ELEMENT: Hand Cut Paper

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ELEMENT: Hand Cut Paper
By Shelleyrae Cusbert 2008
Jun 26, 2008, 00:41

While a computer allows you to cut perfectly straight every time, sometimes a little imperfection can add a lot of character to a layout. This tutorial demonstrates how to create a hand cut look to paper shapes.

Create a new blank document at 300ppi
Use the Rectangular Marquee tool to create a square or rectangle on the document and fill with color (ALT+Backspace)

With the shape layer selected, choose Filter> Distort> Wave
Select Sine as the type.
Push the Wavelength Maximum to 999
Push the Horizontal and Vertical sliders to 100%
The settings you select will create different results based on your size and shape.
Manipulate the Generators, Wavelength Minimum and Amplitude Maximum to subtly distort the shape.
The setting used here are
Number of Generators: 3
Wavelength Min : 53 Wavelength Max: 999
Amplitude Min: 1 Amplitude Max: 15
Scale Horizontal: 100% Scale Vertical: 100%

Select OK to return to the document.

Repeat the steps above to create other similar shapes. Try using the Random button to make subtle changes quickly.

Save the shapes as separate files to use again.
To use these shapes, assemble on your layout and use a clipping mask. Position your paper or photo over the shape on the layer directly above. Select CTRL+ALT+G or right click the layer and choose Create Clipping Mask to fill each shape with paper or photos as desired.

Merge the clipping mask by holding CTRL and selecting the shape layer and paper layer, right click on the shape layer and select Merge Layers.