Lets not forget about my group to share and talk about techniques and effects. it's at:

http://www.scrapbookflair.com/groups/Techniques_and_Effects__Help_and_How_Tos

there's been lots of topics in the forums about this that have been mentioned in my group. It really can help you out. And you can see and share your work there too. Check it out and read the group discussions there's a lot of good info there