miss m / handmade photoshop brushes

What are brushes for?
Brushes are used to enhance graphics and digital designs. You have probably used the regular round brushes a thousand times, but they can get a little boring at times. So we have brushes of all kinds of patterns, shapes and sizes to make things more interesting. It is much easier to use a specially designed brush to produce a picture or look you want. So why not download some brushes and explore the possibilities!

How do I use the brushes?
First you need to unzip the the file you have downloaded (I use WinZip). Then just place the .abr files in a folder where all your brushes are kept. Then go into PhotoShop and open the brushes palette (windows>show brushes) and click on the arrow (top right hand corner of palette) and select 'load brush'. Now go into the folder and pick a brush set you want to use.

I downloaded the brushes but it doesn't open in photoshop.
You will need to unzip and load the .abr file into your brushes palette to use the brushes.

Can I use your brushes in my version of Photoshop?
The brushes in the PS4.0 section can be used in all versions of Photoshop. The brushes in the PS7.0 section can only be used in Photoshop 7 and CS.

Do your brushes work in PSP?
Some PSP users have told me that my brushes work but you will need to change the file extension from .abr to .jbr. Some larger brushes might not work in PSP. There are free programs that you can download which change file extensions.

I can't open the brushes that I just downloaded, can you help?
Make sure you have unzipped the brush file you just downloaded. It should be a .ABR file that you upload in Photoshop. Also make sure your software's version is compatible with the brushes.

When I upload your brushes to PS it doesn't show up.
Chances are your 'brushes' folder situated in the PS directory is too full. What I do is create a brushes folder in another directory that does not below in the PhotoShop folder. This way it won't 'stuff up' PhotoShop when you open it. That's my theory and it seems to work for some other users too.
You might want to read my tutorial on how to organise your brushes.

Can you teach me how to make my own brushes?
To find out how to make your own brushes just read my brushes tutorial.

But how do you make your brushes?
I get asked a lot about how I made a specific brush set. The trick is to be creative, imaginative, experimental and patient. I am not going to sit and tell everyone, who wants to know, how I make my brushes. I have to keep some sort of artistic integrity and mystery. My brush making formulas might not necessarily work for you. So don't bother asking me how I made a specific set because you don't want to copy someone else's idea now, do you?

Do you design websites & graphics for people?
Yes. I am always available for freelance work. Please contact me for a quote. To view my portfolio please go to silentglow.com

How do I link you?
Simply place a text or button link on your site. Usually people place it in a credits section but anywhere suitable to you is ok.
Please link back to http://missm.paperlilies.com

Where did you get your layout and can I use it?
I design and code all of my layouts, which means they are copyrighted to me. I spend a lot of time and energy on creating my layouts so naturally I will not be giving them away to others.

Can we exchange links?
If you think your site fits in with the brushes/resources category feel free to send me your link and I will take a look. If suitable I will add your link to the site.