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Community > Articles & Projects > Thena's Article
Thena's Article
Thena Smith
Thena Smith

Time to Create Some Fun for Fall

Hubby and I just returned from Photoshop World in Las Vegas and our brains are experiencing a system overload! I took my laptop with me and thought I could work on my little monthly chat with you, but when we got back to the room, we seemed to forget to do anything but relax and zone out. Be sure to check out Photoshop World (just Google it) because if you love doing digital things, you may want to attend their expo next year!

Hubby and I each went our own way with classes, as our interests were a bit different. I was into creativity and he was interested in videos and animation, etc. It worked out great and made for fun dinner conversations. Everyone was excited to hear that CS4 will be announced this month and Photoshop Elements 7 is now out.

The things I create and show step by step here are usually created in Microsoft Digital Image Pro and since it has been discontinued, my friend, Sharon and I both (huge fans of DIP since the beginning) are facing the fact that eventually it may not work as PC operating systems are being changed and upgraded. We have resolved to try to learn CS3 in greater depth so we won’t be left up the digital creek without a paddle!

As I play with CS3 more and more, I see the things that are easier to do in CS3 and things that are so much easier in DIP. For instance in DIP, I love the Distortion tool. I find there are things that I can create using it that I can’t do with just the line tool or paint brush. I love the way the layers are so simple in DIP, although I am getting more comfortable with them now in CS3.

Whatever your preference in software programs, there are so many fun things you can do using your program with Hugware. If you haven’t checked out the shopping section, be sure to! There are so many cute things by talented artists just waiting to be discovered by you!

And as is my custom, I will share something you can create just using simple shapes in Digital Image Suite (DIP). I believe that everyone, whether you think you can draw or not, needs to have the fun of using their own creations on their scrapbook pages. Your family will love it!

If you are ready to create, let’s get started.

For those of you, like me, who cannot draw a straight line, you can still have fun and be creative just using simple shapes and a program such as DIP.

I created this simple page from scratch using shapes. I did the simple fairies by using a shape and then using the distortion tool.

Project 1: I’ve Never Seen a Fairy
Let’s create the elements to make the fairy page in Figure 1
    For the mushrooms:
  1. Go to Insert shape.
  2. Make 2 circle shapes and fill with color.
  3. Cut top circle in half using selection tool.
  4. Add flattened circle shape to half circle and use burn tool to add shadows underneath mushroom cap.
  5. Add spots to cap using dodge tool.
  6. Add shape for stem and fill with color.
  7. Use distort tool to create interesting changes.
  8. Experiment with colors and distortion effects.
  9. Beanstalk is shape filled with color and leaves are the heart shape filled with gradient 2 shades of green.
  10. Fairy house is the mushroom shortened and flattened a bit.
    For the fairies:
  1. Insert shapes to form body.
  2. Use distortion tool to sculpt image.
  3. Save often and continue.
  4. Use distortion tool and clone tool for creating body.
  5. Use heart shape for wings.
  6. Color on some hair and add facial features.
  7. Copy entire image and paste. Fill in color of outfit; then erase the rest of the top image leaving costume on. Group and flatten image.
  8. To create skirted version, use distortion tool to add length, etc.
click image for larger preview
Project 2: Create a variety of birdies using shapes
  1. Insert shape, circle.
  2. Cut circle in half.
  3. Add circle to half circle as head.
  4. Add shape as tail.
  5. Add half circle as wing.
  6. Add heart as beak.
Project 2
click image for larger preview
Project 3: Loyal Scarecrow
    Using Harvest Friendship by Tina Ledbetter
  1. Create new page at 12 x 12 and 300 dpi.
  2. Add frame and use burn tool to darken it.
  3. Add clipart and place on inner part of frame.
  4. Add little verse or your journaling.

    5. *I created the background page by using the dodge and burn tool over a plain brown layer and then using the kaleidoscope plug-in by Medhi.
Project 3
click image for larger preview

Project 4: Happy Thanksgiving Card
    Using Debbie Mumm’s Bountiful
  1. Create a new 8.5 x 11 page at 300 dpi.
  2. Add image from Debbie Mumm’s Bountiful.
  3. Make cutout of image and layer on top adding shadow.
  4. Cut out parts of tablecloth and layer adding shadow.
  5. Add text.
Project 4
click image for larger preview
Project 5: Thankful for Neighbor Page
  1. Create new 12 x 12 page at 300 dpi.
  2. Add images from Debbie Mumm’s Bountiful.
  3. Use transparency feature to lighten background paper.
  4. Add sentiment and photos.
Project 5
click image for larger preview

Well, looks like we finished up another month of assignments. I hope you had some fun.

Now for your assignments if you should decide to accept them:
  1. Make an effort to spread a bit of joy wherever you are.
  2. If someone does something nice for you, pass it on.
  3. Teach your kids to be courteous.
  4. Be a little nicer than you have to be.
  5. Enjoy being who you are and where you are.
  6. Meet me back here next month!

Hugs,
Thena
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