One of the most common tasks in photo editing is cropping and clipping out images from backgrounds. Executed correctly, it's not a difficult process, but it is one that requires a deft hand with the Photoshop pen tool, the use of alpha channels, and a discerning eye for what to keep and what to leave out. Now there's a website which simplifies the process...

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Name:

Hollyanne

Location:

San Francisco, CA

Square Feet:

765

Division:

Little

What I Love About My Small Home:

We LOVE the big windows that let in lots of natural light, and the built-ins in the the kitchen are gorgeous. We fell in love at first sight. We also love the French doors leading into every room.

Name: Marisa Vitale and Peter James
Location: Venice Beach, California
Size: 1250 square feet
Years lived in: 3 Years; Owned

Marisa and Peter are a couple of world travelers with a serious case of wanderlust. Beloved souvenirs abound throughout their sunny, airy, one-story, Venice Beach home. Their home’s newest decor, however, speaks not to globetrotting, but to an entirely different sort of adventure, -that of first-time parenthood...times two! Marisa and Peter welcomed their twin babies Macy and Oliver into the world one year ago and it has turned their lives and home upside down in the most wonderful way.

So often fans feel like a necessary evil over the warm months. They're great for keeping you cool but they're often total eyesores that you'd rather hide. This is a group of fans that you won't mind incorporating into your room. 

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Katie

Location:

Watsonville, CA

Square Feet:

450

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home:

It's cozy! It's a funky beach shack, but we have the most beautiful view of the whole Monterey Bay from every room in our house. I love all the windows in our house, it allows so much natural light in. I love a sunny home!

I have a couple pairs of white pants that I always look forward to pulling out of the closet right around Memorial Day. Inspired by my love of white apparel for summer, here's a roundup of white pot and planters. Think of them as white pants for your plants.

Even when I was little, I was flummoxed by friends and relatives that would keep the TV on in the background: are you watching or not? Why add noise to the world? I held onto that point of view for decades, but now, after three years of living alone, I find myself soothed by the sounds of Liz Lemon's misadventures unfolding in the next room...

A New York judge has ruled that Airbnb violates the city's illegal hotel law, which prevents residents from renting out their homes for less than 29 days. The law was originally meant to prevent landlords from turning residential properties into hotels. Airbnb responded, "87% of Airbnb hosts in New York list just a home they live in — they are average New Yorkers trying to make ends meet, not illegal hotels that should be subject to the 2010 law."

In other news, Flickr gets a redesign, and check out miniatures of the Golden Gate Bridge. See the headlines after the jump.

The orbit chandelier from Patrick Townsend, now in brass.

Cardboard dragon from d-torso.