This tutorial written using GIMP 2.6
Okay- here we go! This is a great way to get familiar with basics in GIMP, and I’ll be posting more specific breakdown of the specifics later for those of you who find this tutorial too broad. The best way to learn something is to DO it, so open up GIMP and see what you can do!
1. Open up GIMP, this is how my screen looks upon open:
2. I use the ‘Drag and Drop’ method to open all files in GIMP as I have found that after opening about 3 files using the ‘Open’ option under ‘File’ that GIMP would crash and I’d lose all my work to that point. Since when you’re scrapping you use LOTS of elements, that can be inconvenient. So- I simply keep my folder containing the kit I’m working with (or numerous folders on occasion) and ‘grab’ the file with my mouse (Click the file and don’t release the button) then I ‘drag’ the file to the blank middle area of the screen on GIMP directly from my computer files (continue to hold the button and move the mouse to the center of the GIMP screen) and ‘Drop’ (release the mouse) GIMP will then open the file as a new document. As a general rule, you want to make the first thing you drag and drop your background. This will be the biggest file and the rest of the elements should be coordinated to fit within that space. If you start with too small a document, it can wreak havoc later! So grab your favorite background, drag it and drop it from your computer files into GIMP!
So now my screen looks like this:
3. Then drag and drop any elements you wish to use. Move the elements the way you’d like them. Simply choose this tool and be sure to click ‘Move the Active Layer’, also make sure you’ve chosen the correct layer under the Layers Channel before trying to move. Remember that the ‘Undo’ button is your friend in case you make a whoopsie! The ‘dancing ants’ (the moving dotted line) should be outlining the element you wish to move before you move it after you choose it in the layers menu.
So I added a frame, and moved it from the center of the screen.
4. Rotating elements: Now I’d like to rotate the frame since the picture I want to use is horizontal. Make sure the correct layer is picked again, and choose the rotate tool. Click the element you are rotating, then the rotate window will pop up. Drag the mouse over the element until it’s rotated the way you want, then click the rotate button.
5. Resizing elements: As you can see below my picture is too large for my frame, so I need to resize it. Choose the ‘Scale’ Tool, be very sure to check the ‘Keep Aspect’ button! Choose the Correct Layer; Choose the Scale Tool; Check the Keep Aspect Box; Click your mouse over the picture you’re resizing and the Scale box will pop up; Click and Drag Mouse to resize, and then Click Scale… tada!
6. Rearranging layers. Now my picture is the right size, but above the frame rather than under it, so I need to move the layer down under the frame. Very simple. Just choose the layer you want to move, then click the up or down button at the bottom of the layers box to rearrange.
And it now looks like this!
7. Now add any other elements or text you’d like and arrange them with the tools listed above. When you’re done arranging them, you need to Merge all visible layers and save your creation! Be sure you’re done arranging layers when you chose the Merge option, because there will be no more layers after you do it. Choose Image, and then choose Merge Visible layers from the drop down. Choose ‘Clipped to Image’ in the pop up box. Then choose File and Save your creation with a new name! You’re all done!
You’ve gained some good experience looking around GIMP- keep trying new things! That’s how you learn!
Here is my finished page. All graphics used are by Amy Sumrall’s Rawr and Berry Sweet kits. You can get them and more of Amy’s awesome goodies at: http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=70
