When I need inspiration, I turn to ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates. Brandie’s new Puzzled Templates are a favorite of mine, although I know the many layered templates can be intimidating for newer users of PSP. The Selection Tools are the key to using these templates.

To start, I opened all the layers of the template and ran the ScrapSimple Assemble Layered Templates – Squares Script on each layer. I copied and pasted each layer into a new image until the template is complete. I changed the base layer to white and then saved it as either a .PSPIMAGE or a PSD to preserve the layers.

The Selection Tool’s shortcut is the letter S. The Marquee Tool is the main icon on the Tool Bar, the Magic Wand can be found in the fly-out box. To select with the Magic Wand, simply set the Mode to “Replace,” Match Mode to “Opacity” and Contiguous unchecked. With the layer you wish to select from active (it will be blue on your Layers Palette), click on the item to select in the workspace. Marching ants will appear around the image.

I now continue to select template layers by activating each layer and holding the Shift key select each new piece of the puzzle. I could also change the Mode to “Add” and select each layer. Marching ants appear around the new selection and the previously added selections. When all the layers are selected and you are ready to cut your paper or photo, go to Selections> Invert. The marching ants are now in between the pieces. Press Delete.

Now that I have my photo cut into the puzzle pieces, I want to move one of the pieces to make it appear that I am getting ready to put it into place. I use the Selection Wand to select the TEMPLATE puzzle piece layer, activate the photo layer again and Selections> Promote to Layer, click the main photo layer and delete. I now have a puzzle piece on its own layer that I can move around; however, it does not include the white border.

To add a white border: with the promoted layer still selected, go to Selections> Modify> Select Selection Borders. In the dialog box, check “Both Sides” and “Anti-alias,” set the Border width to about 3, then click “OK.” Fill the selection area with white and use the Move Tool (M) to move the puzzle piece. I saved my template with the photo as a .PSPIMAGE before adding it to my layout.

There are a few ways to add the finished template to a layout. I first turned off the promoted layer so it could not be seen and saved it as a PNG. I then turned off all the layers except the promoted layer and saved as a new PNG. This will allow me to add the photo with the missing piece and the puzzle piece as separate layers to my layout. I could also simply delete all the template pieces, group the base, photo, and promoted layer and copy the group to my layout.

In my finished layout, I added my photo and puzzle piece, positioning the missing piece so it looks like I am just about to add it in. I added a drop shadow to both layers and my embellishments.

Layout by Dee-Ann Decker
larger view

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Alphabet Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Puzzled, ScrapSimple Tools - PSP Script: Assemble Layered Templates 7501 - Square and ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Chip, LOWER Case 3 are also available.

Tutorial written by Dee-Ann Decker