This article was originally shared in our daily newsletter on Friday, June 22, 2012.
Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS2 with Windows XP
Our ScrapSimple line offer many products that allow the digital scrapbooking artist to create unique digital elements. ScrapSimple Paper Templates are designed to help scrapbookers and digital artists create digital scrapbooking paper in the color and style they want. In this tutorial, you will learn how to use ScrapSimple Paper Templates to create unique digital paper customized to your taste and needs.
To begin, create a 12×12-inch, 300 dpi, transparent document in Photoshop or another graphics program. Next, open a ScrapSimple Paper Template file. For this tutorial, a paper template from ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Realms of Glory 2 will be used. The template chosen is #1, which has a delicate lace pattern with a bit of distressing. Duplicate the paper template file onto the 12×12 transparent document. Close the original paper template file for safe keeping.
There are many different methods for using paper templates to make paper, but this tutorial will focus on using clipping masks to make a custom paper. This method will give you complete control over the color combination of the paper and allow you to make a unique paper very quickly.
To use this technique, choose two colors that work well together. You may choose to use colors that are similar in hue but varied in darkness to achieve an elegant monochromatic look. You may choose colors that are in complementary for a more dramatic contemporary look. Choose any colors as long as the combination works for you!
Use the bottom transparent layer of your document as the background color, but make an additional layer for the design color. To do this, make sure your template layer is activated, then go to the top toolbar and click Layer> New. Next, Layer> Create Clipping Mask. This will cause the layer to conform to the lacy shape of the paper template.
Now you are ready to start playing with the colors of the transparent layers. You may choose the colors from photos, embellishments, word art, or any combination that appeals to you.
For this demonstration, choose two shades of purple. The bottom transparent layer should be activated. Choose the darker purple color, select the Paint Bucket Tool, then fill the layer. You can use the same procedure to fill the top layer with a lighter purple. Notice that the top layer takes on the shape of the paper template. This occurs because of the clipping mask.
Use any combination of colors to create a variety of papers. In the example below, red and yellow were used to make a more bold paper.
In this example, a light dusty blue and grey make an elegant, subtle paper with a completely different feel from the paper above.
ScrapSimple Paper Templates allow you to create professionally designed paper with minimal time but maximum creativity. So experiment and have fun creating your own unique digital scrapbooking paper!
Layout by Durin Eberhart
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Realms of Glory 2 Biggie, Fade to Gray Collection Biggie, Memories of Pink Collection Biggie and Value Pack: Gesso Paper are also available. |
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Article written by Durin Eberhart
Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking Product Designer
