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Featuring Carol's Homemade Desktop Themes
Be sure to check out Carol's homemade signature tags too!
Make a personalize theme with your own photos
Or use clip art to make a Disney theme
Being into graphics and computers, I choose to make my own "desktop themes" (Wallpaper). Disney is "most appropriate" for this site, but these instructions can also be used to make any desktop. The process below is relatively simple IF you know how to use (or are willing to learn) a graphics program, such as Paint Shop Pro.
You will need:
* Working knowledge of a graphics program (I use Paint Shop Pro v.7)
* Access to the above program
* Photos (or graphics) of your choice
* IMAGINATION!
To begin, you will have to determine the "size" that you need. I have my screen size set at 800 x 600 and like to have "room" around the outside of my "wallpaper" for my icons (so they don't cover up the photos), so I started with a "workspace" of 700 x 500. (Don't worry, you can always RESIZE when you are finished.)
Most of this project is personal preference. To begin, you can "fill" the workspace with solid color, a pattern, a solid color with a texture, ANYTHING you can imagine. Bear in mind that the "busier" the background, the more it will "take away" from your photos. I selected a color from one of my photos and used the GRANITE texture and filled my workspace. I then put a black "border" around the outside.
Next you'll need to choose several photos (or graphics if you don't want to use photos) and "crop" them to a workable size. I used all rectangle shapes but you can mix them up and use circles or hearts or anything else you'd like. I added a solid color "frame" to each photo (using colors selected from my photo) so that they would "stand out" better and then added the same "black border" that I used in the step above.
I ALWAYS work using LAYERS. I place each photo on a different layer, so that it is easily maneuvered or removed. Using the features of your graphics program, you can rotate, move and arrange the overlap of your photos. To add definition, I added a "drop shadow" to everything that I placed on the workspace.
Once you get your photos where you want them you can add "accessories" (I created the yellow MICKEY EARS and used those and some "stars"), such as graphics or writing. The only limit you have is your imagination! :o)
Once I complete my "design" I save it in .psp format so that all of the layers are retained, incase I decide to change it later. THEN I merge all of my layers and save it as a .jpg format. Then you would just go into your CONTROL PANEL settings and choose this file for your "wallpaper".
I tried to use "general" instructions. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me at carol@themouseforless.com. I'll be happy to help you.
We thought you'd enjoy seeing one more of Carol's gorgeous Desktop themes
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