A clipping mask is an easy, nondestructive way to cut a picture into any shape in both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Learn how to do it in my latest tutorial for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I've also posted a tutorial for Paint Shop Pro. It doesn't use a clipping mask, but it is another easy way to cut a picture into a shape.
• How to Cut a Picture into a Shape with Photoshop or Elements
• How To How to Cut a Picture into a Shape with Paint Shop Pro

Although I see the value of The GIMP and I do include it in my top picks of free photo editors, I have to confess… I don't particularly care for it myself. Perhaps this is why I've not yet written a review for it.

To those who say it is just as powerful as Photoshop, I have to ask… have you used a version of Photoshop released in the past 10 years? Yes, the GIMP is powerful, but in no way can it be compared with today's Photoshop. Even the sub-$100 Photoshop Elements beats the GIMP hands down in functionality as well as interface.

I'm not alone, either, it seems most people either love the GIMP or hate it. What's your stance? Whether you like it or don't, I want to hear why you feel the way you do about the GIMP.

• The GIMP Resources and Tutorials

Even if you're not into digital scrapbooking, the digital scrapbooking kits on this site can be great inspiration for other projects. For instance, my sister recently asked me for some backgrounds to use in an article on the Christianity About.com site. I used the torn paper from the Paesaggio scrapbooking kit as a starting point, then embellished it with my new Floral Flourish brushes. Check them out in her article 10 Encouraging Words for the Discouraged. There are two different backgrounds which alternate on each page. Here's more information on how they were done. Read more...

They say blue and green should only be seen together in a washing machine. We say this week's challenge theme is Blue and Green. The idea is to create an image with at least 3 blue and 3 green elements. You can use photos, create something original, use three shades of each color, or whatever you choose--we'll leave it to you. Have fun and don't get the blues or become green with envy! Read more...