New script – Puzzle 5×5

January 19, 2021December 6, 2013 by Cassel

Kids and adults love puzzles. There are different stores that can turn a photo into a real 3D puzzle, which can be a fun present for the holiday, don’t you think?

But not everyone needs or wants a real tangible puzzle, however, it is a fun way to display a photo either as a desktop, a scrapbook layout, etc. You can get puzzle overlays that will give the impression of a finished puzzle, but in order to have “loose” pieces, you would still have to cut them out individually. This can be tedious and not very accurate.

This script for Paintshop Pro, will really turn your photo into a puzzle. Each piece will be on a separate layer so you have all the flexibility needed to move, remove, or rotate any piece you want. This way to display a photo adds a touch of dynamism, don’t you think?

The script will create a 25 pieces puzzle (5x5). It is meant to work on a square photo, but it will work equally well on a rectangular photo, except for the fact that the pieces will be slightly elongated. And it will work on ANY size photo too (although the very small ones might yield some jaggied edges).

You can grab this original Puzzle script in my store: Creation Cassel.

If you want other size, check out the other puzzle scripts:

If you want a chance to win this script, check outthis thread in the Happy Place and add your name to it. Let me know if you ever converted a photo into a puzzle before, and if so, how.

This week, instead of giving you a sample of the puzzle script, i decided to give you a challenge!

I am including a set of matching Card and Envelope, in PSD format that you can use to create a variety of holiday cards. The basic template was made using the Card&Envelope script, and then, i just added various elements to decorate the base. Since everything is on a separate layer, you can really be creative. Use any paper you have. Use elements you have. Move things around. Rearrange elements.

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

I would LOVE to see cards you will make with this template. Did you watch the Stretch-a-Sketch video? It is available in the Campus, here, for free until it is replaced by the Part 2 (which might mean only a couple of days?). So you better hurry.

News from the Campus

Are you still looking for last minute ideas for Holiday projects? Check out this article in the Campus.

Whether you want to create a calendar, embellish a card, make a frame, add sparkles to a project or decorate your room with a fun and unique Subway Art, you have many options at your fingertip.

Check it out HERE.

New script – Ribbon Tabs

January 19, 2021November 29, 2013 by Cassel

If you buy ribbons, you might get some straight ribbons, and wished you could get a folded version with the correct angle and shading. But you don’t have it. Then, you find some folded ribbons that would be perfect, but… how will you slip the element you want to attach (charm, ring, tag, etc.) between the layers to get a realistic look?

With this Paintshop Pro script, you will be able to use ANY straight ribbon, and get a folded version in unmerged layers so you can insert whatever element you need to. You can also add shadows that are different on both layers (since one layer might be flat on your page and one might be lifted).

You can either create a fold on one end of a long piece, or use that long ribbon and cut a small piece in it. There is also a random function incorporated into the code so that the angle of the fold and the exact length of the piece will always be different, meaning you can get a wide variety of different tabs using the same ribbon and the same options. No more tabs that look exactly like the others. They will all look like you did them by hand, one by one (but we know you used a shortcut!).

You can grab this time saving script in my store:Creation Cassel.

Do you want a chance to win it too? Simple: check out this thread in the DST forum and add your name to the thread. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

In order to show you what this script can do, i created a whole set of digits, attached with folded ribbon tabs made from a single ribbon (from Melissa Bennett) and i ran the script 10 times on that same ribbon, using the same options (create a tab with the full length, keeping the end straight, and facing the bottom).

Each digit was done manually using a basic font, a gold fill and a bevel. Then, they were individually inserted between the two layers of the folded ribbon. Finally, i arranged the digits to create a 2013 decoration. I added some bells, from the Picture Tubes that came with my PSP (I am not sure which version!).

The whole decoration is about 650 pixels high, so it would not overwhelm any layout. This might be a great way to date your Christmas layout from this year, or to conclude a P365 for this year.

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

But that’s not all. If you want the complete set of digits, subscribe to my newsletter and you will get it in the Sunday release (December 1st, 2013). If you see this post a little late, wait for the next release and work your way back through the past issues!

You have not yet subscribed? You can still do so (and of course, it is free!)

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Now, how about some SALE!

For Black Friday, EVERYTHING in my store is 40% off. Yes, EVERYTHING. If you are familiar with my business, you know that i do not have many sales in the store, so you better take advantage of this offer.

Since some are shopping on Black Friday, others on Cyber Monday and yet others will shop in between, everything will be left on sale until Monday night.

Go shopping!

New path – Holiday theme

January 19, 2021November 22, 2013 by Cassel

Paintshop Pro might not (yet) have the option to wrap text inside a specific shape, like a text editor program would do. Normally, you would have to struggle with separating the lines yourself with a [return], add some spaces or play with the kerning. That would work but you can achieve similar result faster using the Text Wrapping script, which works with paths.

This set of paths include 12 different holiday themed shapes. You get the path and the shape on different layers, so you can use the path for your text, and you can use the shape to possibly cut out the paper to show the text, or to replace it by a paper from a kit, or simply as a guide for other creative uses. Or you can use the shape totally separate from the path too since your text can just be printed on the background paper if you prefer.

You get pretty large shapes so you can resize everything down if you need it. Although these paths work perfectly with the Text Wrapping script, you can also add text manually by following the detailed instructions included.

You can get these fun Holiday Shapes paths in my store.

You can also win this set by adding your name to the Happy Place thread here, and tell me how you would create text inside a shape with your PSP. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

As a sample for you to see the result of these paths, i created a simple holiday card. I used the tree path and copied the lyrics from “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, and ran the Text Wrapping script on it. I decided not to use the template, but instead, doodled with the brush tool, on a layer below to create a tree shape. The ribbon frame was created using the Circular Element script on a long and straight ribbon.

This card is a standard 7x5 format so you can get it printed just about anywhere. It is a png format so you can just add a photo for the occasion.

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

New script – Bar Code

January 19, 2021November 15, 2013 by Cassel

Bar codes have become almost a boring fact of life whenever you go shopping since every single item has one of those. It is meant for faster checkout by allowing a machine to read the information instead of a cashier. But that “boring” design can be simulated and made much more interesting when used in conjunction with legible text, and fun colors.

This is exactly what this Paintshop Pro script will do. You can pick ANY text, in ANY font, in ANY color and then decide to replicate the traditional black design, or add fun colors. That is the perfect way to match your label to your current project or kit.

You can also choose to have a common white paper background or another color, or even have no paper at all, so you can apply the “label” onto any background as if it were stamped directly onto it without a paper support.

You can use any text so that leaves you with so many options: names, locations, dates, phrases. Do you want even more ways to use those labels by modifying them? Check out the newsletter for that additional tip.

Do you know you can use those labels as printables? Check out what you can do (i am giving you three ideas, can you think of more?)

You can get this fun Bar code script in my store.

You have a chance to win this fun script by sharing some of your great ideas. Hop over to this thread, and tell me of ways to use this script in a printable format. What would you use those labels for?

Obviously, i would not be able to create a sampler with the name of your kids, or the school subjects for you to stick them on their notebook, but we all know that Christmas is coming (yeah, i am serious!) and whether you are celebrating Christmas or not, it would likely be a time for gift exchanging, even if it is only between colleagues at the office or the little newspaper carrier, so i thought of creating some holiday season labels with this script.

You can get these 5 labels and print them out. Because they have some blank spots, you can handwrite the name of the recipient or the giver, and put them on presents for the holiday season.

They are pretty simple, but you surely don’t want to overpower the present you would offer, do you?

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

Did you see that the free video of the November presentation is already up in the Campus?

You can watch it for free, as long as you are logged in (registration to the Campus is totally free). So head over to watch it.

See how you can turn a flat sketch into a layered template.

See how you can use a single sketch and create a variety of layouts.

See how you can turn a square scrapbook layout into a card or a Facebook cover image.

Check it NOW

New tubes – Braided Trims

January 19, 2021November 8, 2013 by Cassel

This week, you can get this set of picture tubes created to generate some fun decorative trims. You can draw with them as you want, create any number of interesting edges in any length or shape.

If you like the other directional tubes from the store, you will love these ones too.

You can use the VectorTube script to place those trims along a vector path for a very precise placement around frames, alphas, or decorative designs.

You get 10 different tubes in different colors. If you want to tweak the colors afterward, you can still colorize them.

These are obviously only working in Paintshop Pro (sorry Adobe users).

You can grab this set of Braided Trims tubes in my store.

If you want a chance to win this set, you can add your name to this thread in the DST forum and tell me what version of PSP you are using. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

As a way for you to see more closely what those tubes look like in a real project, i created those fun tags. I started with a vector shape (a rectangle with rounded corners) and used the VectorTube script to place the trims along that path. I then replaced the center of the tag (that was a vector layer) by a brown paper texture i had in my supplies. I cut out the hole on top and added some words using the Magneto font.

Each tag is about 400 x 750 pixels so you have ample room to add your own journaling, date, or just use them plain. Add a string or a ribbon to attach them or just to add a decorative touch to it.

You also get a blank tag in case you want to customize it more to your project.

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

New script – Custom Kit Buttons

January 19, 2021November 2, 2013 by Cassel

A kit is not complete without buttons, right? Creating buttons within a specific palette is fairly easy (there is even a script for it called theButton Machine), but creating individual buttons out of papers for a perfectly matching result is a little more tedious. So i bring you the Custom Kit Buttons script.

This script will allow you to use any vector shape (round, oval, square, rectangle, octagon, etc.) and then choose all the papers you want to use (at once!) and it will create a variety of buttons from those choices of yours.

A single run of the script can yield many similar buttons, but since they are “cut out” from different spots on the papers, you might get some slight variations for each. You can keep them all, or just keep a few and delete the rest.

This script is perfect to help you complete your kit, to complete a layout, or even to create clusters with buttons that will all be matching.

Grab this time saving tool in my store HERE.

Do you want a chance to win this script for free? Hop over the DST Happy Place thread and add your name to it. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

This week, i used Missy’s kit called Almost Autumn to create a set of 14 octagonal buttons. Then, i tweaked them to add a slight variation in size, brightness and contrast, just to make sure they were not all exactly identical. What do you think of that?

I really could have used any shape but i thought that round or square buttons were a little too “ordinary” and common so i picked a different shape.

What shape would you like buttons to be?

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

What about the kit i used? You can find it here: Almost Autumn.

Can you imagine all the scripts you can use with a single kit to expand the possibilities? You can create cutout shapes, tapes, buttons, additional papers, and more.

News from the Campus

The Scrapper’s Dozen event is underway. We had some fantastic results and the comments are great. Here are some comments we got:

“I want to share my 2 linoleum pattern...TYSM Carole for this amazing tut!!!! “ – Mariscraps about the Linoleum pattern tutorial

“Great fun with a simple but very effective process.” – Marlene about the Linoleum Pattern tutorial.“

“I tried the tip you had in the e-mail and then made a frame with my doily.” – Linda about the Doilies tutorial

“[Here are] My Doily sample and the Doily frame (Fantasy Forest elements) - very simple techniques again but very effective. Also very time wasting as you try lots of different effects but who cares, we're having fun!” – Marlene about the Doilies tutorial

Although the first week is over, you can still register and get all the free kits provided by our contributing designers AND get all the 12 tutorials including those released this week. You can surely catch up. Each tutorial is less than 10 minutes and as you can see from the comments, those tutorials are easy, effective and fun!

REGISTER NOW

New scripts – Speed Scrap

February 25, 2017October 17, 2013 by Cassel

Using templates to create a layout is a way to speed up the process as it helps you with some precise suggestions as to where to put the photos, papers, and elements. Of course, you don’t have to follow everything exactly, but it is a start.

Using those templates still require you to open the photos, copy them, close them, paste them into the new page, resize them, move them to match the location of the shape, then you have to either Clip it (using the Clip to It script), or go through the selection process, and so on. That is a lot of steps that can be automated with these scripts.

There are 3 scripts, for different types of elements in the template. The photo script will never merge the photo to the shape, giving you the option to tweak it and adjust it to your liking. The paper script will give you the option to merge the paper to the shape from the template, if it is within the size of the template (in case it extends outside the edge). Finally, the element script will adjust the size of the element you pick to match the size of the shape in the template, and replace that shape by the element.

There is a video clip in the description, showing how fast you can create the basis of your layout using the three scripts. Of course, you still have to add the shadows, the title, the journaling and any additional detail you want to use to make the layout truly yours.

You can get this set of Speed Scrap scripts, in my store.

Do you want a chance to win this set of scripts? Head over to the DST forum in this thread and add your name while answering the question. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

Again, i cannot give you a sample of the script, since it is a tool script, but i can make something that could be used for Halloween layouts. Check this fun wordart. The letters were made using the Alpha-Beads 2 script, and the strings are from the Twisted Rope tubes (i used the white one you can see in the preview).

The whole montage is about 1800 pixels wide and is in PNG format, so everyone can use it.

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

Did you follow the videos in the Campus related to the Scrapper’s Dozen?

The third video is now up, and you can even download something quite useful (and it is free). So go check it out.

Video #3

And while you are around the Campus, check out the blog section where you will see more about the “secret ingredients” and the designers who contributed them.

New Paths – Halloween theme

January 19, 2021October 12, 2013 by Cassel

Do you have some photos or anecdotes to share about Halloween time? These are great to add some journaling or stories while keeping inside a Halloween theme shape.

Since Paintshop Pro does not have an integrated text wrapping feature, you can use those paths to manually add text (just like Text on path) and adjust the spacing and kerning, or you can use the Text Wrapping script that will automatically adjust those for you, to have your text along those paths and inside the shapes.

The paths and the shapes are on separate layers so you can use one without the other, or even use the templates to create something completely different, like a frame, a cutout, or just a decorative element.

You can grab this “scary” set of Halloween paths in my store.

Do you want a chance to win those paths? Add your name in the Happy Place thread HERE while answering the simple question. I’ll be back next week to announce a winner.

This week, to make sure that everyone (using Paintshop Pro or not) could use my product, I opted to create a paper cutout using a cauldron image, which was turned into a sticker (with a little white edge). Then, i ran thePaper Cutout script and it generated the long string of colored cauldrons, but also a separate template in unmerged layers. Both the png string of cauldrons and the layered template in PSD format are included in the zip.

Each string (the png and the psd ones) are 4000 pixels long so they are long enough to reach both sides of a full size layout.

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

You know about the Scrapper’s Dozen event, right?

Did you watch the first video where i shared a trick to organize your digital kits?

This week, i am sharing another trick to help you save money, by reusing kits that have colors you are not too sure about. Maybe they are too bright for your project, or they are too washed out to add life to your layout.

Be sure to watch that video, and add your name to the mailing list for the event.

Watch Now

New tubes – Halloween Garlands

January 19, 2021October 4, 2013 by Cassel

Halloween is coming and you need some seasonal decorations but you cannot find the element in the right length, or the right color, or the right shape.

With these garlands, you simply “draw” the shape you want, or doodle to fill in an area with a special texture.

You get a total of 16 tubes, in four colors and 4 “shades” for each of them.

You can write letters with them, you can create an outline, you can use them to attach elements. Change the size and you can turn them into ropes, and more.

Grab this set of Garland tubes in my store.

Now, how about a little look closer at those garlands and their texture? I created a few Halloween decorations for you using those garlands.

With the help of some drop shadows, that pumpkin has some interesting 3D effect, don’t you think?

All those elements are in png format, so you can use them in any graphic program (you don’t need to use PSP to use 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 – Instant Photo Effects – 1

January 19, 2021September 27, 2013 by Cassel

Do you like to apply some different effects to your photos? Do you like the idea of hiding some not-so-great photos with some “make-up”? This is what you need then.

This is a single script that provides 8 different photo effects. They are mostly just made from various adjustments to the colors, brightness and so on. Nothing fancy.

The advantage of this script over the Instagram effects is that you can apply it to any photo, any size, any shape, even if you don’t have the app (i know i dont have that app myself as i dont have a “smart” phone of any kind).

You can grab this Instant Photo Effects script in my store (and on sale until Monday night).

If you want a chance to win this script, hop over to the Happy Place thread in the DST forum and tell me which of the 8 effects you like the best. I’ll be back next week to pick a winner.

This week, i created more mats for you, using the lace font from last week.

These are much larger than the ones from last week so you can use a larger photo on them or use them to frame a series of photos.

Again, i used the Mitered Corner Frame script for the rectangular and the square mats.

As for the oval mat, it is simply a matter of adding “text on a vector path” as if it were regular text to read. This is the beauty of that being a font.

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 those mats? Don’t hesitate to add a link to the comments below so we can admire your work. After all, if you download them, you probably plan on using them, right?

News from the Campus

Did you start thinking of your holiday presents? Did you consider a calendar for family and friends?

If you are new to PSP, new to digital scrapbooking, or just interested in creating a fun project, thisCalendar Making Class will be perfect for you.

Everything is included: quick pages, instructions (video and written), alphas, even the dates.

And if you start now, you will have ample time to finish it and get it printed and shipped to whoever you want to give it to (unless you want to keep it for yourself, which is ok too!)

Get started now!