How To Create A Postcard in GIMP

For this tutorial I used GIMP 2.6.8.
If you are using a different version you may face several differences in menu locations or tools panels.

We will start by using the foreground select tool in order to separate the land from the sky. Next we will apply some transformations (contrast, highlights and shadows) using Curves in order to make the image more appealing.
After that we will remove some unwanted objects using the clone tool and finally we will decorate the image with a fuzzy border and a text.
On the left is the original image, on the right the final result (click to enlarge):

Please note that even the large version of the images presented on site are reduced in size. Do not expect to obtain the same final result using these images. If you decide to practically follow this tutorial ( and I hope you will :)), use your own image or please contact me in order to send you the original one.

We are ready to start. Make sure you have at least one backup for your image.

Step 1: Duplicate The Layer

If your image is not already opened in GIMP, click File/Open menu and select your image. Once it is opened you will have just one layer, named "Background".
We are going to duplicate this layer. To do this press Ctrl+Shift+D, or click the duplicate layer button (see image bellow) or right click on the layer and choose "Duplicate Layer" or choose the same option in Layer menu.

Double click on the name of each layer and give a suggestive name to each one. I've chosen Castle for bottom one and Sky for the other. Click on the eye icon on Sky layer in order to hide it.