*Element
ELEMENT: Creating a Staple in Photoshop Elements 3
By and © Stacy Fox-Myers 2006
Mar 1, 2006, 01:19

This tutorial will show you how to create a staple in PSE without the use of
plug-ins.

1. Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool to create a skinny rectangle. In this
   example the rectangle radius was set to 5 pixels and the overall size was
   1/16” by ½”.
   
   Hint: If you are having trouble finding the Rounded Rectangle Tool, hit
   U
   then select it from the Options Toolbar.
   
   


2. Simplify the shape by right clicking on the layer in the layer palette
   and selecting Simplify Layer.
   
   


3. Select the outside of the rounded rectangle by holding down the CRTL key
   while clicking on the layer in the layer palette.
   
   


4. Use the Cloud Filter (Filter> Render> Clouds) to get a variation of grays
   across the rectangle. In this example the foreground color was 4A4A4A and
   the background was C9C8B8.
   
   


5. To add a little irregularity to the staple add noise to it (Filter>
   Noise> Add Noise…)
   
   
   
   
   


6. In the Styles and Effects pallet, select Layer Styles and Bevels. Then
   add a simple sharp inner bevel.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Your staple is ready to add to a layout.