Gradient’s parameters:

Using the same tools and the same method, we have to represent by turn the other layers belonging to the fir tree. The parameters of the rest of the tree’s layers are the same with the first fir tree’s layer.

Now let’s draw the fir tree’s shadow, colored with #7E91E2. Select the Ellipse Tool (U) for the beginning and place the shadow’s layer lower than the primary layer of the fir tree (on the layers’ panel).

Next step includes picturing a garland around the fir tree, made up of small white circles. Choose the Brush Tool (B) for this manipulation.

Let’s combine in a group all the layers composing the fir tree with its shadow and the garland (press Ctrl button for marking out the appropriate layers and hold on left mouse’s button when taking the marked layers on Create a new group selection). Make four copies of the fir tree’s group and select Free Transform option to make the necessary changes on the copies’ sizes, placing them the way indicated next image:

Next let’s try to draw the falling down snow of white color, applying the Brush Tool (B).

Insert now the words of holiday congratulations, taking care of the demands inserted in the next table:

The layer’s parameters: Blending Options>Drop Shadow

Let’s draw now near the written words a striped lollipop. For the beginning select the Pen Tool (P) to represent the first layer of the lollipop, colored with #FF3333 and only after that we may apply the Convert Point Tool for the right corrections on its shape:

On the lollipop’s surface we shall draw several stripes, colored with #FFCC33. This time we’ll select the Rectangle Tool (U) too and Convert Point Tool.

Each layer containing the yellow stripes needs the following parameters: Blending Options>Drop Shadow

Hold on Alt button to make a mouse click between the lollipop’s layer and the stripes’ layers for the last ones to be applied on the layer with the lollipop.

Next we have to represent the primary layer of a small leaf, colored with #339933. Firstly select the Rectangle Tool (P) to make the basis of the leaf and then hold on Alt button while using the Ellipse Tool (U) and giving the green leaf the right shape.

The leaf needs its veins, which may be represented with the Pen Tool (P) and the Convert Point Tool. The new elements have the next color – #257320

Combine in a group all the layers composing the leaf (press Ctrl button to mark out the corresponding layers and hold on left mouse’s button when taking down the marked layers on Create a new group option). Make two copies of the last made leaf’s group and select Free Transform option to turn over the copies the way demonstrated below:

On the next stage we have to draw a berry with the Ellipse Tool (U).

The layer’s parameters: Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient’s parameters:

Try to insert two small highlights on the drawn berry, using the same tool and white color, while pressing SHIFT button.

Combine in a group all the layers composing the berry and the highlights (press Ctrl button and mark out the necessary layers and hold on left mouse’ s button while moving the marked layers on Create a new group option). Make two copies of the new made group and apply Free Transform option to place the copies as it is shown below:

The Christmas postcard is finished!

View full size here.