.

[Betsy]

Ah, ha! I'll try that. Thank you.
Betsy

[michie_michie]

you're welcome!

[loofah]

Let us know how you went :)

[Flutterby]

I wanted to learn this too. I tried last nite, but couldn't get it figured out. This makes sense. I will try it as soon as I get home...

THANKS!

[Flutterby]

Well....I tried...but I just couldn't get it to work for me.

I brought up my photo....it became the "background" layer.
I added a new layer.
I used my rounded edge rectangular tool.
It filled up with color......
I changed the opacity to 1%
I used my magic wand to "select".
I "inversed", and now I had two sets of selection lines, one in the rounded rect. shape, and one around the original photo.
I brought up my "background" layer, and clicked on delete.
And it did just that...deleted my entire background. :'(

Can u tell what I am doing wrong?

TIA for any help.....

[michie_michie]

Hmm... maybe it has something to do with it being the background, or my incomplete directions :)

Open your picture
Create a duplicate layer of your picture
delete, or turn of the visibility of the "background" picture
Create a new layer
Draw a rounded rectangle on top of the picture
Center it with the picture so the undesired parts of the picture aren't covered by the rectangle. (you should be able to lower opacity to be able to see your image through, although I don't)
With the rectangle layer selected, magic wand the space around the rectangle (this is easier then doing the inverse, not sure why I do it the hard way sometimes...)
Without deselecting the portion you want to delete, choose the copy of your image in the layers window
hit the delete key

How's this work?

[Flutterby]

IT WORKED!!! YAHOO...it WORKED! YAY ;D

That was FUN...
Thank you!
:) :) :)

[michie_michie]

Oh good! You're welcome!!! :)

[loofah]

Well done Flutterby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Flutterby]

I posted this ? in another thread, but thought I would post here also....

Can anyone tell me about saving elements I have created? I mean, in terms of file sizes....
I create everything at 300 dpi's....
Let's say, for example, paper.....I size it 12 x 12.
I play for awhile, then go to save it, save it as png. (I REALLY save paper as jpeg....but png. serves my purpose right now)....anyway....

So then I end up with, like, 200 mbs.... :o
Then, when I open it again, it will come out with this HUGE pixel size, at 72 dpi's ???

So, my question would be, what can I REsave it in to lower the total byte size? Is there some kind of formula for print size?

Any help for me to understand this would be GREATLY appreciated!

TIA....

[michie_michie]

Hmm... I also design at 300 dpi, and save my papers as a jpg. When it asks what compression rate to save at, I choose 10. Highly textured papers are in the 1800KB range and patterned paper that doesn't have a texture is around 900KB or so. Of course there are exceptions, but those are some typical numbers.

As far as it opening in 72 dpi when you reopen them, maybe that's a setting in Photoshop? My papers always open at the size I saved them.

One last note, if you are continuing to work on your papers, you should be working off the .psd file, so you don't lose quality every time you resave to .jpg.

Hope this helped some...

[Betsy]

What resolution do you reccomend for printing or for web display?

Betsy

[Flutterby]

Yes Michelle....this helped some....THANKS!

I have been discarding all my psd files...lol, but it makes sense to rework off of those.

I don't know why my papers are so high....????

I will play with it some more, and see what I can come up with....

again...
THANKS!

[michie_michie]

Good luck Flutterby!

Betsy, I do layouts at 300 dpi (unless my photo is small, then I do 200dpi so it's bigger in my layout). For web display, I reduce my lo to 600 pixels by 600 pixels and save at a compression rate of 5.

[Betsy]

Thank you, Michelle. I printed one at a lower resolution and it was not sharp enough.

Betsy

[digi123]

Just what I needed to know too. Thanks


Open you file and duplicate it so you have it to go back to if you need to.
On the duplicate layer use your lasso tool to select what you want to remain sharp and clear. When it is selected go to selection and inverse.
Then go to filter, blur, gaussian and play with the settings until you see your background blur. I like to blur mine alot so it is just colors, then click ok. It is that simple. You can even change the background while you have it selected. You can fill it with a pattern or a gradient for a really neat look. Try filling it with a gradient that closely matches the colors in the photo, then use the gaussian blur tool so that the colors really fade into each other. Sometime this will look like the backgrounds that professional photographers use.
Good luck and have fun! :D

[scrapper]

I need to learn everything, so any good easy step by step tutorials or links to tutorials would be nice. willing to learn photoshop, psp pse....

[tlccreates]

How do you round corners of a square or photo using Photoshop?
there should be a custom shape of a rounded corner square/rectangle
make it the size you want the photo to be, select the transparency (right click on the shape in the layers pallett) and then switch to the layer you want cut and use that selection

[tlccreates]

Yes Michelle....this helped some....THANKS!

I have been discarding all my psd files...lol, but it makes sense to rework off of those.

I don't know why my papers are so high....????

I will play with it some more, and see what I can come up with....

again...
THANKS!

I often use the same psd file to create several elements to a kit just turning off various layers when saving different elements. Each of the elements are saved as jpg or png files (png for transparent areas, jpg for solid rectangles like background papers) and then i save the psd file with the "worksheet" added to the file name.
These worksheet files get pretty big but it keeps all my work together and I can save these to cds for backup and delete them from the harddrive if desired.

[tlccreates]

What resolution do you reccomend for printing or for web display?

Betsy

most scrappers print at 200 or 300dpi whereas the web only needs 72 or 96 dpi.

one tip - when you save a low-res version for posting on the web, add the word "4web" to the file name so that it is always instantly clear that this is not the printable file

[jaklouie]

tlccreates - that's a great tip! I always add "-merged" to mine but I like your way much better! Definitely gonna try to remember that! Thanks!

[janetg]

I'd like to learn how to save actions in Photoshop CS2.

[Monkeytales]

Thanks for all the great tips... I've already learned a lot! :)

I would like to learn how to make an overlay.

[bapyles]

Can someone tell me how to make rick-rack? I am using Elements 4.0 and I tried another tut but it wasn't for elements, so I didn't work. Thanks for any information. I am really learning a lot from all of your information. It's so hard to be new at something.

[sadiebeth799]

If you get around to it. . .I'd really like to learn how to make paper or an element look like frayed jeans/fabric/material. The tutorials I have found all will fray the edges like paper, but I want to make it stringy, you know?

[nnylfs]

I would really like to know how to fade a photo out to use as a background without it taking over the entire page. I use PSE 2, and have tried adjusting the brightness, backflash and a myriad of other things. Is there a tut somewhere that I can go thru or does someone have a trick that would work in my program? I have some ocean photos that I would like to use behind our vacation pages. Thanks for any help!
sharon

[nnylfs]

Thanks to Sarah and Christina for your help! I'll be working late tonight with this new-found ability!
sharon

[kdorsher]

How could I achieve the "soft" look that photographers sometimes do when you have portraits done at a photo studio? I use PSE2. Thanks!
Kari

[Tbog]

Ric rac is very simple !! Take a ribbon, resize the cnvas so its taller than the ribbon. Go to Filter/distort/wave and adjust the settings.

[scarlettcharm]

Stitches and stitching.

[illinimom]

I'd like to know how to journal in a shape...make the text fill a circle, etc.

[Tbog]

scarlett--There is a tutorial for doing stitches in the Photoshop CS tutorials here.

http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1733

illinimom--What version of photoshop do you use? I know how to do it in PSCS if that helps.

[GinnieS]

Me too. I would LOVE to learn how to make a avatar.!!!!

[illinimom]

I use PSE4 for Mac.

[Tbog]

An animated avatar or one such as people like jaklouie or sparkys_mom has?

[td78230]

I would like to know how to make a curved line in PSCS2. I know how to make the path but how to make into a line? I just got pscs2 and previously used PSP 9 and PSE3. I am enjoying the new stuff but it is soooo much more complicated in PSCS!

Tina

[sadiebeth799]

Tina,

To make a curved line from a path in CS2 make a new layer and then go to the Paths Pallet, should be behind the Layers Pallet. If it isn't there, go to Windows>Paths and it will show up. Then select a hard round brush the size you want your line, ie 5px. Set your foreground color to what you want the line to be. On the Paths Pallet, make sure that your path is highlighted. Click on the button at the bottom (I think it is the second one form the left, but it could be the third, I don't have it on this PC to check right now) that when you mouse over it says, "Stroke Path with Brush". Ta da! That's it. HTH.

[td78230]

Ohhh! Thanks I will have to try!
Tina

[preoccupied]

Me too. I would LOVE to learn how to make a avatar.!!!!

Me too! and then how to add them. I love everyone's siggies and avatars but no clue how to add them or make them.

[teresal]

I'm new to digital scrapbooking and need a simple getting started tutorial using Photoshop Elements. Something that explains the pixels, layers, etc involved in creating a layout.

[noa5019@yahoo.com]

I have question, but I couldn't find the proper forum to put it in. I just bought a whole bunch of "acid-free paper" and cardstock, thinking that I would print designs and images and cut them out to make a layout. I don't own a digital cameral yet, so I wasn't really worried about photo paper. What kind of paper do you print layouts on? I will be buying a digital camera next week, so my plans have changed. Do the the designs AND the pictures get printed on photo paper at the same time? Do the designs and images look much different printed on photo paper than regular computer paper?

[sweetscraps]

I use PSE2,3, and 4; I'd like to know how to make precious stones; diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc. Is there a tut or is this an extra program or something.

[Flutterby]

I have question, but I couldn't find the proper forum to put it in. I just bought a whole bunch of "acid-free paper" and cardstock, thinking that I would print designs and images and cut them out to make a layout. I don't own a digital cameral yet, so I wasn't really worried about photo paper. What kind of paper do you print layouts on? I will be buying a digital camera next week, so my plans have changed. Do the the designs AND the pictures get printed on photo paper at the same time? Do the designs and images look much different printed on photo paper than regular computer paper?

You can do it several ways.....print the elements out on cardstock as u mentioned, and print your photos out on good quality photo paper. Then create your layout by hand.

OR, u can create everything digitally...that is, create your layout in your graphics program, add your photos from either your digital camera or a scan (downloaded to your hard drive), and either copy to cd or print them out.

If you want to print them out, I would print them onto white cardstock.
If u don't have an oversize printer, u would either have to resize your 12x12 layouts as 8x8 to accomodate your printer, or scrap in 8.5 x 11, and print that size.

Hope this is of some help...

[Pups_r_paps]

Just one thing I'd like to add, I print my LO's on photo paper. I think they look crisper that way. I tried white card stock and didn't like the matt look. It's personal preference however.

[martaglo]

hallo

[narellekeen]

I would love to know how to make stamps or brushes for PSE4 ( if its not to involved)

[Tzigane70]

I would like to know how to make a layer style in Photoshop 7 metal layer style.

[beccasue]

I'm trying to make an alphabet st in PSCS2. No luck so far and I can't find a tut on how to.
So I'd love any help. Thanks.

[ScrappyGuy]

beccasue, what do you mean for 'alphabet st'??

[destar]

beccasue, what do you mean for 'alphabet st'??


Gary, I think she meant 'set'. :)

[destar]

beccasue, what do you mean for 'alphabet st'??


Gary, I think she meant 'set'. :)

[destar]

Didn't mean to post twice! ;)

Destar

[sarahb]

beccasue -- an easy way to make your own set of alphas is to type up the alphabet in a large font of your choice. Then either place a paper you've created above the text layer, right click and set create clipping mask or change the blending options to fill it with a pattern. You can also change the blending options to add a bevel or other effect. Save this file as a png to preseve the transparent background.

Then use your marquee tool (selection tool) to pick the one letter you want to add to a layout, right click and select "Layer via copy" and drag that new one-letter layer onto your layout.

[zryne]

My request is simple and silly... I want to learn how to make the photo curl at the edges. There maybe a tut already, I just havne't found

[Tbog]

zyrne--there are many plug ins you can google and find that will do that.

[beccasue]

sarahb

Thank you so much for your help. I'm trying to learn some new things and as they say "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks." But I'm trying. lol

[rae_j]

zyrne

I followed Tbog's advice and found this tutorial. Haven't tried it yet but it looks pretty clear.
http://www.dphotojournal.com/photoshop-tutorial-page-curl/

[Kathy]

How do you get brushes to be multicolored and more realistic/interesting? For example if I had a brush of a flower how do you get it to be more than one color? I jsut can't seem to make the most of brushes, there's got to be something I am missing.

[kimberkatt]

I think this is a simple question, but... how do you cut your photos into custom shapes in PSE2? I see the custom shape tool, but I'm just not sure how to use it? Thanks!!! :)

[smab109]

How on earth do you save & show your pages? I create them in 8x8 and save to JPG...they show in my folder but as soon as I go to Photobucket or Imageshack for example to upload them...as soon as I hit UPLOAD...the page IMMEDIATELY goes to the white "page can not be found" screen. I'm ready to pull my hair out!

[sarahb]

How do you get brushes to be multicolored and more realistic/interesting? For example if I had a brush of a flower how do you get it to be more than one color? I jsut can't seem to make the most of brushes, there's got to be something I am missing.

What program are you using Kathy? If you have the full version of photoshop you can adjust the color jitter of the brush so that each image is a different color, but you if you want several colors in each image you have to go about it a bit differently.

Post again with some clarification and I'll try to help. :)

[sarahb]

How on earth do you save & show your pages? I create them in 8x8 and save to JPG...they show in my folder but as soon as I go to Photobucket or Imageshack for example to upload them...as soon as I hit UPLOAD...the page IMMEDIATELY goes to the white "page can not be found" screen. I'm ready to pull my hair out!

Check out this post in the Getting Started forum: http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3229

You don't need to use a 3rd party site like Photobucket to upload to the Gotta Pixel gallery.

[scrapjess]

I really want to learn how to make buttons and the more simpler things to start out with.

[sarahb]

I really want to learn how to make buttons and the more simpler things to start out with.

You're in luck! http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6735

[MelindaH]

beccasue -- an easy way to make your own set of alphas is to type up the alphabet in a large font of your choice. Then either place a paper you've created above the text layer, right click and set create clipping mask or change the blending options to fill it with a pattern. You can also change the blending options to add a bevel or other effect. Save this file as a png to preseve the transparent background.

Then use your marquee tool (selection tool) to pick the one letter you want to add to a layout, right click and select "Layer via copy" and drag that new one-letter layer onto your layout.

That is so cool! I have no idea what you mean by "[creating a] clipping mask or [changing] the blending options" but it sounds awesome! :D LOL

~Melinda

[MelindaH]

Personally, I really want to learn how to make my own paper. I always have something in MIND, but can't find sets pre-made online that have the same theme or colors I'm looking for. I use PSE 3.

TIA!!!! :)
~MelindaH

[sarahb]

That is so cool! I have no idea what you mean by "[creating a] clipping mask or [changing] the blending options" but it sounds awesome! :D LOL

~Melinda

To do a clipping mask in PSE, have your fill layer above the text layer (you may have to rasterize the text--right click to do this) and with the fill layer selected click Ctrl+G and that will "Group With Previous."

[Kathy]

What program are you using Kathy? If you have the full version of photoshop you can adjust the color jitter of the brush so that each image is a different color, but you if you want several colors in each image you have to go about it a bit differently.

Post again with some clarification and I'll try to help. :)

Sorry it took me awhile to check back here. I am using Photoshop 7. I would love some more clarification! thank you sarahb for any help - Kathy

[sarahb]

Kathy, since I have a different version of Photoshop I'm going to point you to another site that includes some screenshots and brushed results.

I just did a google search for both these terms: "photoshop 7" "color jitter" --the site that pops up first has some nice Photoshop tutorials. Scroll down to the middle of this page for info on color jitter: http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/brush7/intro/brush7.htm

[Kathy]

Kathy, since I have a different version of Photoshop I'm going to point you to another site that includes some screenshots and brushed results.

I just did a google search for both these terms: "photoshop 7" "color jitter" --the site that pops up first has some nice Photoshop tutorials. Scroll down to the middle of this page for info on color jitter: http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/brush7/intro/brush7.htm

Thank you, this certainly gives me a start on making my brushes more interesting. I never noticed all the extra options to the side like the jitter etc. Wow. Thank you so much, looks like I'll be playing with my Photoshop today O0

[faye19]

How do you add depth or dimention to an element? So it does not appear to be 1 dimentional

[loofah]

Faye the best way is to add a drop shadow to it. You will be amazed at the difference :)

[brenda633]

I see a link for this but it will not take me there. I really want to know how to use a templete correctly. I not sure if I am doing it right or not. I see so many templetes and would love to know how to use them correctly. I do not see anything in the form or tutorials.

Thanks

[slehc]

I would like to learn how to do the cut-out shapes in a row like these pawprints in this layout.

http://www.gottapixel.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/26572/limit/last1

[sarahb]

I see a link for this but it will not take me there. I really want to know how to use a templete correctly. I not sure if I am doing it right or not. I see so many templetes and would love to know how to use them correctly. I do not see anything in the form or tutorials.

Thanks

Here's the link to template instructions: http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5806

It's in the Misc. Tutorials section. One great tip is to change the forum setting in the tutorial section to Show Posts Since Beginning, because there is some good info that just hasn't been commented on lately, so it doesn't always show up.

[sarahb]

I would like to learn how to do the cut-out shapes in a row like these pawprints in this layout.

http://www.gottapixel.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/26572/limit/last1

I'm not sure what was done in this particular layout, but there are two ways that come to mind for ways to "punch" holes. Both of these ways would probably be better to do before rotating the piece, just so it's easier to keep things lined up.

If the shape is a brush just choose that shape for your eraser. Place the cursor where you want it and click your mouse to erase. Then, without moving your mouse, just use an arrow key to shift the cursor to the next spot. If you'd rather move your mouse, just hold down the Shift key and that will keep you moving only vertically or horizontally.

If the shape was a pattern, just the magic wand tool to select the entire shape. Switch over to the regular selection tool (circular or rectangular marquee) and move the selected outline (marching ants) to the spot you'd like to cut out. Switch to the desired layer and and press the delete key. You can use the same method described before (arrow or Shift+mouse) to move your marching ants to the next location.

[slehc]

Thanks, I will try those ideas.

[deniseumlauf]

Oh.. I´d like to learn lots of things.. Especially how to make tied bows and stitchings.

[deniseumlauf]

Oh and I forgot to add more: chipboard letters. But the ones that are left overs of the chipboard letters. I´m not sure I made my point here.

Doodles, so I can add them to a paper...

[sarahb]

Denise, here's a few things for you to check out.

Stitching: http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1733
Bows: http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2919
http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5728
http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6663

Chipboard: Lots of people use a free action that is over at Atomic Cupcake.

Doodles: If you have a tablet that's a great way, but another way is just to doodle with a black marker on white paper and scan it in!

[QueenShakeNBake]

I use PSE 4 and I have been trying to add an effect (frames) to a layer (trying to create a mat for a photo) with no effect. I would like help on using the frame effect.

[rlsu]

Doodles and bows

[Tbog]

rlsu--If you look up a couple posts, you will see some links that were posted for someone else and I bet they are just what you need for doodles and bows.

[Tbog]

Queen-not sure if we are thinking of the same thing, but I will try to explain. If you mean a matte behind a pic, all you will need to do is make a new layer under the pic, then choose the rectangle shape in your preset shapes. Draw a rectangle that is just a bit bigger than your pic, then add a textureif you choose, and you have a matte. You can also crop a paper down to the size you would need for a matte. If you mean a frame, then you should have a preset shape that is a rectangle with the center cut out. Just draw with that shape on a new layer, just big enough to cover your pic. Add a drop shadow to the shape layer and it will look like a frame. You can add styles or bevels to it to give it a little more depth.

[momofthecrazy4]

I would love to learn how to make a template. I use photoshop 7 and psp.

[SCRAPNDIVA]

create avatars and the swirl designs I am seeing everywhere!

[SCRAPNDIVA]

templates would be great too, like momofthecrazy4

[dreamerpaula]

Tutorial for making templates:

http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7551

[angelsothername]

I think a tut on how to make doodles would be fun!

[scrappin.doodle]

I would like a step by step tute on how to extract a person from a photo and place onto another background.

Thanks, Judy

Oh me toooo!! is there a tut on this??? I use PSP but am trying to learn on Photoshop as well... so either would be fine! I sure hope someone sends in a tut for this.. *fingers are crossed*:)

[angelsothername]

What about getting rid of unwanted shadows in detailed chrome pieces? Or if someone wants to just tell me, LOL. Thanks!

[hisrose4]

I could not get the link to templates. It says not available. What am I doing wrong?

[*mb*]

I would like to learn how to make objects look like they are made of metal, how to make ribbons, and 3D letters

[Tbog]

mb--What version of Photoshop do you use?

[mamawsandy]

I would like to learn everything that has been mentioned except I want to learn it in PSP 8 or 9.
I also want to learn to tear paper digitally.
mamawsandy

[soccermom7975]

I would just like to learn how to use the program. I have had it for over a year and only use it to organize my digi photos. I use another program for my scrapbooking. It sure would be nice to use PSE 3.0 if only I could figure out how! Is there any How To books?

[elfje_tine]

well there's lots of things i'd like to learn - so here are my priorities :
- blending pics with backgrounds or different backgrounds with eachother
- changing colors of elements
- tearing digital paper
- i've found some really nice brushes on the net, and i can do some simple stuff with them, but i'm sure there's loads more you can use them for

...

[goddesa]

Want to learn how to make my own papers, elements and many more.
Scrapbooking is getting really expensive. phew!

[Wenchd Grafix]

I have a really silly question here but I'm hoping someone can tolerate it enough to give me an answer! LOL

I currently use PSP X but am in the process of teaching myself Photoshop CS.

Is there a way to import my thousands of PSP brushes into CS by the batch? (kind of the way ya do it in PSP X or do I have to load the suckers one by one?)

If I cant import them like PSP, how do I rename the brush scripts into something CS will recognise?

Can anyone help me out?:-\

Kristine

[momofthecrazy4]

Is there any way to make the curly ribbon in PS7 or is it just possible in pscs2? Also someone had a curly ribbon tut. and I wonder if I can't use PS7 would it work the same with the page curl program and is the page curl program hard to learn? Are there tut for working with page curl? Just checking.

[Tbog]

well there's lots of things i'd like to learn - so here are my priorities :
- blending pics with backgrounds or different backgrounds with eachother
- changing colors of elements
- tearing digital paper
- i've found some really nice brushes on the net, and i can do some simple stuff with them, but i'm sure there's loads more you can use them for

...

We have a paper tearing tut in this (http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1862)thread.

As for changing colors, theres several ways. The way I choose to do it is to select the color I want to change an element to and set that as my foreground color. Then I go to Image/Adjustments/Hue Saturation Lightness. When the option box opens for that, there will be a little box to check that says Colorize. It should change your element to a pretty close match. You may have to mess with the settings a bit to get it exact.

There is a whole thread about brushes here:
http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=61&highlight=brush+sites

[Tbog]

I have a really silly question here but I'm hoping someone can tolerate it enough to give me an answer! LOL

I currently use PSP X but am in the process of teaching myself Photoshop CS.

Is there a way to import my thousands of PSP brushes into CS by the batch? (kind of the way ya do it in PSP X or do I have to load the suckers one by one?)

If I cant import them like PSP, how do I rename the brush scripts into something CS will recognise?

Can anyone help me out?:-\

Kristine

Not that I am aware. I could be wrong but I think they are two different file types. Maybe someone else will chime in.

[Tbog]

What about getting rid of unwanted shadows in detailed chrome pieces? Or if someone wants to just tell me, LOL. Thanks!

Are you talking about in already made kits? If you are talking about when you make them, what program do you make them in?

[jenneace]

I'm new to digi, and want to know how to "extract" (I guess that's the term) something out of the photo. For example take just my daughter out of the pic with no background (does this make sense??) I use photoshop CS2 BTW.

[Tbog]

jenneace--The easiest way I know of is to use the magnetic lasso tool. Go to the lasso tool and click it to get the drop down menu. There should be one there that says magnetic lasso. Make sure to change your pic from a background to a layer. Click somewhere on the edge of what you are trying to extract and drag it around the edges. When you get to the place you started at, click it again and it will put marching ants around it.

Now go to Select/Inverse. Then hit delete, and it will delete the background. You may have to redo the lasso before doing these last steps, if the lasso doesnt go exactly where you want it to. After you have deleted the background, it may be necessary to take a small eraser and erase away any stray bits.

[nwfotobug]

Ohhh I have been looking everywhere, trying to learn how to make a textured ribbon... I cant seem to get the texture right... I'm using PSE... and I would love to learn how to do it manual, not with an effect.. Please?

[hykeh]

I've had some time to goof around on PhotoShop Elements and there has been a big learning curve...

I would like to change a stenciled letter
I would like to be able to take the Sarah Meyer -Gotta Pixel - Stencil N (from this months challenge) and fill (if that is the proper word) the letter with the same design as the red and white striped paper in art journal collection.

Talk to you soon!
~H

[sarahb]

Ohhh I have been looking everywhere, trying to learn how to make a textured ribbon... I cant seem to get the texture right... I'm using PSE... and I would love to learn how to do it manual, not with an effect.. Please?

Check out this tutorial for making a grosgrain ribbon in PSE. (http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3332) Hope it's what you are looking for!

[sarahb]

I've had some time to goof around on PhotoShop Elements and there has been a big learning curve...

I would like to change a stenciled letter
I would like to be able to take the Sarah Meyer -Gotta Pixel - Stencil N (from this months challenge) and fill (if that is the proper word) the letter with the same design as the red and white striped paper in art journal collection.

Talk to you soon!
~H

If you just wanted it to be a solid color you could try this method (http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4252).
To add an already made paper or design to it you'll need to place the layer with the paper just above the layer with the letter, then group them together (Ctrl+G). You can move the paper around a bit if you want. Then while still on the paper layer, merge the layers together with Ctrl+E.

[hykeh]

Sarah Meyer, YOU are awesome! Thanks so much. That is exactly what I wanted to learn to do.

THANKS
~H

[Jex]

I would love to learn how to make real ribbons and paperclips :D Thanks!

[Leah Hasselmann]

I need some help with changing the color of an element. I use PSE5. I have been selecting the "color replacement brush" and sometimes it works and other times it just changes it slightly or not at all. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for your help.

[ScrappyGuy]

Leah, are you trying to change the entire element or a small part of it to a different color?

If you are changing the whole thing you could go to the Enhance at the top of your screen. Go to Hue&Saturation. Move the sliders around to get different colors, tones, and brightness. You could put your chosen color in your foreground and click on the Colorize selection inside the Hue window.

[XLB2006]

I'd like to know how to journal in a shape...make the text fill a circle, etc.

I would also like to know how to journal in shapes or make text follow a path such as a circle without it being in a shape. I am currently using PS7

HELP PLEASE!

[missinde22@yahoo.com]

thanks for all the great tips....:)

[Aussiegirl]

Thank you so much! I just read all 14 pages(well skimmed to find what I wanted), and got the answers to my questions! I learned how to do a template, and how to tear paper!

[mamawsandy]

How to make everything I need for a complete digital sbing page. I want to know how to make intricate papers, fonts, embellishment, and lots of things to use.
mamawsandy

[Lisbet]

I want to learn how to make my own digital kits. Can anyone recommend a book, articles etc. I cant see the answers the others get.

Lisbet

[poohgirl]

thanks... this was really a lot of help!

[meadowmuffinbluez]

I'd love to learn how to make spring clamps.

[froggypond]

too funny...my "wish" is just like above post.. i am in NEED of a tut for those rockin spring clamps...anyone? pleeeze?

[dreamerpaula]

can't help you with the clamps - but for those wanting to learn "kit making" - just start with the tutorials.

Start simple - basic papers, brads, eyelets, buttons, ribbons, tags, etc. Follow the tutorials to learn how to do it.

Once you learn the basic process, you can start building from there! Also, the learning will work "across" the items. For example, learning to bevel your brads will help you when you make buttons. Learning to decorate tags can give you ideas for making fancy frames.

Good luck everyone! No need to search anywhere else or buy a book - there is enough information here to get you well on your way!!!

[tajicat]

Thanks for the Q/As as I am having to relearn PSE after many computer woes, and many replacements. I didn't do any LOs for about 10 months and forgot too much, and lost many of my previously copied tuts here. Thanks all for sharing info. :)

[Aussiegirl]

I will also check the tutorials for an answer, but I would like to know how to "crop" a photo into a shape...ex: cirlcle. I use PS7...Thanks! :)

[Tbog]

Auusie--I am not sure if this works in PS7 , but it does in CS and PSE.

Open your pic or paper, then add a layer on top of that and using your shapes tool, draw a circle (or whatever shape you want.) Move the shape under the pic or paper in the layers pallete, then click the pic or paper layer to make it active. Hold down the CTRL key and G, and that should cut it into the shape of your shape that you drew. Then all you have to do is merge visible.

[Muriel65]

I've seen lots of stars and sparkles lately. I tried to make them with just the brushes, but somehow they are not as shiny as I would like them to be. Does anyone know how to make those?

[ABritsWife]

I know zilch, zip about any photo shop stuff...dont know a brush from a swish...I use MSDIS and it is the dummies PS. I would like to learn PS...cause I just would like to know how to do a few things like bend my paper...and glitter too

[Tbog]

I know zilch, zip about any photo shop stuff...dont know a brush from a swish...I use MSDIS and it is the dummies PS. I would like to learn PS...cause I just would like to know how to do a few things like bend my paper...and glitter too

As in bending a corner? As far as glitter, I know most people either use custom brushes or Art Rage for it, as there isnt an easy way to do it.

[kpieczyn]

I guess there isn't a specific technique I've seen that I want to know about, except journaling with lined paper.

I'm just interested in some fun & creative techniques to put in my bag of tricks for when creating page titles. I'm using Photoshop Elements 5.0.

I think it would be neat if there is some way to create alphabets from your favorite papers. I went searching in the cookie cutter tool section of my programfor alphabets, but I didn't see anything there.

The only thing I've done so far is to use my basic fonts & mix them up with simple shading or adding a Bevel affect.



If there are posts about this already, could someone direct me to these? I'm very interested in trying some new things.

[Tbog]

Thats an easy one!! All you have to do is choose a font and make it the size you want your alpha to be. Open a paper, then on a new layer, type your letters or words. Then make sure to move the paper layer on TOP of the text layer. Make sure that the paper layer is active by clicking on it in the layers pallete. Hold down Ctrl and G and your text will take on the pattern of the paper. Now all you do is merge it together and you are done!

[terebinthtree]

I'd love to know how to use the pen tool.

[mamawsandy]

I would like to learn hot to emboss using only my computer.
Sandra

[tastic]

Id love to know how to get things to save as an animated file in Photoshop CS - when I save as a gif it is only saving the first 'page' and not rotating!

also Id love to know how to make blinkies

[terebinthtree]

Id love to know how to get things to save as an animated file in Photoshop CS - when I save as a gif it is only saving the first 'page' and not rotating!

also Id love to know how to make blinkies

Here's a GP tutorial on how to make blinkies. TUTORIAL (http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2545&highlight=blinkie)

[tastic]

Here's a GP tutorial on how to make blinkies. TUTORIAL (http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2545&highlight=blinkie)Thank You so much

[terebinthtree]

mamawsandy, what computer program do you use?

[tastic]

Anyone know a tut on making glitters, I want to know how to make them with wee stars etc

Thanks

[justnort2@yahoo.com]

I would like to learn how to use actions in PSE 5 or 6 if there is a differnece

[ShrubsForSale]

How do you do shadows?

[wagsmom]

How do you do shadows?

It depends on the program that you are using. In photoshop, under layer styles you can choose drop shadows and then drag the shadow you want to the particular element or paper that you want to have a shadow.

Once you have done that you can alter the shadow size and distance for the particular item to mimick real life. Thicker items will have larger shadows.

[roselle chen]

i wanted to learn how to make a needle look like being stick on the paper, or how to insert a ribbon into a buckle..thanks!

[jojo99]

i wanted to learn how to make a needle look like being stick on the paper, or how to insert a ribbon into a buckle..thanks!

For the ribbon and buckle check out this tut:

http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1886

For the needle you could have a look at this link, might be useful:
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=242

[lelap]

I have a circle frame and would like to add a photo to it but the photo is squair, I use adobe photoshop elem. how do I crop the photo to a circle. help Please

[sparky_mom]

well what I do is put my photo behind the frame then I use my Magic Wand and select the CENTER of the frame. Then I go to Select then Expand and put it on like 8 then click ok. Then I make my photo layer active and Right click on the photo and click Layer via cut. And it makes my photo the shape of the frame!! The reason I expand it is so that my photo looks like it's behind the frame!! HOpe that helps!

[jojo99]

I have a circle frame and would like to add a photo to it but the photo is squair, I use adobe photoshop elem. how do I crop the photo to a circle. help Please

Hi Lelap,
There are 2 ways to do this. First way is to grap the Elliptical Tool and use it to draw a circle in the middle of your frame, (make sure you are working on your photo layer, not the frame layer) you can use the space-bar to move your circle, also you can press shift to make the shape you are drawing a full and proper circle. Once you have the marching ants go to Select on the top menu bar and choose Inverse, then if you hit the delete key the parts you don't want will disappear, hey presto!!

If you are feeling lazy you can just highlight your photo layer and use the eraser to rub out everything that falls outside the frame :)

[jojo99]

Hey Monica, you typed faster that me, lol.
Good point about putting the photo layer behind the frame, I forgot that part :)

[jenho]

how to I keep the highlighted and shadow portion of the curled corner template?

[jojo99]

Do you mean when you cover it with a background paper and clip the two layers together?
I was just reading about this in a newsletter earlier today, you need to set your paper layer to "overlay".
Hope this helps :)

[jenho]

that works great..thanks

[jenho]

Back again....I just love the helpful stuff Im getting from you guys.....Id love to know how to make a brad appear as if it were pushed back into the paper behind it...any ideas??? thanks

[jojo99]

Maybe if you used the Burn Tool around the edge of the brad (working on the paper layer), I wonder could that help?
Make sure you don't add a shadow to the brad layer because that would lift it off the page, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve.
Someone else might hopefully reply here if they have a better idea how to achieve the effect you want :)

[jenho]

thanks..... I'll try that

[mpouliot]

Hello. I keep seeing this great color schemes on layout and I have been trying to figure out how it is done, but I haven't been successful. Below is a link from pickleberrypop's website of an example of what I'm after. I know that part of it is an overlay. The finished product is what I'm after.

http://www.pickleberrypop.com/shop/product.php?productid=1910&cat=17&page=1

Thanks Michele

[mpouliot]

well what I do is put my photo behind the frame then I use my Magic Wand and select the CENTER of the frame. Then I go to Select then Expand and put it on like 8 then click ok. Then I make my photo layer active and Right click on the photo and click Layer via cut. And it makes my photo the shape of the frame!! The reason I expand it is so that my photo looks like it's behind the frame!! HOpe that helps!

Would this be the same for Photoshop 7? It seems a lot easier then the way I've been doing it.

[geswho40]

Hi,

I don't have PS at all, but I accidently purchased a couple of kits that apparently require the use of PS, and being new at this, I didn't know. I'm wondering if anyone knows a trick to get it to work on my Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0?

[mpouliot]

I have a really silly question here but I'm hoping someone can tolerate it enough to give me an answer! LOL

I currently use PSP X but am in the process of teaching myself Photoshop CS.

Is there a way to import my thousands of PSP brushes into CS by the batch? (kind of the way ya do it in PSP X or do I have to load the suckers one by one?)

If I cant import them like PSP, how do I rename the brush scripts into something CS will recognise?

Can anyone help me out?:-\

Kristine


Hi Kristine,

I have found a link that may be of some help to you. The main thing would be to make sure that the brushes are compatible with the version CS.

Here is the link.
http://brushfind.com/articles/how-to-install-and-organize-photoshop-brushes/ (http://brushfind.com/articles/how-to-install-and-organize-photoshop-brushes/)

[jojo99]

Hi,

I don't have PS at all, but I accidently purchased a couple of kits that apparently require the use of PS, and being new at this, I didn't know. I'm wondering if anyone knows a trick to get it to work on my Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0?

I'm not at all familiar with your program but if the kits need you to work with layers it might not be possible to work around unless your program lets you bring layers into it.

What kind of kits did you buy that need PS?

[mamawsandy]

Since I have Photoshop Elements in versions 2-6, I really need to learn how to use this program. I know I can do some things in these programs that I can't do in PSP. Are there tutorials for this in this site?
Mamawsandy

[mamawsandy]

I just now found some tutorials for Photoshop Elements. I hope there will be more in the future. I would also like some tuts for the CS2 and 3 programs. I have these and have no idea how to use them.
MSandy

[shavari]

I hope Im not breaking any rules by posting this link .. there's no store or gallery or anything there .. its just tutorials.

Ive always found this site a great starting point for Photoshop: http://myjanee.home.insightbb.com/tutorials.htm

[tastic]

that Link is awesome! so many Tuts Thank You :)

[momofthecrazy4]

I have a question about templates. I've used template before and know the basics but I just bought ps cs3 and I am having trouble figuring out how to group with previous. Before on the older version it was control G. But that is just a group button now and I can't figure this out. Please help me if you can thanks so much.

[Victoria32]

I hope Im not breaking any rules by posting this link .. there's no store or gallery or anything there .. its just tutorials.

Ive always found this site a great starting point for Photoshop: http://myjanee.home.insightbb.com/tutorials.htm

Thanks for the link. Nice to have another resource readily available to tutorials.
Helene

[neurotica]

Would this be the same for Photoshop 7? It seems a lot easier then the way I've been doing it.

O0 It works in all versions.
And works in PSP too.
[sorry to butt in on the thread :-[]

[jojo99]

I have a question about templates. I've used template before and know the basics but I just bought ps cs3 and I am having trouble figuring out how to group with previous. Before on the older version it was control G. But that is just a group button now and I can't figure this out. Please help me if you can thanks so much.

I don't have CS3 so I don't know what you should use, in Elements I hold the Alt button and click in between the layers once I see the little black circle.
Don't know if that will work for you but you could try it :)

[KittenOnt]

I'm new here and I've purchased a couple templates in the store and thought there would be instructions on how to use it...I have CS3 and am completely lost. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

[jojo99]

You don't say what kind of templates you bought, I'm assuming maybe they are layered layout templates. Misty Cato wrote a tutorial which I found very helpful when I was trying to get the hang of page templates:
http://mistycatodesigns.blogspot.com/2007/03/layered-template-tutorial.html

If that doesn't help please post again and maybe give the shop link to a template you are trying to work with.

[Happy99]

I don't have CS3, but have you tried control+Alt+G?
Scrappersguide dot com has a fantastic new CS3 tutorial DVD - I don't have CS3 - but I got the CS2 DVD and it is just fabulous:)

[geswho40]

I just downloaded the PS Elements free trial. I would also like to learn how to work with a template.

[illinimom]

I'm seeing a lot of Photoshop questions, so thought this might help. When I first joined GP, there was a monthly 'Tut Your Own Horn' challenge that taught a new Photoshop skill each month. The threads are still in the 'retired challenge' section, though I don't think you will be able to access the props. The the tutorials should still help. Just be aware that your version may be a bit different, so you may have to hunt for certain buttons.

Here is a list of the Tut threads....

#1 Sep 2006 http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5200
#2 Oct 2006 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6127
#3 Nov 2006 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7045
#4 Dec 2006 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8005
#5 Feb 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9436
#6 Mar 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10286
#7 April 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11146
#8 May 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12286
#9 Jun 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13498
#10 Jul 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14801
#11 Aug 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15722
#12 Sep 2007 - http://www.gottapixel.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16694

[TerryF]

Thanks for the links to the tutorials Kim. I just bought Elements 6 and these are sure to come in handy - I haven't even opened the box yet. I've been using Digital Image Suite so I think it is a huge change.

[illinimom]

It will probably be a bit of a learning curve. I always think it's easier to learn something TOTALLY new than to learn something that's just 'different' new. But once you get it down, you're gonna LOVE it.

[jojo99]

I agree with Kim, once you get into the swing of doing things the Photoshop way you will wonder how you managed before. I never understood the idea of working with layers until I got Elements 4 and threw myself into learning everything I could about it.
Terry, if you pick up a book about Elements 6 you will find it very useful. There are lots, personally I think Barbara Brundage and Scott Kelby are excellent teachers :)

geswho40, you could look at the link I posted above on post # 184, my advice would be to print it out and try to follow the steps :)

[illinimom]

Agree about the books. Both are great, but I absolutely LOVE Scott's sense of humor!

[TerryF]

Thanks for the book suggestions. I will definitely get one (or both). I'll do quite a bit of study before I attempt too much -- that works best for me.

[geswho40]

Hi JoJo,
Thanks, I actually did that, and I'm still not able to put a photo into the frame. The photo has a hard border around it and I can't figure out how to get rid of it.

[chbranch]

The HP website also offers free online classes. They have beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons on Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. That's where I began. They are self paced and you send your work to an instructor who can give you tips and instruction along the way. You can also print out all the lessons and keep them in a book for future reference. That's what I did too. I also bought a book called Classroom in a Book for Photoshop and Illustrator. Once I understood the layers though, that really broke me free!

[illinimom]

Oh Chris, Glad you mentioned HP. Sony also offers online classes. I can't remember the website name though.....it has 'one' in it.

[TerryF]

The HP website also offers free online classes. They have beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons on Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. That's where I began. They are self paced and you send your work to an instructor who can give you tips and instruction along the way. You can also print out all the lessons and keep them in a book for future reference. That's what I did too. I also bought a book called Classroom in a Book for Photoshop and Illustrator. Once I understood the layers though, that really broke me free!


Do you know where I would find these? I have done some different classes on HP and site I know to go to only has Photoshop for Photographers and the instructor specifically does not recommend trying to do that course with Elements.

[jojo99]

I hope you do find a free course Terry, that would be neat! I paid about $35 each (I think) to do 2 courses. One on how to use the organizer and one on getting to grips with layers, really helped me get going :)

geswho40, If I understand correctly you are trying to use a photo that has a border on it?
If so you can use the crop tool in Elements to cut your photo, just select an area inside of your border.
Another way is to drag your photo under the frame layer and use the move tool, drag on one of the corner handles on the photo to stretch it a little to hide the border behind your new frame.
Does that make sense????

[heather2002]

Hi,
I would like to learn a simple way of reducing the size of alphas and a quick way, if possible of using them in my layouts. I'm using Photoshop CS
Thanks

[jojo99]

There are probably lots of way to do what you want, what I do in Photoshop Elements is create a new page and drag the letters you want to use on to it. Combine them as you want to have them on your layout and then merge all the layers into one before dragging onto your layout, because it is one new layer in your layout it can be resized easily.
Another way............If you bring alpha one by one into your layout you can control click on each alpha layer you want to resize and drag the corner handles, once they are all selected they will all resize proportionally.
Does that help??

[chbranch]

Wow. HP has really pared down their class offerings. I guess sign up to be notified when new classes are offered. They used to show all classes, even if they currently weren't being offered. Then you could click on the class you wanted and check to be notified when a class opened up. Sorry they're not as good as they used to be!

[sweetscraps]

I have a (?). I just downloaded a kit from somewhere, I didn't realize it was psp. I use pse5, my question is can this file be changed to use in photoshop ele. can the files be changed to png files.:neutral:

[jojo99]

I would have thought that all kits were saved as jpegs which any program could use :(
When you unzip the files what is the extension name?
If it is exclusively a PSP kit I guess the only option is to have someone with that program to save the files as jpegs for you.

[sweetscraps]

thanks for the suggestion

[ronandmary72]

I'd like to know what to do when PSE says that the scratch disk is full....

[illinimom]

Not sure, but I think you either have to make room on your HD, or designate and EHD with free space as the 'scratch disk'. ALso, i think there is some kind of procedure to go through with the Windows version to clear space off the scratch disk...maybe clearing the cache or something. In Mac, it is done automatically every time you close the program. I'd read that in a discussion somewhere awhile back. Hopefully someone here can elaborate.

[jojo99]

Defragging your hard drive might help, I found this article
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoshop/f/scratchdisk.htm
if you'd like to read up on the problem :)

[ronandmary72]

Thanks illinimom and jojo99 - your answers are much appreciated.

[ldpharmtec]

i would like to know how to upload my lay outs to this site and have them appear large like everyone else's. I've been saving them in photoshop as a jpg and then downsizing them using Microsoft Picture Manager to 480 x 622 so that they will be under the 2 g. size requirement. Then when I look at them here they are a lot smaller than everyone else's. What am I doing wrong. I tried compressing them to make them smaller but then they aren't very clear. So what is the right way to get them under 2 g.

[jojo99]

It looks to me like your layouts are as wide as everyone elses, just not as tall because of the size page you create. All square layouts are usually saved at 600 x 600.
Your's look fine to me, can you do "save for web" in CS?
That's what I use in Elements, I generally save at 550 x 550 and end up with a file size of about 80 or 90kb, I believe 100 is the max allowed.

[tastic]

the max size on the gallery is 600x600 with a file size of 150kb

[tastic]

Id love to learn how to warp/bend photos and have them looking realistic! I do it and it just looks silly LOL

[PaulaM]

I'd like to learn how to do curved edges on papers and photos. I can't seem to get it right.

[FLAmingo]

I am new to Photoshop. Been using Paintshop over 10 yrs now. I can tell I'm going to LOVE using "styles" but I can't figure out how to apply them. I made a work area, put a word that was "wide" into the work area. Showed up just like it should have but when I applied the style (acrylic polka dots) the polka dots were there but the color was gone. Basically couldn't see the word because the style blocked the original out. So...long and short of things...I'd love to learn how to use Photoshop styles.
Thank you so miuch for asking and also your time and assistance in advance.
Huggs
Susan

[scrappygirl]

Hi Susan,

I too love the styles...but yes, they can be a bit tricky sometimes. You may try making a duplicate layer of your text. (Simplify it first). Then add the style to the top layer of text. Then you can play with it from there...you can adjust the opacity, layer style, and anything else you want to adjust. Hope that helps a bit.

[FLAmingo]

Thank you so much! I will start playing with it again and see if I have better luck.
I appreciate the help.
HUGGS
Susan

[chbranch]

I have a pretty envelope element that I'd like to use on a page and use a matching paper as a letter. The envelope is shaped such that it is open. I want to slip the paper inside so that just a piece is sticking out. How do I do that? If I place the paper layer over the envelope, it covers the open flap. How can I cut it so that I get that envelope shaped V? Does that make sense? I want it to look like the paper is inside the envelope but just pulled out a little bit. I use PSE5 and also have CS2. Thanks in advance!

[scrappygirl]

There may be a better way to do this, but this is what I would do...

Make 2 layers of your envelope. Put your paper between the 2 layers. Erase what you don't want on the top envelope, so that it shows the paper...you will have to play with this a bit to get the shadows right...you want to be able to put a shadow on the top envelope to make it look like the paper is tucked inside...so don't erase too much. I think you will just have to erase the top flap of the envelope. might be best to use the marquee tool and make a big rectangular selection over the flap and then delete that section on the top envelope so you have a clean cut. You can use the eraser tool for the V part or you can make a layer with a triangular shape to match the V and then use your selection tool to use that shape to be able to cut out that part of the top envelope.

Hope that helps.

[chbranch]

I had been trying to erase a bit of the paper and never even thought to erase the envelope instead. I'll give it a try.

[geswho40]

I just got PSE6 and I'm completely lost! Does someone have a good tutorial that would help me get started? I bought a book, but it doesn't show me how to make a scrapbook page. I had no idea what I was getting myself into...UGH.

[scrappygirl]

Hey Toni,

I will keep a lookout for a good tutuorial for you. I'll be gladd to help you when I can. Do you use yahoo? PM me your ID if you do. I found a thing on You Tube that might help you get a little used to it. This girl is using PSE 5...the look is a little different, but they are almost the same as far as what they do. I haven't even watched all the video...kids keep distracting me, but I think it will help.

In the beginning she halready has the program open. If you son't know how to open it for a LO....

Open PSE 6 and choose the "edit" option from squares on the screen that opens. Then you'll be at the same place. Also, she makes the background white...I suggest always using transparent. Hope it helps a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFJrYYhh4PE

[TerryF]

I'm going to check this out too. At some point I'm going to load my PSE and see what I can do. Any good tutorials you find would be great Amy or Toni.

[scrappygirl]

Another 2 cents from me...

For anyone that hasn't bought PSE6...if you can find one of the earlier versions cheaper, you're probably better off with them. I keep finding more and more things I don't like about 6. One of my biggest finds is that I can't easily load actions into PSE 6...this really stinks, especially of you ever plan on designing stuff. Any version 3-5 will do ya just fine for regular LOs.

[jojo99]

First of all Toni, don't panic! It seems scary to start with but you'll be a professional in no time :) Everyone starts off at the same point and I was in your shoes at the begining of the year when I got my program.
For a written tutorial have a look at this link, the third item on the list is creating a layout in Elements 6. I'm not sure how good it is but you are bound to learn something from reading through it.
http://scrapbook-elements.com/sbe/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=109
Watch the You Tube video Amy suggested and there are some others there too, it will help get you started.
Just take your time and mess about with the program, remember.........practice makes perfect and you only need to shout here if you are stuck :)

[scrappygirl]

That looks like a great tut, jojo...thanks! That should really help you too, Toni and Terry...and anyone else new to PSE 6. If the other tuts are half as good as that one seems they should be very helpful. Let mek know if you gst stuck on something, or if there's something you want more detail on and I will see what I can come up with for you. :)

[illinimom]

I wrote a very basic tutorial for friends on a paper scrapping site. Don't know if it will help, but you are welcome to take a look here (http://www.startascrapbook.com/community/showthread.php?t=5212).

[cjpeterson38@hotmail.com]

I wish I had seen this a couple of months ago when I was struggling to get a page made. I didn't know ANYTHING. This looks like something that would have helped. TY!

[geswho40]

Wow you guys ROCK! I'm going to take a bunch of time on Sunday to take a looky. Thanks so much for your suggestions, and as always, Amy thank you, thank you, thank you!

[lbjiowa]

Another 2 cents from me...

For anyone that hasn't bought PSE6...if you can find one of the earlier versions cheaper, you're probably better off with them. I keep finding more and more things I don't like about 6. One of my biggest finds is that I can't easily load actions into PSE 6...this really stinks, especially of you ever plan on designing stuff. Any version 3-5 will do ya just fine for regular LOs.

Don't dispare scrappygirl! and definitely DON'T encourage anyone to buy PSE 4.0 for goodness sakes! It is one of THE WORST examples of a software release coming out in a hurry! They even forgot to include the alignment functions for the MOVE tool that were present in rel. 3.0 ... talk about a big booboo!

Here's some help from Wendyzine at Elements Village:
To Install Actions into PSE 6:
1. Make sure PSE is closed.

2. Navigate to: C:\DocumentsandSettings\allusers\application data\adobe\PhotoshopElements\5.0\PhotoCreations\Sp ecial Effects\PhotoEffects\

3. Create a new folder for each action.

4. If your thumbnail images are not provided as PNG files, you must open them and resave them as PNGs.

5. Copy all actions (ends in .atn) and "thumbs" files from your download. Do not copy any text files (directions for use/installation).

6. Paste into your newly created folder.

7. Start up PSE and go! Have fun with your new actions!

For PSE6/VISTA OS users:

1. Instead of a PSD file, you must include a PNG file. Open the PSD thumbnail file that came with your action, save it as a PNG. Make sure the layer name and the filename are the same as the action name with the exception of the extension.

2. Put the action and the PNG image that represents the action in this folder:

C:\ProgramData\Adobe\PhotoshopElements\6.0\PhotoCr eations\ImageEffects
:)

Hope that helps. I teach Photoshop and Elements (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and now 6.0) and the only thing I'm not terribly fond of in 6.0 is the dark grey color of the screen ... doesn't work all that wonderfully in a classroom on a projector. Of course I'd love for Adobe to include PATHS functionality in an upcoming version of elements but I suppose then we'd be that much more like the full-blown package (photoshop)?!? I guess keeping it on my wish list won't hurt anything!

[scrappygirl]

Maybe I can get this to work...I sure keep trying. My problem now is that I can find the Photo Creations folder. Any ideas on that?
One of my favorite things about PSE 6 is the dark grey color...lol. It seems to be easier on my eyes. Although I can see that it might be difficult to see in a class room. And yes, the issues with the move tool have been quite aggravating...I'm slowly getting used to it, though.

I really appreciate your help and suggestions!

[Sandy Wimer]

I'm brand new to actions. Can you tell me how to save & use them on CS3? I've got them downloaded & am lost from there.

[RoverGal]

Wow, there is such great information here! I wish I had found this a couple weeks ago when I was struggling with some of this stuff. But, I finally got my first basic LO done, and recently learned how to use a template.

Now I'm wondering how I make elements out of my own items. I've scanned a shaped sticker into PSE6, and now I want to make it into an element with a transparent background. How do I do that? And, once it's done, do I want to save it as a .png file or a .gif file?
TIA!
Cindy

[grammie25]

I would like to learn how to use fonts

[katlily]

I have been going thru the pages on this forum and have picked up so many shortcuts to the way I do things. I also learned how to do more than a few things. Wonderful tips

[lelap]

i took a photo and cut the person out with the lasso tool and saved it, but when I put it on my paper u could still see the white where the picture was cut out how do I remove that so u can only see the person?

[madi]

i took a photo and cut the person out with the lasso tool and saved it, but when I put it on my paper u could still see the white where the picture was cut out how do I remove that so u can only see the person?

Did you save as a .png file ?

and check if you have a transparent background.

Hope this helps!

[lelap]

yes i did save in png. but how do u do the transparant back ground ( I am new to using this program)

[madi]

I made a screenshot:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/dianeenmaya/gottapixel-forum2.jpg

my program is in Dutch so I pointed out where you set a transparant background in a new file.

once you opened your new file you can drag the .png file into it

and it looks like this with 2 layers

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/dianeenmaya/gottapixel-forum3.jpg

Hope it helps

[Kamaditz]

I desparately want to learn to make Quick Pages in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6. I signed up for a contest but I can't find directions that I can understand on how to do it. Thanks.

[scramper75]

WOW, so much information. I would love to learn how to use a template and learn what actions are in Photoshop CS3.
I suppose I should start by going through all of the threads and see what is there.

[scramper75]

By The Way where do we find the answers to what people would like to learn? Is there a special section for that?

[Marta van Eck]

What do you mean exactly? Would you like to know how to install fonts downloaded from Web (e.g from this site:http://www.1001freefonts.com/) and how to make them usable in you photo edit software?


I would like to learn how to use fonts

[Cass]

Thats strange, I use PSE4 for layouts and designing and don't have any problems at all, in fact so good I am not willing to upgrade even at this time.


[QUOTE=lbjiowa;347695]Don't dispare scrappygirl! and definitely DON'T encourage anyone to buy PSE 4.0 for goodness sakes! It is one of THE WORST examples of a software release coming out in a hurry! They even forgot to include the alignment functions for the MOVE tool that were present in rel. 3.0 ... talk about a big booboo!

[granny5pics]

I just got PSE 6 (bundled with my pen and tablet:)). I get a background (.jpg) on the workspace, but can't figure out how how to layer something on top of it. The .png's I've tried to use all become the only layer, or import as something huge, and all have the white border. I've been playing around with different kits I've gotten from this site.:( Where's a good tut for 6 anywhere on the web?

[physioscrapper]

I don't have 6, but I've used version 5 and 7. Make sure your project bin is open at the bottom of the screen...if you don't see anything other that the working screen, go up to the very top where there is a line of different words starting with File, Edit, Image... and go over to Window. click on window and you should see a drop down menu appear, and you want to have Project Bin checked. (You also should have Effects, and Layers checked, and possibly Undo History- that's a personal preference). This allows you to see all the files or pngs you have open. It sounds like you have all the different pngs in Elements, and they should now be visable in the project bin. Open the background. At this point you can do it 2 ways...
1) You can have all the different pngs on the main page by using the Tile mode or Cascade Mode. And then you just drag the png over to the background and it should form another layer. To use Tile mode...again go back up to the very top where it said Window and go to Image and when you click on it another menu comes up Tile or Cascade or Max View. Click on Tile. (If it isn't there - (it is in version 7) - it could be like version 5 where the different views/images are found in the top right of the screen. Once they are all on the screen, with the move tool on, click and drag the png to your background.
2) The second way if you want Max View or Full Screen View is to drag the png from the project bin up to the background....(Click and hold on the png to move it) and (however, they changed it in version 7 so that you have to drag your png down to the background)...that's why I'm not sure how 6 works. Remember to move an item you must be using the Move Tool. (The shortcut for this is V on your keyboard).
Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you too much.
Oh there is a third way too..... Open your background. Then under File at the top, go down to Place. click on this....find your file where your pngs are, chose the png you want, and click on Place. It will put it on the background layer that is open in Elements. You have to click the checkmark on the screen for it to remain there. If you want to resize the png make sure you have Constrain Proportions checked at the top of the screen, or it will resize funny.
This should help you start...but there is a lot of playing around to figure it out. I'll keep an eye open for a tut for you!

[TerryF]

Wow, thanks Nancy for all that info. I'm sure this will help me a lot also. I need to read it thoroughly and actually try what you are explaining.

I just started working with PSE 6 also. There are lots of very helpful member here who will be glad to help you out.

I found this free course by Sony that really made some things "click" for me and might help you.

Intro page. You probably have to register here: http://backstage101.learningcenter.sony.us/

Course outline: http://backstage101.learningcenter.sony.us/sessions/overview/p/courseSessionId/156148/Hands_On_Digital_Scrapbooking_Design.htm?sponsorId =1040&courseId=14916

[ChristineMc]

I would like to learn how to blend a pic in the background. I have psp x2. I guess what I am saying is how do I set the transparency of a photo, prior to putting it in a LO.

[HollyP]

I would like some help with Foto Fusion software and using downloads from this site. Foto Fusion was recommended by friends and this site as well. I need to know where to put the files so tha tI can acces them in Foto Fusion.
Thanks
Holly

[Marta van Eck]

What kind of fotofusion version you use? Scrapbook esentials, extreme or entanced?

[miekje]

Hi,
I am currently working with Paint shop pro 7.
But I have saved up money to buy a newer version.
I am not sure wich to buy:
Psp X2 or Photo Shop elements 7...
I know the psp program (that is version 7)
but know nothing about Photo Shop.
The thing is that there are masks/brushes/templates out there
that I can't use with my psp 7 and I know for sure they work with Photoshop, not sure if they work on Psp X2.
What can you advise me to do?
Please help, I am stuck making a choice...:-[

[chbranch]

I can only give you my personal opinion and I'd say go for Photoshop Elements. It seems that Photoshop is the standard that most designers use and that's what their brushes, actions, etc. will work with. It seems much less common to find things that work with PSP. I have PSE5 and PSE6. I think the most recent version is 7. In my opinion, the learning curve was not bad and there are tons of free tutorials out there. Also, many people here use PSE and are more than happy to help you out when you get stuck! Oh, and check out the HP website. They offer a lot of free courses that are very good and self-paced. I used that to teach myself Photoshop CS2.