Things You'll Need:
- access to photobucket account
- photo to use
- email account
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Step 1
Go to photobucket.com and sign up with a free account if you do not already have one.
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Step 2
Upload the picture that you plan to use and click the edit button to go to the fun stuff for making your card.
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Step 3
Using the first and third tab at the top, you will alter your photo into a Christmas card. These tabs are labeled basic and decorate. You can get a lot fancier, but for simplicity sake you can make a great looking card with just these two tabs. You are already on basic so click the first button that says 'autofix'. This will optimize the lighting in your picture.
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Step 4
Crop, fix red eye or resize from the basic tab. Work with your picture until you get it to the right size to work with.
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Step 5
Click on the third tab over that says 'decorate'. Under this tab you will find buttons that have various labels for adding text, colors and frames to your picture.
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Step 6
Click on the tab over on the right that says borders. You can add different borders to match your picture. I like to use the vignette/matte and then click apply. Then I put another frame around that. Choose any one that matches your picture. I like to use the gold one for Christmas cards. Always click apply after you add a border.
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Step 7
Click on the third box over that says 'text.' You can use regular or glitter text. I like to use glitter for my holiday cards. A text box will pop up on your picture. Hold the mouse on the box and drag to where you want the text to be. Over on the right you will see a box that says 'text options.' Check the box that says 'transparent background.' Click on the drop down box to choose the font that you want. I have chosen 'hearts' for this example.
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Step 8
Type what you want your message to say inside of the box that says 'enter text here.' If your background is dark you will have to go back over to the text box on the right and make your font color white. Click anywhere else in the picture to make the text box disappear once you are finished with what you want to say. Make as many text boxes as you want to on your card. I usually put at least two, one with a saying and one that says 'Merry Christmas from ______ '.
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Step 9
Click on the button that says 'stickers' if you want to embellish your card with holiday stickers. Scroll down to the bottom and you will find presents and bows. Click on the one that you want and click on 'add sticker'. It will show up in the upper left corner and you can drag and drop it to where you want it to be. Click and drag on the corners of the sticker to make it as big or small as you want it to be. Add as many stickers as you would like.
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Step 10
Save your picture once you have it exactly how you want it. You can also click on the 'animations' button and add animated stars and other items if you wish. Make sure you click the button at the bottom of the picture that says 'save a copy' so that you don't replace the original picture. Your ecard picture is now saved in your photobucket album.
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Step 11
Right click on the picture and click on the drop down that says 'save image as'. Name the ecard picture whatever you want and save it to your desktop or somewhere that it can be easily found. Now, all you have to do is open up your email program. Click on compose and insert your holiday ecard into the email just like you would a photo. Send this to all of your family and friends.
Comments
rodjon said
on 12/25/2008 Thanks it's een a long time since I have been on photobucket great article keep up the good work
miasavc said
on 12/21/2008 Wow, I was wondering few weeks back if I can find a free software online to do this. It's great to stumble upon the answer by reading this article. It's a blessing!!!
Pamelateda said
on 12/20/2008 Great instructions! thanks