*Element
ELEMENT: Metal Rim Tags
By Sandy D.
Feb 8, 2005, 20:22

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE PDF VERSION HERE.

Open a new image, whatever size you choose for your tag.   I will use 500x500 pixels/inch and 300 dpi resolution.   Make sure you select raster and transparent background.

Select your shape tool


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Choose these settings in for your tool options.   You can choose any shape that you want, for this tutorial I will use the ellipse.

Set your width at around 10, large enough that you will be able to see a border around your circle when you draw it.

Now choose your colors.

Go to your materials palette:



Choose a dark color for the foreground/stroke color and then whatever color you want in the background/fill.   The fill will be the inside of your tag and the stroke will be the rim of your tag.

The top box is the stroke and the bottom is the fill, just scroll your mouse over to see the names.   To change colors just double click on the box to choose another color.

Holding your left mouse button down draw out your circle in your open image.




Looks like a pretty flat tag at this point.   You now want to create your metal rim on the edge color.  

First convert your vector tag layer to a raster layer.   Layers>convert to raster layer

Choose the magic wand selection tool from your toolbox, click on the arrow to see the selection tools menu.




Use the following settings for the magic wand: mode: remove, tolerance 55, etc




Now using your wand, click on the outer edge of your circle or shape.   This will select only the outer color.  

To make that selection look like a metal rim, Effects>3D effects>inner bevel

Then choose the metal ring 2 preset (if you have it) if not use the following settings:




CTRL D to deselect the rim.  

To finish off the tag; using your selection tool and the circle shape select a small area at the top for your hole and then delete it.   TIP: to move your circle selection once drawn, switch to the move tool and using your right mouse button drag the selection to where you want it.   This step saves re-drawing your selection over an over to get it just right.

You may want to add in drop shadow as well.   Then dress it up with your fiber, ribbon, text, images, etc…

Here is my finished product with a hole in the top and a drop shadow.




Variations to this tutorial:

Choose a different shape when you draw out your tag

Adjust the width of your line when you are drawing your tag

When you are choosing your background/fill color choose a texture instead of a solid color.   Double click on the fill box in the materials palette to open the material options and then click on texture and choose from one of the many textures.   This will give the inside of your tag a vellum appearance.  

This sample was done using the same color as above and I used the weave texture from the materials palette.