Warning - Most of the listing on Ebay (of PS) are not licensed copies, meaning you can not upgrade or register them. Also, some of these pirated copies will work for a few months, then all of a sudden you can't execute them. I purchased a copy almost two years ago for $250. Asked the seller if it was an authentic, registerable copy with a valid serial number and I was told yes (of course I was!!). I received the copy and it looked authentic. As soon as I got it I called Adobe to check out the serial number for legitamacy. I was told it was not in their system as being an authentic copy so therefore I could not register it. I did this twice to ensure they were correct. I contacted the seller and explained my findings. After going back and forth, I finally filed a complaint with PayPal and won. I warned the seller that I would keep the copy if he did not reply with his confirmed return address (twice). He never did so I kept the copy. I was refunded in full from PayPal. I believe the seller got a bundle of copies from another country. While this copy has been running fine for me to this day, I can not register it for future upgrades. I'm a self taught graphic designer, and still learning PS too so I like to update my software every few years. Just a word of warning if Ebay is offering it for less than $550.00, it's more than likely a pirated copy. I learned the hard way and won't buy software from Ebay again. You can purchase through the training program a student version for a fraction of the price - usually $150 or so. Worth checking out.

I use Paint Shop Pro but rarely use it for virtual wall paint. I have gone so far as to scan a real paint swatch and "clone" the scanned swatch color onto a wall, it's so far off it isn't funny. When I do use PSP for wall color, it's all eyeballed ;) Oceana, the lower the opacity is, the more that will show through on the wall (shadows, etc.). So you have to fiddle withe the opacity setting in your software. I just use the paint manufacturer's software, but even that is not accurate to real life because of computer hardware differences.

Yes, it's all cut & paste, blur and tone. The best way to learn is to just pull in your picture and play with the tools to see what they do. It does take quite a bit of time and will look rough at first, but just keep plugging along. I discover new things all the time. Remember 'Undo.' : ) I was out looking for the download the other day, and it seemed that the trial for Adobe PS Elements 7.0 (their inexp home version) is due out in a few weeks. Wondering which one you got. There are also some free photo editing programs around. Someone recommended GIMP the other day. I use MS Digital Imaging Suite, which has been discontinued. There are millions of stores and photos across the web to find things. You can also scan pictures in from books, magazines, catalogues. I actually do a lot of custom work! Carpentry, masonry, even furniture and accessories : ) I also have my own paint line ; ) H'Aint Paint custom squirrel-y mixes. If only shopping and home improvements were this easy.

Of these two options, I like the lighter one too BUT, BUT, BUT and you didn't ask for this, I think long narrow glass tiles might be too trendy for your kitchen. Are you totally opposed to 3x6 matte or crackle tile that so many people are doing (yes, I know, also trendy but they are a better match for a more traditional cabinet style and color.) Or doing something with a unique shape but all one color - maybe grey? As the photoshop renders show, this backsplash will be very, very busy. All this IMHO. I don't want to hurt feelings. Perhaps I am just being too influenced by a designer's color blog that I have be devouring lately. She posted about this exact thing (linked below) and also a great one about the undertones of beige - which are either yellow, pink or green - that is what Marcolo was getting at, not just are the related beiges. http://colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-everyone-should-know-about-beige.html (I might add, the photo used in this blog post is none other than GW's very own Beekeeperswife's kitchen.) Here is a link that might be useful: Trendy backsplash advice from designer Maria Killam