A mask can be created from any image including dingbats, tubes or even jpegs.
This opens up a wide range of decorating ideas as it becomes possible to match a mask to your chosen image.

For this tutorial I have chosen a combination of dingbats to show how to create a simple mask.
Explore the possibilities of masks using different elements.

I am using PSP 8.10 for this tutorial but masks can also be made in Version 7.

Requirements

Paint Shop Pro  - download a free 30-day trial from here
Your choice of dingbat font - I have used Fleurons, letters E, G & H.

Remember to save frequently.

Preparing the Image to Mask

Step One
Open a new transparent image 400 x 500
Set the foreground colour to null and the background colour to black.
Click on the Font Tool and select the Fleurons font with the following settings:
Create as Floating
Size 100
Bold and Anti-alias checked.

In the text box enter upper case E. Deselect. (CTRL+D)

Use the Mover Tools to position the the image at the centre bottom of the workspace.
If desired, rename this layer bottom.

Hint: Turn on the Grid (Image > Grid) to assist with centralising the image.

Step Two
In the Layer Palette click on the Duplicate layer icon.

Image > Flip to place the copy image at the top of the work space.
Rename this layer - top.

Step Three
Create a new layer and name it right top
Click on the Text Tool and enter upper case G.
Rotate the image 90 degrees to the left using Image > Rotate > Free Rotate.
Ensure All Layers is unchecked.

Step Four
Use the Mover Tool to position the rotated image at the top right hand corner.
It will be necessary to slightly overlap the images.

Step Five
Repeat Step Two to duplicate and flip this layer, placing it at the bottom right corner.

Step Six
Create a new layer.
Click on the Text Tool and enter the letters "G" & "H".
Rotate the image 90 degrees to the left using Image > Rotate > Free Rotate.
Ensure All Layers is unchecked.

Move this image to the right, between the top and bottom corner images.

Step Seven
In the Layer Palette turn off the top and bottom layers and then Merge Visible to
combine the right hand images on one layer.

Step Eight
In the Layer Palette click on the Duplicate layer icon.
Image > Mirror to place the copy layer on the left hand side.
Unhide the top and bottom layers.

Right click in the Layers Palette and Merge Visible.
Save your image.

Creating the Mask

Once you have the placement of your desired mask components it is time to create the mask.

Step One
Click on Layers > New Mask Layer > From Image

In the Source window locate the image to create the mask from.
For this tutorial we are using Source Opacity.
Note: If you are using a jpeg or tube select Source Luminance to to retain
 the variation of light and dark in the image.
For more information on these settings go to Masks in the Help Files.

Step Two
In the Layer Palette click on the mask layer to make it active.
Click on the Save Mask to Disk icon.

Give your mask a name and click save.

In the preview window on the right hand side the black area will be masked from view
 and the white areas will be the visible areas.

Testing the Mask
Open a new image in the desired size. Flood fill this layer with a light colour.
Add a new layer and flood fill with a dark colour.
Click on the Load Mask from Disk icon (Layers > Load/Save Mask > Load from Disk)

Locate the mask and click Load.

Note: To create the image at the top of the tutorial I rotated this masked image.

Other Examples

This mask was created using the the Deco Dividers letter P.

I hope you have had fun learning how to create your own masks.
If you have any problems with this tutorials email me.

Please help me keep this site up and running....
ANYTHING is appreciated, thank you so much!