This tutorial by AnnaTeamer, Fiona Kinnear a.k.a Applechick, deconstructs one of her layouts and shows you how to use a transfer as a mask for use with the clipping mask function in Photoshop and Elements.
Think of transfers as mulit-color masks that can be re-purposed fo use as clipping masks. ArtPlay Palettes are very versatile. Not only can you mix and match seamlessly between palettes but the included are often also interchangeable.
The possibilities are endless.
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1. Select the transfer. Open the transfer of your choice into your software program. I selected a transfer from ArtPlay Palette Sophistica, The soft faded edges of this particular transfer in ArtPlay Palette Sophistica are ideal for blending. Drag the transfer onto the background paper of your choice using the Move tool from the Tools palette. The background paper shown is from ArtPlay Palette Friends.
Note. Don’t worry if the transfer isn’t exactly the shape or size you are looking for. You can make adjustments to customize the mask, for example duplicate, rotate and resize the transfer layer. I duplicated the transfer, moved it to create a bigger shape and merged the 2 layers to create one transfer.
2. Place the photo. Drag your chosen photo onto your layout and place over the transfer. Clip the photo to the transfer as you would a mask using the clipping mask function in Photoshop and Elements. Instructions for using the clipping mask function can be found in the free Instuctions for Use eBooklet available as a free download from the store.
At this point both the mask and/or the photograph can be moved or resized as desired.
3. Merge the layers. Merge the photo and transfer layers before using the Eraser tool from the Tools Palette to fine-tune the transfer mask. Select a soft round brush set to the airbrush mode to erase around the edge of the mask removing all faint evidence of polka dots.
Note. There are no hard and fast rules to this process. It's a matter of experimentation and personal preference in what looks good to you.
4. Repetition. Add some color to the page by clipping a colored paper to a duplicate copy of the same transfer.
5. Create a mood. Brushes, transfers and overlays can all help create a specific mood in a layout. I wanted to create a festive appearance of snow and accentuate the white iphone that my daughter was using to take a photograph of her grandmother. This look was attained through the addition of white paint splatters from MultiMedia Snowmen No.1, to which I clipped a white paper to remove the black strokes and create texture.
6. Add text. The ScriptTease BrushSets are a great way to add meaning to your pages. I used ScriptTease Friends No. 1, enlarging one of the included brush images to emphasize the ‘touches your heart’ words.
7. Add Embellishments. Add a small selection of embellishments to your layout. I added a frame, the leaves, a flower and brad from ArtPlay Palette Friends; a candy cane from ArtPlay Palette Santa’s Elf; more paint splatters from MultiMedia Elves No. 1 and beads from Magic Sprinklez No 2. WordART is from Ali Edwards.
8. Page feels unfinished? Try a different background. I selected a darker colored paper which provided greater contrats and better highlighted the paint splatters. I also created a curved border which complements the curve on the edge of the frame. The stitching provides the impression of festive paper party streamers and completes the layout.







