Digital Supplies | Artsy Layered Template No. 31, ArtPlay Palette Scholarly (stained paper), Family WordTransers No. 1, FabricTextures No. 1, Family WordART No. 1, Abstract FotoBlendz No. 6
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What are FotoBlendz?
FotoBlendz are clipping masks enabling the artsy blending of photos into layouts by using the clipping mask function in Photoshop, Elements and Paint Shop Pro.
The basic technique for using clipping masks is as follows:
- Open the clipping mask and image of choice into your workspace.
- Drag both files onto your layout using the Move tool from the Tools palette.
- Move the image on top of the clipping mask and ensure the same order of layers in the Layers palette. Note that the photo layer must reside above the clipping mask layer.
- Press CTRL + ALT + G (Photoshop) or CTRL +G to clip the photo layer to the clipping mask layer which will force the image to conform to the shape of the mask.
I used the Abstract FotoBlendz No. 6 clipping masks to perform 3 other techniques using clipping masks on a layout created with Artsy Layered Template No. 31.
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Technique 1 | Create a Border/Matte
Place a FotoBlendz clipping mask behind a focal image or prominant area of a layout, essentially framing that particular element which causes the eye to be drawn to it.
I created my page using my new Artsy Layered Template No. 31 making just a few minor adjustments.
A comparison of the page with and without clipping masks used as borders/mats:
Before
After
The clipping masks were positioned in a bold color behind a photo and the title to create emphasis and provide constrast.
I personally like to create brushes from the FotoBlendz masks when working with them for purposes other than standard clipping.
- Open the FotoBlendz clipping mask
- Ensure the mask has a width or height no larger than 8 inches. Resize if necessary. Go to Image > Resize Image
- Go to Edit > Define Brush
- Select the Paintbrush tool from the Tools palette and select the newly defined brush
- Create a New Layer and stamp your brush in the color and size of your choice
Alternatively, you can open a FotoBlendz file into your workspace, drag the mask onto your layout and position according to preference using the Move tool from the Tools Palette.
Adryane used the same technique with a more subtle color to produce a similar effect. This technique is a great way to ground an element on a page and provide a solid area of color to a patterned background.
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Technique 2 | Create Texture
Use the same brush to stamp on a new layer and apply a blending mode to that layer. You can experiment with both the color of the stamped FotoBlendz and the different blending modes.
- Create a New Layer
- Stamp FotoBlendz onto the new layer in the color of your choice. I often select a mid or light grey.
- Click on *Normal* at the top of the Layers palette and make a selection from the drop-down menu. I often use Soft Light, Overlay, Screen or Multiply. Scroll through them with your up/down arrow buttons on your keyboard to test-drive them all, then select the best fit.
I like to apply texture on areas of solid color, such as the the solid black area in my photo, to create interest.
Kerry applied blending modes to her conventionally clipped images in the following layout. She clipped the same photo to 2 different masks and applied 2 different blending modes.
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Technique 3 | Create a Journaling Block
Use a FotoBlendz mask to provide solid color and separation for a title or to house your journaling.
- Open a FotoBlendz file into your workspace
- Drag the mask onto your layout and position according to preference using the Move tool from the Tools Palette
- Recolor the mask using the coloring technique of your preference
If you're like me, you might not always leave enough room for your journaling and so this little technique comes in really handy, and often. Notice how the white masks provide the perfect primer for both my journaling and my title.
Donna has performed her own rendition of this technique by using masks in different colors.
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Three different techniques with an infinite number of outcomes. Please post your layouts in the AnnaGallery. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Abstract FotoBlendz No. 6 and Artsy Layered Template No. 31 are currently on sale for a limited time here.
Download my free Instructions for Use eBook for more information on using my digital products.
Check out the NEW AnnaLift Challenge for this week.
