Really DUMB Photoshop Elements 2 question

I think you want the lasso tool.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'text/html'

The standard lasso will lay down a freehand line with the left mouse button pressed that will complete as soon as you let up on the mouse button.

The Polygonal Lasso will lay down a striaght line with the left mouse button pressed that will "anchor" as soon as you let up on the mouse button. You can then press the mouse button and continue the line in a different direction and anchor it again, and so on untill you complete the shape. If you get lost in a dark backgound and cannot see the cursor, then "double click" the mouse and the shape will complete.

The Magnetic Lasso will lay down a curved or straight line with the left mouse button pressed that will automatically follow the highest contrast in the area.

Once you have the shape set with any of these methods, then hold down the CTRL key and press "C", which will "copy" the selction into memory. When you next hold CTRL key and press "V", you will then "paste" your selection into where ever you want it. Either a new differnt image, or into the original image you are working in. Wherever you put it, the selection will appear as a new "Layer". For example, here I selected the girls skin, pressed CTRL+C then CTRL+V to create the layer. Now I can manipulate her skin (lighten, darken, change tone) without changing the rest of the image.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'text/html'