The 2009 Virtual Christmas Tree Decoration Party

[Gare]

It's not black Friday.

It's White Christmas!

Here's the deal: below are two links to this year's Virtual Christmas tree: one for dial-up, and the other for broadband.

I'll be posting the top of he tree sometime this next week for anyone who'd like to design an angel, a star, or other festive tree-topper.

House rules are very simple: in the graphics application of your preference, design an ornament, and then post it on the forum. The Boutons will then put it on the tree, and we'll be updating and posting this Work In Progress until Christmas Eve.

The best ornament this year deserves a gift: Gary will autograph a copy of the Xara Xtreme 5 Official Guide, or Photoshop CS4 QuickSteps, and mail it to you after the judging.

If you prefer, Gary won't autograph it, but this might reduce your chances of winning.

Hey, it's a group thing, a collaboration and everyone wins if you come to play, right?

On your mark, get set, ho ho ho,



-g-

2009-PDF-Christmas-tree.jpg

big PNG file

compressed JPG for dial-up

[Gare]

Okay: I'll go first: hey, The Big Eve is not that far away, folks!

2009-PDF-Christmas-tree2.jpg

[Spinland]

Here's a little something from Spinland.

Anne_n_Mark_ornament.png

[Gare]

That's a keeper, Spinland!



As soon as I find one of those hook thingies in my drawer I'll composite your ornament onto our tree.

Folks, the tree's looking a little naked with less than two weeks to go. If you're into nudity, that's cool, but if you'd like to participate in our yearly celebration, please post your ornament!

My Best,

Gare

[Gare]

So far, so good!

2009-PDF-Christmas-tree3-copy.jpg

[Spinland]

I like the hat on that nutcracker!

[Welles]

OK here's my first offering. It should be easy to resize as it's a PNG and no background.

[Welles]

With this one I tried for a glass shape inside a clear globe rendered on the background of this year's tree. Hmmm... well at least it's another PNG.

[Gare]

<groan>You're in the (Saint) Nick of time, Welles! </groan>

2009-PDF-Christmas-tree4.jpg

[Welles]

OK here's my final offering for this morning. Every tree needs an origami crane. This one was completely textured and rendered in Photoshop CS4.

[Raven Song]

Those look wonderful everyone!!!

[Raven Song]

A bird

[Gare]

Wow!

Thank you, All! I guess my whining worked!

'Tis looking splendid so far! Would anyone like to crown it?

My Best,

Gare

5.jpg

[Welles]

Well we could always go with a tradition and put the angel back on the tree.
http://homepage.mac.com/wellesgoodrich/AngelMasked.png

Alternatively here's a star mapped and rendered in Photoshop. There's a bit of a glow around the star which doesn't show up on the white background of the forum post. You could use it as an extra ornament if we go for the angel. I sorta like traditions.

[Gare]

I'll tell you what, Welles—

Let's save topping the tree until Wednesday, okay?

Remarkably, you must have packed the angel well, didn't have to dust it off or anything.

Barbara and I would like to give the quieter types who visit the PDF a chance

UNTIL WEDNESDAY TO PUT YOUR ORNAMENT(S) UP

Administrators of this forum have a list, check it regularly, and know who's been lurking or nice (you know, the pentameter is almost right here?).

If nothing is shaking by Wednesday, I'll put up your star, Welles.

Folks, it can be any sort of crowning glory, examples below.

My Best,

6.jpg