[Joey]

I want so badly to duplicate the LO2_300 in the SNU_SSDLT_Blendability kit. I tried in PSP and actually switched to PSE thinking that would be the ticket. I bought both of the Secrets Revealed discs and there was no secret for this particular type of layout in them. There must be a secret (or basic knowledge) I am missing somewhere. If anyone can share the steps for achieving the background photo, paper, mask blend, I would be so grateful.

 SNU_SSDLT_Blendability_LO2_300.jpg (106.04K)
Number of downloads: 17

[PBarnes]

Have you downloaded the free ScrapSimple Handbook? It gives instructions on using paper templates. One of the basics in using paper templates is using clipping masks. In PSE, you put your photo above the template and hit Ctrl+G to "clip" them together. HTH

[Rose Ann]

I don't have those particular templates, but to get that look you would 'clip' a photo to one layer and a paper to the other. To make a clipping, you put the template layer beneath the photo you want to be that shape and right click on the photo and choose "create clipping mask".

I the free ebook that Pat is talking about, it's in the section about layered layout templates around page 33. I have the Secrets Revealed videos for PS, and there's a video, about clipping masks and blends. I don't have the PSE videos, but there's probably one similar.

Let us know if you need more help.

[Joey]

Yes, I have read the ScrapSimple Handbook and I watched the video about clipping masks. I feel that I am following the steps, but my layout does not have that truly blended look. The mask is clearly very black in the background. I am getting so frustrated. I worked on this for hours yesterday and now have spent another couple of hours watching video and re-reading the book. There is obviously something I am not understanding or step that I am missing. Hopefully the screen shot attached will show what I have done.

Attached File(s)

•  screen capture.jpg (116.14K)
  Number of downloads: 29

[Florida granny]

One of the things I've done with those black masks is, I've changed it to the color of the background paper (I've actually even clipped a copy of the background paper to the mask, too, but you have to be sure your paper and the mask are exactly where you want them). Then, when I clip my photo to the mask, the "black" edges are no longer black. The mask edges just blend into the background.

[Eden]

That's great idea Dianne!

Joey, I've used the Syndee's Blendability Masks in both PSP and PSE with equal success. They're fabulous aren't they? Usually I have a background paper that's not too much of a contrast with the background colours of the photo. I've also used an eraser around the edges of the photo after it's clipped to the mask. I chose a grunge shape for the eraser and drop the opacity down from 100% just kind of erode out the edges. Keep trying, I know you'll get to what you want soon!

[A-M]

Joey, not sure if this will help but looking at what you have shared... the photo should be slightly larger than the mask. It looks like you have a circle shape photo you are using but it does need to be larger than the mask or parts of the black mask will show.

[Joey]

Thanks so much. That piece of information is very helpful. Gives me something to work on.

[jenrou]

Good luck, Joey. I've never been able to get that look either.

[cats4jan]

Even though the OP has probably moved on, I'll chime in incase others are reading this thread.

The problem - as already stated - is that the photo is too small for the mask.

However, the bigger problem is the shape of the photo. Because the photo was already closely cropped into a circle prior to use - it will not work for this mask. This photo needs to have the same approximate shape as the mask in order to get those soft edges. If you do not have any of the corner edges to be "masked" you will not get the look you want.

If you still have the uncropped photo, start with that or you will have to choose another photo in a rectangular shape. Place the photo above the mask and clip it together and then grab the move tool and it's bounding box corner and enlarge the photo until you see the effect you want on your photo. Gently enlarging the photo using the move tool should not pixelize it, unless, of course, you need to do a major resizing to fit the mask.

In that case, I would reduce the overall size of the mask prior to clipping it to the photo.