Using Layer Masks to Create the Illusion of Layered Items
This free digital scrapbooking tutorial was created using Adobe Photoshop CS2 with Windows, but should be able to be adapted easily to other operating systems. If you have questions about how to do this, just ask on our message board!
Have you ever tried to use a Custom Shape such as a clip or a frame and wanted to make it look like it was clipped to the paper, or maybe having a picture come out of the frame? If you have any Styles attached to your element (even drop shadows or strokes), you know that when you try to erase part of the shape to give the illusion that it is behind something, Photoshop will treat all edges the same. There is a quick feature in Photoshop that allows you to preserve your Layer Styles and still give the illusion of wrapping objects together.
For this tutorial I will use ScrapSimple Tools: Custom Shapes – Swirls 5001 Mini. Custom Shapes can be resized to any dimensions without losing their crisp edges. To begin, I have selected my background and placed my photograph. I have also used the Shape Tool to draw out my shape.
I want to make it appear that the Swirl Shape is wrapped around my photo, but I want to apply Layer Styles to my shape. I have chosen a Layer Style (ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper 4901-Biggie) and applied it to my shape. If I were to erase the part that goes behind the photo, it would look like this.
That does not give the illusion that the shape layer wraps behind the photo. Instead, it looks like the Swirl simply stops at the edge of the photo. To fix this, select your shape layer. At the bottom of the Layers Palette is an icon that looks like a rectangle with a circle in it. Click once on it, and it will add a Layer Mask to your Shape Layer.
The Layer Mask is the white square between your color and your shape in your Layers Palette.
When you select this Layer Mask, you are able to “hide” parts of the image. We will do this by painting on the Layer Mask with a black brush. Everything that is white will show through. Everything we paint black will be hidden or “masked.” Before we start, open up your Styles Dialog Box by clicking on the circle with the f in it in your Shape Layer. You want to make sure the box is checked that says “Layer Mask Hides Effects.”
Select “OK.” You will want to select a square brush if you want to make a smooth, flat edge like on our picture here. Begin to paint the area you wish to hide. If you make a mistake, you can select white for your paint color and “paint back in” on the shape where you made your mistake. As you paint, you will see that your Layer Style is not affected, and you will get the illusion that part of the shape goes behind the photo.
Use this technique to clip paper clips or pins to your papers, or to create unique frame effects. For example:
Digital Scrapbook Samples by Heidi Dillon
larger view
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Edgings 4901, and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Construction Paper 5101 Super Biggie are also available. |
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The great part about using Layer Masks is that with your Shape Layer still intact, you can change the Layer Style or apply more styles, such as Inner Glows or Drop Shadows, without affecting your “wrapped look.” I applied a Drop Shadow and an Inner Glow to my shape. I then linked the Photo Layer and the Shape Layer so that I could rotate them together. I then finished off my layout with another photo, some brushwork and a title.
Have fun!
Digital Scrapbook Layout by Melissa Renfro
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Natasha Bold, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper 4901-Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Swirls 5001 Mini, and Brush Set: Joy are also available. |
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Free digital scrapbooking tutorial written by Melissa Renfro.
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