Mike - Sure no problems, here's a bit more info...
Although the methods vary a little depending on which sparkly effect I'm trying to do; the basic general object for the sparkles is a flat filled shape to which I applied a bitmap transparency (using culttext.jpg, downloaded from xara.com - misc folder in the fill gallery). Then I adjusted the transparency dpi and profile of this object in the transparency tool infobar.
This is the basic start point and gives you a sharpish, sparkly type effect in the one transparency object. However, bitmap export smoothing means you need to adopt a few other steps to retain the sparkliness (but which can also help to brighten up/define it more).
I'll write down some clearer steps to explain it further when I've got a mo.
Judi - thanks ... what colours do the sparkly pens come in BTW, Like John, I'd also be interested in seeing a scan or something of what the actual pen lines look like.
John - I haven't quite finished messing around with the fireworks stuff yet, but glad you like it - thanks. Hopefully, should be able to add some steps for that too.
Regards
Su
"If there was anything that depressed him more than his own cynicism, it was that quite often it still wasn't as cynical as real life." - Terry Pratchett, Guards! Guards!
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