Phoenix4426

Ok.  The pigeons are created in a quite complicated manner on Photoshop 7 but I will try to explain.

• First find your images, photos, magazines, web, as long as they are copyright free. In the case of pigeons  that's the birds, hats, instruments, spare matching wings etc.
• Put each image into a different layer. Ensure that the layers are in the right order e.g. the hat in a layer above the bird.
• Resize - cntl t or transform in the pull down. Often images need to be resized.
• Rub out using the eraser any parts that are not needed e.g the inside of the hat so it sits on the birds head.
• Follow this proceedure for all of the parts N.B when you are finished on a layer lock it, using the little lock on the layers pull down, this will ensure that you do not add or paint on that layer again until you unlock it. 
• some parts might need turning again  transform or cntrl t.
• Paint on layers where needed e.g. the little flags and waistcoats were painted on seperate layers and all other layers locked before this.
• Hopefully at the end you will have a finished creation.

I'm sorry if I haven't explained this well it probably needs a more simple image first - try something like child holding a giant cake of piece of fruit where the end product is not so complicated.

Lynne