Opacity

In building on the last post, which talks about the wonders of having separate layers in a photo workbook, I thought I'd also mention the fact that GIMP lets you change the opacity of each layer. This makes for some fun effects if you want a slight overlay of the same image or even an entirely different image.


Details: For the first picture, I added an overlay of an enlarged version of the same picture (of the Provo, Utah, LDS Temple) and an additional overlay of a picture of wood (which is what added the various specks throughout the sky.) On each of the second two pictures, I added an overlay of a picture of grass (which is what added the subtle blurred, antique look.) With the overlay layers, I just changed the opacity levels in GIMP until I liked the results.

2 New GIMP Articles

I'm back!! I had a nice trip but I didn't take any pictures. Tragic, I know. :) Well anyway, here are two new articles for you discussing the editing program GIMP.How to Get Started Using GIMPEvery new program requires some learning and/or adjusting. Here's a how-to on gaining exposure to and familiarity with the free, public-domain version of Adobe Photoshop.http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1660831/how_to_get_started_using_gimp.htm
What is the Liquify Tool in GIMP? How to find and use the equivalent of Adobe Photoshop's Liquify Tool in the free image-editing program GIMP.http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1670627/what_is_the_liquify_tool_in_gimp_.html

Patterns

The Bucket Fill Tool in GIMP not only lets you paint with colors but also offers like 30 or so patterns to fill an area as well. I used some to fill the face on this picture.


Details: Edited in GIMP using pattern presets.

New Tutorial: Layers in GIMP

How to Manage Layers in GIMP"Learning how to master layering in GIMP--the free, public domain version of Adobe Photoshop."

Mosaic Effect

I often play around with the Mosiac Effect in GIMP but I've never had it work out well. Probably because I'm using it on the wrong kinds of pictures. Anyway, I was editing a photograph today, and with only a minor amount of adjusting, I noticed a portion of the picture looked something like this first image. Thinking it was too good to pass up, I swirled my pic using the Liquify distortion. Then I kept playing around and added a Mosaic-ed layer. :)


Details: The Liquify and Mosaic Effects can be found in GIMP under "Filters" and then "Distortions."

ForeverSo

So, yesterday at Church, a 19-year old--who is preparing to go on a two-year mission starting next week--spoke to the congregation as well as two members who joined our Church later in life. The stories and testimonies were all so touching and it reminded me how truly blessed I am to know that Jesus is the Christ and God has restored His Church on the earth.My sister took these photographs of the Denver, Colorado Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wanted me to play around with them. No disrespect to my sister, but I don't think a photograph can capture the majesty of this building. If you're ever in the area, you should check it out for yourself. :)
Details: I made the black border overlay in GIMP and then I pieced together the photograph, overlay, and text in Microsoft PowerPoint. The font is a free download but I cannot remember what the name is. Do you really want me to go back and look it up? :) We put "Forever" on there because of our belief that, in the Temple, families can be sealed together for eternity.
The second image I did all sorts of weird stuff to. :) I combined various versions and layers of the original photograph with an Embossed version, something that can be accomplished using the GIMP tool of the same name (which can be found under the "Filters" tab in the category "Distortions").

Fill Tool (Bucket Tool) in GIMP

Fill Tool (Bucket Tool) in GIMP
So, I'm still obsessed with Gimp's Fill Tool, which looks like a bucket of paint. I edited a picture and then noticed that the background was mostly the same color, so I just filled it with some of the preset designs that come in GIMP.

Details: The Fill Tool is just located on the main toolbar in GIMP. Once you've clicked on the icon, the corresponding settings will appear at the bottom of the toolbar where you can choose what fill gradient or design to use.

Photo Editing Tutorial: Digital Cosmetic Surgery

Here it is, the article you've been waiting for: "How to Digitally Lose 10 Pounds, Rewind 10 Years, and Get the Look You've Always Wanted." :) As I say in the article, even if you're not seriously entertaining the idea of getting plastic surgery, it can still be fun to digitally alter pictures and see how your look can change. If you're interested, here's my tutorial.Photo Editing Tutorial: Digital Cosmetic Surgery"Digital Cosmetic Surgery made easy with the help of editing programs like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP. How to get the surgical results you want in your digital pictures."
In my own picture, working in GIMP and Microsoft Office Picture Manager, I used IWarp to adjust the jawline, airbrush tools to smooth skin and even out imperfections, paint tools to add false eyelashes, smudge tools to recreate the eyebrows, coloring tools to remove gray hair--you name it! :)

Inverting ColorsI

I was playing around with inverting the colors of certain sections of the documents I was working on one day. It started out with simply making some simple borders. And then it progressed to full on craziness. So while I was already at it . . . :)

Details: I used Microsoft Office Picture Manager for some initial lighting changes and GIMP for the remainder of the project. GIMP gives you the option of inverting colors and inverting color values. It was really fun to play around with both of these effects.

No New News

I've actually worked on taking and editing some pictures lately, but none of them have turned out. And since you know I often have sub-par posts, you can guess at how bad these ones of late really are. :)



Today I took some more but haven't looked at them yet. Maybe there's hope for another day. Hehe. In the mean time, I dug this old edit up.

Details: Edited in GIMP, adding a striped design to the background and a partially-opaque layer to the foreground. I, of course, beautified the image before all that as well. :) I don't know if this turned out, or is just really weird. Maybe I'll never know. Hehe.

Recipe Cards

In conjunction with posting my mom's chicken enchilada recipe, I wanted to find a picture to go with it. I couldn't find anything that really worked, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. :) And I'll go ahead and post the recipe link for if you're interested.
Easy Recipe: Chicken & Green Chili Enchiladas (Gluten Free)"Want a chicken enchiladas recipe that will feed gluten and gluten free eaters alike? Look no further: your gluten free chicken, cheese, and green chili enchiladas recipe is here!" Details: I edited my note cards photograph in GIMP, adding a black overlay to the edges and using the free font Dear Joe for the lettering. Dear Joe is my current go-to font; I just love it! You can download it from 1001Fonts.com.

Making Your Own Scrapbook Supplies

Digital Scrapbooking: How to Make Your Own Frames, Borders & Other Embellishments "A how-to in creating your own embellishments for digital scrapbooking and other computer-based crafts. Whether you can't find what you want, or you just want something uniquely yours, knowing how to create your own supplies is a great skill to have."

I've been working on a lot of random scrapbooking stuff lately in GIMP. Good times. :)

I Made a Button!

Okay, so maybe it's not that cool. But I've never made a digital button before. :) And I even put "Think" on it using the free font Jay Cons from 1001Fonts.com.
The creator of Jay Cons originally labeled his font Japanese, and an uproar apparently ensued over if it was really Chinese. Hehe. I love people. :) I'm too sleepy now, but maybe someday I'll explain the new GIMP tools I learned to do this: shrink and grow.