Quote from stacy_136134 on Jan 24^th, 2012, 6:04pm:

 
Ok - day two.
 
I downloaded GIMP as there is no way in Picasa to create a transparent area on an image.  I found a great little tutorial on you tube for removing a background by using the GIMP software.  It's presented by a kid, but they do a really nice job and so simple, this dummy was able to follow.  
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1l_8soySfc
 
It took me into the wee hours of the morning, but had some success.  I had to change my photo area on the card front to a colored square which wasn't a color that I had in the original design and then create the transparent area by selecting the color.  A bit primitive, but it was a start and my first lesson in layers.  I'm wondering if you can save the entire image area as a transparency and achieve the same results or if you can select an area by dragging an outline tool around the part of the card front you allow for the custom photo?  Anyway, either someone will chip in or I've got to do some more playing in the program.
 
For now, a great end to the project.  After resubmitting early in the AM, my first photo card was approved this morning.  YIPPEE!!!
 
Thank you Doreen & Lj!  Thank you Stacy for getting this thread started and good luck with creating your first photo cards as well!
 
Best always, Randy

Randy, I just checked out your first photo card http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/shopping/zoom.asp?pid=892874&w=1&ref =details_large_view and I think it is just beautiful. You did a great job!  
 
In paint.net (which is what I use) you use the magic wand and click it over the area that you have selected to be transparent, which is usually a different color than your frame, then it will take a few minutes to appear a light blue. You then hit the delete button and it will leave you with a gray and white checkerboard design which means it is then transparent. You hit the file and save as ---- button (making sure it says png at the botom) and then another screen will pop up showing you a close-up. You then click ok and your design is saved.   Just thought I would give you some software options here.