Create Brush from png/create background paper

[cats4jan]

In our scrapbook kits, we often get scribbles or other designs in png format (with transparency), I like to make brushes from these pngs and make background paper.

It's easy to make brushes from anything that has a transparent background, just select it and choose Edit> Define Brush.  The brush will appear on the bottom of any brush group that is currently selected.  You can designate where it goes, if you so desire.

If you select an item and 'define brush' is not an option, your png is too large to make a brush from.  Just reduce the size of the png and 'define brush' will become an option.

Here's how I use my brushes.  I like my background paper to be subtle so I choose a color for my brush that's just a shade off the solid color.



If you want flexibility, follow these steps: 
Make a selection in any shape you wish
Fill your layer with solid color
If your shape is no longer selected, command/control click the thumbnail to get a selection of your shape
Open a new layer above that layer - brush on this layer - 
Deselect

Note:  you can brush on your shape layer, but then it's permanent and you cannot change your mind.  
If you do your brushing on it's own layer, you can delete this layer at any time.

Note: Making a selection before brushing, guarantees the brushing stays within the shape.

[cats4jan]

Here's a layout where I used my brushes

I like subtlety behind my photos, so I often resort to this method rather than using a busy background paper from the scrapbook kit.

Most items on this page and above are from the Birthday Kit from the Just Art website - kit created by various members of the site.

Photos are from Pixabay

[Sepiana]

Aug 31, 2016 17:14:52 GMT cats4jan said:

If you select an item and 'define brush' is not an option, your png is too large to make a brush from.  Just reduce the size of the png and 'define brush' will become an option.

Yes, indeed. That's the limitation of this brush-creating process.

When you define a brush the size of the area being used to create the brush (a selection within the canvas, the whole canvas, etc.) cannot be larger than 2500px in any direction. If you go over this limit, the Define Brush command will be grayed out.

[Tina B]

I like the way your brush technique worked as a background for your photos. I will have to try this as I make lots of backgrounds for my power point slides. I have combined many of the photoshop Elements things into power point creation.

Tina B

[cats4jan]

Thanks, Tina. Hope to see some of your work.