Merry Christmas Card

Let's start by creating a new file (File>New) with 600x800px and 100 dpi.

Apply on the layer the Rectangle Tool (U) to represent the background of the postcard picture to be next:

The layer's parameters (making a mouse's click on the layer on the layers' panel): Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Blending Options>Stroke

Next we have to take the Custom Shape Tool (U) and represent the snowflakes of different sizes. Choose the next color for the snowflakes: #6ECF6E

Next select the Custom Shape Tool (U) that is helpful when representing the primary layer reserved for the Christmas garland which color is white too.

Choose after that the Convert Point Tool and keep pressed the Shift button while using the mentioned tool to mark out the upper tops of the pattern. Using Free Transform selection and keeping pressed the Shift button, try to draw down the tops.

Apply for this layer the next parameters: Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Inner Glow

Blending Options>Stroke

Now we have to use the Ellipse Tool (U) to represent a circle colored with #FFAF38

Make a copy of the last made layer and choose again the Free Transform option to place the copy as it is represented below, selecting also the color #00C100

Make four copies of the circle, having the color #FFAF38 and the same number of copies of the green color circle, alternating the circles' copies as it is shown next picture:

For the last green circle we'll select Add a Mask option, by making a mouse click on the layers' panel. Select now a standard brush of black color and paint out that part where the green circle borders with the first made circle:

Press Alt button and make a mouse click between the layer reserved for the Christmas garland and the layers containing the circles' copies for the circles to be applied in the limits of the garland's edges.

Make a copy of the primary garland's layer and choose Free Transform option to make the copy smaller, selecting the color #00C700.

The layer's parameters: Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Stroke

Take the Ellipse Tool (U) and try to represent a highlight on the garland:

The layer's parameters: Fill 0%

Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Inner Glow

Draw now a berry on the upper left picture's corner, selecting preliminary the Ellipse Tool (U) too.

The layer's parameters: Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Next we'll try to make a highlight on the drawn berry, choosing the same instrument of white color. Press Shift button when doing this operation.

For the best result, we'll try to combine in a group all the layers containing the berry and its highlight (hold on Ctrl button to mark out the necessary layers and click on the left mouse's button when taking down the marked layers on Create a new group selection). Make three copies of the last made group and select Free Transform option to place the copies the way represented below:

It's time to represent now the primary layer of a small leaf, colored with #33A02C. For the beginning we'll choose the Rectangle Tool (U) to represent the leaf's pattern and then press on Alt button and use the Ellipse Tool (U) to make the made pattern looking like a real leaf. Place this layer lower than the group containing the red berries (on the layers' panel).

We have to picture also the leaf's so-called veins, colored with #257320, applying the Pen Tool (P). Their shape may be corrected with the Convert Point Tool.

Combine in a group all the layers containing the small leaf (press Ctrl button to mark out the corresponding layers and make a click on the left mouse's button when taking the marked layers on Create a new group selection). Make two copies of the leaf's group and choose again the Free Transform option to make the copies looking like on the picture below. Apply the parameters of the leaf's primary layer for the copy of the leaf situated in the middle. Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Combine in a group all the layers containing the red berries and three leafs (holding on Ctrl button, mark out the appropriate layers and press the left mouse's button to move the accentuated layers on Create a new group selection). Make three copies of the last made layer and choose Free Transform option to turn over the copies or turn them around and place them the way indicated below:

Insert now the congratulation inscription, taking care of the demands shown next table:

Apply the next parameters for the text's layer: Blending Options>Stroke

Click to enlarge

The postcard is finished!