Blending Pictures - PSE 5.0

[new2PSE]

I would like to create a header for a website.

I want to use two pictures - either jpeg or gif format - as part of the header.

I can add the pictures to the background canvas without any problem...except that they are just two square boxes on the canvas and you can see the vertical edges on the left and the right of the pictures.

What I would like to do is eliminate the vertical edges of the boxes and blend the pictures either into the background or together so that there are no vertical box edges around the pictures.

Can anyone show me *step-by-step* how to do that, please, using PSE 5.0? This really has me baffled.

Thank you very much for your help!

[Byron Gale]

new2PSE,

Here's a quick example using pictures of a fire, and a hamster... an interesting combination!! :twisted:

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1gwAY08f2rjFm42muv3Xi6wTsJH91_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1gwAY08f2rjFm42muv3Xi6wTsJH91)

I used the Canvas Size dialog to expand the Canvas of the fire image by 50% in Width only.

I then copied the hamster image into the fire image, creating a new layer.

I created a new blank layer between fire and hamster. On this layer, I drew a Foreground-to-Transparent gradient, as you can see in the Layers Palette thumbnail.

I then Grouped the hamster layer with the gradient layer.

And there you have it... Run, Fluffy!!! Run!!!!

This works because in a layer Group, the upper layer is only visible where there is content on the lower layer of the group... in this case, the hamster image fades out where the gradient fades out, so it appears that the fire is about to singe his little tail.

HTH,

Byron

[elwoodsusanm]

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1CE53bNWQ4EkKH2GPenxlGBVwzi2N11_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1CE53bNWQ4EkKH2GPenxlGBVwzi2N11)

Byron I have tired this and can't get it to work (yes I know I'm a numpty:))
Sue

[Bayla]

Sue,

Try starting your gradient closer to the join. At the moment it looks like you're starting it at the righthand edge so you're not getting the fade in the correct place.

If you want to see a video of how to acheive this blended look, Corey Barker did a Killer Tips video entitled 'Clipping Mask' - it was the second one he did, so you'll have to go to the podcasts archives and scroll down to the bottom.

Bayla

[GaryK]

Sue

As Bayla suggested move your gradient. Try starting near the middle of the words and ending near the right edge of the fountain (middle spigot thingy):)

[elwoodsusanm]

Cracked it now! Thank you:)

[new2PSE]

Hello:

After creating a new blank layer [between fire and hamster] I don't know how to draw the gradient on the new layer.

I know how to draw the gradient, but i don't know how to do it on the NEW layer.


Thanks for your help!

[GaryK]

Hi

You just have to make sure that the middle layer is higlighted (selected) then draw the gradient on that.
It does have to be grouped with the one above for it to work though.:)

[Byron Gale]

To add a bit more... if you group Hamster to the new layer beneath, Hamster will disappear until you draw the gradient.

As Gary describes, click the blank layer in the Layers palette to select it - then draw in the image window with the Gradient tool to get the effect.