2.6.08 More Paper Curls and a TUT on using them!

So y'all liked my template! (yeeesss... I do say y'all....I did live in Georgia and Alabama for quite a few years! Dont' look so surprised!! he he he) But more than that you seemed to like the paper curls and the idea of learning how to use them! So here you go! A few more paper curls (in white and off white) and here's a quick tut on using them! (it's really quite easy!)

DON'T FORGET...CLICK THE PHOTOS IF YOU NEED TO SEE A LARGER VIEW OF MY SCREEN SHOTS!

First, simply take one of your curls and pull it into a 12x12 file (or whatever other size you choose) FEEL FREE TO MOVE THESE CURLS AROUND TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM. I'M USING THE CURLS TO MAKE A TEAR AT THE TOP OF MY PAPER IN THIS TUT, BUT I COULD EASILY TURN IT 90 DEGREES AND PLACE THE TEAR ON THE SIDE OF MY PAPER AS WELL!



Then pull the paper you want to "tear" into the file as well. Here I'm using one of my papers from the "Have a Heart" Mega Kit from Digital Candy. Make sure that the paper curl is in the layer ABOVE the layer with the paper in it.



Now the key to the next step is to make sure that the paper curl extends the entire length of the file that it is in, in this case 12". If you need to, stretch the paper curl beyond the edges of your file. Once you have done this, click on the small arrow next to your Quick Selection Tool and choose the MAGIC WAND TOOL (shortcut is W on your keyboard). Once you've done this, make sure that the layer with your paper curl is active (click on the layer in the layer pallet to do this) and then click on the area ABOVE the paper curl in your open file. This should create a selection of the paper above the paper curl but nothing else. If more than that is selected, go back and make sure that the paper curl layer is active and that it goes all the way across the paper. Once you have the correct selection click on the paper layer and activate that layer and now click DELETE. This should delete the paper only above where the paper curl is.




If you see any of the paper above the paper curl, simply click on the MOVE TOOL (V on your keyboard) and then move the paper curl up just a tad until it covers the bit of paper showing. Once you have the paper curl where you want it then merge the two layers (activate the top layer and click SHIFT>CTRL/COMMAND>E to merge up) your paper curl and your paper are now one layer.



Now you can place another paper under your torn paper by dragging another paper into your file (TIP: When you drag a new element or paper into your file hold the SHIFT key down and it will center your new element or paper directly into your existing file...this saves me a TON of time when I am creating!) Then, if you'd like, double click on the merged layer and your layer styles will be an option... add a drop shadow to add a bit more "depth" to your curl. Here I've changed the color of my drop style by clicking in the black box next to the blend mode of the drop shadow and changing it to a lighter grey. I've also reduced the opacity to 30 percent to lighten it a bit...but all of that is up to you!

Ta Da! You've done it!



Now the fun part comes when you can take one or two paper curls and cut them up, move the pieces around, change the angle etc. and make a bunch of different curls! Just select a portion of the curl, cut and paste it onto a new layer (CTRL/COMMAND X to cut then CTRL/COMMAND J to place it on a new layer) then use your MOVE TOOL (V on your keyboard) and move the two parts around until you have a new paper curl you like! Zoom in on your new curl and make sure the edges are where you like them and then MERGE THE LAYERS (top layer active then SHIFT>CTRL/COMMAND>E to merge up). A new curl! Or easier yet, just turn the existing curl at a different angle or flip it completely...the choices are endless!

I hope this helps some of you! Remember, if you want these freebies and tutorials to be emailed directly to you (easier to keep for future reference...) simply subscribe to my blog by adding your email address to the feedburner subscription box to your right!

Also, if you like the paper I've used in the TUT, then you'll love our MEGA Charity Kit at Digital Candy...all the proceeds go to the Animal Rescue Foundation (get it...? ARF? cute huh??!) it's a FAB kit at a really low price! Check it out!

This post has been edited to remove the link for the paper curls. Feel free to visit my store at Digital Candy (link below) to find some more there!

Click HERE to check out some of my new kits at Digital Candy

Click HERE to see the HAVE A HEART Charity Kit!