Note: Tutorial created using PSCS2 with Windows XP.

Creating a realistic looking digital crayon colored effect is not only easy, but also just as much fun as when you were a kid! It is simple to create a colored crayon line with the use of built-in Photoshop brushes, and crayon effects with the use of ScrapSimple Paper Templates.

Begin by arranging your photographs and background paper in a 12x12, 300-dpi document. Then, arrange the alpha letters to create your title.

Next, select the Brush Tool and load the Dry Media Brush Set. Click on the arrow button and choose the brush set from the list. This is one of the Photoshop brush sets that come with the software program.

Next, create a new blank layer. This will be the layer for the crayon effect over the alphas. Select the desired brush. I have chosen the “Soft Oil Pastel” brush. The size, opacity and flow of the brush can be adjusted to achieve many different results. I have selected the Size of 55, with 100% Opacity and 80% Flow.

Select your color and begin drawing with the brush over the alphas. I’ve selected a rainbow of colors and drawn over each letter. This is the result.

You can adjust the Blend Modes to achieve different results. Here, I have selected “Darken” from the pull-down menu. The black outline and texture of the alpha shows through much better with this Blend Mode.

Try different Blend Modes to achieve different results. The Blend Mode “Soft Light” creates a much different effect. It all depends on the look that you desire.

Try different brushes as well. You might like the “Hard Charcoal Edge” brush effect, with a Size of 20 pixels and 30% Flow.

Again, experiment with different Blend Modes. In this example, I have used “Linear Dodge” and it creates a pastel chalk effect.

Another way to add a crayon effect to the layout is to use ScrapSimple Paper Templates. Here I have added the loopy flowers from Doodlelicious.

Use the Lasso Tool to delete any unwanted areas of the template.

Next, add a blank layer and color in some of the flowers with the Brush Tool. Again, try different brushes and Blend Modes for different effects. In this example, I have used the “Soft Oil Pastel” brush with a Flow of 20% and the “Normal” Blend Mode.

I’ve also added another ScrapSimple Paper Template: Crayon to the background, with a pink colored overlay. In addition, I’ve added a 15 pixel white Stroke around the word "girl" and some drop shadows.

To complete the layout, I’ve added a bit of journaling and some flower embellishments.

Layout by Amanda McGee
larger view

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Doodlelicious, AMC_Doodlelicious Font and ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Crayon are also available.

Tutorial written by Amanda McGee