Making your own pre-set frames using a dingbat font or other shape is very easy
and opens up a quite range of design possibilities.
 Simply add a basic frame to an image or embellish even further by adding borders to the frame.

Note: the same procedure described here can also be used on an image without making a pre-set frame. However, by making a frame you are able to re-use it on any image as required.

You will need:
PSP - you can download a free 30-day trial version here
A dingbat font or other shape of your choice or download the corner I've chosen, which can be used in either version 7 or 8

Learn how to create your own corners using a dingbat font here.

This tutorial is written in PSP 8.10 but can also be done in Version 7 as well. If you have problems converting the tute to Version 7 contact me.

Don't forget to save frequently as you work.

MAKING THE PRESET FRAME

Step 1
Open a new transparent image 300 x 400

Step 2
Open the corner image file, Edit > Copy (keyboard shortcut CTRL + C)
then click back on the transparent image to make it active.

Step 3
Edit >Paste > Paste as New Layer (CTRL + L).
Use the Mover Tool to position the corner in the top left hand corner as shown.

Step 4
In the Layer Palette click on your image layer (layer 2) to make it active and then click on the Duplicate Layer icon (Version 7 - Right click on the layer and select Duplicate)

Step 5
With the copy layer active, click on Image > Flip to place the copy of the
 corner at the bottom of the page.

Step 6
Right click on the Copy layer, select Merge and then Merge Down.
(Version 7 - turn off layer 1, right click on one of the other layers and select Merge Visible)

Step 7
Highlight the merged layer and then duplicate again. (See Step 4)
Image > Mirror

Depending on the shape or dingbat used this may be all you
wish to use for your frame. If so, go to Step 11.

Step 8
Go to Selections > Select All (CTRL + A)
Selections > Modify by 5 pixels
Selections > Invert
This will put the "marching ants" either side of the narrow border around the edge of the frame.

Step 9
Set your foreground colour as desired - I have used #D3C58C from the corner colours.
Flood fill with the foreground colour. Do not deselect yet.

Step 10
Go to Effects > 3D Effects > Inner Bevel and select the Metallic preset or
use the settings below if you don't have the preset. Click OK to apply.

Step 11
In the Layer Palette right click on one of the layers and select Merge > Merge Visible.
Note: If you forget to do this step you will get a warning when trying to export it as a frame.

Step 12
Go to File > Export > Picture Frame.
In the right hand panel give your frame a name and click save.

Note: Version 7 does not have this facility for saving frames - you need to change the extension to .pfr and save the frame in the Frames folder in PSP.

USING THE PRESET FRAME

Open the image you wish to frame - if you wish to use my image of this striped rose,
left click to obtain a larger version of the rose and then right click to save to your hard drive.
 Alternatively, copy and paste as a new image in PSP.

Step 1
Go to Image > Picture Frame
In the box that opens locate the newly created frame and click OK.

Note: there are a couple of options you can also use from this box.
 For example, you can rotate the frame if you feel it better suits the subject matter.

From here you can also flip or mirror frames which aren't symmetrical.

Step 2
Go to Image > Add Border and add a 25 pixel border in a colour of your choice.
If you wish to jazz up the border with some alternative treatments just choose white.

Step 3
Use the Magic Wand to select the white border around your image.
This will put the marching ants on either side of your border.
Now let your imagination run free!
Suggestion:
Effects > Reflection Effects > Kaleidoscope
Note: The end result will depend on the original image.
Try different settings until you find something you like.

Other Suggestions

Flood fill with a pattern.
Experiment with the Effects > Textures
Experiment with other third party plugins and filters.

Step 4
Apply an Inner Bevel - I've used the Plastic preset in V8.

Step 5
Finish off your frame with another 5 pixel border same.
Refer to Step 10 of creating the preset frame.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial - if you have any queries or comments please email me.

PRESET FRAME GALLERY

If you would like to share the results of your creativity for others to download
 attach the frame file to an email and I will add it to the gallery.

Please note - the copyright for these frames remains with the creator of the frame.
 If you wish to use them for other than your own personal use,
please contact the creator by clicking on the name under the frame.

 Click on the frame image to download the file.

Created by Maureen Williams

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