Open a transparent canvas 600 X 600, we can resize later.
Go to View, Ruler - this will make it easier to place our elf.
Open the elf tube. Go to Edit, Paste as new layer, rename elf 1.
I changed the color of my elf - I wanted him to be a little less green, if you would like to do this....
Go to Adjust, Hue and Saturation, Hue Map and use the following slider settings OR move the sliders to change the color to your liking.
To move the little dragonfly out of the way, go to your free hand selection tool, draw a circle around your dragonfly, go to Edit, Cut and Paste as new Layer. With your mover tool, move the dragonfly to another spot on your canvas.
Click on your raster 1 layer, rename background, flood fill with white for now.
Rename your dragonfly layer, dragonfly.
Your layer palette should look like this...
Duplicate your elf 1 layer 4 times - you should have a total of 5 elf layers. This is what your layer palette should look like...
This is our center elf, rename the elf 3, we will move 2 elves on either side of this elf.
Click on your elf 1 layer and with your raster deform tool, move the elf so that the CENTER of the shamrock lines up with the 300 on the top grid and 200 on the side grid.
Use the rocker handle to twist
the elf into place, Go to Adjust, Sharpen, Sharpen.
Repeat with all elf layers, renaming the layers as you go...You should have this.
Your canvas should look like this...
I tried to keep equal space between the stems as a guide...
Whew! The hard part is done! Now we can add accents and text to our image.
DO NOT MOVE YOUR ELVES!!!
This tut is my own creation, any resemblance to other tuts is coincidental. I'm using PSP 9 and Animation Shop. This is an Intermediate skill level tut. An excellent grasp of both PSP and AS tools and functions is essential.
Swinging St Patty Elf
I went to Image, Canvas Size and resized the canvas to 800 X 800, so I had room to add tubes and text.
I used word art by Scrappy Expressions
You can use these tubes or add tubes of your own and make this truly your masterpiece.
When you are satisfied with your graphic - we are ready to animate.
Resize your image (be sure ALL layers is checked) 85%
Resize your image again by 85%
This what your layer palette should look like to animate your elves...
X out the Elf layers as above, Click on Elf 1 layer, Go to Edit, Copy Merged
Go to Animation Shop (AS)
Go to Edit, Paste as New Animation.
Return to PSP
X out Elf layer 1, Click on Elf 2 layer, remove the X
Go to Edit, Copy Merged.
Go to AS
Go to Edit, Paste AFTER current layer.
Repeat the above Steps for the Remaining Elf Layers.
When finished, go to Edit, Select ALL, Go to Animation, Frame Properties.
Set Frame Properties between 30-50.
You can resize your image at this time if needed.
Click on "View Animation" to see your results.
If satisfied, Go to File and use the Optimization Wizard.
Save your image as a .gif
CENTER
If any of the tubes I have used belong to you and you did not receive proper credit or don't want them used, contact me immediately. I will remedy the situation. In the meantime, thank you very much, this tut wouldn't have been possible without your contribution.
Click if you need the elf
Loads of thanks to Frankie, who not only puts up with me but fixes my mistakes as well!
Here's her St Patty's Day Elf
If you have any questions, feel free to...
