While playing with the Vizros filter I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across
an effect which resembled vellum. The book preset was the ideal way to present it.

I have tried to make these instructions detailed enough for beginners to follow as well
 and therefore more advanced users may not need to follow all steps shown.
Although I will show you how to make your own vellum effect page so you can
make your own cards,  I have included the prepared vellum page of the candle
in my zip file of supplies so beginners can start straight away.

Unfortunately I do not know the name of the artist for the Christmas candle image
as it was passed down through one of the groups I have been in over the years.
If you know who the artist is please email me so I can give the proper credit.

The tutorial is broken into two parts - preparing a vellum page and making the Christmas card.
If you want to use the prepared vellum page from the zip file you can skip
the vellum page preparation and go straight to the card instructions.

Remember to save frequently.

Preparing the Vellum Page

Step 1
Open the xmas-candle.jpg, xmas-bg.jpg, xmas-vellum.jpg images.
Minimize the bg & vellum images for now as we will be working with the candle image.
SHIFT + D to copy the candle image - close the original.
Right click in the Layer Palette and Promote Background Layer.

Step 2
Image > Canvas Size
Increase the height & width dimensions by 100 pixels each and choose
centre placement, thus increasing the canvas by 50 pixels all round.
Select the transparent border around the image with the Magic Wand.

Step 3
In the Materials Palette click on the foreground and select the pattern fill.
Locate the xmas-bg.jpg at the top of the list.
Flood fill the border with the gradient fill pattern.
Deselect.

Step 4
Click on the Smudge Brush and choose the JascBrush2 010 with the default settings.
Hold down the left mouse button and smudge the hard line around the edge of the image.
There is no need to be really precise with this - just blur the edge around the image.

Step 5
Add a new raster layer.
In the Materials Palette click on the foreground and select the pattern fill.
Locate the xmas-vellum.jpg at the top of the list.
Flood fill the new layer with the vellum pattern.

Step 6
Layers > Load Mask from Disk
Locate the 20-20 mask and use the following settings.

Right click in the Layer Palette and Merge > Merge Group.

Step 7
Add a new raster layer and flood fill with white.
Reduce the opacity to 14 or your personal preference.
Right click in the Layer Palette and Merge > Merge Visible.

Save your vellum image.
Close the xmas-bg.jpg and the xmas-vellum images.

Making the Christmas Card.

Step 1
Open the prepared vellum image.
In the Layer Palette right click and Promote Background Layer.
Note: it is most important the background is promoted to a layer
otherwise you will not get a transparent background in the next series of steps.

Step 2
Effects > Plugins > Vizros4 > Book
The following settings will be used for all pages.

Note: The X (width) and Y (height) parameters will change depending on the image used.
Adjust these settings until you are happy with the visual result of the card.

Step 3
In the Page Properties section of the Vizros window you will need to
change the properties for each page.
Note: All pages should be changed as required before you click on OK
 to close out of the Vizros filter.

Turn Page - check Image, Transparent 255.

Fore Page - select Image, Transparent 255 and click on New.
Locate the xmas-bg.jpg on your hard drive. Click OK.

Back Page - select Image, Transparent 255 and click on New.
Locate the xmas-vellum.jpg on your hard drive. Click OK.

Unselected Page - select Solid, set the Transparent Slider to Zero. Click OK.
The unselected page setting will give a transparent background to the finished card.

Adding Embellishments to the Card

There are numerous optional ways to dress up your card.
It is suggested these be done on separate layers so you can
 modify or delete them if you change your mind.

Use the Selection Tool set to rectangle to select the right hand page of the card.
Apply the following inner bevel to highlight the area.

Note: If you want a lighter appearance to the selection apply the bevel for a second time.

Add text wording of your choice.

If desired you can add gold lines using the Pen Tool with the following settings.

 Open the goldembossed_9.bmp in the zip file and select the pattern in the Materials Palette.

Variations

The xmas-vellum.jpg in the zip file can be colorized in PSP if desired.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any queries or find any instructions that need clarification in the tutorial don't hesitate to contact me.

Please help me keep this site up and running....
ANYTHING is appreciated, thank you so much!