1. Open up all the PNGs provided.

2. Drag all the desired PNGs into one transparent document.  Holding down the Shift key while you drag and drop assures your templates will line up correctly. Another option to line the templates up properly is to open one PNG and then File>Place the other PNGs on top. (For these instructions I've used ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Art Deco.)

3. Start adding color to the different layers. You can do this a number of ways. I've used the Magic Wand Tool to select the letter "A." Then I chose Select> Similar.

With all the letters selected, and the "letters" layer highlighted in my Layers Palette, I chose Edit> Fill. You can select what color you want to fill with at this point.

4. Continue adding color to the different layers. You may also choose to cut out a layer from patterned paper. To do this In Photoshop CS and PSE3, open your template in a transparent document, layer your paper over the template and hit Ctrl+G (in PSCS2 it is Ctrl+Alt+G, Cmd+Opt+G on Mac). Merge these two layers to make it "stick."

5. Alpha Templates often come with textures and patterns. Experiment with Blend Modes on these layers for a wide range of effects.

Pattern Regular: Set pattern's Blend Mode to "Soft Light," Opacity at 50%.

6. When you're happy with how your alphas look, select "Merge Visible" from the drop down menu of the Layers Palette.

Then crop out the letters you want to add to your layout.

Layout by Mandy Steward
larger view

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Art Deco, Art Deco Brush Set, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Art Deco and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Deco Tabs are also available.

Tutorial and layout by Mandy Steward

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