jennk Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 Hi guys! I am trying to copy an idea from dinny's LO in yesterday's newsletter. You may recall seeing it. It was a little girl blowing bubbles. The picture gradually faded into the background and it was so neat. Anyway, she posted how to do it in the "question, comment thread", but it requires a layer mask on the photo layer. I don't think we can add a layer mask in PSE4 but I do think there must be a work around. Does anyone know how to add a layer mask in PSE4? Thanks for your help. Jenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Launa Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 I am sorry I don't have the answer~ But I do have the same question! I hope someone knows! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprinklz Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 Actually you can add a layer mask in pse 4, but to a fill layer, either a solid, gradient or pattern. I'm on my way to take dd to school. When I get home in 30-45 minutes, i'll post some instructions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprinklz Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 Ok scrappers - layer masks for pse 4 solid color 1. Drag your photo onto your layout 2. Go to layer > new fill layer > solid color 3. In the "new layer" pop up, check the box for "group with previous layer" (use defaults of "normal" & 100% opacity). Click "OK". 4. In the "color picker" pop up, choose the color for your mask. Click "OK". 5. If you look at the foreground/background colors, they now will be black & white. Black takes the mask off, and white will add the mask back on (in places you took too much off). Select black. 6. Use the brush tool. Select a brush with soft edges (there is a brush that comes with pse 4 that works well for this). Change your brush size to 500-800 (play with this) and opacity around 25% (play with this as well. when i use the layer mask in cs2, i generally keep it between 10-25% when working on photos). 7. With the brush, slowly go over the mask to take off the color and let the photo peek through. If you want it to fade to one side, work from the opposite edge and slowly go over the mask in strips for the best results. Here is an example (made quickly) of a layer mask in pse 4. The paper is Irish Bliss by Brandie Valenzuela. gradient 1. Drag photo onto layout 2. IMPORTANT - use eyedropper to select color from paper (will become foreground color) 3. Go to layer > new fill layer > gradient 4. In the "new layer" pop up, check the box for "group with previous layer" (use defaults of "normal" & 100% opacity). Click "OK". 5. In the "gradient fill" pop up, change the angle to 180 (if you want darkest part on the right) or 360 (if you want the darkest part on the left). Click inside the gradient color bar. (don't click "OK until you have adjusted the gradient). 6. In the "gradient editor" pop up, click on the square under the gradient bar to make the diamond appear. Slide the diamond to adjust the gradient. Click "OK" 7. In the "gradient fill" pop up, click "OK" Here is an example of the mask using the gradient. Paper is Irish Bliss by Brandie Valenzuela HTH! Post again if you have more questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennk Posted April 12, 2007 Author Share Posted April 12, 2007 Thanks Marnie! This is exactly what I want to do. I appreciate you taking the time to type out the instructions. Thanks again! Jenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprinklz Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 I just added instructions on doing the layer mask with a gradient too. HTH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lvich Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 You have indeed found a work-around for a layer mask! However, there is a much easier way to add a layer mask with one click of a button. The layer mask will look and function just like a layer mask in Photoshop with the exception that if you have a selection in place when applying the layer mask, the selection is not included in the mask - you would need to paint it in yourself. There are a few places to get a FREE plugin for Photoshop Elements, depending on what version you have. However, the easiest is to go to http://www.hiddenelements.com/downloads.html where you can find a download for every version. Hope this helps you out! I teach digital scrapbooking using Photoshop Elements and I recommend this free plugin to all my students - it makes life so much easier! Ok scrappers - layer masks for pse 4 solid color 1. Drag your photo onto your layout 2. Go to layer > new fill layer > solid color 3. In the "new layer" pop up, check the box for "group with previous layer" (use defaults of "normal" & 100% opacity). Click "OK". 4. In the "color picker" pop up, choose the color for your mask. Click "OK". 5. If you look at the foreground/background colors, they now will be black & white. Black takes the mask off, and white will add the mask back on (in places you took too much off). Select black. 6. Use the brush tool. Select a brush with soft edges (there is a brush that comes with pse 4 that works well for this). Change your brush size to 500-800 (play with this) and opacity around 25% (play with this as well. when i use the layer mask in cs2, i generally keep it between 10-25% when working on photos). 7. With the brush, slowly go over the mask to take off the color and let the photo peek through. If you want it to fade to one side, work from the opposite edge and slowly go over the mask in strips for the best results. Here is an example (made quickly) of a layer mask in pse 4. The paper is Irish Bliss by Brandie Valenzuela. gradient 1. Drag photo onto layout 2. IMPORTANT - use eyedropper to select color from paper (will become foreground color) 3. Go to layer > new fill layer > gradient 4. In the "new layer" pop up, check the box for "group with previous layer" (use defaults of "normal" & 100% opacity). Click "OK". 5. In the "gradient fill" pop up, change the angle to 180 (if you want darkest part on the right) or 360 (if you want the darkest part on the left). Click inside the gradient color bar. (don't click "OK until you have adjusted the gradient). 6. In the "gradient editor" pop up, click on the square under the gradient bar to make the diamond appear. Slide the diamond to adjust the gradient. Click "OK" 7. In the "gradient fill" pop up, click "OK" Here is an example of the mask using the gradient. Paper is Irish Bliss by Brandie Valenzuela HTH! Post again if you have more questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennk Posted April 13, 2007 Author Share Posted April 13, 2007 I too found another way to do a layer mask. From another digital scrapping tutorial CD I found that you can apply an effect- ripple frame- to your picture. The trick is to hold the alt/opt key down the entire time the frame is being made. Once it is done you will see a layer mask in your palette. Just fill it in with all white and you are ready to go with a "fresh layer mask". :-) I will have to check out the plug in. That is very exciting! Jenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest siraacsa Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 I highly recommend the layer mask plugin - it sure does make that whole process alot easier. Great instructions though Marnie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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