I learnt from scratch also so used to have the same problems it makes you stronger in my view jalo0kim did also he spend 2years learning photoshop inside out.

Layer is simply imagine one image stacked on top of another. If I set one layer as the background and paint it red for example, Then add a circle shape as another layer, text as another and a border as another the benefits are that all the layer’s are then independent of each other.

Here’s one image, I made it for the site I am working on its not finished but will give you a example the shadows are all independent layers the background consists of over 20 transparent layers.

Yes, I understand the basic idea of "layers" but when it comes to putting them together and manipulating them on the worktop it becomes very fiddly and awkward. I say again...anything is easy if you know how to do it.

Don't worry, I am getting there slowly !

Yes can be fiddly but layers are important for the fact that once you have added another layer you can then move the element independently any way I believe with practise any one can make good work you should look into gradients and styles also.

Thanks again Merlinz !

I really wish I could go to a class about Photoshop as for the novice the working of all those bells and whistles without someone looking over your shoulder and keeping you on the path is very difficult. In other words the programme does not tell you how to work it in the help files and because of this it is not really intuitive to operate.

I had the same problem’s once I started it does come Photoshop is meant for professionals the slim downed Photoshop elements is more for beginners but lacks many essential tools.

You could try http://www.lynda.com/ you have to pay for membership but it offers professional video tutorials. ( check first to make sure if your version of Photoshop is supported ) if you do decide to join.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm......... I might do that. Thanks again Merlin !