OK, now that i know how to crop pics in certain shapes, here's a new one....
how do i crop or cut a paper so that it has a curve to it, Like seen in this page from the gallery...

http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...4863&cat=10656

That was probably done with selections rather than cropping. And maybe using vectors (which I can barely spell, much less use). I would place the photo on the bottom layer, the brownish paper on the next layer and the blue paper on a third layer. Then I would temporarily lower the opacity of the second layer just enough that I could see the picture below it. Then I would use the freehand selection tool on the second layer and draw the wavy box shape I want. When your selection is highlighted (marching ants), you can then choose delete and that portion of that layer will be deleted. Then increase the opacity of that layer back to 100%. Then I would do the same thing to the third layer, slightly changing the shape so that you can see part of the second layer of brownish paper.

I'm sure there is probably a better way to do this and one of the PSP gurus will hopefull come along and show both of us this better way.

Ernie

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Did you know that I blog? Gypsy Gold Studio

When i try it freehand, it has a somewhat jagged look to it. Not that smooth sleek cut.

I'm not sure if she still has it up or available for download, but Jen Caputo offered a layout template with a curve just like that a couple of months ago on her blog. I use the template whenever i want a curve.

Otherwise, if you know how to use Bezier Curves (under the pen tool), then that is probably the easiest way to make a curve on your own. I've done several tuts on using the curves, but i'm still a bit lost

Here is the link to the tut that Tracey gave me a few months ago, you might try it out and see if you can do it.
http://suzshook.topcities.com/tutori...nes/9index.htm

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Then another stupid question would be--how do i use templates? LOL
I'm such a noob! I've never used a template!
I saw a link to that tutorial....ey yi yi! lol...I'll have to try it again while the kids are napping so i can give it 100% cuz i was not getting it earlier!

hopefully i can explain templates...or you can refer to my thread about PSD file templates where Mary chimed in with awesome instructions for me on how to use a template.

Basically open the template, put the paper you want on the layer above it. Then with the template layer active, you use the magic wand to select the area of the template you want...then you make the paper layer active, hit delete. This should give you what you want.

HTH at least a little bit

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A link to the thread would be nice...

Edited to add: Never mind. I found it!! Good thread and good information. Thanks.

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Did you know that I blog? Gypsy Gold Studio

I'm off to work right now...but an easy way is to just look at your symmetric or custom shapes and look for something that trips your trigger. Fill a layer on top of your photo with the color of choice. Draw one of your shapes on that layer. You might need to really drag the shape and make it large or distort it some...because you might only want part of that shape. (you may only need a part of that shape-say the line, not the arrow head, or part of a star)....then magic want the inside part (which hopefully is a different color than your fill layer) select it and cut it out and the picture shows through. I've sent tuts on this, possibly even on this site, but have to go to work now.