We are pleased that you have joined us for the study:
"Designing Scrollsaw Patterns with PSPX".
Although that title is exclusive, because many of you already have earlier versions of Paint Shop Pro, we included instruction for versions 8 and 9 also. As related to designing patterns, the earlier versions have more than adequate power. A later version PSP 11 has been add to the Paint Shop Pro lineup since the tutorials were written. Upon evaluating the latest version I found nothing that would conflict with the instructions provided in the existing tutorial. A few of the icons for the tools are different but the tools function the same.
| When we speak of Scrollsaw Patterns that may conger up several different ideas. There are clock patterns, puzzle patterns, silhouette patterns, text patterns and on and on. And although we will discuss designing some of these types of patterns later on in the advanced studies of Pattern Academy, the primary purpose here in this basic study is the discussion of designing "portrait" patterns. For the purposes of these lessons, "portrait patterns" will mean converting a photo or drawing into a "cutable" Scrollsaw pattern...much as has been done with the photo of Buddy Holly to the right. In fact, you will be seeing more of Mr. Holly's photo in the near future as it is a perfect photo for demonstrating some of the techniques employed when designing portrait patterns. |
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Why Paint Shop Pro? Aren't there other programs that can be used to design patterns?
Yes, certainly! Some designers use various versions of Adobe, some Corel as well as other programs. They are good programs and will do the job. But for the purpose of this study it would be much simpler and less confusing to concentrate on only one program to aid in the development of our patterns. We also believe that Paint Shop Pro is the absolute best program to use for designing patterns plus once you discover the many features that the program offers, you will be using it in many other ways in addition to pattern making.
Although my preference is PSP, others equally prefer Adobe or one of the other programs. So basically, I suppose it depends upon which program you are most comfortable with. If you are really serious about designing patterns from photos you will probably want to learn to use several of the programs. And in line with that thought, we are expanding Pattern Academy Advanced to offer instructions for these other programs as well.
At the risk of starting these studies on a negative note, I must first mention a few facts. There is not a book or tutorial anywhere that is going to give the exact steps to convert every photo into a workable pattern. There is not a program available that is going to automatically make a scrollable pattern by pushing a few buttons.
You will notice above the word "aid" in bold. That is all the program, any program, can do; it can aid you in the development of the pattern. By following the suggestions in the coming tutorials, you will learn how to manipulate the software's tools and how to execute the various commands to do the conversions, but your ability and the decisions you make as you use those tools and commands are what count.
This ability will come from experience and practice.
You will become proficient in pattern making just as you did in scrolling: Practice, Practice, Practice. The methods used in the following lessons are some that I have had success with but they are not all inclusive by any means. By the time this study is over, I wager that you will discover more.
Download Images
Before starting this study you will need to click here and download all the images on the page. Save the images to a location on your computer where you can access them easily when directed in the tutorials. IMPORTANT: When using these pictures, you should assume that they are all copyrighted - that means that you can use them for learning, but not for cuttings or patterns that are sold.This course of study is presented in 10 lessons. Parts 1 and 2 are in ebook format. These two ebooks contain important setup information and will always be on your computer for easy reference - even while studying another lesson. The remaining 8 tutorials are online and may be accessed directly by clicking on the appropriate link on the home page of the forum. It is important not to skip lessons. Complete each one in order, otherwise you will be wasting your time.
When you are ready to get started, click on "Part 1" on the index below. A new page will open where you may download the first ebook. Enter the password: 1964After completing the download close the page then click on "Part 2" in the index. The password for Part 2 is: 1965.
Save the ebook files on your Computer!
Do not "Open" or "Run" the application directly from the download screen.
Download the zip file to your computer, unzip the file, then click on the exe. file to open book.
If you are just starting with Paint Shop Pro, don't worry! The tutorials will start from the moment you first open the program.........
| Download Part 1 | Download Part 2 |
| All tutorials and ebooks are copyright protected and may not be distributed in any form without written permission from the author. |