Creating my own digital elements

[Jude Dettmann]

I created an element of a safety pin to use in my layouts, but I need help on making it more realistic. How do I get the little shadow where the pin pierces the paper? Right now it's looking kind of flat. I think it still needs a little cleaning up - I still have a little background showing...

[Diane (diney)]

Hi! What program do you use?

[Jude Dettmann]

Photoshop elements 6 for Mac

[Lynda Farabee]

Hi Jude - In PSE6..select your safety pin, click on your effects palette on the layer styles button (first one is filters, second one is styles). To the right of that button is a drop-down menu, select drop shadows. Four drop shadows come with the program. You would probably want something subtle like "low" or "soft edge."

Oftentimes freebie drop shadow styles are available from time to time or for sale on designer sites also. Or you can make your own. If you're interested in making your own, check this site for a tutorial on the subject. If you don't find one, let us know and someone will create one!

If this isn't clear, be sure and let us know!

[Jude Dettmann]

Thanks Lynda. I was actually looking for how to make it appear like the pin is piercing the paper - a drop shadow alone won't do that, I'm afraid. Could you guide me to any resources on that sort of effect?

[Lynda Farabee]

Someday maybe I'll learn to slow down and read instead of skimming! Use your eraser tool...visualize how that safety pin would pierce something and erase that portion covered by the paper/cloth? Does that help? I'll see if I can find anything that might be more clear....