Creative Clipping Masks

SUBJECT: Using digital scrapbooking elements as clipping masks
LEVEL: Beginner
PROGRAM: Tutorial written for PSCS2 and PSCS3, compatible with PSE

Have you ever found yourself liking the basic shape of a frame, journaling mat or border, but wishing it a different color? Or perhaps you've been scrapping and needed a square frame, only to find there isn't one in the kit you are using. Using elements as clipping masks is a great way to use your scrap stash in a new way and customize items for your specific needs.

Start by opening the element you'll be using as a shape (clipping mask). In my case, I'll be using a scalloped-edge frame from Happy Birthday Baby Girl. File >Open.



Search your supplies for a background paper to 'clip' to the shape and open it. File>Open.



Click on the background paper and drag it onto the element canvas. The background paper should completely cover the element.



Now 'Clip' the background paper to the element as follows:

PSCS2 - Ctrl+Alt+G or Layer>Create Clipping Mask
PSE - Ctrl+G



If you like the result, go Layer>Merge Down and you have a customized element ready for use.




If you see yourself using this technique often, when you find a shape you like in a kit, consider 'clipping' a plain black background paper to the element. Save the shape in a 'Clipping Masks' folder and create library of various shaped frames, mats, borders, etc. for future use.

Papers and elements appearing in this tutorial are from Happy Birthday Baby Girl and Daddy's Apprentice from Misty Cato, available at Sweet Shoppe Designs.