Our  Simply ScrapOver templates are a hit because they are so easy to use and help you get so much done in no time!  Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to use them with Paint Shop Pro.  Most other image editors that are compatible with PNG formats would follow similar steps. Our sample is using our very popular Calendar Pak, which includes 12 beautifully styled monthly calendars for the current year.

See our selection of Downloadable ScrapOver Templates here

What you’ll need:

• Corel Paint Shop Pro (or any other image editor that supports PNG files, such as Adobe Photoshop/Elements, Microsoft Digital Image Pro, Ulead PhotoImpact, etc.)

•  Simply ScrapOver template of choice (available from CottageArts.net's shop)

• Photograph(s) in digital format

You’ll learn how to make:

•  Finished layout ready to print

Open Corel Paint Shop Pro

Open a Simply ScrapOver template within Paint Shop Pro:

Choose File > Open and browse your system for the template you want to open.  We chose 2005 Calendar April.png from our 2005 Calendar Pak.

Click Open. 

Notice the transparent opening for your photo, which is what makes ScrapOver templates so easy to use!

Add Photo

Choose File > Browse and browse your system for the template you want to open. Click and drag photo onto template.

Resize and Reposition Photo

Select Deform tool on left toolbar and resize keeping in proportion by holding the right mouse button while dragging in or outward to size to photo opening in template. 

If desired, rename this layer (named raster2 or background) to PHOTO to help distinguish it.  Right click on it in the layer palette, select Rename, and give it the name of your choice.

Move Photo beneath Template

Choose the layer named Raster1 in the layer palette, which is the lowest layer at the time and is the template.

Click on it and drag upward in the layer palette, so it is now above photo.

Voila!  The photo is now perfectly sized and has an automatic drop shadow around it. 

Add Text

Click the Text tool on the tool bar and set the text options as below:

Fonts: Vladimir Script (optional)

Size: 65 - dependent on size and dpi of your layout (tip: the dropdown shows a maximum size of 72 points for font size, however, just highlight the size with the mouse and type in any size you’d like)

Click the Background Color Box in the Materials Palette.

Color: Using the color picker tool, click on any color in the photo you’d like for your text color.  I chose Black (HTML: 0).

Place cursor in position on layout where you want title to appear.

Type journaling, adjust position and size, if necessary.

Add additional text in different fonts and colors, if desired.

Add Drop Shadow to text (optional)

If desired, add drop shadow to text, for added dimension.

Choose Effects > 3-D Effects > Drop Shadow and set to your preferences.  I used the following:

Vertical: 4

Horizontal: 4

Opacity: 50

Blur: 5

Color: Black

Click OK

Save Layout

You’re done!  Save as a .pspimage file to retain layers (choose File > Save > File Type: >PSPIMAGE). 

Print on photo paper using the highest quality setting.

Save as .jpg format to share on the Internet (resize to 72 dpi for this option).  Good luck enjoying the ease and versatility of digital!