Tutorials | Creation Cassel

New script – Ribbon Tag Wreath

November 2, 2019November 7, 2014 by Cassel

You can create so many elements using leftover pieces of ribbons in traditional scrapbooking, but what about digital scrapbooking?

Sure you can and although it would be VERY long and tedious to do manually, this PaintShop Pro script will do the work with little effort.

You can create a wreath using one or two or three or however many ribbons you want. They will be picked at random, cut at random (but based on the average you will choose), and placed correctly along the wreath shape.

Each individual piece will be left unmerged and will have a shadow if you want to.

You can add more than one “layer” to the wreath for a totally different look.

Since all the individual layers are left unmerged, you can always tweak them, insert decorative elements between then, etc.

Since each wreath could easily end up with over 100 pieces, just imagine the time you will be saving!

Grab this time-saving script in the store: Ribbon Tag Wreath script.

What would you do with such a script? It might be obvious to use it to create a holiday wreath, but i am sure you could think of more ideas, don’t you think? Add your suggestions in the comments below, and i will pick one person to receive this script for free. The winner will be announced 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).

What about a little free sample and a quick tutorial for this week?

For this wreath, I used a single ribbon that I colorized 3 times. Here are the steps:

before running the second part of the script, I colorized the ribbon in green and adjusted the brightness to get a rich color
run the script to complete the first “layer”
choose a blurred shadow
for the second layer, re-open the same ribbon, but colorize it yellow; adjust the brightness to get the color you want
run the script to complete the second “layer”
for the third layer, re-open the same ribbon, but colorize it red; adjust the brightness to get the color you want
run the script to complete the third “layer”
merge each group
select the Ellipse tool and draw a circle the size of the wreath; adjust the Line Style to use the Dashed, and a size of 10 pixels
convert to a raster layer
select outside the “stitch” layer with the Magic wand
activate the top “layer” and apply a large inner bevel; deselect
activate the stitch layer
add some noise and a small bevel

The sample you have has not had the bevel applied because it would require merging the groups and removing the option to customize it on your end.

Because the sample has 163 layers (yes, that many), the files are quite large. I have them available in two formats: one PSP format, where all the pieces are grouped by “layer” and one in PSD format, where the individual pieces are linked based on their “layer” (since the PSD format would not keep the groups). So it is up to you to download the file you need.

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-Stamps

January 19, 2021October 4, 2014 by Cassel

In the old days, stamps were made of a single image that was only repeated throughout the sheet. Over time, we have seen some stamps that were created from larger images that made up 2, 4 or more stamps.

This script will allow you to turn your favorite photo into a full sheet of stamps. All the perforations will line up perfectly, no matter what the size of the image is. The script will resize and crop the image slightly, to make sure of that.

Once you have your image turned into a stamp sheet, you can easily re-connect adjacent stamps by UNERASING the holes, for a unique effect.

Cut off a stamp or two if you want.

This script is available in the store: Photo-Stamps.

Do you want a chance to win this script? Tell me what photo you could see turned into a stamp sheet. Add a comment below. I’ll announce the winner in the newsletter, next week.
As for a sample, since it is a script that is applied to a photo, i obviously didn’t think you would want to use any of MY photos, would you? However, this script can also be used on a paper or a solid color image. That is what i did, and then, i added the letters to individual stamps. You can use this technique to add a fun and unique title with one letter per stamps.

Of course, although the sheet is intact, you CAN remove or cut off some of the stamps. You have a blank one that you can either add a design to, or cut from the sheet. Even the letters that you want to keep, you can separate them from the whole sheet, while still leaving them close enough to have the words legible.

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

Although there are great scripts in the store to create various effects, did you hear about the Filter Forge plugin? They say it is for Photoshop, but it works just as well with Paintshop Pro. Check out the little video that shows how to install it.

Then, once you have it installed (even if only the trial version), you will want to add more filters. They have over 10,000 of them. And they are all free to download once you have Filter Forge installed.

What is a resolution?

May 18, 2014 by Cassel

Have you seen those mentions of 72ppi, 200ppi, 300ppi and wonder what they are?

Check out the detailed explanation on what “Resolution” means in your graphic projects and how it can affect (or not affect) your work.

READ ABOUT IT.

New script – Folded Edge

April 5, 2014April 4, 2014 by Cassel

Creating a folded edge on papers, photos or mats can add a definite 3D effect, but it is not always easy to do.

If you are using templates, with each folded piece on a separate layer, you can probably get away with using a plain type of paper, however, as soon as you want to use a patterned paper, or something directional, the templates will not give a realistic result.

Creating the folds manually is one way to get the correct angles on the patterns, but it is quite tedious to match the angles whether you are using the Pick tool or the Rotate function. But, yes, it can be done.

However, using this script will make the whole process much faster and more accurate.

You can use a single paper, and have it fold on itself with both sides being identical or you can pretend you have a two-sided paper, by using two different papers layered on top of each other before you run the script.

The folds will also be custom made. You will choose how many folds you will have, where they will be and how deep they will be because you will place the dots where you want, and the script will execute the commands based on those dots. You can have as many dots as you want, anywhere you want, for a custom look.

You can get this Folded Edge script in the store.

See how this script works:

Do you want a chance to win this script? Check out this thread. Tell me how you would create a folded edge if you didn’t have the script. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

See what can be done with a photo and a slightly patterned paper as the “backing”:

What i did was open a large photo, and added a greyish paper on the layer below. I ran the script on one edge (the top one) first. Then, because it made for a lot of layers and because i was fairly happy with the default shadowing, i hid the photo and paper layers and merged the visible layers. That gave me one layer for all the top folds.

Then, i moved the photo and paper layers on top of the layer palette and ran the script for the right edge. Again, i merged all the little pieces for the right edge making sure i didn’t merge the ones from the top. This allowed me to erase the little bit that extended beyond the right edge (the script didn’t know i had run it on another edge before).

Then, i repeated the same thing for the other two edges. Finally, i just moved the photo below all the folded edge layers.

What do you think?

New brushes – Corner punches A and B

February 25, 2017March 21, 2014 by Cassel

Last week, i released a set of brushes to be used like corner punches are used in the traditional paper crafting world. Those brushes are really brush tips that can be used with the Eraser tool to punch out the design but they can also be used with the Brush tool to add a corner “stamp” to the projects.

These brushes were so well received that i thought of making a second set, using mostly circles (the first ones were using mostly squares). They work exactly in the same way.

Each set includes 12 different designs, in two sizes: 500 pixels if you are using PSPX and older and a 999 pixels if you are using a newer PSP version. Of course, you can always size them down when you use them to match your particular project. Add a rotation and you can punch all four corners.

(and there is also a set for PS and PSE users!).

You can get those sets here:Set A and Set B.

There is still another thread in the DST forum where you can add your name and have a chance to win this Set B. Check out this thread, and tell me what graphic program you are using. I’ll be back next week with the name of a winner.

Are you unsure how to install brushes in PSP? No worries. I uploaded a short video tutorial just for you. You might also want to subscribe to this new channel so you can see the newest videos i will upload as i do.

If you are not yet subscribed to the newsletter, get on that list now! It is free to register and you get advanced notice of sales, and exclusive tips and tricks to make you more efficient with your PSP.

Register NOW

News from the Campus–Advanced shadowing

September 1, 2018September 29, 2012 by Cassel

Did you register to for the Advanced Shadowing with PSP presentation yet? It will be held next week. You dont want to miss that!

Date: October 7th

Time: 5pm Eastern time

While you are looking at the various Master Classes in the Campus, remember that the Basic Extraction video is still available for FREE in the Campus, but that is only for a limited time as it will no longer be free after the new video is uploaded.

Did you see the latest tutorials in the Campus?

These and many others are available if you register for the Element Creation tutorials. Are you interested in joining the Campus but are still hesitant? Stay tuned for a special offer in the next few days.

Finally, remember that the holiday season is coming (always faster than we want). Get yourself a custom calendar to print with our FREE Calendar Making Class. Are you new to digital scrapbooking? Or new to using Paintshop Pro? Or do you just want a cool present to offer to your friends or relatives? Check out the Calendar Making Class. Everything is free. FREE instructions. FREE supplies (but you have to pay to get it printed).

New script – License Plate

August 4, 2018March 23, 2012 by Cassel

Do you have photos of a trip you took and want some fun ways to indicate where you went? These custom license plates would be perfect for you. But wait, these are TOTALLY customizable so why limit yourself to only plates that look like… license plates? Add the name of your loved one, add a date, add a short phrase, you can even add designs and photos on the background, you can add stickers for dates or other details.

With only your Paintshop Pro, and no outside filter, you can get an embossed plate “number” (even if it is not a number), embossed text on top and the bottom of the “number” (or both), but you can also add some flat painted designs in different colors and in different location. Just about everything is customizable, and on separate layers so even after the end of the script, you can still personalize the plate.

You can grab this unique script in my stores: Creation Cassel and DigiScrapWarehouse.

As usual, there is a free giveaway in the Happy Place where you can add your name and tell me how you would customize your license plate. On Monday night i will draw a winner. If you already purchased the script, you can still enter the draw because if you win, then you get a coupon for a future new release. How can you loose?

cass-LicensePlate-sample Since those plates are all about customization, i struggled a little bit to bring you a FREE custom plate design that you could still use. Of course, if i was to add the name of my husband, i doubt you would find many uses for it, so i though of something a little more generic so that you can use it as is, or almost as is. This plate has some white areas so you can add some flat text to it if you want. That is where you can add the name of your spouse, or your kid or parent, or dating partner. Or you can add the date of your wedding, the birthdate of your child, etc. Yeah, there are so many options! How will YOU customize this plate? Show me and i can make a whole display of custom plates.

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

Do you have a wishlist in the store? You might want to seriously consider setting one up because April is coming soon. What about April? That is my birth month and if you were around last year, you will remember there was a BIG promotion going on in April and many of you managed GREAT deals. This year will be pretty much the same so get ready!

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Corel Shop Classes

Are you afraid of scripts?

Are you curious about scripts?

Are you wondering what scripts can do for you?

Corel has a series of Shop Classes (online workshops) on various topics and on April 2nd, the workshop is called “Introductions to scripts in Paintshop Pro” and i am totally excited to be the presenter (they even call me an EXPERT!) There will be people attending not only from the scrapbooking world, but also graphic and photography communities. We are expecting way over 100 attendees! It is in the evening so it might be a bit hard for our European friends, but don’t worry, the workshop will be recorded and uploaded to the Corel youtube channel probably the next day. Even if you dont think you can attend, just register so you can ask questions on the registration form. We will try to answer the questions from the forms so even if you are not there to hear the answer live, you will get it in the recording. If you do not type in your most pressing question, we might not answer it because maybe nobody else had the same question. That would be too bad, wouldn’t it be?

Just hit this button to register for that workshop, organised by the Corel Corporation. Remember… it is FREE

RegisterNow-02-200

(i heard there should be a draw among the attendees… shhh!)

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News from the Campus

Campus workshop

Although you can join the Corel Shop Class on April 2nd, there is still our regular monthly workshop in the Campus. This month, it will be on April 1st (yes, you will be spoiled with TWO workshops in a row specially for Paintshop Pro users!) We will be looking at colorization which will be very useful for designers and scrappers too. This will allow you to increase considerably the ways you can use your current supplies. You will be able to reuse them without feeling like you are “just” copying and pasting them yet another time. The live workshop will allow you to ask questions directly and see them answered immediately. Join us and register now.

If you cannot attend, the workshop will be recorded and edited and likely reuploaded one week after the live presentation. A detailed handout will also be available for purchase.

In the mean time, the edited recording of the workshop on Vectors is still available for FREE to any registered member. When the Colorizing workshop is uploaded, the Vector one will no longer be free.

Element Creation Tutorial

Last week, our students were offered two fantastic tutorials instead of one. Look at these!

What will it be this week?

Writer Call

Did you notice our call last week? We are looking for a passionate scrapper who can write articles on the various elements used in scrapbooking and created in the Element Creation tutorials section. Are you that scrapper? Are you able to think of creative ways to use some ordinary elements? Just apply for this position. In exchange of your enthusiasm, you will get a FREE UNLIMITED membership to the Element Creation Tutorials section (for as long as you want to keep writing). If you are interested, just email me at [email protected] The call is open for another week, until March 31st, so get your applications in.

New course coming soon

Keep an eye on the Campus as i am very excited to bring in a brand new course. This is a course that i was asked several time to give and i always declined, but this time, i am bringing in a real expert, and SHE will be the teacher, not me. I am not yet telling you as the classroom is not yet set up, but you might hear a few bangs, smell some fresh paint, and even see some dust. It will not be long.

What is a script anyways? (part 2)

September 1, 2018January 12, 2011 by Cassel

Last week, we saw a few basics about scripts. Let’s continue the list of common questions.

Can scripts work on all PSP versions?

Yes, on all versions of PSP, 8 and above. However, the compatibility of any script with your version will depend greatly on the person who coded them, the type of script and the version it is created with. For example, if someone is recording a script with her PSPX2 and uses the pick tool, that script will NOT work in PSP9, simply because that pick tool does not exist in PSP9 so the script will fail. However, if a recorded script uses only tools that are also present in PSP9, it is more likely to work, although it is not certain either. There are various particularities in just about all the versions that have to be known, understood and taken into consideration by the scripter to create a script compatible with all versions. Unfortunately, too many people have limited knowledge of the scripting language and are not able to render their script compatible with previous versions so if you want to download or buy a script, make sure it is compatible with your particular version.

Some scripts go in the Restricted scripts folder and some go in the Trusted scripts folder. What is the difference?

As stated before, scripts are commands that will be executed for you. Some commands might have an effect on your computer or that cannot be simply undone with a Ctrl-z. Such commands include saving files to your computer, closing a file or using some more advanced Python commands. To keep your computer safe, the only scripts allowed to perform such tasks have to be in the TRUSTED scripts folder. It is a way for the computer to know that you TRUST those scripts to not cause any damage to your computer. So, to be on the safe side of things, always save a script in the RESTRICTED scripts folder, unless specifically asked by the scripter. It is a good habit to take.

My PSP is not in English, will scripts work?

Yes. Scripts are written in Python language and that is English based, even if your PSP is in a different language. Although the language of the coding is English, the message window could be coded in any language the scripter chooses. In my scripts, for example, I have a special code that will give you a French message if you are using a French version of Paintshop, and an English message in all other cases. Since I only know French and English, I could not code messages for other languages.

Hey! Photoshop has scripts too!

Yes, Photoshop has scripts, and they are also a set of commands, but coded in Photoshop’s language so they cannot be read by PSP. The scripts made for Paintshop Pro will not work with Photoshop, simply because PSP and PS use a different language. It is like a recipe written in English cannot be followed by an Inuktitut cook. In the same way, actions written for Photoshop will not work in Paintshop and vice versa.

Where to find good scripts?

Well, glad you asked! Where to find scripts will likely depend on what kind of scripts you want. I have been coding scripts for a few years now. I would not do painting scripts because I have no talent to paint or draw! So, many of my scripts are tool scripts offering many options. Check them out in my store. Almost all of them are compatible with PSP8 and up and I have a few free ones so give them a try and see what they can do for you.

Here are other sources for good photo and tool scripts

http://suzsplace.com/8scripts.htm

http://pixelnook.vapho.com/index_All.html

http://www.dejudicibus.it/psl/

http://www.sheilsoft.com/psp.htm

What is a SCRIPT anyways?

January 5, 2011 by Cassel

Following the series of articles on Tubes, i got a few comments and requests about other particular features of Paintshop Pro. So, here is the first part of a 2 part series on Scripts.

What are scripts anyways?

Scripts are a new feature introduced to Paintshop Pro by Jasc with the version 8. Scripts are a set of commands that are pre-recorded and executed on demand. Paintshop Pro comes with several basic scripts already loaded, but you can find more on the net that you can buy or download and install on your computer.

What can a script do?

A script can do just about anything you would do manually with your program. It can choose a color, floodfill, write text, draw shapes, make a selection, add a shadow, apply any effect that you would do yourself.

Why use a script?

The advantages of a script can be the speed of execution, and the precision. For example, a script can add a drop shadow to 50 separate layers in less than 30 seconds, while the same steps done manually might take a several minutes. Another advantage is the precision. If you need to create a selection very precisely or place guidelines “to the pixel”, the script can do it in the blink of an eye without any hesitation and very accurately.

Are all scripts the same?

Not really. There are different “types” of scripts. There are recorded scripts and coded scripts. Those are not “official” definitions, but a way for you to understand some major differences. There are element creating scripts, painting scripts, photo scripts and tool scripts.

What is the difference between a recorded script and a coded script?

With the arrival of scripts, in version 8, also came the ability to record them. For example, if you need to convert a photo to sepia, and then add 40% noise, you would be able to record those steps, save the sequence as a script and reuse it later in one click instead of several. Some snippets can be added to give the user the option to choose a color or such, but the user input is usually pretty limited.

On the other hand, when you use Paintshop Pro yourself, you can see what you are working on, you can see where to click to floodfill, you can see if the photo is horizontal or vertical and you can adjust your actions accordingly. A recorded script cannot do that because it just repeats the same steps over and over again. For example, if you record a script that draws a line along the edge of a 1000x1000 pixels paper, it will only work on papers of the exact same size. If you try to run it on a 3600x3600 pixels paper, the recorded script will not see the difference and will draw along the path you gave it initially. So, in order to have a script work with different images, formats, and sizes, additional commands need to be added and those commands cannot be simply recorded. Functions, loops, mathematical calculations, string manipulations and many more can be used. They require editing the code itself so a good knowledge of coding language is mandatory. Of course, coded scripts can do much more advanced tasks and mostly, can incorporate user input and work with it.

… to be continued next week

Do you have additional questions, about scripts or about PSP? just email me or post a comment. I might just address your point in the next segment.

What do you do with tubes anyways?

November 21, 2010 by Cassel

Last week, I explained what “tubes” were and what types of tubes you can find. Now that you know what it is, you probably want to know what you can do with those.

Of course, what you do with a tube depends on what type of tube you have so let’s go back to the types we mentioned last week and we will see some specific uses for each of them.

1- Single image tubes

Although you can have just about anything converted into a single image tube, not all of them are really that useful to be converted. If you have an image that you likely will use only just a few times per layout, it might not be necessary to convert them to tubes. For those, you can just as well use a png format and it will be enough for your needs. However, among the great single image tubes you can have, let’s mention images like beads or pearls, stars that you can place all over a page, kind of randomly, flares to add to glitters.

Here is a random placement of a single flower (the grass background is another tube, but a different kind). With a single image tube, you simply have to randomly click wherever you want and get that kind of look:

You can also prefer to have the same tube repeated at regular interval. Here is a basic ribbon where i added a single eyelet. One nice thing about placing tubes is that you can click where you want the first one, then, holding the SHIFT key, click where you want the last one to go and they will all be placed evenly.

But you do not have to use them always in a straight line. In fact, you can hand draw with them and they will go wherever you write. Here is a little doodle made using some star tubes.

And of course, you can also follow a vector path if you want using Gary Barton’s Vector Tube script. You can use any path or preset shape you want. Perfect if you want to create a frame to place a photo, or even place beads or other elements around letters, since letters are also vectors!

2a- Tubes as series of images placed randomly

As mentioned before, those types of tubes include various images, usually of the same type and are best used in a fairly random manner. Yup, this is the same image as above, but this time it is to illustrate the use of tubes to create the grass. This set of tube includes a total of 10 individual images that are chosen randomly as you move your mouse along your work. This is great to create a background without having to draw images one by one.

Choose the step to have your elements closer together or spread widely around. Another example of using these kinds of tubes, is using them as confetti (if you want to create your own confetti, there is a script to do that, here). Those are great to create an overlay or border, or to accent a section of your page.

2b- Tubes as series of images placed in a continuous manner

These types of tubes can give you a great deal of effects and let you follow various path, and still look like it is supposed to. Here is sample of tube that came with PSP. With freehand drawing, you can create a fun chain. Create more than one, on different layers for an intricate look. You can make it a neat look or a messy look. It all depends on your drawing.

You can use the rope tube to make strings attached to whatever you want:

3- Tubes as directional images

Directional tubes are also very versatile as you can use them in the same way as the previous ones, meaning, hand drawn, or along a path, but the difference i that you can use images that are not always facing the same direction, like stitching, foot steps, chain links, zipper teeth. What can you achieve with these? You can hand draw or hand write elements. Yes, you can write with those tubes just like you would write with a pen. Check this (this letter is part of a whole alphabet posted as a freebie on June 11, 2010 in this blog):

Just like all the other types of tubes, you can hand draw but also place along a vector path. This method is often used when you want a perfect placement of the individual images since hand drawing can be a little less precise, but again, it depends on what look you want to achieve.

Now, what will YOU do with tubes? Show us what you do. Add a comment and link us to a layout or a kit you created using tubes in a creative way.

If you have questions about PSP, about the tools and effects, just drop me a note and i will look into writing a little article on my blog.