Note: Tutorial written with screenshots from PSE2.

These embellishment templates offer a creative option for personalizing and creating a realistic-looking digital license plate. Through the use of different style sets available, but sold separately, multiple looks can be achieved.

In this tutorial I have used the following embellishment template and style sets:

• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embossed License Plate 6101

• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embossed Brights License Plate 6103

• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embossed Pastels License Plate 6104

Instructions:

Begin by loading your styles in the correct folder before you start PSE. You should receive instructions when you purchase and download your Style set. (They should be loaded in the style folder within your presets folder.)

 

Start by opening the base file. Open "AMC_SSEmbTmp_LicensePlate_1a-Base." Rename this file so you don't accidentally save over your original file.

 

At this point, you might want to choose the color of the base and apply a Layer Style. I've decided to try the beveling the base and coloring it bright yellow by filling with the Paint Bucket Tool.

 

Next, you will begin layering the various components. They are named alphabetically so you can layer them in order. You may choose to omit some of the layers. For example, if you choose to add the frame, you will not need the bevel layer (the frame will cover up this layer, making it unnecessary). Open each layer file and, while holding down the Shift key, click and drag the layer onto the base file window. This will keep the layers in their correct position.

TIP: You might find it helpful to name each layer as you go to avoid confusion with so many layers.

 

I have included an optional frame where you can add your own phrase. If you are using the frame, you will want to layer the file "AMC_SSEmbTmp_LicensePlate_1g-2Screws" (rather than the four screws and Phillips-head insets).

Now that you have your desired files layered, if you haven't already done so, you will want to save this document with a different name. (This preserves the original PNG file.)

 

Next, you can continue to add the Layer Styles. For the stickers, I have first colored them white with the Paint Bucket Tool. Then I have added the Layer Style "AMC_SS_Tools_Styles_LicensePlate_6101-Stickers."

 

For the style of the frame, you can use any of the Layer Styles, depending on the look that you want to achieve. In this example, I have used the Style "AMC_SS_Tools_Styles_LicensePlate_6101-Base."

 

And in this example, I have used the Style "AMC_SS_Tools_Styles_LicensePlate_6101-Screws." This adds more dimension and a lighter color.

 

Continue to add the Layer Styles to the screws and the insets.

 

Then add your desired month and year. A tip to correctly aligning the year numbers: after placing the number above the sticker layer, you can nudge the number over by selecting the Move Tool and typing using the left arrow key on your keyboard. This will keep the bottom of the numbers aligned.

 

Continue by adding the remaining numbers and nudge them right or left to achieve the desired spacing. Merge the month and the year number layers by selecting the layers by clicking on the eye icon. The layers you want to merge together should have the eye icon ("on") and the layers you do NOT want to merge together should NOT have the eye icon (it should be "off").

 

Then choose Layer> Merge Visible. Add the Layer Style "AMC_SS_Tools_Styles_LicensePlate_6101-Months."

 

Next, add your title phrase. Create your personalized title with the letters, either by opening each file individually and Click+Shift+Drag, or by cutting and pasting them by selecting the letter with the Marquee Tool (1) and cut them with the Move Tool (2) and place into the main document with Click+Shift+Drag.

 

Next, align your letters by nudging them with the keyboard arrow. Merge the title letter layers together.

 

Add a Style to the letters. One option is to use the Style "AMC_SS_Tools_Styles_LicensePlate_6101-Letters."

 

Another option is to use the Style set ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embossed Brights License Plate 6103. Load the Style set by clicking on the menu (blue down arrow) and selecting the desired style set. Here I have used the Style "AMC_SS_Tools_Styles_LicensePlate_6103_Brights-Red."

 

I've added a phrase on top of the frame and used the screw inset style to achieve the embossed look.

 

This is the completed license plate embellishment.

Save the document, select merge all the layers together and Click+Drag it into your layout document. Here is a layout where I have used this license plate embellishment:

Layout by Amanda McGee
larger view

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: License Plate Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embossed License Plate 6101, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embossed Brights License Plate 6103, Lettering Delights Noodge Font, AMC_Thoughtful Font, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Warm Shadows 2801 Super Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Neutral Shadows 2801 Super Biggie are also available.

Tutorial written by Amanda McGee