Using PSP 9

[scrapaholic]

Please excuse me but I'm "brand new" to digital scrapbooking. I am getting PSP 8 in the next week from BIL but for now I did download PSP 9 for a trial period but I cant seem to be able to do the tutorial for first page in tut 101 with it:(
As soon as I go to the step that reads:

• Let’s add some texture. Effects > Texture Effects > Texture. I selected the FUR 01 texture; smoothness 2; depth 2. You can choose any texture you see.(PSP 9 doesnt have an option for smoothness and dept, not that I can see. Their options are BLUR,LENGHT,DENSITY and TRANSPARENCY)
Add a border to frame your image: Image > Add Borders. I made my outline 5 pixels on all sides, black. (outline? where do I find an outline)
• Copy the photo and paste it onto your scrapbook page on the layer named “Photo”. To do this, select Edit > Paste > Paste as New Selection. Move it to the desired location on your page. Get rid of the “marching ants” around your picture by deselecting the image: click Selections > Select None. (Ghrrr, I'm completley lost here...picture won't cut move on top of scrapbook page)
• Add a shadow to make it appear that the photo is “resting” on the background. Effects > 3D Effects > Drop Shadow. My shadow is black with the following settings: Vertical 8, Horizontal 8, Opacity 60, Blur 12.
(Didn't make it to this step)
What am I doing wrong? PLEASE HELP!

[ashmark]

I hope my answers answer some of your questions. If not please post again. I will try to help you as much as I can.
Let’s add some texture. Effects > Texture Effects > Texture. I selected the FUR 01 texture; smoothness 2; depth 2. You can choose any texture you see.(PSP 9 doesnt have an option for smoothness and dept, not that I can see. Their options are BLUR,LENGHT,DENSITY and TRANSPARENCY
Fur is a texture but the one the tutorial is talking about is the third one from the bottom where there are lots more textures to choose

Add a border to frame your image: Image > Add Borders. I made my outline 5 pixels on all sides, black. (outline? where do I find an outline)
outline and border are used here for the same thing

• Copy the photo and paste it onto your scrapbook page on the layer named “Photo”. To do this, select Edit > Paste > Paste as New Selection. Move it to the desired location on your page. Get rid of the “marching ants” around your picture by deselecting the image: click Selections > Select None. (Ghrrr, I'm completley lost here...picture won't cut move on top of scrapbook page)
This is where I do it differently because I like to move my picture around alot. I copy the photo then go to Edit-Paste-Paste as a new layer. Move it to where I want it. Keep it on its own layer and you can move it as often as you like. You won't have the marching ants so you don't have to worry about that.

• Add a shadow to make it appear that the photo is “resting” on the background. Effects > 3D Effects > Drop Shadow. My shadow is black with the following settings: Vertical 8, Horizontal 8, Opacity 60, Blur 12.
This is the way I do this step. The only thing different is I check the box to put the shadow on its own layer so I can easily change that if I want.

[Emma]

Hey, there! Just here adding moral support. She answered all of your questions very well :) If you get stuck again, there's an army of PSPers here to help you. Just holler at us!

Also had to agree with Pasting the photo as a new layer, that's how I do it too

How's it going?

[Stacey]

Ditto on pasting the photo as a new layer. When you paste as new selection, it "flattens" the layer, or sticks it to the layer you're placing it on, so you can't move it anymore.

[scrapaholic]

I'm working it on it right now:) I really appreciate the tips and much needed info. I'll post back with some results.
Jess

I hope my answers answer some of your questions. If not please post again. I will try to help you as much as I can.
Let’s add some texture. Effects > Texture Effects > Texture. I selected the FUR 01 texture; smoothness 2; depth 2. You can choose any texture you see.(PSP 9 doesnt have an option for smoothness and dept, not that I can see. Their options are BLUR,LENGHT,DENSITY and TRANSPARENCY
Fur is a texture but the one the tutorial is talking about is the third one from the bottom where there are lots more textures to choose

Add a border to frame your image: Image > Add Borders. I made my outline 5 pixels on all sides, black. (outline? where do I find an outline)
outline and border are used here for the same thing

• Copy the photo and paste it onto your scrapbook page on the layer named “Photo”. To do this, select Edit > Paste > Paste as New Selection. Move it to the desired location on your page. Get rid of the “marching ants” around your picture by deselecting the image: click Selections > Select None. (Ghrrr, I'm completley lost here...picture won't cut move on top of scrapbook page)
This is where I do it differently because I like to move my picture around alot. I copy the photo then go to Edit-Paste-Paste as a new layer. Move it to where I want it. Keep it on its own layer and you can move it as often as you like. You won't have the marching ants so you don't have to worry about that.

• Add a shadow to make it appear that the photo is “resting” on the background. Effects > 3D Effects > Drop Shadow. My shadow is black with the following settings: Vertical 8, Horizontal 8, Opacity 60, Blur 12.
This is the way I do this step. The only thing different is I check the box to put the shadow on its own layer so I can easily change that if I want.

[scrapaholic]

Ok NO!!!! I can't get the darn page to work for me :mad: . Please someone help me make my first page! I took all the advice and after I had specific instructions for those steps, the next ones made no sence to me :confused:
Does anyone tutor/help over the phone, by camera or IM??? Or am I just not getting the whole digi scrapping enough to learn?
In need of help,
Jess

[ashmark]

I can help you. I have yahoo instant message. I don't leave it on all the time so if you email me we can set up a time when we can meet. Or better yet it might be easier to meet in a chat room and do this. Just email me at fiedler3@charter.net I can basically do it anytime and would enjoy helping you. Hope to hear from you soon.

Vivian

[Emma]

chat room is ALWAYS open!
also, I teach a newbie PSP class in January that you can sign up for, so don't get too frustrated.

Just yell and say what time you'll be in the chat, and someone will holler back and help you out! you can even use a sub room if there's an activity going on at the same time

now, carefully explain the trouble, maybe we can help you in the forums too

PSPers! Line up! There's trouble brewing, we need to put out the fire! It'll be like a digital bucket brigade :)

[scrapaholic]

I'll be emailing you this weekend. My email is cjthammond@yahoo.com and IM is the same. Again, thanks a ton.
Jess
I can help you. I have yahoo instant message. I don't leave it on all the time so if you email me we can set up a time when we can meet. Or better yet it might be easier to meet in a chat room and do this. Just email me at fiedler3@charter.net I can basically do it anytime and would enjoy helping you. Hope to hear from you soon.

Vivian

[scrapaholic]

LOL ;) I'm posting in detail in the morning and I will be specific so you PSPers can understand me :confused: I am so ready to LEARN! I need to sign up for your class! And I will:)!
TY, Jess

chat room is ALWAYS open!
also, I teach a newbie PSP class in January that you can sign up for, so don't get too frustrated.

Just yell and say what time you'll be in the chat, and someone will holler back and help you out! you can even use a sub room if there's an activity going on at the same time

now, carefully explain the trouble, maybe we can help you in the forums too

PSPers! Line up! There's trouble brewing, we need to put out the fire! It'll be like a digital bucket brigade :)

[scrapaholic]

I need to get in the loop with the lingo, any ideas where I can find meaning to digital scrapping terms? (ex:flatten)
TIA, Jess
Ditto on pasting the photo as a new layer. When you paste as new selection, it "flattens" the layer, or sticks it to the layer you're placing it on, so you can't move it anymore.

[ashmark]

LOL Emma! We can call our selves the PSP Bucket Brigade.
Looking forward to helping you. I should be free all weekend. By the way don't flatten anything until you are done with the LO and then you should just flatten a copy so you can post it. When you flatten a LO, you can't change anything without starting over. I always save my LOs in PSP format so if I decide later on to change something or I find a spelling mistake I can fix it easily. I then copy the lo and flatten it so I can post it here.

I know you are getting frustrated but we all will get you over this. It took me awhile to get used to the program and now I am learning new things even today.

Vivian

[Emma]

Valeri, another PSPer and DSP Designer, made a digi scrap glossary that should be posted soon. So don't worry, we made it because you're surely not the first to ask all these questions!

Just picture me typing angrily away to my sister over MSN yelling, "Where's the DROP SHADOW?!" Fortunately she was patient to talk me down and keep my computer from making a self-shaped hole in my wall

You'll make it! We're here!

Now, ask us your questions, specifically, so we can help you out. Buckets standing by!

[scrapaholic]

I'll be on my way to the chat in an 1hr 15 min. LOL! My count down:)
Jess
Valeri, another PSPer and DSP Designer, made a digi scrap glossary that should be posted soon. So don't worry, we made it because you're surely not the first to ask all these questions!

Just picture me typing angrily away to my sister over MSN yelling, "Where's the DROP SHADOW?!" Fortunately she was patient to talk me down and keep my computer from making a self-shaped hole in my wall

You'll make it! We're here!

Now, ask us your questions, specifically, so we can help you out. Buckets standing by!

[Emma]

Wow, was that a marathon or WHAT?!

You did awesome, turned a corner, then things all of sudden got really easy and worked the way they should. You made so much progress, and everyone who showed up was so helpful and hopefully learned some fun new tricks too.

Thanks, everyone! It got pretty wild and fun, and I know I learned a lot too.

[scrapaholic]

To Emma and all the Ladies in the chat, Thank you! I never thought I would get it done.LOL! But I did and I want to say THANK YOU!
Jess

Wow, was that a marathon or WHAT?!

You did awesome, turned a corner, then things all of sudden got really easy and worked the way they should. You made so much progress, and everyone who showed up was so helpful and hopefully learned some fun new tricks too.

Thanks, everyone! It got pretty wild and fun, and I know I learned a lot too.

[ashmark]

I am so glad you got your first LO done! The first one is the hardest. In a couple of weeks you will be wondering why you had such a hard time the first time. Congratulations on finishing your first LO. Have you posted it in the gallery? I would love to see it.

Vivian

[scrapaholic]

Vivian,
No, It says It can't post it. why? I saved it in my photo section:( I'll keep trying.
Jess(I am so glad you got your first LO done! The first one is the hardest. In a couple of weeks you will be wondering why you had such a hard time the first time. Congratulations on finishing your first LO. Have you posted it in the gallery? I would love to see it.

Vivian

[Emma]

you can't post a psp file: it's the wrong format and too large.

you have to flatten it, resize it to 72dpi and 500px tall, then save as a JPG file to upload. I have folders in My Photos folder for scrapping, like this

My Pictures
>Scrapbook Layouts: for the layered PSP files
>Scrapbook Web: for the flat JPG, low resolution files
>Print version: for the flat JPG, high resolution files to send to the printer
>Graphics/Elements for all my downloaded doo-dads

The tutorial I linked you to last night on Uploading to the Gallery shows how to resize the layout

So Layers>Flatten. Then Image>Resize, change resolution from 200 to 72, then change height to 500px
Then File>Export>JPEG Optimizer and slide the quality to around 30 until the file size is under 100,000 bytes

then upload
here;s the resizing tutorial
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/resizingpsp.shtml
except I don't use File Save As because you can't see how large the file will be. It has to be under 125,000 bytes (or 125kb) to upload to DSP, and I don't like guessing how big it is!

let us know how it goes

[scrapaholic]

Emma,
Thank you, I uploaded it! How do I know my link? You know the one to that takes me right to the gallery. Well I hope its a good LO and I still don't know how to change last nights LO so I can upload it:( so you can let me know what I did incorrect. Again, thank you so much. Really!
Jess

you can't post a psp file: it's the wrong format and too large.

you have to flatten it, resize it to 72dpi and 500px tall, then save as a JPG file to upload. I have folders in My Photos folder for scrapping, like this

My Pictures
>Scrapbook Layouts: for the layered PSP files
>Scrapbook Web: for the flat JPG, low resolution files
>Print version: for the flat JPG, high resolution files to send to the printer
>Graphics/Elements for all my downloaded doo-dads

The tutorial I linked you to last night on Uploading to the Gallery shows how to resize the layout

So Layers>Flatten. Then Image>Resize, change resolution from 200 to 72, then change height to 500px
Then File>Export>JPEG Optimizer and slide the quality to around 30 until the file size is under 100,000 bytes

then upload
here;s the resizing tutorial

except I don't use File Save As because you can't see how large the file will be. It has to be under 125,000 bytes (or 125kb) to upload to DSP, and I don't like guessing how big it is!

let us know how it goes

[ashmark]

Great LO Jess!
To link directly to your LO, copy the link that is in your browser's address bar and then paste it into you comments.

Vivian

[Emma]

Great! so you made another layout, resized, and uploaded it? And you want to also upload the "junk" layout we made last night? Use the same process you used to upload the other one.
Just open the file in PSP, flatten, resize, save as a JPG, then upload.

To link right to it, copy and paste the link from the address bar of the layout, like this:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18018

you only need the link to the photo=number, not all the other password&junk after the photo number

excellent job, very cute!

[scrapaholic]

I can't find it. Layers>Flatten??? I skipped that step the first time:(
Where is that step? I did all the others and thats how I uploaded.
JessGreat! so you made another layout, resized, and uploaded it? And you want to also upload the "junk" layout we made last night? Use the same process you used to upload the other one.
Just open the file in PSP, flatten, resize, save as a JPG, then upload.

To link right to it, copy and paste the link from the address bar of the layout, like this:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18018

you only need the link to the photo=number, not all the other password&junk after the photo number

excellent job, very cute!

[scrapaholic]

Glad you liked it:) I can take constructive critisism if you have any:)
JessGreat LO Jess!
To link directly to your LO, copy the link that is in your browser's address bar and then paste it into you comments.

Vivian

[Emma]

no, it's great

add drop shadows to the papers and photo, and some very subtle texture to the photo mat and journaling strip

[scrapaholic]

WoW flatten makes a huge difference! Thanks.
Jess
I can't find it. Layers>Flatten??? I skipped that step the first time:(
Where is that step? I did all the others and thats how I uploaded.
Jess

[BeccaB]

Wow - I guess I missed all this, but I had fun reading it. The layout looks great. I love your journaling. I'm a newbie too and taking Emma's PSP class. If you do too, I'm sure we will be talking more.

BTW - I'm going to be out of town (work) Mon & Tues, so I will not be starting until Weds.