Until now, books applying graphic software to craft projects were not very numerous. Perhaps this is because authors of books about graphic software aren't familiar with traditional crafts. But things are changing. When I opened The Adobe Photoshop Elements Crafts Book, it was immediately evident by the way the material was presented that Elizabeth Bulger is at least familiar with traditional crafting; if not a crafter herself. Throughout her book, crafters will recognize the same simple presentation as found in craft books of all kinds.

Of course, by necessity, Bulger first explains the Adobe^R Photoshop^R Elements techniques, especially layers and selections, that she uses in the rest of the book. Her explanations aren't dry and laborious as those you will find in some books about graphic software and to make it even easier to follow along, you can download the example images from her accompanying website.

After a brief introduction to the software, Bulger offers a variety of fourteen projects which can be created using Photoshop Elements 3 or 4. Written from the traditional crafter's point of view, each project is an opportunity to practice new techniques. I love candles, so my favorite was the votive project. However, I could see the great small business potential of Bulger's technique for making a needlepoint canvas from a photo of the family pet. All of the projects can be completed with basic crafting supplies and inkjet printing papers. Bulger accompanies her step-by-step instructions with several photos showing the progression of the project. Here are the projects from the book.

Postcard
Gift Box
Votive
Journal Cover
Apron
Placemat
Canning Jar Label
Needlepoint Pillow
Gift Bucket
CD Cover
Ceramic Tiles
Christmas Ornament
Gift Wrapping
Coasters

Elizabeth Bulger is a graphic arts training consultant and coauthor of The Adobe Photoshop 5 Certification Guide.