Shadow box 2

    This tutorial is written to be cross program compatible, so I will expect readers to know how to do certain things in their program of choice such as adding borders and using the magic wand, opening a graphic, etc.

    You will also need to go here:
    BorderMania Web Site
    to download the filter nvrbordermania.

    This is a filter set that is a pro version, but will still work after the 30 days expires. The pro features will be disabled after 30 days, but the filter will work well for this tutorial even then.
    If the effect in this tutorial isn't defined enough, apply additional shadows to each frame as you make it.  I like it the way it is.

    1. Open the image you wish to use in your favorite graphics program. If you like, you may use this one.
    2. Add a border of 60 pixels. You will want this border to be a very different color than any of the colors around the edges of the image to make selecting the border easier.
     
    3. Use the magic wand to select the border you added. 
    4. Fill the selection with a color from the graphic. 
    5. Open the filter nvrbordermaina, and click frame #2. Set the border width to 19, the frame width to 64, the highlight intensity to 125, and the shadow intensity to 132. There should be no check mark beside bevel, but there should be a check mark beside notch corners. 
    Click ok.
    6. Open the filter again, and this time set the frame width on 44, but leave the other settings the same. 
    7. Open the filter again, and set the frame width on 24. Again, leave the other settings the same. click ok. 
    8. Merge all 
    9.  Crop the image so that the beveled edges do not show. Copy the image to the clipboard. Check the dimensions of your finished image, and remember them.
    10. Open a new canvas with a height 20 pixels more than the height of your piece, and the width you usually make your stationery. 
    11. Fill the canvas with the color you used to frame the image. 
    12. Paste your framed image onto the canvas, and arrange it as you wish.
    13. Merge all layers.

    14. Use your selection tool to outline just the image part of your canvas.

    15. Invert the selection, and apply a texture to the frame and background. You may use your program's built in textures or the texturizer plugin. 

    16. Optimize your finished work, and save.


©Deb DeHaven