Tip for 8/1... Feathering

[angedawn]

OK, I'm going to admit here that if you are a traditional "make it look like paper" as much as possilbe type of scrapbooker... then feathering is probably not something you will use much at all. However, if you are interested in achieving some more blended looks in photoshop, then feathering can be your friend! :)

A feather can help an image fade softly into the background. For instance, if you wanted to have a vignette photo or something like that you could use a feather. Here's who I did to get this image here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/angedawn/sasample.jpg


First I made a new document with a white background, and then brought the photo in on a new layer. Then I selected my eliptical marquee tool and set the feather to 50 px. Then I placed the marquee around the area that I wanted to remain. I then Inversed the Selection (SELECT>INVERSE) and then hit delete to clear out the parts of the photo that I wanted gone. Then on a new layer I added the small black border.

This is just a super quick example of something you can do really easily! OK, if you have never played with the feather on a selection, you need to try that out! :)

Have a great week everyone!

[jezleave]

You know, I don't know what I would do without your tips! I go back and read them over and over and try them out when I have time. It is soooo fun to see them work like it does for you in your layouts. They are awesome. TFS Ange

[Jeannie]

Do these same instructions apply when using a PP? When you want the photo to fade into the PP the same way? I have done it (fading) using an overlay mode, but lost some of the photo KWIM?
Thanks!:)

[2twenty]

This is great! I just tried it and looks like I may be needing this more often....
Thanks Ange :)

[angedawn]

Do these same instructions apply when using a PP? When you want the photo to fade into the PP the same way? I have done it (fading) using an overlay mode, but lost some of the photo KWIM?
Thanks!

When Using a Pattern Paper I've done it this way and left the mode in normal, or sometimes done it this way and changed the overlay mode. I've found "soft light" or "overlay" give nice effects on this type of technique. It really depends on what look you want, and if if your photo is color, sepia, etc. You know, it gets fun with all those cool ways to get fun combinations.

Like I said before... this is a totally "computer generated" look. This "doesn't look like something you scrapped with real papers and stuff". But, it's a fun look too! :)

I'm glad you all like this tip. We cover so many different levels of tips here each week. Some are for total newbies, some more easy/moderate, and some are like way more advanced, so if you ever find something that's just "too much" or "way to easy", just come back next week, because next weeks tip might be just the thing you were looking for! :)