Question from a newbie

[dburk]

Hi All,

I have a question that is driving me crazy, so I am hoping that someone can help me!

I am a fairly new beginner on Photoshop Elements 7 for scrapbooking and I really like using embellishments. However, I can't figure out when using a paperclip for example, how do I put part of it under the layer and part of it on top, so that it actually looks like it is clipping that picture to something and not just a paperclip sitting on top of the picture. Does that make sense? Right now, I am trying to put a tag onto a string to make it look like the string goes through the hole in the tag, but I just can't figure it out!! Please help!! :confused: Thanks!

[pacfam]

Hi dburk! I hope this helps. I had trouble with this as well! I am including a graphic that I hope will help. First, bring up your photo, tag or whatever in Elements. It will be called Shape 1 on the first layer. Lock this layer. Click on the padlock under the Opacity setting on the right side of your Layers palette. The padlock will then show on your layer with the photo, tag, etc.
Then drag your fastener (string, paper clip, or other ) onto the first photo, tag, etc. You will now have two layers. Bottom is Shape 1 and the one above it is Layer 2 with the fastener on it. Put your fastener where you want it and use the eraser to remove that portion that you want "under" the photo, etc. The part to erase on my combination would be the part in red. I hope this helps you. You can then put the combo on your scrap page. You'll be doing it all the time once you get the hang of it. Have fun ! Doris:)

[dburk]

Thank you, Thank you, thank you!!! It is perfect. I feel a little silly that it never occurred to me to do that before, but I will definitely use it all the time now!! Thanks again for your help!!:)

[pacfam]

You're so welcome!! I'm just happy I could explain it so someone else gets it! Woo Hoo! So don't hesitate to ask away. Keep on scrappin'