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Cut it out PDF Print
Written by Paula Yagisawa   
Thursday, 07 June 2007
This month's topic and lesson is how to "cut" paper to mimic the look of fancy scissors.

While there are probably countless ways to accomplish this, I find that creating and using templates is the easiest method. So, this tutorial will focus on creating the template; but it will also touch on using the template.

The first step, is to figure out what you want your edge to look like. You can either sketch it or just figure it out in your mind. For my example, I'll be making a scalloped edge. This is one of the easiest to create and a great place to start!



Next, determine what shape or brush can be used to make the shape. You are basically looking at one edge only if you are creating a straight line - I normally think of the "top" of the shape, but you could use any side.

In the case of my scallop, I could use the basic paintbrush tool - set large and spaced; or I can use the shape tool circle - duplicated and spaced as desired. I used the shape tool to create the example, but you really shouldn't be able to tell a difference between these two methods!

Create a straight line!

Using the Shape tool: Make a single shape in the size you want. Duplicate that shape (in PSE, I use duplicate layer) and move the copy over your desired spacing. By keeping track of your screen placement, you can make sure the spacing is perfect. Now, merge these two and repeat. Continue this process until you have a line the desired length.

Using a paintbrush: Use a preset paintbrush or create your own (each program does this differently) and use it to create your perfect line. By changing the spacing of the paintbrush to 75-95%, you can get a line that overlaps slightly but is spaced enough to give you an attractive edge.

Whichever method you select, you should play around with the shapes and spacing to get the look you want. You can even use two shapes and alternate them for a double fancy cut!

Save your line!!!!

Now, you'll want to convert your line into a template. You can make a paper strip, a matt, a frame, or even the edge for a full sized paper.

* For the following instructions, I find the neatest way to fill your space is with the selection tool. This will prevent distortion to the edges of your created line.

We'll start with a paper edge: Make sure your line is at least 12 inches long and place as desired on a 12x12 blank image. Now, select the area that will be filled in with paper and fill it with a solid color to match the line. (in my example, I've used a different color to make it more visible). Make sure there are no gaps between the "line" and the filled space.

For a paper strip: Repeat the same as for a paper edge, but instead of using only one line, you'll use two! Place the first line as desired. Duplicate that line but rotate 180 degrees. Space these two lines as desired. Make sure these lines are on the same layer and fill the space between them.

For a paper matt: This time, you will want a shorter line - make one that is the width desired for your matt. Now, copy that line onto your blank image. Duplicate that layer and rotate 90 degrees. CAREFULLY line up these two pieces matching at the corner. If you want your matt taller or shorter, you will need to adjust that now (duplicating or removing as needed). I like to merge the visible now and duplicate the entire combination. Rotate the duplicated layer 180 degrees and move into position. Finally, merge the layers and fill the inside to create a solid shape.

Save each template as you go - that way, you'll have options for future use.


Using your Template:

"Grouping" or using a mask - in Photoshop products, you can copy a paper (or photo) over the template and then click ctrl G to "group" the paper to the template. This causes the paper to take the shape of the template. Merge layers and then you can save and/or use your cut out paper in a layout.

"Filling" the template - if you can't group the paper to the template, you might want to try filling it. Save your desired paper as a fill pattern and then fill the template shape with the saved pattern.

"Select and delete" the background - copy your paper on a layer over the template. Now, on the template layer and using the magic wand, select the background. Next, make the paper layer active and delete or clear the selected area. This should leave you with only the template shape - but cut in the shape of your template.
 
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