BladePro/Super BladePro
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

This class will cover BladePro and Super BladePro by Flaming Pear Software. Super BladePro has some enhancements that make the upgrade very desirable, so I encourage you to do so if possible. They also have freebie filters that are worth a look. Projects will be included and may be based on student input.

In week one we will begin by covering the basic Blade Pro interface and the differences between BP and SBP, how to convert presets and discuss some of the extras offered for download at the Blade Pro website.

Week 2: We will start to cover the sliders and buttons in detail, and also cover saving and sharing presets, emphasizing to share presets you have to include the bmp it was created with in the zip file.

Week 3, 4 & 5: The next three weeks we will continue to cover in detail the sliders and buttons.  Week three's project will be working with text. Week four we will continue working with the buttons and sliders and make images using dingbats and decorative fonts. Week five will finish the last of the buttons and sliders and cover shapes and how to get the look you want.

Week 6: Students will be asked to make a picture, web set, buttons, or some other project of their choosing with presets they have created. I'll be presenting links for other presets for download, and students will be encouraged to upload to their websites their preset creations made during the course of this class.

Prerequisites

Students should have a copy of Flaming Pear's Super BladePro or BladePro filter, and should have it installed before class starts. However if you are using the demo version, please do not install until the first day of class as it only gives you a two-week trial.

There are quite a few programs that BP/SBP will work with and it is understood the student will have a copy of one or more of these programs installed and a working knowledge of the program they intend to use the filter in, and be familiar with basic operating system commands. All lessons will be written with windows program commands, but that shouldn't be a problem, as the interface is basically the same.

Lastly, students need to have access to their own web space to post homework, which is not required, but if you want others to see what you have done, it's a good idea. It also lets me know you understood the lesson.  There are resources to help you available here  at http://www.eclecticacademy.com/resources.htm including a tutorial on obtaining and using free web space.

Basic Intellectual Property, Copyright and Contract Law for Designers and Artists
Instructor: Lindsay Froehlich

This class will explore the basics of intellectual property and copyright law, including what is protected (as well as what isn’t), what rights you have as an artist, and your recourse should those rights be violated. In addition to your rights, we will also discuss your liabilities as an artist so that you are able to avoid unintentionally infringing on the copyrights of others. We will also discuss the elements of a valid contract, when you need one, common contract pitfalls and concerns, and what specific issues you should address when negotiating and contracting for the rights to your work. This information is vital to anyone who has created anything, whether it is a web page, a graphic, a photograph, a musical composition, a book, or even a lecture.

Prerequisites: None

Note: I am not a lawyer, and nothing contained herein is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. It is meant strictly for informational purposes only.

Creative Writing
Instructor: Lindsay Froehlich

Let Your Muse Loose! Join me for a fun and interactive creative writing course designed for anyone who has ever wanted to write but just didn’t know where to start. We will cover the basics of story writing, including character, setting, and plot, and perform fun writing exercises to help us use what we learn. Also, we will discuss inspiration and the nature of writing, all in a supportive and exciting learning environment. We are going to write fractured fairy tales, personalized children’s books, and much, much more! So grab your favorite pen and some paper and sign up for Creative Writing

Photoshop Elements - From the Ground Up
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

Photoshop’s little brother have you buffaloed? Come join me as we learn the basics in this great program!

This introductory course covers Adobe Photoshop Elements. The course was written for Elements 2, but users of Elements 1 will also be able to follow most of the material as there are workarounds.

Prerequisites
It is understood that students have a basic understanding of their Windows or Macintosh operating system and basic commands, such as opening and saving a file. Much is accomplished by the use of standard Windows and Macintosh commands. It is also understood that you will have a copy of Elements installed. This course is the precursor for the Elements and Elements Level 2 courses, and it is strongly suggested you take the Absolute Beginners course before taking the more advanced courses.


What does this course cover?
During this course, students will become familiar with the Elements workspace, palettes, docking bar, and menus, and learn to use the tools provided in the program to create graphics and edit photos.

Photoshop Elements, Level 1
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

This course follows the Elements from the Ground Up course, starting where that course left off, and covers Adobe® Photoshop Elements 2.0, the second version of Elements, which replaced Photoshop LE and Photo Deluxe. Although Elements is kind of like Photoshop's little brother and doesn't have all the features of Photoshop, it is no slacker! Let me show you some of the great things you can do with Elements!

Prerequisites

It is absolutely required you have taken and completed successfully Photoshop Elements from the Ground Up to take this course. Successful completion means all exercises from the prerequisite course were completed, posted, and reviewed by the instructor.

Students must have Photoshop Elements 1 or 2 installed on their computers. Even though the class was written using Elements 2.0, users of version 1 will still find many useful tips and tricks. It is understood that students have a basic understanding of their Windows or Macintosh operating system and basic commands, such as opening and saving a file. Many Elements commands are accomplished by the use of standard Windows and Macintosh commands; such as Command/control +C for the copy command. The interfaces are virtually identical between the two operating systems so the fact this course was written in Windows should cause no problems.

What does this course cover?

At the end of the course you will have a very good understanding of what this program is capable of and will have used most of the tools and filters in projects. We will be learning tips and tricks to make your work in Elements faster and easier, and learn some great image and text effects. We'll also work on one of the things that Elements really shines at: editing photos.
 

Photoshop Elements, Level 2
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

We will start where Level 1 left off, and go further into using Elements. You can have either Elements version 1 or 2 for this course, although some things will be different if you have version 1, we can work around them. We’ll learn to make a web photo gallery, stitch a panorama using Photomerge, make a transparent gif, make a pdf slideshow, and learn to use the batch processing feature, as well as some tips and tricks to help you create effects that will have others wondering just how you did that! This is just a small sample of the skills covered in this class.

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of both Elements from the Ground Up and Photoshop Elements Level 1 is absolutely required to take this course. Successful completion means all exercises from the prerequisite courses were completed, posted, and reviewed by the instructor. Even though the course is written for Elements 2, users of version 1 can benefit from the lessons. You can download a 30 day trial of Elements 2 from Adobe.
http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/main.jhtml#product=40

Photoshop Elements Level 3 - First Steps in Photo Restoration
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

We all have them: old family photos that are discolored, mildewed, torn or creased. With Elements these can be restored, often to like new condition! This course will deal with color and exposure photo correction, and fixing damaged photos: tears, creases, and discolorations caused by age and misuse. As this course is based on skills learned in Photoshop Elements from the Ground Up, Photoshop Elements Level 1 and Photoshop Elements Level 2, it is strongly recommended you take the From the Ground Up course first and required that you complete Levels 1 and 2 before taking this course.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Elements from the Ground Up, Elements Level 1, and Elements Level 2 is absolutely required to take this course. ?Successful completion? means all exercises from the prerequisite courses were completed, posted, and reviewed by the instructor.

This is an advanced course using advanced techniques, and the student will need a very good understanding of layers, the Enhance menu and the photo tools in the toolbox. All of these have been covered in the required courses.

This class does use Elements 2 for all techniques and screenshots. You can complete the course using Elements 1, but some functions will not be available to you or will be in different places in the interface. However, if you have completed the required courses, this should not be a big problem as you will be familiar with the limitations of Elements 1 by now.

Recommended Materials

Richard Lynch’s book The Hidden Power of Elements 2 and his Hidden Power add-in for Elements would be a big plus for this course, as there are some things we will be using that are not included in Elements, such as curves and channels. The tools are for mac and pc, Elements 1 and 2.

The book can be purchased from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com among others, online or in your favorite local bookstore. You may be able to find used copies from Amazon or Half.com.

Mr. Lynch does have a demo version of the tools on his website, but some things like curves cannot be saved even though you can preview and learn how they work. However, there are some workarounds for some techniques using Mr. Lynch’s add-ins, such as Levels can be used for Curves. Download the Demo version of Hidden Power for Elements 1 and 2, Mac and PC.

Photoshop Elements 3.0: Get Up to Speed!
Instructor: Sara Froehlich
 

Elements 3.0 is an all new version of your favorite image editing software! Join me to see what's new if you have already been using Elements, or if you are new Elements, this is the place to start! This class is for new users of Elements 3 or anyone upgrading from a previous version. With many new features, even previous users of Elements will want to start here to get up to speed!

Prerequisites:

Students will need a copy of Elements version 3 installed, and must be familiar with basic operating system commands. You will also need a place to post homework. So you can arrange this before class, a list of free or low cost web space and free or low cost photo galleries can be found at http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm

IMPORTANT: If you are using Elements version 1 or 2, you should start with Elements from the Ground Up, or continue with that series of classes.

Photoshop Elements 4: First Steps for Windows, Part 1
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

NOTE: This class is only for the Windows version of Elements 4. The class for Mac users can be found here.

This class is the first part of a two-part beginning course for Photoshop Elements 4.0 for Windows. Because this is an Overview course, it covers the interface, basic photo editing, some special effects, and the new features of the software. It also can serve as a upgrade class for users of previous versions so they can see what's new. Each week there will be a section called Picture Perfect that deals with editing and improving your photos, and a section called Creative Corner that deals with the more artistic effects Elements is so good at, so whatever your intended use for Photoshop Elements 4, there’s something for everyone. For more information on Elements 4 and its features, see Sara’s Elements 4 Answers page.

Prerequisites:

You must have Photoshop Elements 4.0 installed. This class covers PSE 4 only. There are other classes for Photoshop Elements 1, 2, and 3. IMPORTANT! You must take Part 1 (this course) before you can take Part 2. If you have questions you can email me.

You will have two weeks (rather than the usual one week) to complete each lesson. Lessons 1, 2, and 3 are in Part 1, and Lessons 4, 5 and 6 are in Part 2. This is PART 1 . You MUST take Part 1 before taking Part 2. To see what will be covered in this class, as well as the second part, go to my syllabus page. IMPORTANT! If you took this class prior to the July 2006 session, you have already taken Parts 1 and 2.

An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file, locate it on your hard drive, and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as control + C means copy and control + V means paste.

To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Yahoo Photos which is free or pbase which is very reasonable. Neither of those options require you to know any html.

Photoshop Elements 4: First Steps for Windows Part 2
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

NOTE: This class is only for the Windows version of Elements 4. The class for Mac users can be found here.

This class is the second part of a two-part beginning course for Photoshop Elements 4.0 for Windows. Because this is an Overview course, it covers the interface, basic photo editing, some special effects, and the new features of the software. It also can serve as a upgrade class for users of previous versions so they can see what's new. Each week there will be a section called Picture Perfect that deals with editing and improving your photos, and a section called Creative Corner that deals with the more artistic effects Elements is so good at, so whatever your intended use for Photoshop Elements 4, there’s something for everyone. For more information on Elements 4 and its features, see Sara’s Elements 4 Answers page.

Prerequisites:

You must have Photoshop Elements 4.0 installed. This class covers PSE 4 only. There are other classes for Photoshop Elements 1, 2, and 3. IMPORTANT! You must have taken Part 1 of this course to take Part 2. If you have questions you can email me.

You will have two weeks (rather than the usual one week) to complete each lesson. Lessons 1, 2, and 3 are in part 1, and Lessons 4, 5 and 6 are in Part 2. This is PART 2. You MUST take Part 1 before taking this course. To see what will be covered in the second part of the class, go to my syllabus page. IMPORTANT! If you took this class prior to the July 2006 session, you have already taken Parts 1 and 2.

An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file, locate it on your hard drive, and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as control + C means copy and control + V means paste.

To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Yahoo Photos which is free or pbase which is very reasonable. Neither of those options require you to know any html.

Photoshop Elements 3 and 4: Make Your Photos Pop!
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

Now! Updated to include Elements 4! Join me to learn how to correct color and exposure problems and sharpen your photos like a pro! We will also learn to mend cracks and tears, along with many other tricks to make your photos pop!

Prerequisites:

Photoshop Elements 3 users: The Photoshop Elements 3.0: Get Up to Speed! class needs to be taken first, and you need Photoshop Elements 3 installed.

Photoshop Elements 4 users: The Photoshop Elements 4: First Steps class needs to be taken first, and you will need Photoshop Elements 4 installed.

This class will not work with Elements 1 or 2. If you have those versions you need to enroll in Photoshop Elements from the Ground Up or continue with that series of classes. More information on the series of Photoshop Elements classes can be found at http://www.northlite.net/ea.htm

You will need web space to post homework. Information on how to obtain free or low cost web or gallery space along with tutorials to assist you in setting these up may be found at http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm

Corel Photo-Paint Basics
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

Note: this class is written for version 12 of Corel Photo-Paint. Users of earlier versions can benefit from the class as well, but be aware there will be differences.

Corel Photo-Paint is part of the CorelDRAW Suite, and is the bitmap, or paint, part of this excellent graphics and illustration package. This basics course will teach you the interface and tools, resizing images, basic photo correction, masks, text and some special effects.

Prerequisites
You must have Corel Photo-Paint 12 (or a previous version, but the lessons were written for version 12) installed on your machine. This class does not cover CorelDRAW, but Eclectic Academy offers a separate class in CorelDRAW taught by Christine Frey that can be taken at the same time as the class in Photo-Paint. These two programs work together very well. Photo-Paint 12 is part of the CorelDRAW Suite. You can download a 30 day trial here: Corel Demo

Cards with Flair in Photoshop
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

Join me to learn about making greeting cards using Adobe Photoshop. During this class we will talk about layouts, printing, and even designing gift boxes using your photos or artwork. We will also talk about resizing, resolution, and resampling. You will learn to design envelopes and do creative folds, as well as designing your cards. Besides being a great photo editor, Photoshop allows your creativity to shine with composites, collages, and other artwork. Whether you just use Photoshop to edit photos or you use it for artistic images, you can create one-of-a-kind greeting cards with ease.

IMPORTANT: There are two versions of this course: one for Adobe Photoshop and one for Adobe Photoshop Elements. You can find course information on the Elements version of the class here. (ADD LINK TO THE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS VERSION OF THE CLASS)

Prerequisites:

This is an INTERMEDIATE class. As such you will be expected to know the basics of using the software. You will need to know the basics of using Photoshop, and be proficient in using the text tool, and you must understand and be able to use layers to complete this course. If you have not taken the beginning course for your version of Photoshop, you should take it before attempting this class, or have equivalent knowledge.

An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file and locate it and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as command + V means paste on the Mac and control + V means paste on the PC.

To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm

Links:

Where to post homework if you need space: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm
Class Syllabus and more info: http://www.northlite.net/ea_pscards.htm

Getting Started with Xara Xtreme
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

If you've ever wanted to try a drawing program, Xara Xtreme is a great place to start. With Live Effects and interactive tools, this program is easy and fun to use yet extremely powerful! Clever use of transparency and fills lets you create photo realistic illustrations as well as traditional vector graphics. Edit photos with the Xara Picture Editor. Custom brushes and fills let you create one-of-a-kind illustrations with ease. Come see why Xara Xtreme is a great program!

Prerequisites:

All you need is a desire to learn and a copy of Xara Xtreme. A 15 day trial version can be downloaded from Xara. You can purchase Xara Xtreme online from Xara, and they will send you an unlock code to change the trial into a full version so you will have the full version while waiting for your CD to arrive. Join the Xara_Talk Yahoo group for more information on Xara Xtreme and to interact with others learning the program.

An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file and locate it and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as command + V means paste on the Mac and control + V means paste on the PC.

To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Yahoo Photos which is free, or pbase which is very reasonable. Neither of those options require you to know any html.