| :: Embroidered BG Tut

Embroidered BG Tut © Made by Lysa™
Written: December 12, 2005
Updated: July 18, 2011

- Click on the envelope to download the IMF copy of this tut.
Here is what we are making today:

I'm using artwork by Maryline Cazenave. View her artwork HERE. In order to use her work you will need to purchase a license HERE.

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Please link your results of my tutorial to my yahoo group:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/mbl_tutorials/

or to make it easier for you, you can copy and paste this line into your stationery footer.
Embroidered BG Tut © Made by Lysa™
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Supplies Needed:
An Image ~ An image that is taller than wide with a central focus works best.
PSP XI (Should work in earlier and later versions - although some tools may be in different places)

To make this easier, I've broken it down into 3 sections.

Part 1: Preparation
Part 2: Making the Frame
Part 3: Making the Sideborder

NOTE: All settings will remain the same throughout the tutorial unless otherwise noted.

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Part 1: Preparation

1. File > Open
Image of choice.

2. Windows > Duplicate (Shift + D)

3. Minimize the original for later.

4. Image > Resize
Settings:
Resample Using = Smart Size
Lock Aspect Ratio = Checked
Resize All Layers = Checked
Width = Between 400-450
Height = It will self adjust

If your images width is already between 400 and 450 pixels proceed to step 6. Using a smaller image will probably be ok.

5. Adjust > Sharpness > Unsharp Mask
Settings:
Radius = 1.00
Strength = 47
Clipping = 5
Luminance only = Checked

6. Dropper Tool (E)
Left click for the foreground color (dark color)
Right click for the background color (light color)

Part 2: Making the Frame

1. Image > Add Borders
Settings:
Symmetric = Checked
Size in pixels = 5
Color = Dark Color

2. Selections > Select All

3. Selections > Modify > Contract 5

4. Effects > 3D Effects > Cutout
Settings:
V&H = 0
Opacity = 100
Blur = 12
Shadow Color = Black
Fill Interior With Color = Unchecked

5. Selections > Invert

6. Adjust > Add/Remove Noise > Add Noise
Settings:
Gaussian = Checked
Noise = 10%
Monochrome = Checked

7. Effects > 3D Effects > Inner Bevel
Settings:
Bevel = 2
Width = 6
Smoothness = 24
Depth = 3
Ambience = 17
Shiniess = 31
Color = White
Angle = 0
Intensity = 32
Elevation = 40

8. Selections > Select None

9. Image > Add Borders
Settings:
Color = Light Color

10. Selections > Select All

11. Selections > Modify > Contract

12. Selections > Invert

13. Adjust > Add/Remove Noise > Add Noise

14. Effects > 3D Effects > Inner Bevel

15. Selections > Select None

16. Image > Add Borders
Settings:
Color = Dark Color

17. Selections > Select All

18. Selections > Modify > Contract

19. Selections > Invert

20. Adjust > Add/Remove Noise > Add Noise

21. Effects > 3D Effects > Inner Bevel

22. Selections > Select None

Part 3: Making the Sideborder

1. Layers > Promote Background Layer

2. Image > Canvas Size
Settings:
Width = 2500
Height = Your Height plus 40
Click on the middle box under placement (the top (box 1) & bottom (box 2) should now be 20). Change the left box (box 3) to 10. Click ok.

3. Layers > New Raster Layer

4. Layers > Arrange > Send To Bottom

5. Selections > Select All

6. Activate the minimized copy (the original) of your image.

7. Edit > Copy

8. You can now close your original image as we are done with it. Activate your working image.

9. Edit > Paste > Paste Into Selection

10. Selections > Select None

11. Effects > Image Effects > Seamless Tiling
Settings:
Default
Direction = Horizontal

12. Effects > Image Effects > Seamless Tiling
Settings:
Direction = Vertical

13. Adjust > Blur > Gaussian Blur
Settings:
Radius = 15

14. Effects > Reflection Effects > Pattern
Settings:

15. Adjust > Add Remove Noise > Add Noise

16. Adjust > Add/Remove Noise > Salt And Pepper Filter
Settings:

17. Layers > New Raster Layer

18. Layers > Arrange > Send To Bottom

19. Flood fill with your light color or a complimentary color.

20. In your layer palette click on your middle layer and lower the opacity between 70 and 75%. You still want to see everything but you want to lower the opacity enough so that you can easily read text over it. If you need to lower it more than that go for it. Use your judgement. Some of the testers needed to lower it more so it all depends on the image you used.

NOTE: If you don't like all the different colors in your pattern layer you can change the light/blend mode in your layer palette to Luminance (Legacy). I like doing this sometimes for a different look.

21. In your layer palette click on your top layer.

22. Effects > 3D Effects > Drop Shadow
Settings:
V&H = 3
Opacity = 74
Blur = 5
Color = Black

23. Repeat the drop shadow effect but change the V&H to (minus) -3.

24. Layers > New Raster Layer

25. Apply the artists watermark.

26. Layers > New Raster Layer

27. Apply your watermark.

28. Save your work and export it as a jpg.

You are done! :) Enjoy! :)