Greeting Card Universe for Artists

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate [Old Version]

Amazon Price: $34.98 (as of 06/01/2012)

This is one of the applications I used to make greeting cards. There are a few choices in this areas, and everyone has their own opinion as to which is the better software. Paint Shop Pro is one of the least expensive options, and it has many of the same features as Photoshop, a much more expensive option.

While you can get an older version of this software for less money, I advise you to spend the extra $20 or so and get the most current version. You don't have to upgrade to a new version every year, but why not start out with the most current?

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 [Old Version]

Amazon Price: $65.25 (as of 06/01/2012)

Bamboo Fun (Small) Black Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 06/01/2012)

Create Your World
Now there's a simple, easy, and fun way to harness your creativity. Bamboo Fun makes your computer your canvas, allowing you to freely express yourself by simply touching the pen tip to the tablet. Touch up digital photos, draw by hand, create artwork and paintings, and even write in your own handwriting.

Bamboo Fun includes full editions of valuable creative software to help get your creative juices flowing. Edit photos with Adobe Photoshop Elements, create artwork with Corel Painter Essentials, and apply photo effects with Nik Color Efex Pro. Bamboo Fun is available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Bamboo funs offers a more comfortable and natural way to work, enabling you to alternate between a pen, a mouse, and a keyboard.

Edit
Bring out the best in your photos. Bamboo Fun's pressure-sensitive pen makes it easy to edit, retouch, and enhance and digital photograph. Create a collage with your favorite pictures, design your own unique borders, or write directly on your photos in your own handwriting.

Paint
Make perfect brush strokes without the mess. Bamboo Fun puts painting effects and artistic tools right at your fingertips. Control brush size, paint, patterns, and textures by changing how hard you press the pen tip to the tablet.

Draw
Bring your ideas to life by drawing, sketching, and illustrating with Bamboo Fun. Use the pressure-sensitive control of the pen to vary line thickness, and add shading and color with the natural feel of pen-on-paper.

Write
Express yourself. Write notes and email, sign your name, mark up documents, and enter handwritten text anywhere typed text is accepted. Combine Bamboo Fun with Mac Inkwell or Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 to unleash pen-specific features and capabilities to communicate more personally.

Simplify
Navigate quickly and easily. Bamboo Fun makes it a cinch to move files, switch views, and work in applications. ExpressKeys provide shortcuts to your most commonly-used keystrokes, and the Touch Ring allows you to zoom and scroll with the touch of your finger.

Features

* Supports widescreen displays and has a textured work surface for a natural pen-on-paper feel
* Quick access to user-defined shortcuts with four Express Keys
* High resolution and report rate for outstanding accuracy
* Easy scrolling and zooming with finger-sensitive Touch Ring
* Detachable USB cable unplugs from your computer and your tablet for easy storage and transport
* Ergonomic design provides a comfortable supplement to keyboard input
* Includes one year warranty
* Free US-based technical support available

What's in the Box

* Bamboo Fun pen tablet
* Bamboo Fun mouse
* Bamboo Fun pen
* Pen stand
* USB cable
* Quick start guide
* Installation CD (includes tablet driver and electronic user manual)
* Software DVD that includes: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 Win/4.0 Mac, Corel Painter Essentials 3.0, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE
* Package of 3 replacement pen nibs
* Available in blue, black, silver, and white