Making satin in PS

[pyccku]

I want to make a satin background pattern - kind of like the tablecloth/chair cover on p. 2 of today's Linens n Things ad.

I have used a gradient to get the shading, but it still doesn't look shiny enough. What is the trick to making it look real?

[Amanda]

There is a satin pattern built into photoshop. Use a pattern overlay layer style and turn the opacity way down. HTH!

[lambertg]

I can't seem to get this right in photoshop.Can anyone give me a detailed explanation?

[Emma]

Go to Layer>Layer Style>Pattern Overlay to open the dialog to access what Amanda mentioned. If the Satin Pattern isn't in the drop down list, you have to load it. Click the little arrow in a circle next to the pattern drop down box to open the list. First, change the View to Large or Small List so you can see the titles of the patterns.
Next, choose a pattern category at the bottom of the list. You can either replace the current patterns, or Append the current patterns if you want to keep them all in there, either is fine.
I dont' remember which category Satin is in, you'll have to look in them all, but getting familiar with what's in there is really helpful, so take a look around.

If using a Gradient, try changing the blending Mode to something like Hard Light to get more contrast and shine.

Let us know how it goes! Any questions? You know where to find the answers (right here ;))

Welcome to DSP! Can't wait to see what you come up with

[morganfam7]

How would you do that in pse2? I looked for pattern under layer style and I don't see that listed. And I just "found" the quick links new posts option today on this site. Am I supposed to be in this forum? Is it only for those who are in the classes? Sorry if that's the case...I'm just reading the new posts! :o

Marcy :)

[Emma]

You're int he right spot. The class forums are password protected, so no chance of wandering in there on accident.

In PSE, you use a layer style created in PS that has the pattern overlay in it. Or to do it yourself first select the thing you want patterned so the pattern doesn't cover the entire image. Then go to Layer>New Fill>Pattern and choose the pattern in there.

My PSE classes, especially 261 talka bout this a lot. Using patterns and such to create various types of elements. I use it so heavily it's even sneaked into my PS work now!

[morganfam7]

Wow! Now THAT is cool! I made a sample and used one of the afx patterns and it looks like crochet!!! I took opacity down to 24%, but it looks pretty neat! I've gotta go play some more!!! Thanks so much!

Oh, and one of these days, I'm gonna be in your class Emma. Maybe this summer!

Thanks again,

Marcy :)

[Emma]

glad it worked and you're having fun! You can sign up for class anytime now, just choose the month you want in the drop down menu.

Anyone else have a favorite way to make/use patterns and textures? How is the experimenting coming along?

[morganfam7]

I made some patterns and used them on a couple of layouts recently. Your comments helped kick some ideas in gear, Emma!

I used the left click and control to distort some rectangles into diamonds. Then I erased, in a low opacity, around the edges with a rough brush. Burned the edges a little and then defined and saved as a pattern. Here is my layout:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31647&cat=500&page=1

Then I did a tile and saved as a pattern. It's ....different!
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31800&cat=500&page=1

I love the offset filter in pse2! It helps so much with the tiles. Redfield also has a tile workshop or something like that. It's a free filter, but it doesn't blend like you can do manually with the clone tool and the offset filter.

Coloring the patterns and textures can be a problem for me. Control-u doesn't work, I don't think. Amanda suggested lowering opacity and that helped a lot. I'm kinda spoiled by that control u thing, though! :D

Marcy :)