*** CLOSED***Technique Slow Scrap Oct 24 @ 6:00 PM PST

Technique Slow Scrap - Using Multiple Brushes to Create A Mask


Join me today at 6:00 PM PST in the chat room, where I will be sharing instructions on how to use multiple brushes to create a clipping mask for a photo. You will then create a clipping mask to use in your layout for the slow scrap.


Following the hour long chat, you will then have an additional 24 hours (prior to October 25, 7:00 PM PST) to complete your layout, post it into the speed scrap gallery and then copy the linked image into this thread to be eligible for a participation coupon.


The slow scrap instructions will be posted here in this thread and the technique instructions are posted below. Hope you come join me!

INSTRUCTIONS, starting at 6:00 PM PST

#1: (Start)
Start with a solid, lightly textured or patterned paper. Select one image that you will use with a clipping mask that you create with at least two brushes or more. Instructions for creating the clipping mask with brushes is posted at the bottom of the main post in the speed scrap thread (in the Scrapping Pad forum). The clipped image will be positioned in the middle of your page (don't measure, doesn't need to be exact). Please read the instructions for creating the clipping mask and ask any questions during the chat hour or post in the forum thread afterwards.

#2:
Select paint, overlays, brushes, etc and add to your page.

#3:
Create a scatter of elements along the left side of your image.

#4:
Add string, yarn, thread, ribbon or stitching somewhere on your page.

#5:
Add a title to your page.

#6:

Add journaling below your image.


#7 (Finish)

Here's my sample page.


Using Multiple Brushes To Create A Mask (Using Photoshop CC)


You don't need any specific type of brushes to create a clipping mask. I use a combination of soft edged, hard edged and decorative brushes to make a mask. Whichever brush you use can be resized, rotated or further manipulated to give you lots of options in your design.


Each brush can be created on its own layer or you can select each brush while remaining on the same layer. The advantage of using multiple brush layers is that at any time (before merging your layers) you have the option of going back to that brush layer to alter it. I prefer to build my mask with multiple bushes on one layer, adding and erasing all within that one layer. It's a personal preference. As you build your mask, the shortcut CTRL + ALT + Z will revert back one step so it's a quick easy way to edit as you stamp with your brushes. With multiple brush layers, a group layer (one single layer) can be created by selecting all the brush layers and then pressing CTRL + G. This group layer will have an arrow symbol that when clicked will open up the layers that were stored in the grouping. Each layer is then editable if desired.


When you have finished creating your clipping mask with brushes, if you have multiple brush layers, highlight each brush layer and merge into one layer or create a group layer (as explained above). Your photo (also works well with paper to create a paper mat) will be clipped to the mask, it goes onto a layer above the clipping mask you created. Then you clip the top layer to the underlying layer. There are a variety of ways to do this but my preferred method is to hover with the cursor between the two layers (in the layers panel) and select ALT while clicking in that hovered position between the two layers. You will see a downward arrow that indicates that the layer has been clipped to the layer below. If you repeat that step (ALT + clicking between the two layers) you then unclip.


Once you have clipped your image to the mask, you may resize/move the image and/or clipping mask, as desired. You can open the group layer (or single brush layer) and add more brushes to your mask and/or resize/move your image. Be sure to have the layer selected.

I found this video on youtube that you might find useful. Check it out.


Variations to try:

1. Change blend modes.
2. Reduce opacity of the brush layers.
3. Change the attributes of a brush i.e. jitter, scatter, spacing.
4. Use text brushes.
5. Stamp overtop of your image/mask.

Have fun creating your own mask; the possibilities are endless!

 

Thank you all for playing along. A participation coupon will be sent to you soon.