|
Note: Tutorial is demonstrated using PhotoShop CS2.
So, I bet you thought Scrap Girls products were only for scrapbook layouts right? Well, let me tell you, there is a whole other world out there! I have a motto: If it's 3D you can alter it. You can alter just about anything, and this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Since the holidays are fast approaching and we are beginning to scramble for gift ideas, I thought I would get a jump on things and alter a clock. What better gift idea is there than a hand-made one?
Here's what you need:
-
A clock – The clock I have used was fairly inexpensive (under $5) and can be found at places like Wal-Mart and Target. Make sure when picking out a clock that you can get to the face piece to alter it. Think of all the possibilities with so many clock shapes and sizes available!
-
Premium Photo Paper – I used Kodak, but Costco offers a quality photo paper that is affordable and is sold under their Kirkland brand.
-
Scissors and possibly glue - I didn't end up needing glue, but you may need some depending on your clock.
- Digital supplies – I used the Shall We Dance Collection available here at Scrap Girls. With all of the great products available at Scrap Girls, there won't be a plain clock in sight!
Take apart your clock. Usually, you can just snap out the plastic cover and carefully pull out the clock hands. Then, remove the clock face, which is usually a piece of heavy-weight cardstock or chipboard.
Measure your clock face and open Photoshop. Open a new, letter-sized transparent document.
Select the Custom Shape Tool from your menu and find a solid circle. Turn on the Rulers in your View menu, and holding down the Shift key, drag out a circle (or the shape of your clock face) the size of your clock's face.
Next, choose a paper that will be your clock face background. Keep in mind that if the pattern is too busy, you
may have a hard time getting your numbers to show up.
Hit Ctrl+Alt+G (Photoshop), Ctrl+G (PSE), or on your menu select Layer> Create Clipping Mask. This will make your paper stick to your custom shape.
Next, choose some numbers that complement your clock face background. Here I have chosen the numbers from the Shall We Dance Alpha. You will need numbers 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9.
Add a guide line to your circle to mark roughly the middle of your clock face. (This line will not print out on your clock face.) Go to View> New Guide. It's easy to drag these guide lines around on your document just by clicking on the line and dragging.
Start adding the numbers to your clock face. I have added a drop shadow with ScrapSimple Tools-Styles: Neutral Shadows 2801 to each number to give the numbers a more dimensional look.
Next, choose embellishments to represent the 'missing' numbers on the clock face and any other accents you would like to use on your clock.
Voila! Your clock face is complete!
Save your masterpiece and then print. Make sure to print on high-quality paper and at the highest quality setting for your printer. Then cut out the clock face.
Next, you will need to poke a hole in the center of your clock face with a paper piercer, eyelet hole punch or the tip of a very sharp pair of scissors. If needed, use your ruler to determine the center or your clock face.
Place the clock face on your clock and reattach the clock hands.
Lastly, put the plastic clock dome back on.
The completed clock!
Imagine all the clocks you can alter with all the fabulous products available at Scrap Girls! I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Happy altering!
Tutorial written by Syndee Nuckles
|
