Create Your Own Patterned Shape in Photoshop Using Digital Scrapbook Paper

How to Create Your Own Patterned Shape in Photoshop Using Digital Scrapbook Paper 

First, you'll want to decide what shape you want to switch up.  For this tutorial, I am going to be using the and sign shape.

You'll also want to pick out a paper to design with.  I'll be using one of the digital scrapbooking papers I've created.  There are literally millions, billions, probably even trillions of paper patterns to choose from, so choosing just one might actually be the hardest part of this whole process.  Good news is, you can use what you learn in this tutorial to change other designs and shapes as well! So, the possibilities are literally endless. Be prepared to get sucked right in.

You'll want to make sure the print quality is at least 300 dpi.  This will make a difference if you are printing your project out, versus just viewing it online. 

The Good Stuff

With both your shape and paper open in photoshop, select the paper by using shortcut ctrl+a and then ctrl+c to copy.  Then, switch over to your shape tab.  Use shortcut ctrl+v to copy the paper on top of the shape.  

The shape I am using is smaller and the paper size is a bit bigger, so I will need to resize.  Use the shortcut ctrl+t to transform the layer size. Depending on the size of your own shape or the look you are going for, this will be different for everyone.  

I have now resized my paper to fit better to my shape, so now I'm ready to use the clipping tool.  With the paper layer selected, right click on the Paper Layer and select, "create clipping mask". You will now see that your paper has been attached to your shape.  

To merge the two together, right click on layers tab again and choose "merge visible"

Now, you are ready to save your image.  In order to keep the transparent background, you will want to make sure you save your file as a .png.  This will allow you to use your design overtop of a variety of backgrounds.

Want to learn even more photoshop tricks, tips, and techniques?  Check out my selection of tutorials

I understand not everyone wants to purchase Photoshop, so for that, Gimp is a pretty awesome resource as well - and free! You can also check out a tutorial I put together for instructions on how to create your own birthday invitation using the program.