How do you take an object out of the photograph, make a new background and then add the photo back in?

I'm putting together a portfolio of wood turning items and want the book to look great (for my hubby's 20th wedding anniversary gift)

For example...how would I take this vase out and make a more suitable background?

This is probably the best way (once learned) to take an object out of the photograph, then add the photo back into a new background:
Using Paths to Crop a Background (http://tutorials.watchandlearnphotoshop.com/tutorials/ps/PathsCropBG.html)

Thanks! My son thinks I'm crazy, video tutorial running on laptop & I'm working on my picture on my desktop :)

Best way to learn

As OlBaldy says, using paths is probably the best for a solid edged object like the item in your picture.

For items with a softer or more random/irregular outline, other tools would be more appropriate.

With high contrast between foreground and background, masks would probably be my method of choice in those cases.

Ya know I think I've overwelmed myself. I want to do so much and haven't even figured out layers yet.

The thinking in my head (as it goes round and round) is that I should easily be able to pull object, person, whatever - out of the picture and put it into a layer and name the layer "vase", then from scratch, make the background on a new layer. Then combine the layers?

I'm reading way to many books and watching tutorials that my head is spinning and I'm not actually working any pictures :(

Stomping feet as she goes and looks for a layers tutorial

j

G'day Janie,
A while back I did a post with screenshots on how to select an object/person or whatever using quickmask in photoshop. This is the thread:
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-compositing/15360-removing-person-photo.html
This may be of interest to you.