Mask Background
This tutorial is the property of hollys closet.com and has been written as an assignment for Winni's How To Write Tutorials Group. You are welcome to link to it but do not claim it as your own.
What you'll need:
- PSP (I use version X but this can be done in any version)You can get a preview copy of version X2 Here
- A tube of your choice. I used the artwork of Jason Chan. My forums have permission to use his work but you will want to check his Terms of Use to see if he has given general permission or use another artist where you have permission. Always remember to credit the artist on your tags in the fashion they describe.
- A mask of your choice or use mine. It is from a picture I took in my cousin's garden in upstate New York. Here. Click on the picture to download.
- Filter Factory C plugin Here
- A font of your choice. I used Comic Sans MS.
- All settings will remain the same unless stated.
Preparation
- Before you open PSP move your plugin to your plugin folder so PSP can locate it at start up.
- Open PSP and open your tube and the mask(s).
- Shift/D twice to copy tube, close the original without saving changes.
- From your tube select a light color for your foreground and a dark one for you background.
- Minimize the tube and mask to the desktop.
Now we're ready so let's begin.
Step 1
Open a new 500x500 pixel transparent image and floodfill it with your background color.
Add a new raster layer and floodfill with your foreground color.
File/Save As your final file name. Remember to save often.
Step 2
Layers/New Mask Layer/From Image.
Select the mask you want to use from the Source window pull down menu.
Click OK. Layers/Merge/Merge Group.
Step 3
Maximize your tube.
Copy and Paste as a new layer. Image/Resize with all layers not checked and position it where you want it.
Duplicate Layer and hide the copy.
Step 4
Select the original image and apply Effects/Factory Filter C/Speed using these settings.
187, 81, 27, 225
Open the copy, move it to one side and, in some cases, down to show the other layer. It will appear something like a shadow.
Step 5
Layers/Merge/Merge All.
Selections/Select All
Selections/Modify/Contract 25
Step 6
New Raster Layer.
Effects/3D/Drop Shadow
5, 5, 50, 5, foreground color
Repeat shadow with Vertical and Horizontal at -5
Step 7
Selections/Select All
Image/Add Border/5 in the same color
Selections/Invert
Effects/3D/Inner Bevel with these settings
Bevel 2, 3, 6, 52,0, 0, foreground color, 30, 47, 31
Step 8
Selections/Select All
Image/Add Border/5 same color
Selections/Invert
Effects/3D/Repeat Inner Bevel
Selections/None
Step 9
Image/Resize/all layers checked to 500 pixels.
I like to do this before I add the text. It seems to make it clearer.
Step 10
I chose not to add any text but, if you wish,
Open your Text tool and use these settings if you use Comic Sans MS.
With another font you will have to use other settings.
Effects/3D/Drop Shadow if you wish.
Step 11
Add copyright and watermarks on separate layers so you can adjust the opacity.
Save/Export as a jpeg.
And you're finished.
I hope you enjoyed making this tag. Here is a sample I did to test the tutorial. The mask is from one of my Terragen renderings.
