I already wrote about this before and now it’s the time to encourage myself (and all of you who need encouragement) again.
The importance of not giving up.
Why is it important not to give up?
Because we never know what’s awaiting for us just around the corner. Striving and trying keeps the hope alive and keeps us moving.
Why is it important to keep moving?
Because, when we stop moving, it means that we gave up. Then, despondency takes over and we were not born to be despondent. We were born to be happy. So, our task on this planet is to strive to achieve happiness. For some of us it’s easy and for others … well … not that much. Some of us are happy all the time, some of us have happy and sad periods, some of us are sad most of the time.
But still, every day, each and every one of us, when we wake up in the morning, until we go to sleep at night, everything we do is driven by one single purpose – to be happy.
Helping others to be happy (or at least not to be sad, or desperate or ill), that’s also something that makes us happy, right? (or at least it should be)
Anyways, this is my daily dose of encouragement. Even if these are difficult times for me, I know, I have no other choice but to keep moving. You never know what’s waiting just around the corner :)
Hugs,
Silvia
P.S.

Of course, I did not forget about our monthly desktop wallpaper calendar! I received quite a few emails where you ask if I could adapt the last years wallpaper for this year too. No problem here it is! March 2010 Calendar Desktop Wallpaper free download:
P.P.S.
To create this wallpaper I used Birds Photoshop brushes set (45+45)
Popularity: 2% [?]
Gang!
I just know you’re gonna LOVE these! Especially those of you who use iPhone, because these are Valentine’s Day iPhone Wallpapers.
Feel free to download and install them on your iPhone.




Needless to say, these were all made with a little (or should I say big) help from my friends Photoshop brushes.
But not just any Photoshop brushes. Oh, no!
For this special effect I created a special set of brushes which I named – “Bokeh”.
Why bokeh? Well, while in photography, bokeh (shortly: aesthetic quality of the blur) is easy to create with almost any kind of camera, in graphic design many people find it desirable but hard to create.
I bet you’d like to do something like that and then show-off on Facebook, or Flickr, or your blog, or Photobook, etc … etc … right? :))
No probs!
Tomorrow, I will post a video tutorial on how to create and use bokeh (effect like the one on the images above) in your daily designs :)
So, tomorrow is a very special day, with a very special tutorial! Stay tuned!
Love,
Silvia
Popularity: 1% [?]
Last night I dreamt that my cat Poofah whispered to my ear:
“Make the February Calendar Desktop Wallpaper… make the February Calendar Desktop Wallpaper… “
I opened my eyes. Poofah was sitting on my pillow. Starring at me. In silence. Her yellow eyes were glittering in the dark.
Just a distant howling of the lone wolf. Owl shrieked and flew away. Clouds were passing by the full moon.
OK. I exaggerated a bit with this wolf, moon and owl thing but still, I look at Poofah in suspicion ever since. And silence is all I get – ever since.
Anyways, I just had to make sure that such nightmare won’t happen’ again so I sat by my computer, opened some of my favorite Photoshop brushes and voila: February 2010 Calendar Desktop Wallpaper is here (Download link is below)!
I know you won’t miss the Poofah influence in the design. Sorry, I could not escape it :)
So, enjoy these wallpapers or enjoy even more creating your own designs with the superb Photoshop brushes from my little shop of wonders for designers :)
Love you all!
Silvia (the one from the woods, but I’ll explain that later, maybe in the P.S. :)
P.S.
Ok. I’ll explain that now.
My name, Silvia, in Latin, means – the one from the woods.
Archaic Latin alphabet does not have “Y”, that’s why my mother insisted that my name was Silvia and not Sylvia. Anyways, I might even turn into a werewolf once a month for all that I know :))
P.P.S.
Now, that got me thinking. I might even call my next company “Werewolf designs” … uhmmmm … cool …
Download February 2010 Calendar Desktop Wallpaper here:
To create this wallpaper I used the following Photoshop brushes:
![]() |
![]() |
|
| Photoshop Brushes: Valentine’s (21+21) Second Edition + 21 PNG files | Hearts Photoshop Brushes Set (32) | 2010 Calendar Photoshop brushes set (3×12 – 36, US version) |
| PREVIEW | PREVIEW | PREVIEW |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Cats PS Brushes are available for free download to GBG members only and if you are not the member you can JOIN GBG HERE :)
Popularity: 4% [?]
Gang,
Yes, we did it again! GBG eZine, January 2010 is out!
And this time we bring you:
(1) New Valentines Photoshop brushes set “Crowned Hearts”,
(2) One totally cool Valentine’s background,
(3) “Love Bears” Photoshop video tutorial,
(4) Valentines card template and,
(5) A Very Special GBG offer (huge savings, expires on 24th of January)!
All in all, very useful stuff for your design, scrapbook, photobook, print or web projects – just in time for the Valentine’s day!

Even if you are not a GBG member, you can still get the link for the eZine (along with a link to our “Downloads” page with a bunch free Photoshop brushes sets and other free downloads) if you Join Us Now ->
Have fun creating!
Love,
Silvia
Popularity: 2% [?]
Guys!
Here is a retrospective of what we’ve done in 2009. I had no IDEA that I made so MANY different examples on how to use Photoshop brushes during 2009! There was also a bunch of new Photoshop brushes and loads of fun!
So, without further ado, here is a small retrospective and a bunch of ideas on the topic! I hope you will like it!
For these designs (4 different designs, one for every season :)) I used Floral Shapes Photoshop Brushes set (37) and Floral DUO Photoshop Brushes set (62), both of them are available in my Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
2. Pink Valentine Scrapbook Kit
Pink Valentine Scrapbook Kit was done with Valentine’s, Second Edition Photoshop Brushes set (21+21), Circled hearts Photoshop Brushes set (40+40) and Floral DUO Photoshop Brushes set (62) is available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
The whole Pink Valentine Scrapbook Kit can be bought in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop, also, there is one Quick Page from this set and it’s FREE after joining GBG—>>
3. Paper Carnival Mask
Paper Carnival Mask using Finest Floral Swirls Photoshop Brushes set (120)
You can download this HiRes JPG without joining GBG! Although it is a good idea to join GBG because you get 80+ more free Photoshop brushes and other useful stuff.
4. Spring Time Wallpaper
Spring Time Wallpaper (March 2009.) – using Photoshop Brushes set: Birds (45+45) and Photoshop Brushes set: Swirls 2 (36) from Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
5. St. Patrick’s Day Apron
St. Patrick’s Day apron – using St. Patrick Photoshop Brushes set (35) available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
Create an apron using Photoshop Brushes and sell it on a Zazzle!
6. Easter/April Desktop Calendar Wallpaper 2009
Easter/April Desktop Calendar Wallpaper 2009. was create with Funny Bunnies Photoshop Brushes set available for GBG members. I also used the grunge background form 2 pack graphics: old grunge paper images 3 – available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
7. Digital Scrapbook Quick Page “Lazy Days”
Digital Scrapbook Quick Page “Lazy Days”, approved by Poofitzah – using Hearts Photoshop Brushes Set (32) and Photoshop Brushes: Valentine’s – Second Edition (21+21) available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
Free Download available after joining GBG.
8. Digital Scrapbook Quick Page “Friends 4ever”
Digital Scrapbook Quick Page “Friends 4ever” – using Grunge alphabet and numbers with swirls, Photoshop brushes set, Swirled Floral Edges Photoshop Brushes set (18), Hearts Photoshop Brushes Set (32), Photoshop Brush – Floral DUO (62) available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
9. June 2009 Deskop Calendar Wallpaper
June Desktop Calendar Wallpaper 2009. – using Cats (FREE after joining GBG—>>), Talk Bubbles (available in my eZine only to my GBG members) and Hawaiian Flowers Premium Edition available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
10. 2 Cats Digital Scrapbooking Quick Page
“2 cats” Digital Scrapbooking Quick Page – using Photoshop Brushes: Hawaiian Flowers (35+35), Photoshop brushes – Photo Corners (20+20), Tag shapes, Photoshop brushes set (24+5), Circled hearts, Photoshop brushes set (40), Lightworks Photoshop Brushes set (61) available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
11. Photo Decoration: Old Photo Effect
Photo Decoration: Old Photo Effect, fast and easy way – using Photo Corners (20+20) Photoshop brushes and 2 Pack Graphics: Old Grunge Paper images 3 available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
12. Envelope Design
Envelope Design – using Swirled Floral Photoshop Edges Brushes set and Floral Shapes Photoshop Brushes set available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
13. Using enaissance & Medieval Photoshop Brushes Set
Fun Page – using Renaissance & Medieval Photoshop Brushes Set part one and Renaissance & Medieval Photoshop Brushes Set part two available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
14. Photo Decoration
Photo Decoration – using Floral shapes, Photoshop Brushes set available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
15. How to make a great looking postcard
How to make a great looking postcard - using Swirls Floral (42) Photoshop Brushes set and Good Old Snail Mail (28) Photoshop Brushes set available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
16. Wedding Photo Album Cover
Wedding Photo Album Cover - using Hearts Photoshop Brushes Set (32) and Circled hearts, Photoshop brushes set (40+40) available inGraphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
17. The Pursuit of Happiness
“The Pursuit of Happiness” Wallpaper - using Swirls Floral LITE Photoshop brushes set and Grunge floral shapes LITE Photoshop brushes set – FREE after joining GBG—>>; Photoshop Brushes – Floral Shapes (37) (There is an extra promo gift that comes with this set!) and Hearts Photoshop Brushes Set (32) both sets are available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
18. October/November 2009 Calendar/Wallpaper
October/November 2009 Calendar/Wallpaper – using Calendar 2009 Photoshop brushes. 2009 is now gone, but you might wanna get Calendar 2010 Photoshop brushes :D
19. Paper Halloween candle shades
Paper Halloween candle shades – using Halloween Photoshop brushes set LITE edition FREE after joining GBG—>> and Swirls 2 Photoshop Brushes set available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
20. Christmas Party Invitation
Christmas Party Invitation – using Christmas Photoshop Brushes set (55 +55 brushes) available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
21. Christmas / New Year Background
Christmas / New Year Background - using Christmas Photoshop Brushes set (55 +55 brushes) available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
22. Desktop Wallpaper Calendar – December 2009
Desktop Wallpaper Calendar – December 2009 - using Christmas Ornaments Photoshop Brushes set available in GBG eZine for GBG members.
23. Origami Gift Box Papers (Christmas Backgrounds)
Origami Gift Box Papers (Christmas Backgrounds) - using Christmas set Photoshop Brushes (55+55) available in my Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
24. Free Christmas Card Template for Photographers
Free Christmas Card Template for Photographers - using 7 Lucky Swirled Snowflakes lite edition Photoshop Brushes available in my eZine only to my GBG members and Christmas Photoshop Brushes 55+55 – available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
25. January 2010 Desktop Wallpaper Calendar
January 2010 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper- using Winter in Swirls Photoshop Brushes set and Calendar 2010 Photoshop Brushes set – available in Graphics-Illustrations.Com Shop.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Photoshop brushes are in action again and this time we will make a CD/DVD sleeve for your 2010 New Year’s Celebration Photos.
So, you made a whole bunch of photos during the holidays? I bet you did. Wouldn’t it be nice if you burn them on a CD or DVD, make a self-made and self designed CD sleeve for it?
And if you prepare all this as a gift, the joy is even bigger!
As always, I used some of my Photoshop brushes to prepare a winter holidays CD/DVD sleeve design for you.
These free downloads are totally ready and all you have to is:
1. Download designs from this page. Select between A4 or Letter format.
2. Print them out on A4 or Letter format (use borderless printing)
3. Follow these videos on how to make a CD/DVD sleeve:
- Collapsing the Spiral Data Tato
- Inserting the Disk into the Spiral Data Tato
- Closing the Spiral Data Tato
- Opening the Spiral Data Tato

Of course, downloaded version contains no text so you can add your own wording.

And here is what the final product looks like: (For more info go to The Fitful Flog)

To do these designs I used:
Winter in Swirls Photoshop Brushes set (33+33+33)
Buy from 2CO
2CheckOut.com Inc. (Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Graphics-Illustrations.
Like all other sets I make, this one is compatible with Photoshop 7.0, CS, CS2, CS3 and CS4. Not to mention Photoshop Elements, GIMP and you can use them in PSP too. It comes with the Commercial license! It’s of a highest quality, each brush comes in three different sizes so you don’t lose any quality when re-sizing!
Christmas set Photoshop Brushes (55+55)
Buy from 2CO
2CheckOut.com Inc. (Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Graphics-Illustrations.
* 55 HiRes Photoshop brushes (300 – 2428 pixels) + 55 smaller Photoshop brushes (130-1400 pixels)
* with commercial license
* PC/Mac Compatible
* compatible with Photoshop 7.0, CS, CS2, CS3 and CS4
Click here for preview:

Note: If you don’t know how to use PS brushes please visit this link
DOWNLOADS:
Red CD sleeve for 2010 New Year’s Celebration Photos in Letter size
Blue CD sleeve for 2010 New Year’s Celebration Photos in Letter size
Red CD sleeve for 2010 New Year’s Celebration Photos in A4 size
Blue CD sleeve for 2010 New Year’s Celebration Photos in A4 size
I hope you like the idea (and designs) and that you’ll try this at home.
Love,
Silvia
P.S.
If you don’t want to miss any more of my freebies like Photoshop brushes, templates, DiY tutorials, vectors etc … I recommend subscribing to the G-I RSS feed:
http://graphics-illustrations.com/feed
Popularity: 1% [?]















