Gingerblokey

I don't see why not? It takes a lot of time, layers and patience. But it can be done. The first one is actually twice the size and that took nearly a day.

I use Paint.NET for a lot of things including making maps for my RP site (http://www.europeanaffairs.de). I find it is a great programme for simple jobs like this. I am lucky enough to own Photoshop but I only use it for advanced tasks. EDIT: Original (with slight editing) After (cropped, contrast, text added)