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Creating the Illusion of Folded Shapes
Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS5 with Windows XP.
There is one truth I've noticed about digital scrapbooking: It has the most devoted followers. Kits and elements and styles bring about a frenzy of excitement equal to any sports playoff or rock concert. And the only thing these click connoisseurs enjoy as much as a gorgeous new collection is learning a new technique.
A few months ago, I released a new ScrapSimple Tools - Shape set and in my marketing images, I digitally manipulated those forms to give them the appearance of being creased. During a chat the next day, one of the attendees asked me, "How on earth did you fold 'em?" Immediately, I knew it would make a perfect subject for a tutorial.
So, here it is, Angela: This one's for you.
Begin by using the Custom Shape Tool (U) to click and drag a shape onto your layout. Either adjust the color to match or use a clipping mask to add a paper or photo to the shape.
A couple of hints: If you plan on rotating your shape, wait until the end of the technique. It is much easier to complete all the steps with the image vertically straight. And, as always, save your file often.
For this demonstration, I'm using the Heart shape from ScrapSimple Tools – Shapes: Valentine 7201 with the solid strawberry paper from Jelly Beans Collection Biggie clipped to it.
In the Layers Palette, use Shift+Click to select all the layers associated with your shape, including any clipping mask layers. Use Ctrl+E (Cmd+E on Mac) to combine these layers.
In my sample, I merged both the Heart shape layer and the solid strawberry paper layer. In the screen shots, you will see I've changed the new layer's name to "pink heart."
To make our shape appear bent or creased, we need to have both a light and dark side.
In the Layers Palette, make a copy of the Shape layer. Move the Shape Copy layer to the layer above the Original Shape layer, if necessary.
With the Shape Copy layer active, use the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) to select the left side of the shape (approximately half). The "marching ants" will be visible. Click the Delete key to erase the left side of the shape.
Ctrl+D (Cmd+D on a Mac) to deselect (turn off the "marching ants").
In the Layers Palette, change the Blending Mode of the Shape Copy layer in order for the right side to appear darker than the left side. For my sample, I used "Linear Burn."
In the Layers Palette, add a drop shadow to your original Shape layer. Right-click on the drop shadow section of the layer and choose "Create Layer" from the pop-up menu.
Now you will see three layers for your shape - from the top: Shape layer, Shape Copy layer, and Shape's Drop Shadow layer.
We will use an optical illusion to help reinforce the dimension.
In the Layers Palette, use Shift+Click to select both the Shape layer and the Shape Copy layer. Use Ctrl+T (Cmd+T on a Mac) to adjust the width only of these layers. In the sample, I set the Width to 95%.
By drawing in the sides of the shape, the shadow showing underneath will help visually tell the center is raised.
We could stop here, and if your shapes don't have any texture or contrast, you may be very pleased with the results. To add more dimension to your element, there are two more steps.
First, we will add our highlight.
Set the Foreground Color to white (D, then X).
Choose the Line Tool (U) or you will find it hidden under the Rectangle Tool. Shift+Click+Drag to create a vertical line taller than your shape.
Use the Move Tool (V) to shift the line into place. It needs to sit to the left of the darker side of the shape - touching the Shape Copy layer, but not overlapping it.
In the Layers Palette, move the White Line layer between Shape layer and the Shape Copy layer.
Make a clipping mask between White Line layer and the Shape layer. Change the Blending Mode of the White Line layer to either "Overlay" or "Soft Light." In the sample, I used "Soft Light."
Second (and last), let's add our shadow.
In the Layers Palette, make a copy of the White Line layer and move it above the Shape Copy layer.
Change the color of the Line Copy layer to a medium gray. For my sample, I used RGB 155, 155, 155.
Shift the Line Copy layer into place. It needs to sit directly over the Shape Copy layer so the left sides align - touching the White Line layer but not overlapping it.
Make a clipping mask between Line Copy layer and the Shape Copy layer. Change the Blending Mode of the Line Copy layer to "Color Burn" or "Linear Burn." In the sample, I used "Color Burn."
That's all there is to it! A few simple steps, or a couple more if you are so inclined, and you have yourself one folded, highlighted, and shadowed shape.
Thanks for playing along!
P.S. For those of you old enough to remember it, I've heard Kenny Rogers' song rolling through my head the entire time I've been writing this tutorial.
You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run...
"The Gambler" and Marty Robbins' "Greatest Hits," particularly "El Paso," take me back to my early teen years, driving on the weekends to visit our Grandma. Good memories there. :D
Are you new to digital scrapbooking or do you want to take your digital layouts to a new level? Check out the incredible tutorials on Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!
Layout by Marnie Adams
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Tutorial written by Marnie Adams
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