We've done a lot of overlay work here on this blog, but I'm not sure with we've done an actual tutorial on using an overlay as an actual overlay in PSP. So, let's jazz up those papers.

First, I made this overlay for you to practice with:



See the store for the overlay - remember don't give out the direct link to your friends, send them to the blog to get it for themselves!

First, unzip your overlay. Then open it PSP.

Let's jazz up a paper! Also, open a paper that you have already. One that you'd like to embellish a little. Make it pop a little.

Now, copy your overlay (CTRL + C or right click on the top of it and click on copy)

Now, go to your paper that you want to use the overlay on:



(All images are clickable to see the image full size) Right click on the top of your paper and paste, paste as new layer.



This is what it will look like. (I am just using a 12 X 12 canvas filled with burgundy, if you are using a paper, it will look different because you'll be highlighting the textures and colors on the paper, it's a very cool effect when we get going.)



Over on your layers palette there is a drop down box that should have normal as the default. Click on it. Now, I'm going to click on Burn. One of my favorite blend settings.



See how it "burns" it into the paper? This is my favorite when I am working with papers that have a lot of contrast between light and dark in them.

A very popular setting would be the overlay setting. It merges the pattern on to the paper. Here is the blend setting on soft light - another one that I use a lot. It's like overlay, but makes it a little softer.



Screen is another setting that I use a lot. That tends to make the whole thing look lighter. And if you're working with an overlay that doesn't have a lot of transparency to it, it can make your paper look white.

Let's play a little more -

I am back on burn and I am going to play with my opacity. right above your blend setting, set at 100% by default.



Slide it down til you find a look you like.

Another thing I do - not normally with grids, but since that's what we're using here, that's what I'll use, is use flip and mirror.

I duplicate the layer.



Right click on the overlay in your layers palette and click on duplicate.

Now use mirror, under image - mirror:



Then Flip it - Image, Flip:



Then play with your opacity again on both layers.

When you get the look you like, right click on one of the layers in the layer palette and merge visable. There is your paper. Now you can add your photos and elements and make a rocking page!

See, all those overlays floating around out there? Not just for commercial use, I use them so much on my own personal scrap pages. They add another little kick of pizzazz!

If you'd like to check out some overlays, I've got tons of them in my store.

Have an awesome Friday!

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