Fill a Shape with a Photo in Photoshop Elements {Tutorial}

I decided to do something a little different today.  I love editing photos and figuring out new tricks in Photoshop Elements.  I have the Elements 6 version which is from 2007 (I think).  Newer versions can do the same, but have more features.

I want to share some fun things with you!  Plus, this will be a great way to document them to help me remember, just in case I forget!

Today, I will show you how to fill a shape with a picture.

I figured out how to do this a couple of weeks ago while creating a blog header for a friend.  By, the way, you should visit her new blog.  She crochets a lot and makes up all her patterns...she is amazing!  Her blog is Kotton Kreatures.

Anyway, I looked around on the internet for a tutorial and found one, but I hadn't planned on blogging about it, so I didn't save the location.  Sorry.  But, there a tons of tutorials out there...

Okie dokie....

 First, you'll open a blank file.

 Choose the size you'll want.  I didn't realize the pictures wouldn't be super clear, so I am sorry.  I will figure out something better for the next tut!  I chose a 4X6 and selected 300 pixels/in. for resolution.  I was told this is a good number for a nice picture.

 Select the shape you would like to fill.  I chose one of the crop shapes.

 Draw the shape to the size you want and fill it with black.

 Next, make sure your shape is selected, go to File, and select Place.  A window will pop up and you'll choose the photo you want to use to fill the shape with.

 The picture will be placed over the shape.  Move it to where you want it (or wait and you can move it later!)  You can resize it now or later.

 Next, press CTRL + G ("group with previous" in Layer Menu).  Your photo will be cropped into the shape.

 And that's it!  Super easy, huh?!  I also filled the background and added a drop shadow to the shape (you must select the shape - it won't work if you select the picture).  I also added some text.  To bring the text to the top, you will need to right click and select "bring to front."  Otherwise, it merges with the photo.

My sister is getting married soon and I am making her announcements.  I am so excited to use this!  If you have any questions, or requests for another tutorial, please let me know!

 This same process may be used to fill a word with a picture, just make sure to have the word selected when you select "Place."

I am linking up here and here.

Thursday Photo Challenge Week 1

I decided to participate in a photo challenge that I found a couple of weeks ago.  I am no pro, but I figure I could learn something along the way and find some inspiration from others!  If you want to participate, head on over to A Step In the Journey.  It will take place over 20 weeks, and there are a lot of fun different challenges each week.  I have been really excited about this!  The first week is a self portrait.  Here's mine:

My two year old was out with me when I did this, so it was a bit interesting.  I only managed to get a couple of shots...with the ten second timer. :)  I had fun though!  I love using natural light, and I usually take pictures without direct sunlight hitting the subject, but I have seen some that do this lately that I like.  So, I decided to give it a try.  I am happy with how things turned out.

Head on over to A Step in the Journey and join the fun!...

How to Widen Your Blog Title

I found how to widen my blog over at the Letter 4.  The link to their tutorial is here.  It is very, very helpful!  I used it to make my blog wider, and I am loving the amount of space!  The problem I had was figuring out the width that I should crop my blog title to, since the right side did not match up with my "pages" section.  I cropped many different sizes and finally came up with one that fit perfectly!  I want to share how I did it!

I started out with this image, that I made in Photoshop Elements.  I haven't used online photo software much, but I bet it would be easy to figure out on their programs.

My blog size is currently 1300 px wide.  The size I cropped this to that turned out perfectly is 1220 px X 275 px.  I am so happy with how it turned out!  Depending on your blog's width, you may have to try out a variety of sizes until you get what you like.  I cropped, saved, cropped, saved, etc.

I am no pro with this kind of thing, but I would be happy to try to answer any questions, or help you find the correct size!  I do know how to do that!

Check out my party tab to see where I am linking up!