Save in one of these image editor's brush presets folder (C:\program files\Adobe\....). The brush tool is found on the toolbar at left, and looks like a paintbrush. The keyboard shortcut to select this tool is to type "b". Once you have the tool selected, the Options Bar (typically toward the top of the screen) should change to show the options that are available when using the brush.

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When you click on the right arrow at the top of the Brush Options Box, a fly out will appear. In the list is a selection called Load Brushes. Click on this and select the brush set from where you have it saved on your computer. It will then ask if you want to replace your current brushes or append to your brushes. If you choose Replace, be sure to save your current brushes if not saved yet.

Once you have your brush set loaded, the fun begins! You can see a small thumbnail view of the brushes from which to choose. First select the brush of your choice, choose the color you will want your brush image to be, adjust the size of the brush, create a new layer, and then using your mouse click on your layout where you'd like the "stamp" to appear. You can then adjust the layer blend mode of this brush, erase portions, etc. to customize the look.

You can use your "stamped" brush image as an accent or as an allover pattern on your background. Below are some layouts that use brushes.

Have fun with the brushes contained in this month's featured kit. Also try the free sample set of Flourish Brushes which were created by Michelle Shefveland for her article on digital brushwork in Legacy's April/May 2006 issue. Read the article for instructions on how to install brushes and how to create a flourish edge frame and brushwork collage using the free brushes.

Layouts from the CottageArts.net Gallery using brushwork: