This week I'll show you how to remove a background using the pen tool. Yes, it's the dreaded pen tool! This tool takes time to master but once you get it, you really GET it! And once you get used to it you'll find yourself using it a lot.

The pen tool is simply a tool to create a path. It operates on the premise of Bezier curves. I won't go into a long explanation of Bezier curves, I'll just show you how they work. I hope you get a better understanding of the pen tool with this tutorial. Like anything, it takes practice to achieve good results.

Note: This week's episode is longer than usual, therefore larger in file size. It may take a few minutes to load the video.

NEXT WEEK: Using the Channel Mixer to improve an old photograph.

Happy Scrapping!
Ronna

Digital Kit used in this tutorial:
Afternoon Tea

This week I'll show you how to remove the background from your photo by using the Extract tool and the history brush. This is a very effective technique but it requires you to use just the right kind of photo which I explain in this episode.

Also, please note that I am in the process of moving my digital scrapbooking kits from Scrapbook-Elements to another store, and, as a result, some of the kits I'm using in these podcasts are not available. Please contact me for more information.

NEXT WEEK: Using a the Pen Tool to make a selection (and to remove the background from an image).

Scrap Happy!
Ronna

Digital Kits used in this tutorial:
Crackle Backgrounds
Nature's Beauty
Cherish is the Word
All Boy
Victorian Style

So many of you have asked how to remove an image from its background, so, in this episode I'll show you how. It's as easy as painting! It's important to use the right tool for the right job and in this and the next two episodes, I'll explain which method to use.

The basic techniques I'm showing you in these first podcasts will become important when we learn how to put together a collage style layout and a graphic style layout in future episodes. Keep watching and learning!

Also, please note that I am in the process of moving my digital scrapbooking kits from Scrapbook-Elements to another store, and, as a result, some of the kits I'm using in these podcasts are not available. Please email me for more information.

NEXT WEEK: Using a the Extract Filter to remove a background from a image.

Happy Scrapping!
Ronna

Digital Kits used in this tutorial:
Ribbon Shop, Vol. 1-Polka Dots
Time Will Tell
Monochromatic

This week I show you two ways to apply a nice looking drop shadow to sheer elements. In this case I'm using a sheer bow but this technique works nicely on vellum or any other kind of see-through item.

NEXT WEEK: Using a Quick Mask to remove a background from a photograph.

Happy Scrapping!
Ronna

Digital Kit (or element) used in this tutorial:
Ribbon Shop, Vol. 2-Sheers

In this episode I'll show you how to change the color of your elements (in this case an alphabet) using the Hue/Saturation adjustment layers. I go one step further and show you how to apply a clipping mask to a layer.

The techniques I use in Photoshop only scratch the surface of possiblities. If you have a better technique for something I've shown you, let me know! I'd love to hear it. Also, if you have suggestions for future episodes, let me know that too! Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

NEXT WEEK: Two ways to apply drop shadows on see-through elements like sheer bows or vellum.

Scrap Happy!
Ronna

Digital Kit used in this tutorial:
Color of Summer.