Creating Dingbat Patterns
by Maureen Williams

A request from an egger on how to create patterns using PSP was the inspiration
 for this very easy tutorial. Any font can be used to create your own dingbats but I
 recommend a script type font with flourishes for added flair.

Although I have used two colours in the tutorial to show the stroke &
fill properties of the font, the dingbats can also be created using a gradient.
 For an interesting variation try using white for the background and foreground
 colours and then apply your favourite Super Blade Pro effect.

Once you have created your basic dingbat it can be saved as a tube and
used to create patterns for egg designs - let your imagination run wild!

This tutorial was created using PSP 7 but can be done in other versions as well.
 Images have been resized for faster downloading of the pages.

Download a zip file of suitable fonts and my Emu coloured gradient.
Unzip the file and copy the gradient into the Gradient folder.
If you need help to install the Fonts go here.

Now let's get started.
Don't forget to save frequently.

Step One
Open a new transparent image 500 x 350.
This will give you plenty of room to move around.
Choose suitable colours for the foreground (stroke) and background (fill).
I have used black and a gold colour  #BFAA69

Step Two
Click on the Text Tool icon
I am using Amazone BT - letter Q
Size 150, Floating & Antialias checked.
In the Tool Options box set the Width to 3.

Step Three
Choose your desired character and click OK

Step Four
Click on Image, Rotate, Left 90

Step Five
In the Layer Palette right click on Layer 1 and select Duplicate.
Click on Image, Mirror.

Step Six
Click on the mover Tool and slide the right hand image
to cross over the left hand image.

Step Seven

In the Layer Palette click on Merge, Merge Visible.

Variations

Depending on the letter used and the effect you are
 looking for, this may be all you want or need to do.

However, there are numerous variations possible from this point.
 The Deformation Tool offers a range of possibilities
 including skewing the sides by holding down the
shift or control key while moving the corner marker.

Another variation you may want to consider is to duplicate your
 merged image and then go to Image, Flip. Move the top image down as desired.

From here you can apply a texture effect, add an  inner bevel
 or even export your pattern as a tube. Just experiment and have fun.

If you need help to create a tube go here.

PSP 8 Deformation Variations

Experiment with the Mesh Warp tool on the Deformation tab.
 To maintain a symmetrical pattern deform the original
 image before duplicating and mirroring the image.

Hints & Tips
To select all of the pattern to Flood Fill or apply an effect click on
Selections, Select All (CTRL+A) and then Selections, Float (CTRL+F).

To enlarge the selected pattern click on Selections, Modify, Expand by 1 or 2.

Egg Artistry Tips
Use a green gradient the colours of the emu egg to
make it easier to visualise a carving or sculpture pattern.

The stroke (foreground colour) could be outlined with fine gold cord
 and the remainder  of the design filled with glass paint,
 imitation enamel or even flatback rhinestones.

If you like the basic shape of the dingbat but it looks too fussy to cord
 or paint use the Eraser tool to remove any unwanted areas.

These unique dingbats could be used to create filigree patterns for carving.
Experiment with different letters and fonts as well
as the placement and rotation of the letters.

Please share what you come up with to encourage others to have a go as well.

If you have any problems following this tutorial please contact me.