Note: Tutorial is demonstrated in Adobe Photoshop CS2 on a PC.

Do you like the look of hand-torn collage pieces, but don't know how to get that look in digital scrapbooking? Now you can easily create these artistic, collage-like pieces for letters, journaling and pictures using ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Hodgepodge Collage. You can make them look like vintage, distressed strips or clean, precise cut-outs. With these handy templates, the technique is easier than you may think!

 

In your graphics program, open the file from the Hodgepodge Collage Template Set that you want to work with. Here, I have chosen file "TCS_SSEmbTemp_HodgepodgeCollage_12.png" as my starting base.

 

To fill the template with a solid color, select the Magic Wand Tool and click on the black area of the template to select it.

 

Next, select the Paint Bucket Tool and click on the template.

 

This is a basic technique for filling your template. However, one of my favorite things to do to "dress up" a layer is to apply a Layer Style. To do this, right-click on the layer to display the pop-up window. Select "Blending Options."

 

In the following window, I make the following selections for the Inner Glow style.

• Blend Mode: Multiply
• Opacity: 28%
• Color: Click on the swatch and use the eye dropper to select the SAME color as your layer.
• Elements Size: 55%

You can play with the percentages to find the glow that looks best with your color choice.

 

Now you have a colored piece that is starting to look more realistic. You can experiment with the different Layer Styles, such as Gradient Overlay or Bevel and Emboss for additional looks.

 

For a more advanced technique, let's apply a Photoshop Layer Style to the template. From the ScrapSimple Tools product line, I've chosen ScrapSimple Tools – Styles: Paper 4901 Biggie, which I have loaded into my Styles Palette.

 

Starting with a new template, select its layer and click on a style from your palette. Here, I've used the "STI_SSTools_Styles_Paper4901_6" style.

Instantly, the template is transformed into a realistic-looking collage piece! You can make adjustments in the layer's style to fit your desired look. Your element is now ready to be placed into the rest of your layout.

The Hodgepodge Collage Templates give you a wide variety of uses, such as with letters for a pieced title, lines of text for journaling, or a picture for a vintage look (see samples below).

Tutorial Ingredients:

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Hodgepodge Collage Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper 4901-Biggie are also available.

Tutorial written by Thao Cosgrove