How to Make an Image Glittery Using Static

Ever see those glittery images on someone's profile like myspace? Well keep on reading to learn how to make them!

In this tutorial we are going to create a glittery effect using static. (Yes, like the static you see on your tv. Trust me, it will come out looking great!)

Before:

Image taken from: http://www.thesugarband.co.uk/

After:



Step 1: Save the Before Image Above to your computer and Start Gimp.

Step 2: Go to File+Open... and then find the rose image you saved and click open.

Ex.

Step 3: You should see this now:



Step 4: Click on the Fuzzy Select Tool in your toolbox.

This one:

Step 5: Now we are going to select the area we want to be glittery (the rose) using the Fuzzy Select Tool. Before we start, click on the second mode icon that says Add to the Current Selection. Now you can start clicking all over the rose petals. Select any part of the area that is a shade of red.

Ex.


Step 6: In order to make an image appear glittery you need at least 3 layers. So go to Layer and click on Duplicate Layer. Now go to Layer and click on Duplicate Layer again. Or hold down shift+ctrl+D at the same time 2 times.

Ex.


You should now have 3 layers (1 original and 2 copies).

Your screen should look like this:

Step 7: Time to add the static! Go to Filters,Noise and click on HSV Noise.



When you clicked on HSV Noise, a window should have popped up. If it didn't, try clicking on it again.

When you use the HSV Noise option you get to pick your own settings! It helps just to mess around them to get the effect you want. However, since we are trying to recreate the example above of the glittery rose let's use the same settings.

Holdness: 3
Hue: 36
Saturation: 69
Value: 109

Once you put in the settings click OK. Your rose should have static on it now.




Step 8: Now it is time to apply static to the other 2 layers! First click on the second layer (Background copy).




Now do what you did in Step 7 but change the value setting to 108. Did you see the static in the preview change? That means you did it right! If you weren't paying attention but still used 108 I'm sure you did it right. :) Click OK.

Step 9: Almost done! Click on the last layer titled Background. It should be highlighted. If it isn't, click on it again. Now it's time to repeat Step 7 again. Go to filters, noise and then click on HSV Noise. This time we will change the value to 107. Click OK.


Step 10: Let's see what it looks like now with all 3 layers animated. Go to filters, animation and click on playback.




A window should have popped up with your image in it. Click play and watch what you created! Does it look like mine or somewhat similar? If so, good job! Close the pop up window because it's time to save your glitter!


Saving: Go to File and click on Save as or click on shift+ctrl+s. A window should have popped up. In the area where it says name erase whatever is there and type in rose.gif (or whatevernameyouwant.gif) Just make sure .gif is at the end! Click Save when you are done.



After you clicked Save a window should have appeared. Click on the circle that says Save as Animation. If you don't do this your image will be flattened. Then click Export and then another window will appear where you will click Save.



You're done!!!


You can use these same steps when trying to add glitter to a different image! Just remember you don't have to use the same static settings as I did!

Good luck!