These instructions were written for Paint Shop Pro 7. If you are using PSP6 or the ESD (downloaded) version of PSP7 please use a copy of this heart graphic or one that you've copied from another place. Paste it into 300 x 300 new image with a white background.
Here is how I make my heart.
I start with a new image, 300 x 300 pixels and a white background. On it I place one of the black hearts from the preset shapes. It has the vector lines around it so you can adjust the size and shape. Hit Ctrl-D to get rid of the vector lines. Then pick “Layers|Convert to a Raster Layer”.
Using the Magic Wand tool in PSP6 or PSP7 click on the white area of your graphic. Then use “Selections|Invert” and “Selections|Modify|Feather|9”.
	Choose a color and flood fill the heart with 100% opacity. The feathering leaves a darkish edge, giving the heart an almost 3D effect. Flood filling with white will give you a heart like the one shown on the left, but you can flood fill with whatever color you'd like. Red is very attractive, too.

If you are using PSP7 and have created a colored heart use “Effects|Illumination|Sunburst” and give the heart a little star on the top. Drag the crosshairs around and adjust the numbers until you get it the way you like it.Then click OK.
This wonderful effect is unavailable on PSP6, but that's okay. You can place other things on the heart, like the writing on the candy message hearts or a picture.
	You can also use the same tutorial on different shapes and get similar results. Here I used a rosette shape and a circle to make a prize winner rosette graphic to be used in a newsletter.
Have fun and let the creative juices flow.

Page last edited September 29, 2004.