Cassel | Creation Cassel

New script – Painted Background

January 19, 2021March 25, 2016 by Cassel

cass-PaintedBackground Linda asked me recently if i could create a script that would generate a painted background from an image. Of course, one can always use the Brush Strokes effect in Paintshop Pro, but sometimes, we only want an abstract background based on the colors of a particular image we like. It can obviously be hard to find a perfect match unless we create it ourselves.

That is where this script comes from. Using a variety of brushes, the script will use the colors of the image and add colors on a separate layer, all randomly, for a different result every time.

You can choose what kind of "brush stroke" you want (whether it is a sponge effect, a dry or wet brush effect, a palette knife or an airbrush effect).

And you can also use that new background to showcase an element of the photo that you have extracted, by using blend modes, or other type of techniques.

Grab this fun script: Painted Background

Since this script can create a full size paper (if you want), you would also have the option to use that paper for other purposes than just a background (even though those backgrounds will be stunning). What other use can you think for those papers? Give me a suggestion in the comments below. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

This week, i picked a few very colorful images on Morguefiles and turned 3 of them into full size papers. Do you have a fun, happy project you want to showcase? You can use those background papers as a base for showcasing your photos. You can also use those papers in other ways (or use them with other scripts!).

You can add some blur, add texture, play with the adjustment layers, even blend them with something else. You can surely find more creative ways to use those colorful papers.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

News from the Campus

Can you create your own sticker out of any image you have? Sure you can. Use any png image (even if you extracted Uncle Jim from a photo) to turn them into custom stickers. And also, have a peek how you can make that sticker look like it is curling up a bit.

Check it out

New script – Group

January 19, 2021March 19, 2016 by Cassel

Whenever you work on a particular project, and create many layers, it is a real pain to copy and paste each individual layer onto the new project. Of course, you can group them, but if you have 20, 30 or 100 layers, it can be very time consuming.

This is why I created this script. It will group ALL the layers in an image into ONE group in seconds saving you time that you can use for other projects. Once all the layers are grouped, you can copy and paste it onto your new project. If you need to tweak the individual elements, it is as simple as ungrouping the layers and continue your work.

A simple yet time saving tool for anyone working with many layers on their projects.

Grab this script in the store: Group.

P.S. you might want to bind this script and add it to your layer palette. Check out the video here.

I guess, since this script is free, there is no point in drawing for a winner to get it for ... free. But, i would still love to hear what you think of this script or maybe your ideas for other quick and time saving command combinations that could be turned into a script.

As a sampler, i obviously can't sample this script as it would just need to be applied to your own projects. But since i had a very good response to the Cookie Digits, a few weeks ago, i thought it might be time to get the matching alphabet for you.

So i created a matching alphabet with uppercase, and a set of symbols that you might use. I love this font called Fatty, as it has a shape that is uneven, just like cookies might be (at least mine).

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

Can i challenge you to use those cookies in a project and show it to me? And it would be great if Alex (at the Corel office) could see how creative you can be using PSP. Post your project on their FB page, and tag it with #FanFriday.

News from the Campus

Are you using keyboard shortcuts when working with PSP? Check out which are my top 10 shortcuts in this blog post in the Campus.

And while you are at it, download my printable shortcuts cheat sheets.

New script – Pinwheel

January 19, 2021March 12, 2016 by Cassel

Creating designs for seamless tiles is not that hard, but creating many using the same palette without redoing the same one twice is a little be more challenging.

This script is there to help with that.

Starting with your own color palette (up to 8 colors), the script will mix them up and create various combinations for you. Since the pinwheel pattern is a little limited in the number of possible patterns, you might end up with a few repeats but you can just delete them.

You can generate tiles, tagger size papers or full size papers, using the same pattern.

You can also combine two tiles, flip/mirror them, and get a new tile for a different pattern.

A simple, yet versatile pattern.

Get this script in the store: Pinwheel

For a chance to win this script, add a comment below, about the idea of this pattern. I'll pick a winner next week and announce it in the newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

For a sample, i created 8 tiles in the green colors (for St-Patrick month). Each tile is 250x250 pixels and can be scaled up or down as a pattern. You can add a rotation. You can combine two tiles. You can duplicate a single tile and flip/mirror it to create a different pattern.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

News from the Campus

What do you know about Adjustment Layers in PSP?

Do you want to learn a bit more and find out a few interesting uses for them?

Check out the edited recording of the live presentation we had last week.

Check the Master Class

New script – Stack’m all

March 6, 2021March 5, 2016 by Cassel

Did you ever use a script that created many elements left on your workspace? What do you do with them? If you want to save them, you might have 20 images to save, each with a different name.

Now, you can save a lot of time using the Stack'm all script. It will stack up all the images from your workspace into individual layers on ONE file. So you you would have only ONE file to save.

You have various options too: you can rename all the images that were not previously saved (like those generated by a script) with a generic name; you can also group all the layers from a multi-layered image before stacking them into the new image. A great time saver.

Get this script in the store: Stack'm all

Do you want a chance to win this script? We'll make a little game this time around. Name one script that creates a lot of elements left on your workspace. I will announce the winner in the newsletter, next week. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

As a sample for this week, i am actually giving you a little challenge. I created a wooden window and i left it in separate layers for you to customize. You can remove some vertical or horizontal pieces to create a different disposition of the window panes. You can remove some of them, cut others, end up with a variety of pane arrangements, even if they are... uneven.

Once you have customized your window panes, merge the center pieces and add a bevel to your liking. Finally, it is time to add images or photos. Will you use a single image to show outside the window? Will you add separate images on different panes so the window will act like a frame? Or will you do use it as a curious cabinet front? Use your creativity.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

Now that you have created a new masterpiece that is totally unique, the REAL challenge is to post it on the Corel Paintshop Pro FB page with the tag #FanFriday. I would love one of your creations to be showcased on their gallery, just like they posted mine.

Script update – Kidnap Alpha script

January 19, 2021February 20, 2016 by Cassel

A few years ago, I came up with a script that would create uneven pieces of papers around individual letters. Those were perfect to simulate the look of ransom notes or such and it was called Kidnap Alpha.

This time, I updated this script to add the option of torn edges instead of just straight cut edges. So, with a single script, you now have the option of having a "messier" look.

Just as for the initial version, you can choose any color/gradient/pattern for the base paper, any color for the font, any font you want, and any number of fonts too, making those notes really fun and varied.

If you have already purchased the initial version of this script, the download link has been reactivated and the download has been updated.

Grab this fun script in the store: Kidnap Alpha.

If you want a chance to get this script for free, add a comment below telling me what message you would write with such an alpha. I'll announce a winner in next week's newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

This week, I created a basic alpha using this script. The base paper is grey and the letters are either black or dark grey. All the edges are torn.

This alpha includes all the letters, and digits and some basic punctuation marks.

There is no upper or lower case sets as all the cases were randomly picked so you have a mix of uppercase and lowercase, which makes it for an even more realistic effect.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

Will you show us what you do with this alpha?

Another matching alpha will be available in the newsletter, this weekend.

New tubes – Sprinkles

January 19, 2021February 13, 2016 by Cassel

If you ever had cookies or cakes, you know what a little sprinkles can add to the look!

Since you were able to make cookies last week, with the Cookies script, this week, you can add some sprinkles to them.

This set of picture tubes include 10 different colors of sprinkles. Simply "draw" with them as if you were coloring. The default size is the real size of a sprinkles, but if you are drawing cookies that are smaller than life, you will want to reduce the size. The step is set to allow you to place a light coat of sprinkles, but reduce the size and you will spill more sprinkles in a smaller area.

Use them to decorate cookies, cakes, donuts or cupcakes, but you can also spill some on your layout, to add a delicious effect, or incorporate some in clusters for a final touch.

Grab these (no-cal) sprinkles in the store: Sprinkles tubes.

In order to win this set of tubes, tell me what theme AND colors could you think of having. I can see that green and red would be perfect for Christmas. What other theme, and color combination can you name. I am hoping to get some themed sprinkles next week, so you can help me get your favorite themed sprinkles. I'll announce a winner in next week's newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

This week, i had fun "painting" with those sprinkles (it is addictive).

I created a simple rainbow using 6 of the 10 colors in the set. It is a PNG format, and is about 2000 pixels wide.

In addition, i created a full page (3600x3600 pixels) of sprinkles arranged in a kind of rainbow. This will be a great background for any baking, or sweet theme project. Or maybe a birthday invitation?

Grab those freebies now, and use them today.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

Remember to show us how you are using them.

News from the Campus

Did you join the live presentation, last week?

The whole presentation was recorded and is being edited. It should be up this weekend.

Keep an eye on the Master Class section of the Campus.

Remember that it will be free to watch, as long as you are logged into the Campus.

New script – Cookies

January 19, 2021February 5, 2016 by Cassel

Don't you love cookies? Who does NOT love cookies?

With this script, you can turn your Paintshop Pro into your own cookie machine, as it will convert any shape into a delicious (low-cal) cookie (or it could be a cracker if you prefer).

This script will offer you 5 choices of cookie textures: crackers, shortbread, chocolate chip, gingerbread or sugar.

As if that was not enough to make you hungry, you can even add some icing to those cookies.

You can get this delicious script in the store: Cookies.

Would you like to win this script? In the comments below, tell me what shape you would like to see cookies made. I'll announce a winner next week, in the newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

This week, as a sampler, i created a set of digits, in the right colors for your Valentine. How about creating a project and writing a date that is special to you? The date you met? The date you married? The date you took that vacation? Any date!

Each digit is about 500 pixels high so you can easily resize them.

They look just the way they would come out if i baked them: uneven!

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

News from the Campus

Our next live presentation will take place this Sunday, February 7th.

Come and join us for a fun live class on ways we can be inspired by newspapers and magazines formats do display our photos and stories.

It is free so why not join in?

(and share with your PSP friends too)

New tubes – Twisted Strings

January 19, 2021January 29, 2016 by Cassel

You can find various strings in digital scrapbook kits, or sometimes as a set of elements, but are you struggling to find the right color, or the right length, or the right shape?

This set of picture tubes for Paintshop Pro allows you to simply draw the string with your cursor, any length you want, in any shape you want. It is like doodling a string wherever you want.

Adjust the size of the string by changing the scale of the tube: create thicker or thinner strings, depending on your project.

You get 12 different string tubes in different colors. Interestingly, the colors match those of the pipe cleaner tubes, so you can combine both sets of tubes for color coordinated projects.

Get this set of tubes in the store: Twisted String tubes.

What would you do with those tubes? Since you can create strings in any length or shape, you can surely find some creative ways to use the strings. Share your ideas in the comments below. I'll pick a winner and will announce it next week, in the newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

I created these fun flowers out of the twisted strings. They are fairly large so you can size them down to fit your project. You get two flowers, two leaves and one stem. Combine them as you wish, add them to clusters, make a border out of several flowers, etc.

The shadows were added on those.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

New script – Photo Blinds

January 19, 2021January 23, 2016 by Cassel

Have you ever seen those wonderful images that are transposed into various slats to create vertical or horizontal blinds?

This script can recreate that effect with Paintshop Pro. Use any image to start and run the script. You will have various options to choose to create your own custom blinds.

You can even have the blinds partially open (one third, one half or two thirds), so you can still see the initial photo, yet have the option to show a window and a scenery behind it.

This is just a plain fun way to display your image.

You can use the top valence if you want, but you can remove it completely and just use the individual slats that the script created.

Get this fun script: Photo Blinds

Would you like to win this script? Tell me, in the comments below, how you would use these blinds. As usual, i expect some very creative uses! I'll pick and announce a winner in the newsletter, next week. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

This week, i was really struggling to figure out what to create as a freebie that you might actually use. Since there was a big snow storm in the US this weekend, i thought that maybe, someone would want to have a nice, warm photo to cover the sight of all that snow. Of course, you could use this even if you don't have snow around!

It is a png format element and it is full size so you could use it to cover half of a full size layout. Add a frame and a window scene behind for an interesting effect.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

What will you hide behind that warm sunset blind?

News from the Campus

Our next live presentation will take place on February 7th (yes that is 2 weeks from now; for a change, we are quite ahead!).

Come and join us for a fun live class on ways we can be inspired by newspapers and magazines formats do display our photos and stories.

It is free so why not join in?

(and share with your PSP friends too)

New script – Wooden Window

January 19, 2021January 16, 2016 by Cassel

You might be able to find some ready-made wooden windows in PNG format but what if you could create your own, to perfectly match your project? Use the same wood, or adjust the size or format of the window.

With this script, the possibilities are endless. Even if you have a smaller image to start with, the script will join several pieces in a dovetail manner, just like a carpenter would do.

You can create a single window, or place two tall windows, side by side for a totally different look.

Add those windows to a digital scrapbook project as a way to showcase an outdoor scene, or use each individual glass pane to place individual photos.

You can create an elegant window or a rustic one, depending on the wood texture image you start with.

Get this fun script in the store: Wooden Window

For a chance to win this script, tell me, in the comments below, how you would use those windows in a project. I always love the creativity you show, so i will be anxious to read your suggestions. I'll be back with a winner, next week, in the newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Not a problem. You can register here and it is free (and you only get one email per week).

This week, i went a bit out of my comfort zone and created a cluster with a sample window. I had fun using a curly ribbon and wrapping it around the sides of the window, and then, just added some flowers and greenery.

The whole window with the cluster is a bit over 2000 pixels.

You can use this window and place a large image behind it, or just leave it as is. I think it is cute on its own too! And i am sure you can do something similar with different types of windows. A great way to customize the window to match your project.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.