Today I am going to show you how versatile my cutting files can be. I always include PNG files in all of my digital cutting file kits that can be used as masks in your digital layouts. If you have a personal cutting machine, then all the better! You can use them to cut paper or to mask digitally. Right now we are going to focus on using PNG files as masks.
Open the 3 jpg paper files you’d like to use in Photoshop Elements. I used Deena Rutter’s “Happier” collection.
• DHD-drutter-happier-fullgarden
• DHD-drutter-happier-pink
• DHD-drutter-happier-blue
Then I open 3 png files I’d like to use. I used Deena Rutter’s
• DHD-drutter-openscallop.png
• DHD-drutter-circlescallop.png
• DHD-drutter-bracketedge.png
found in the D-cut Diecut Paper Edges Kit.
Lets get started by opening up your base layer of paper and the bracket edge file
Click and drag the bracket edge .png file on top of the pink paper copy. Place it right in the center of your page. I also like to close out my bracket edge.png file one I’ve placed it, just so I don’t get confused.
Unlock your background image (Pink paper) by double-clicking on the layer and name it something. I’m going to call mine, “Pink”.
Now that my Pink copy is unlocked, I’m going to make it the top layer. I can do this by clicking on the image on my right hand layers panel and drag to the top.
I’m going to take my mouse right between the pink copy and the black png on the right hand side, while holding down the ALT key. You’ll see an arrow with two stacked circles. Now use your mouse to click.
And voila!! You’ve clipped your base layer. Now I’ll minimize this and move along to my patterned paper.
I’m using Deena’s Happier full garden paper and my circle scallop.png for my next layer. I’m going to repeat steps 4 to click and drag my .png file to where I’d like to have it on my patterned paper. Repeat step 5, and rename the “locked” pattern paper to be called “Full Garden”. Repeat step 6 and change it to be the top layer.
Repeat step 7 to clip the patterned paper to be the scalloped circle shape.
Now, I want it to be an image itself. I’m going to highlight both my layers (shift+click) and right click on my mouse and select MERGE LAYERS.
I can click on one single layer and drag it to be the top layer on my pink sheet.
I add my photo and a few other Deen Rutter “Happier” elements and there you have it!! Happy Clipping!! Hope this tutorial made you a little “Happier”!
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Tags: deena rutter, Masks, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, PSE, Tutorials
