INTRODUCTION
It’s easy to make a brush from any picture.  The brush size and color can be changed when in use.  Here we will use the Cookie Cutter tool to change the shape of the brush but any part or the whole picture may be used.

OPEN A PICTURE
Open Photoshop Elements in the Full Edit mode.  Click File + Open (or hold the Ctrl key and tap the O key) > select a picture > click Open.  Play it safe – click File + Duplicate + OK > close the original.

PICK PART OF PICTURE
Select the Cookie Cutter tool > click the Custom shape picker (down arrow right of Shape) > click the double right arrow (right side of Custom shapes) > select Crop Shapes + Crop Shape 06 > draw a shape around a portion of the picture > resize and/or reposition if necessary > click the green checkmark (or press the Enter key) > select the Crop tool > Reset Crop tool if necessary (down arrow on left side of Crop Options bar) > draw a rectangle around the picture > tap the Enter key.

CONVERT PICTURE TO BRUSH
Click Edit + Define Brush > name the brush > click OK button.

CREATE WORK AREA
Click File + New + Blank File > make size 11X14 inch – Color: White

PLAY WITH BRUSH
(Select the Brush tool) on the Brush tool Option bar, click the “Show selected brush presets” (down arrow to right of brush picture) > scroll to the bottom of the Default Brushes list and click your new brush.  Try different brush sizes (click “Set the brush size” button and move the slider).  Try different colors (click “Set foreground color” and pick color > click OK) > click the mouse (makes an imprint of the stamp) > change size > click > change color > etc…

CONCLUSION
Now you can make brush stamps of your favorite pictures.  In this lesson, you have also learned a little more about using the Cookie Cutter tool.

GOOD WEB SITES
BILL’S HOME PAGE: bzus.com
NEAT TRICKS LESSONS: click Lessons icon near top of Bill’s Home Page
LEISURE VILLAGE: leisurevillage.us and leisurevillage.org
GOOGLE: www.google.com, images.google.com, maps.google.com, news.google.com