This free digital scrapbooking tutorial was created using Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 with Windows, but should be able to be adapted easily to other systems. If you have questions about how to do this, just ask on our message board!

Open a new 12"x12" 300 DPI document.

 

Drag the solid black template layer onto this new document. Here I am using the ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates-Layered: Curvy.

 

Next, drag your choice of pattern paper over to this new document as well. Make sure your pattern is on the layer above the solid black background and that the pattern paper layer is active.

Note: In the Layers Palette, the blue background is above the black template and the paintbrush icon is next to the pattern paper, showing that as the active layer.

 

Now, mask the pattern paper onto your template by holding down the Ctrl key and depressing the “G” key (Ctrl+Alt+G in PSCS2 and above). After you have done this, notice your Layers Palette. Your layer with your pattern paper now shows an arrow facing down next to it. That is telling you that layer has been clipped onto the one below it.

 

Next, you need to merge the two layers. In the Layers Palette, click the arrow next to the word “More” and choose “Merge Down.”

 

You will continue with the above steps on each new template piece.

 

Make sure your pattern paper layer is active, then press Ctrl+G.

 

Once you have merged the two layers, press and hold your “Shift” button, then drag the Curvy Template piece onto your background document.

 

Finish the remainder of the template pieces.

 

For the dark gray strip that goes across the page (seen in the screen shot above), I want to add a solid color.

 

To do that, I have selected the color I want the layer to be, then I use the Paint Bucket Tool and fill that strip with a solid color. I will then drag that colored portion onto the new document.

 

Follow the above instructions to finish up the template layers, add your drop shadows and any extra embellishments, and you have a completed layout!

Tutorial uses:

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Curvy are also available.

Free digital scrapbooking tutorial written by Angie Briggs.