Note: Screenshots were made using PSPX.

ScrapSimple Paper Templates can be lots of fun, but intimidating at the same time. Once you start, you may become addicted, so be warned!

The most common way to use ScrapSimple in digital scrapbooking is to recolor them. But, let’s explore some other uses.

To start, we need to put them in a folder where PSP can find them. After I unzip the files, I keep them all in a folder called "SS_Templates" within my Paper folder.

 

I then point PSP to that folder. Every time that I add a template, it is automatically seen by PSP. To set PSP’s file locations, go to File> Preferences> File Locations.

 

Point PSP to your template location by clicking the "Add" button and browsing to the location on your computer. Set the same file location for patterns, textures and masks. When they are all added, click "OK." PSP will now check the folder for additions each time it opens.

Let’s open a new PSP document and fill it with a color other than white or black.

 

To add texture to a layer, go to Effects> Texture Effects> Texture. In the dialog box that opens, use the Texture fly-out menu to choose a texture. Here, I use Syndee Nuckles' ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Cardstock. I have auto-preview turned on so that I can see changes on my actual paper. You have options for depth, size, light, color and others. I choose the default settings and then change the depth from 1 to 5. Click "OK" when you like the effect.

 

Another way to apply texture is from the Materials Properties box. Check the "Texture" box and then use the fly-out menu to choose a texture. Here, I choose Erica Hite’s ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fabric Edges. I fill a new layer over white, which shows through in the transparent areas.

 

You can also apply a pattern from the Material Properties box. Most ScrapSimple Templates are grayscale and will not work as a pattern. However, ScrapSimple Photo Templates work great! Here, I apply both a pattern (Dinny’s ScrapSimple Photo Templates: Watercolor 3801 Biggie) and a texture (Talina Ripper’s ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Lovely Lilies) over a white base.

Note: Not all templates will work well as textures in this manner. It takes some playing to see what does and what doesn’t.

 

Next, let’s apply one of the templates as a mask. Start with a new paper of your choice. Go to Layers> Load/Save Mask> Load Mask from Disk.

 

Select a mask from the Mask fly-out menu and check "Source Opacity" and "Use Image Value." Play with "Invert Transparency"; black hides and white reveals. Click "Load" to apply the mask.

 

You can see on the mask layer where the white is. The paper below shows where the black is, the white paper shows. Here, I used ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fairy Dust and ScrapSimple Photo Templates: Watercolor 3801 Biggie.

 

To create an embossed effect on my background paper, I use a photo as the texture. I add my photo to my template folder, so that it will show up in the Texture fly-out menu. I play with the settings until I find one I like and click "OK."

 

My paper with the Apple Photo applied as a texture.

 

Next, I add Erica's ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fabric Edges template as a texture.

 

My paper with both the Apple Photo and Fabric Textures applied.

There are so many combinations you can use to create your own papers, it’s mind boggling! Have fun and let us see what you create!

Layout by Dee-Ann Decker
larger view

	Note: Commercial license versions of Lettering Delights Eyeliner Font, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fabric Edges, ScrapSimple Tools - PSP Script: Bevels 7501, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Cardstock, ScrapSimple Photo Templates: Watercolor 3801 Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Lovely Lillies and ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fairy Dust are also available.

Tutorial written by Dee-Ann Decker