Beginner - HELP PLEASE

[Arlee]

I have spent way too much time trying to figure out how to create a scrapbook page on Photoshop elements 3 in the editor. I have read the tutorials, books, etc. and it just doesn't work. In the booklet that comes with the program they show a page with 4 pictures and created paper from the editor. I need to know how to create a pattern, for instance they use the paw print shape, how do you create a new pattern for pattern fill? Then, if I open a new blank page for my background paper and fill it, how do I add pictures? Everytime I try it just starts all over again.

Also, is there any way to edit creations from the template in editor? Once they are saved it appears I can only bring them back up on creation program. Or I can get the pictures in editor, under PDF, but not the whole page. I'm I making any sense?

Yes I am a real beginner, but I want desperately to learn.[/b]

[Mary]

Hi Arlee and Welcome

I think the biggest stumbling block for people who are learning is LAYERS. You have to use a new layer for each added item if you want to remain sane. The other thing is then you have to save as .psd to keep those layers or everything will be "mushed" into one layer. When you wish to email or post to the web then you can save a copy as a .jpg but keep your original .psd file.

There is a good intro to layers on the home page - see if that clears things up a bit for you and check back with us. :)

[GaryK]

Hi Arlee

Welcome to the forums.

It's best to take things one bite at a time with this program. I'll see if I can help and hopefully others will jump in and help me :lol:

To create a pattern try this (only for an example)

Open a new blank document (100 x 100 pixels) size can vary once you get the hang of it. I think...lol
Choose a shape from the custom shape tool (pick the butterfly for this, in the default shape category)
Drag the butterfly to fill the 100 x 100 box..hit the checkmark at the top
Fill it with a color..paint bucket tool fills with foreground colour.
Go to Edit>define pattern...... choose a name (bfly?)
now open another new document say 1000 x1000 pix
choose paintbucket and fill pattern click the down arrow the butterfly should be the last in your pallet.
Choose it and fill

You can use anything to be your pattern..a photo, another shape, a line whatever you can make, can be a pattern.

Let me know when you get this down and then we can add a photo.

Gary.

[Arlee]

:D Gary, Thank you so much! It worked! I had to adjust a little, for instance, I didn't know what what the "checkmark at the top" was so I just opened a new layer and it worked. Then, to fill the new document I also had to open a new layer and it also worked.

It is very satisfying when, after a couple days, It worked. Without your help I seriously could not have figured this out! WOW! I can only imagine the endless possibilities once this starts making sense! I do love it, thank goodness...lol.

Now, I am ready to open and add a photo anytime you are. Thank you again, I am very excited.

Arlee

[GaryK]

Arlee

The "checkmark at the top" in the options bar beside the circle with a line through it..I think hitting enter works as well :D

To add a photo there are a few ways, and people seem to have some trouble with it, but its not hard, it just doesn't seem to be intuitive.

To start you must have both pictures open (use a pattern filled and another photo to get the hang of it) also PLEASE use duplicates or copies of your originals..I don't want you messing up your originals

To make it easier to understand and see what is happening, open your photo and check the size .. make your patterned filled picture bigger than your photo

Wendys' way..I hope I say this right.

with your photo active Select>all and then Edit>copy
now make your pattern filled picture active
Edit>paste
A new layer should be created above your background layer with your photo in it.

another way

with your photo active in the editor window drag it down onto the patern filled picture in the PHOTO BIN
maximize the pattern pic and should have tha same result in the layers

yet another way ..the one that seems troublesome

with both open in the editor drag your background layer of your photo onto the pattern pic in the editor

with any method use the move tool to move your picture around on the pattern.

There are a few things to watch for.... mostly resolution. The photos you are dragging, take on the resolution of your dragged to picture.
This MAY not be a big deal for monitor viewing but it can be for printing.

Probably enough for now :D

Let us know how it goes.

Gary.

Wendy.... if I did your method wrong, please correct me.