Displacement Map Video!!!

Yes! Yes! I know I'm suppose to be working on taxes, but the thought of making a video about using displacement maps has been flooding my head and I just couldn't wait any longer!!

Here is a link to a Jing video I just made, showing where to find and how to apply displacement maps in Photoshop Elements and Photoshop.
http://screencast.com/t/lxrsFDBXzO
The image in the video is the same one used for the padfolio in the photo from yesterday's posting.

Just click on the link, or copy it and paste it into your browser, and it will take you to Screencast, where the video is stored. Click on the arrow and you should have audio as well as video. If you're on dial-up, there may be occasional pauses as the file is accessed slower than if you're on cable or DSL.

There have been so many comments on C&T Publishing's blog, on this one, and questions from various discussion groups about the displacement maps, I just HAD to share this with you! Displacement maps don't seem to be a popular feature in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. Even some graphic designers don't know about them, let alone use them.

Hope you enjoy the video. Let me know if you have questions!

I am now the proud owner of a bright and colorful padfolio. Step-by-step instructions are available in the newest newsletter from The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims AND on C&T Publishing's blog this weekend. This is to celebrate the release of my new book Next Steps In Altered Photo Artistry.



The padfolio outside features an altered photo (what else?), printed on fabric, and heavily stitched with free-motion stitching, using lots of glorious threads. Inside is a 5" x 8" junior legal pad. The whole padfolio fits neatly into my purse!

The photo is altered using one of our exclusive displacement maps that are on the CD inside the back cover of the book. In my opinion, displacement maps are the best-kept secret of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements! This alteration included multiple applications of the same displacement map, until the image was quite abstract. The final touch was applied with an artistic filter to define the edges.

By the time the image was wrapped around the notepad, the effect is quite abstract—just what I was going for!


This is the photo before altering. I took it in the garden next to the courthouse in my home town this spring and have been saving it for something special. Since I won't be traveling to Houston for the book's release at Quilt Market, this cheers me up and helps me focus on paperwork this weekend.


Inside is a pocket for pens (on the left), the notepad in the center, and the flap on the right. Because of the shape of the flap, it required two Velcro dots to keep it flat while closed.

Inside the padfolio rust-dyed fabrics add depth, interest, and variety. You can see the pocket on the left has a scripture verse printed on the fabric.

Three examples of techniques we’ll explore in the Tattoo Your Style! workshop at SOZO Gallery in Kendallville, Indiana on October 24th, from 1:00–4:00.


For more information, contact Peggy at Sozo Art Studio (260) 347-5000. I hope to see YOU there!

Isn't this dichroic glass necklace beautiful? It is the work of glass artist Phyllis Crawley from South Bend, Indiana. She sells each piece for $16, with $10 of the sale going to the Susan Komen Foundation for breast cancer research!

Personally, I can't imagine how that even covers the cost of the materials to make the piece and present it in a beautiful black jewelry box.

Phyllis and I reconnected at the Syracuse Art Festival two weeks ago and she gave this necklace to me to share with you. That's right, it's a giveaway!! Just become a follower, leave a comment here between now and Friday, October 17 and this beautiful dichroic piece could be yours. I'll pay shipping within the US; you pay shipping outside the 50 US states.

Please visit Phyllis' Etsy shop to purchase one of the ribbon necklaces (great holiday gift for someone special!)—or any of her other beautiful dichroic pieces. http://www.redbuddesigns.etsy.com

If you have trouble leaving messages on Blogspot, please contact me directly and I'll put your name into the drawing!

What a happy painting! “Sunburst” is part of the Art Now for Autism exhibition, which begins today, and reverse auction, which opens October 5th at 9:00 am EST. All artwork will be $90 until the 7th. At that time the price drops to $70. October 9 and 10, the last two days of the auction, any remaining pieces are available for $30!

I fell in love with “Sunburst”—but wait ‘til you meet the artist! This year, there is a special section of artwork done by children with Autism or Asperger’s. Candace Waters is one of those artists.




Every Mom cell in my body sang with joy when I realized the artist of the beautiful, happy sunshine paintings is an 8-year-old!

Here is the info on “Sunburst:”
Artist: Candace Waters
Medium: tempera paint with glitter glue on canvas
Size: 18 x 14 inches

Artist statement:
Candace “Candy” Waters from Park Ridge, IL is a beautiful redheaded 8 year old girl who has autism. Candace likes painting, music, swinging, playing in water, jumping and pizza. Candace is the Inspiration for the song "Faith, Love & Hope". Her song has influenced and inspired Politicians, Autism Organizations and most importantly Parents around the WORLD!!! Also, her song is the favorite of former President Bush and his wife Laura!

Candace is the inspiration for the Radio Program “The Candy Store”on Autism One Radio. She is happy to share her song with other parents to let them know that they are not alone in their struggles. Never give up on “Faith, Love & Hope.”

I’m proud to have contributed in some small way to benefit children and parents living with Autism! Take a look at all the art at http://www.artnowforautism.com. This year there are 160 pieces in the exhibit from 89 artists around the world, including my two small art quilts.

Well, I didn't get the copyright permission, so went with Plan B!

This has a rust-dyed background that has been stenciled with Earth Safe Finishes Shimmering Opaque ruby. Well, the “wrong” side was so cool, I used it instead of the “right” side. The appliqué is cut from rusted fabric that has been treated to a tannin bath. The contrast between the two is just yummy.

There are small garnet and glass pillow-shape beads accenting the rows of texture stitching.

This will be part of an art quilt exhibit at Artlink contemporary gallery in Fort Wayne. The proceeds from the sale of the quilts will go to the AIDS Task Force. I’m proud to be able to contribute in this manner!

It’s been a good day. Made two deadlines and delivered the goods AND received another distributor order for Trusty Rusty Things—and it hasn’t even debuted at Quilt Market yet! I'm loving it!

This is a computer-enhanced image of AIDS virus attached to a human host cell. The original is the work of Australian artist Russell Knightley. I've requested permission to use the image in an art quilt to be sold to benefit the AIDS Taskforce here in Fort Wayne.

Sure hope he says yes; I have no other idea for a quilt design and the deadline is approaching quickly!