Help with removing clutter in elements

[swanseastu]

Ive got the attached image which I want to cut the busy cluttered background out of, is this simple and can i do this this with photo shop elements? (ive downloaded the free trial)

Id like to put this onto a canvas but feel the background will spoil it..

The method needs to be quick and easy because Im a total novice in photoshop, and just realised that the photobox credits i have for the canvas expire tomorrow....any suggestions or advice appreciated...thanks

canvas by Stuart Williams2010, on Flickr

 

[cjevans]

Clone stamp from the carpet and past over the rest of the image or blackout everything using the burn tool would be my two ways - I am by no means advanced (like many others here) but this might give you an idea or what you can do...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/irishevans/5718288628/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/irishevans/5718288570/

I know they are not perfect and I didn't want to zoom into 100% to make the selections properly but it is just as an idea of what I would do to take them out. I'll take the pics off tomorrow, hope you dont mind the edit.

 

[swanseamale47]

I think I'd blur the background a little just to draw attention to the lad.

 

[amjad175]

As above, duplicate the background layer, then apply one of the blur filters to the copied layer. Reduce the Opacity on this layer to about 50% so can see the photo again and then use the History brush to paint over the area you want to keep. When you're finished raise the Opacity back to 100% and you should have everything blurred out except for the child.

Still finding my way through Photoshop, so that's a quick and basic method.

 

[swanseastu]

Thanks everyone for your help, Im having a play now using your suggestions - brilliant!