Rooster SB Tutorial

By: ©LismibaebisCreations
8 September 2005

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Knowledge of using filters necessary
(or learn how to get started on my website)

Please do not script my tutorials
This tutorial is my own creation; any resemblance to another tutorial is purely coincidental

Needed

Paint Shop Pro 9 (Tutorial should also work with other PSP versions, some adjustments might be necessary)
Free 30-day PSP trial from Corel, available here
X-fader, available here
Letter Creator from Incredimail (optional), available here

Graphic
Graphic of choice

Filters
Plugin Flaming Pear, Solidify "B", available here
(Scroll down to "FreePlugins", Solidify is in that download)
Filters Unlimited 2.0, available here
Filters Unlimited is a "pay for" filter, as an alternative you could use
Effects > Texture Effects > Texture instead and choose a Texture and setting of your liking

Performance Notes
The settings for different Tools remain the same for the whole tutorial, unless different instructions are given

Let's Start

1) Open graphic of choice

2) Window > Duplicate (Shift + D)
Close original

3) Image > Resize
Settings:
Lock aspect ratio = Checked
Resolution = 72.000
Resample using = Bicubic
Height = 250 pixels
Width = Will adjust itself
Resize all layers = Checked

4) Edit > Copy

5) File > New (Ctrl + N)
Settings:
Width = 1024 pixels
Height = 350 pixels
Resolution = 72.000
Raster Background = Checked
Color depth = 16 Million Colors (24 bit)
Transparent = Checked

6) Edit > Paste > Paste as New Layer

7) Move Tool (M)

Move graphic to the left of the file, approximately 20 pixels from the left side

8) Effects > Plugins > Flaming Pear > Solidify B

9) Lasso Tool (Freehand Selection)
Settings:
Selection type = Point to point
Mode = Add (Shift)
Feather = 0, Smoothing = 0
Anti-alias = Checked

10) Go with the Lasso Tool around your graphic, it does not need to be exact, but as near to the main graphic part as you can. When you are all around the image, double click on the beginning

11) Selections > Invert

12) Effects > Plugins/I.C.NET Software > Filters Unlimited 2.0 > Paper Textures > Canvas Fine
Settings:
Intensity = 87, Lightness = 87

13) Selections > Select None

14) Edit > Copy

X- Fader

15) Open X-Fader Program

16) File > New > ok

17) Edit > Paste

18) Click on "x" (see Screenshot)

A new option window will now open to the left

19) Fade horiz. = Not checked
Static area = Checked
Move slider on Static X to 100 %
Move slider on Static Y until you are pleased with the result (the purpose is that the tiles fade into each other and there are no harsh lines left)
Click ok

20) Edit > Copy

21) Activate PSP

22) Edit > Paste > Paste as New Image

23) Layers > New Raster Layer

24) Add Watermark(s)
If you have a watermark tube, see Step #24a)
If not, follow Step #34b)

24a) Place your tube and continue with Step #26

24b) Text Tool (T)
Create as Vector

25) Layers > Convert to Raster Layer

26) Move Tool
Move text to where you want it

27) Layers Palette
If necessary, reduce opacity of watermark layer

28) File > Export > JPEG Optimizer
Settings:
Compression = 25
Chroma subsampling = YCbCr 1x1 1x1 1x1 (None)
Save Exif data = Not checked

Letter Creator

29) Open Letter Creator

30) Body > Image
Look for the JPEG file
Click on "Tile"
Choose Font and Font Size
Choose Text Color
Choose Link Color*****
Margin: Top 10, Left 10 - 20 to the right of your graphic, Right 10

*****(I find that with this tutorial, an almost white text color is most text-friendly. Choose a color you like with the equivalent of the Dropper Tool, then click on and choose a lighter version of the color by simply sliding up the arrow on the right side (see Screenshot below)

31) Footer
Your Name
Reference and link (if available) to graphic used
Name of tutorial "Rooster SB Tutorial" and link to this page
Date you created the stat

32) Finish
Choose Letter Name and Collection Name
Save Project
Add to Incredimail

I hope that you enjoyed doing this tutorial. If you have any questions, please email me at Barbara @ Lismibaebi.com.
I would love to see what you create with my tutorial.

A big "Thank You" to the Testers from the Hootyworkshop
Especially (in chronological order) Cal, Debbi, Kat, Robin, Sabrina and Steve
I apologize if I have forgotten somebody
Your support, help and patience made this possible