Custom Shadows in PSE

Megan Turnidge · #1 04-09-2009, 03:13 PM

PSE is a really great program, but once you become a more advanced scrapper, it can become a little frustrating. PS has really wonderful features for drop shadows, but I figured out a way to achieve similar results in PSE! At first, it can seem a little time consuming, but once you get it down, it is very quick! I love to create custom shadows so I can get some more realistic effects on certain elements, especially on things like strings, bows, and ribbons! :) PSE does not have the ability to separate a shadow from its layer OR to warp, so here is my workaround for this.

So, this is more advanced.. if you're looking for a tutorial on basic shadows click here.

I've got my string... I am going to duplicate this element (I hit CTRL+J to duplicate). And then I create a NEW empty layer between these two layers. You can create a new layer by hitting SHIFT+CTRL+N or click on the new layer icon in the layers palette.

If you look at my layers palette in the screenshot above, you'll see my string layer, a transparent layer, then my string duplicate.

Next, I set my foreground color to the color I'd like my shadow to be. You can do black, brown, or sample your background paper and use a darker shade of your background... your choice. Then I use my paint bucket and fill my empty layer. So, now I have my string, a solid color layer for my shadow, then the duplicate string.

Now, with the solid color layer selected, hit CTRL+G. This will clip the solid layer to the string copy below it. Then hit CTRL+E (merge) to merge the color layer with the string. This will result in you having 2 layers now instead of 3. You should have your string on top, then a layer below it shaped like your string, but it's a solid color. I will refer to this second layer as the "custom shadow."

Select your custom shadow layer and move it slightly out from under your string. Keep in mind the lighting angle you are using. I usually have my light source from the lower right, so I want my shadow to be cast to the upper left. So, I nudged the custom shadow layer a little up and to the left as you can see above.

I want my string to look like parts are lifting off the page, but other parts are closer to the page. Since we cannot warp in PSE, I use my lasso tool and cut the custom shadow layer into different layers, manipulate each layer, then merge them back together. *Once you've selected the portion you want with your lasso, you can hit SHIFT+CTRL+J to cut that piece to a new layer. Here is the first cut I made, making my cut at a "joint" in the string:

Here is a shot to help you see what cuts I made. I cut it into 3 layers:

Now you can manipulate each of these pieces. Tilt them... make them larger or smaller, skew them.... just play! But be sure to hide the cut ends under the string so you can't see WHERE you cut it.

Once I have the pieces where I want them, I select them all and merge them together. Here's what my custom shadow looks like now:

Now we need to blur the shadow. I go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.

I play with the blur until I like it (I usually start around 9 px and play from there).

Then bring down the opacity in your layers palette to make your custom shadow a little lighter. You can also change the blend mode of your shadow if you like (I like to use Linear Burn).

And you're done! hehe

It's annoying at first, but once you get it down, it's not so bad. I did this for months and I'm glad I have CS4 now because it's not nearly as long, but there are lots of workarounds for PSE's limitations. :)

montmeag · #2 04-11-2009, 02:56 PM

I never thought about using the lasso and cutting the shadow into different parts. I guess i just need more practice to get it to look right. Thanks for the tips Megan.

msbrad · #3 04-11-2009, 07:11 PM

This is an interesting way of creating the shadows for elements.
I've not done it this way, but anxious to give it a try. Need to re-install
elements into the new computer.

Thank you.
m

emst · #4 04-11-2009, 08:34 PM

Great tut, I love working with my shadows as a separate file.

Sugar&Spice · #5 04-18-2009, 06:02 PM

Great tutorial!
PSE is very frustrating because it doesn't have a warp tool.
I love the idea of cutting the shadow into pieces and then moving them around.
I must admit that I now use Wendyzine's shadow actions for PSE5 because they do add the shadow onto a separate layer and saves the first bit of you tutorial. She also has one for acrylic elements, so it just adds a border (and no, I don't work for her LOL!).

I will definitely be cutting mine up though from now on. Great tip and thank you for taking the time to share it.
Px