4x6 Photo Calendar Gifts - Adding the Calendar using Photoshop Elements

It's really easy to create a 4x6 monthly calendar out of photos you have taken. In yesterday's post, I selected the photos to use for the calendar. Today, I'll add the calendar element using Photoshop Elements.

I get my calendar elements from Photoshop Elements Techniques - they create several versions each year, along with instructions on how to insert the element into your photo.

Once the elements are downloaded (they are in .pdf format), I open up my photo in Photoshop Elements. Note that I'm working with a super old version of PSE (v6.0), and these calendar elements still work.

With the photo open, I select File -> Place:


Open up the desired .pdf file and select the page to insert.


This adds a new layer to the file (highlighted in the lower right layer bin)


This layer can be resized and moved to the desired spot on the photo.
I've moved the calendar grid to the right of my tree, but the black font is not visible.


To change the font to another color, select the calendar element using the Marquee tool. The selection will be outlined by the dashed lines. Right click and select Fill Selection:


The Fill Selection Dialog box pops up. Click on Color to select a new color for the font. I make sure the Blending mode is set to Normal and the Preserve transparency box is checked.


Click OK on the color and then OK on the Fill selection - the calendar element is now white instead of black.


Flatten the layers together, save as a .jpg file and the month October is finished. I repeat for each month and upload the finished photos to my normal photo printer (I use MPIX.com).

Here's a sneak peak at this year's collection. Again, they make great gifts and the digital file can be used on your computer's desktop.


Of course, I will post each month's digital file here to download for free. Happy creating!