Multi-layer Frame Tutorial

Multi-layered Frame Tutorial

For this tutorial, I will be using the following graphic, feel free to save it to your computer and follow along.

You will need a metallic gradient or pattern and a textured pattern.

Also, you will need some plug-in filters.  I am using Kang filters for the frames.  If you go to this website, you will see a section that allows you to download the various Kang filters:
http://www.photoshop-filters.com/html/kang.htm

(If you are having problems with the filters, IM me with an email address and I can send you a zipped file of these plugins.)

Step 1:  On your graphic, we are going to add a border, size 3.
>Image>add border> set to 3 all the way around.

Step 2:  Click on the magic wand and then click the bordered section around your graphic. This should give it the 'marching ants'.  From here, choose a metallic color to fill with.  I chose metallic blues.

Fill in the highlighted border with your metallic color. Then deselect your image.

Step 3:  Next we are going to add a border, size 12.
>Image>add border> size 12 all the way around.

Step 4:  Pick a color in your image with your color picker tool, preferably a lighter color.  Again, we are going to select the border with the magic wand.    Once you have that, flood dill the border with yoru chosen color.

Step 5:  With the border still selected, we are going to create the framed effect.  Go to Adjust>add/remove noise>add noise.
The settings will be:
Check the 'uniform' button
Check the monochrome button
Noise set to 15%
And click ok.

Step 6: Now we are going to give the frame a raised effect.  Go to Effects>Inner bevel and the settings will be:
Bevel shape 2 (the pie shaped one)
Width 20
Smoothness 12
Depth 8
Ambience -38
Shininess 0
Color- white
Angle 315
Intensity 45
Elevation 66
Click ok and deselect your image.
So far, it should look like this.

Step 7:  We are going to repeat the above steps using a darker color from your image.
Add a border size 12 again and select with your magic wand.  Flood fill this section with the darker color, adding the noise and inner bevel.  Then deselect.

Step 8:  Now we go back to the first border.  Add a border, size 3 again and select with your magic wand.  Here we are going to flood fill with the metalllic blue again.  Then deselect.  We should look like this now.

Step 9:  Time for the main part of the frame.  Here we will go to Image>resize canvas.  You will add 60 pixels to the previous dimensions.  For this image, it is 396 and 504.  Make sure your image is centered and press ok.  You should now have a wide border around your image.

Step 10:  Here, you will need a texture or pattern.  I am using this pattern, feel free to snag and use it too.

Select your border with the magic wand and flood fill it with the chosen pattern/texture. 

Step 11: Go to Effects. Plugins> Kang 2> x-cubes  (this is where we have installed the new filters.)
My settings are as follows, though you can play around with them to make different effects and/or colors.
Size  45
Sex   255
Flatness   0
Red   153
Green  153
Blue   238
Click ok  and we should look like this now.

Deselect your image.

Step 12:  Go to Image> add border> size 3 and select with magic wand.  Flood fill with your metallic.  Deselect.

Step 13:  Repeat the two frame steps with the lighter than the darker color.  Border size 12, don't forget to add noise and inner bevel each one.  Then deselect your image once again and we will have this.

Step 14:  The fun part...decorating!
Now we are going to add accent corners.  I am using this one.

Go to Layers>new raster layer and click ok.
Paste your corner to your image in the upper left corner.  Then click on the eye of the main image in your layers pallete so that the main image is not visible.

You will now have just an image of the corner.  Click Effects>drop shadow and follow the settings:
Vertical offset  6
Horizontal       6
Opacity  70%
Blur 6.00
And color is black or off black
then click ok.
Deselect your image.

In your layers palette, right click the corner layer and selcet duplicate. 
Then go to image and select mirror.
Go to Layers>merge>merge visible.
Again in your layers palette, right click the corners layer and select duplicate. 
Go to Image and select flip this time.

You should now have 4 corners.  Merge your visible layers again.
Now, uncheck the eyeball in your layers palette to bring the main image back into view.  Merge all to flatten and you now have a beautifully framed image that looks like this.

If you have any questions, ask.  I will be glad to help any way I can.
Experiment with different accents.  You can add bows and jewels to make different effects.  And of course, the different filtrs will produce different effects in the main frame.