zigzag cropping in PSE2

[Angela]

Does anyone know if there is any easy way to crop a picture leaving a zigzag edge (like using fancy scissors)? I hope that the answer isn't too easy and therefore make me look like a real fool for not having figured it out myself!!! :rolleyes:.
Thanking you in advance...

[Emma]

No, I don't think there's an easy answer. There are a lot of options.

I think the one I'd pick is to make an edge "mask." Basically, create the funky edge you want, maybe using some custom shapes, color black, on its own layer. Then copy and paste that to make the repeats into a border. Then fill the central portion with black.

What you'll end up with is a black rectangle with the funky border you like. Then Ctrl-click the layer to create a selection in the shape of your "mask."

Go to the photo layer, invert selection, and hit delete. Then click the eye icon on the "mask" layer to turn off visibility. There you go, funky edge-scissors...digitally!

You can use your "mask" to create a mask with the PSE mask tutorial, and that will give you more control over changing things, moving it around, etc.
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/PSE_MaskBlendEP.shtml

Ask back on the details if you need more help, and have fun!

[Lauren]

Does anyone know if there is any easy way to crop a picture leaving a zigzag edge (like using fancy scissors)? I hope that the answer isn't too easy and therefore make me look like a real fool for not having figured it out myself!!! :rolleyes:.
Thanking you in advance...


To do this I have created a triangle shaped brush - I use it as an eraser - simply run the brush down the sides of the photo and you are left with a zig zag edge - If you would like me to share my brush with you email me at lauren@digitalscrapbookplace.com ( this will work for pse or ps)

[Angela]

Thanks for your quick response ladies.
Emma, I think I tried something similar to what you suggested, but without the mask. I made my edge on a new layer using a triangle brush, then select layer transparency, add the centre rectangle to the selection, select inverse, then select the photo layer and hit delete. It just seemed like a lot of work, for something that seemed so simple.
Lauren, I never thought of using the triangle brush as an eraser. I tried it with the brush that (I think!) came with the program but I can't change the spacing when in eraser mode (and the triangles are to close together!!). I can change the spacing and erase with the brush when I use a layer mask though and at least this way if I make a mistake (or change my mind) I can fix it up later :D .

[Emma]

Yep, sounds just the same.

Actually, when you download edge masks, you're essentially getting the black edge shape with a white center, so if it's rectangular you'll get a white image with a black outline. Then you load this as a mask, and whatever funky edge the rectangle has is what edge your photo has.

Check these out to see what I'm talking about
http://www.haylerscreations.com/masks.html

So the process you went through to create your edge is exactly what these artists do the create edges. Some use brushes, some use shapes, whatever to create that black edge (the black covers the photo, the white lets the photo show, gray is partial opacity)

PSE doesn't let you adjust the spacing of the brush, so you either have make one yourself or get from someone else.

Enjoy!

[Lauren]

Lauren, I never thought of using the triangle brush as an eraser. I tried it with the brush that (I think!) came with the program but I can't change the spacing when in eraser mode (and the triangles are to close together!!). I can change the spacing and erase with the brush when I use a layer mask though and at least this way if I make a mistake (or change my mind) I can fix it up later :D .
The ps brush I have sent you should work in pse2 - Its 80 pixels across so it should be big enough - just adjust its size if you want it smaller

[LorrieProth]

what about using the triangle brush with paths - that's how I do stitching. seems like you could just highlight, contract, make path and stroke...

Lorrie

[Lauren]

You can download the eraser brush ( for both straight lines and paths) from here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/quickcrop/zigzageraser.zip)

[GodBlessAmerica]

Is there a similar brush for PSP8? :o
I would love to use this effect also.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Jan