Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS2 with Windows XP.

After extracting the ZIP file for ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Folded Labels, you will find the templates are sorted into separate folders, making it easy for you to locate exactly the template that you want to use. There are 13 different templates filed into 13 folders. Each folder contains the following:

• JPG file with the suffix “preview” which shows what the template looks like with both pieces correctly layered and aligned.

• PNG file with the suffix “label” for the main part of the embellishment template.

• PNG file with the suffix “fold” for the folded detail part of the embellishment template.

To begin, navigate to the folder with the template with which you want to work. Open both PNG files in your graphics program. Above, you can see that I have opened the files “TCS_ScrapSimple_Embell_FoldedLabels_Rect3-label.png” and “TCS_ScrapSimple_Embell_FoldedLabels_Rect3-fold.png”.

Now, open a blank document, or an existing layout to work with. Drag both template pieces onto your document.

TIP: Hold down the Shift key while dragging and dropping the open files onto your document and they will line up exactly as they should.

To make it easier to work with, it is a good idea to label the layers as you go. Make sure that the template piece “fold” is above the template piece “label.”

Here comes the fun part. To “dress up” the label embellishment, you have several options, including:

• Filling the layer with a solid color using the Paint Bucket.

• Using the clipping mask tool to apply a background paper or a photograph.

• Applying a Photoshop Style.

To use the Paint Bucket Tool, with your color choice selected, click on the black area of the “label” layer. Here, I’ve filled the “label” area with a tan color and the “fold” area with a lighter color.

To apply a background paper or photograph using the clipping mask, first open the paper or photo of your choice. Then, drag it onto the current document and place it above the “label” layer, as shown above. I am using a paper from the Affection Collection.

Next, make sure the “paper” layer is selected in the Layers Palette. Then, either right-click on the layer and select “Create Clipping Mask,” or on the PC click Ctrl+G in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, or click Ctrl+Alt+G in Photoshop CS2. (On the Mac click Cmd+G in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, or click Cmd+G and Cmd+Opt+G in Photoshop CS2.)

The document with the clipping mask looks like this.

To dress up your label using a Photoshop Style, make sure that the styles you want to work with are loaded in the Styles Palette. Here, I am using ScrapSimple Tools – Styles: Paper 4901 Biggie on the label. With the “label” layer selected, click a style from the palette. Instantly, Styles can make any shape rich and detailed. You can also apply a Style to the “fold” layer, but I’ve chosen to apply an Inner Glow and Color Overlay instead. Experiment with different Blend Modes to find the look that works best for you.

Lastly, finish the label with details such as text, drop shadows, distressing, or filters, to create your own personal embellishment for digital scrapbooking.

Layout by Thao Cosgrove
larger view

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Folded Labels Biggie, Bitsy BOLD Brush Set, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Brights Super Biggie 4101 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper Textures 4901 are also available.

Tutorial written by Thao Cosgrove