Click to download these free embossed scrapbook papers!

(Don’t miss the bonus freebie download at the end of this post)

A closer look at the embossing on these scrapbook papers created using  Photoshop CS 5.5

If you’d like to try creating your own embossed papers -

Create a new file 12 x 12 inches/300 dpi (or whatever your desired size might be) and turn on rulers and guides.

Select a vector embellishment image to use for embossing. Resize as needed. Edit > Transform > Scale

Position the vector embellishment and duplicate it  as many times as desired. (Your guides are helpful for this step if you want to maintain a straight line.)

Merge vector images together.

Duplicate the layer and position at the bottom of the layer using your guides.

Merge the top and bottom layers until you have one layer containing all.

Name this layer “embellishments” or whatever.

Also save this layer as a separate .psd file named “emboss texture” (or whatever). Save it to your desktop for now.

Create a new layer and fill it with a solid color.

Name this layer “embossed paper” (it’s not embossed yet but it will be!)

Now to create the embossed look:

Select Filter > Texture > Texturizer > load the “emboss texture” file you created.

I used these setting for my “texture”

scaling= 100%

relief=  3

light = top left

Note: I checked the invert box but that depends on texture. Play with settings and see what looks best to you.

Click Ok and Photoshop applies the file as a texture to your paper. Looks pretty good but let’s give it a richer look!

Command or control click on the embellishment layer to get the marching ants.

Click back on the “embossed paper” layer to activate layer

Now go to your dodge tool,

range = midtones

exposure = 36% or so

size your brush as needed and brush across the embossed area several times. I used a soft grunge brush.

Play with the range, exposure, dodge and burn tools until you’re happy

To create the Lacy looking paper:

Create new layer/layers for brush stokes of different size and opacity.

I used my lizard grunge brushes for these papers.

To create different paper colors I used several adjustment layers:

Hue and saturation

Color balance

Curves

Just play until you’ve got something you really like.

Save papers as high quality .jpg files.

TIP:  Be sure to eliminate guides before saving or they’ll show up in your final .jpg files. A valuable lesson learned during designer class at Hummie’s World.

You should be able to use Photoshop Elements to create embossed papers using this procedure too.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I know this isn’t a super detailed tutorial and a beginner would find the instructions confusing.

You might also like:

Wanna Rock Digital Scrapbook Design?

Awesome Resources

Free Shabby Chic “Quick Start” Quick Page 

 Free pink embossed paper

(click  to download)

An extra goodie for visiting my site directly !!

Bonus pink embossed scrapbook paper