Using the Cookie Cutter Tool To Frame Your Photo

[JAS_Photo]

In Photoshop Elements open the picture you want to use. Change the mode to 8 bits and make a duplicate copy – rename the duplicate. I named mine ‘pink daisy’. Turn off the “eye” on the original. Click image>transform> free transform. Pull the corner of the image down to a size that will give you “elbow room” and center it accordingly. You will see a checkerboard pattern. On earlier versions of PSE, I believe you need to press the spacebar to keep the shape proportionate.

[JAS_Photo]

Next click on the cookie cutter tool. At the top of the selection of shapes, you will see a double arrow; click that; a list will appear; choose “All Elements shapes” . On the diagram you will see a selection of black messy looking rectangles. Click on one you like and slide it to your photo. Close the selection column. A cross (+ ) will be on your photo. Slide that across the photo and handles will appear allowing you to stretch it across the photo to the width you desire.

[JAS_Photo]

At this point I click on effects then drop shadow. Choose a shadow effect you like and double click on it making sure the file you renamed is highlighted. An fx will appear. Click on that and a dialogue will appear allowing you to adjust the shadow and add a stroke if you desire. Close box once you are done.

Now click on layer> new fill layer> solid color. The color selection dialogue will appear and use the eyedropper to select a color from the photo for your layer. This will create a wall of color. And you will see a new layer appear in your layers box called “color fill 1”. You need to move that below the daisy layer. Using your mouse grab the top layer- a hand will appear and move it below the ‘daisy’ layer. You will now see your photo. What if you decide you don’t like the color? Click layer> new fill layer again and use the eyedropper to select the colour you prefer.

[JAS_Photo]

At this point you may want to add text, so go ahead and click on the T, select a font, a size and color then put your cursor where you want to place the text. Don’t worry if you place it wrong, a little (+) will appear next to your cursor when you move it allowing you to push the text around to where you want it.
Voila! You are done. Go ahead and flatten the layers and save the photo to your picture file.

[JAS_Photo]

Now all you need to do is post your finished photo for all to admire.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1054/4723048711_043cd04290_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jas_photos/4723048711/)

[Marko]

Excellent tutorial Jas - many thx!