Vectors and Effects

 

Create a new blank image 400X400 pixels.

Create a new layer.

Using the Shapes tool, create a dodecon as below making sure that "Create as Vector" is selected in the Shapes Tool Palette.

Click on the "Vector Object Selector" and right click on the image.

Choose "Node Edit". Move the nodes around by selecting them and moving them. At the top of the dodecon you can hold down the shift key and select all three center nodes, then move them. Deselect them all and select just the middle one to move it down even with the rest.

On the bottom of the dodecon select just the center node and move it up.

If you click anywhere in the PSP7 interface except on the image, your colored, reshaped dodecon will show up.

I used a gradient fill on my dodecon. With your vector object selected, click on "Properties" on the Tools palette. You can select your colors and set your gradient there.

On the nodes that are "cornered", where you want your points more round you can select a node, right click on it and select "Symmetry" from the pop up menu. You may have to move your nodes around a little.

You may also want to add some nodes to get a more round effect. To add nodes simply hold the Ctrl key and click on the line where you want you add a node.

Move your shape to the top of the image as shown below.

Add a couple of nodes at the bottom of your shape and pull them downward as shown below.

You can see that I had a couple of spots that were not curved properly so I went into Node Edit mode and selected each node, one at a time and fixed their curves. When you select a node, mouse over it and you will see a "rotation" symbol so that you can rotate the curves the way you want to straighten them out.

Add two more nodes just above the two bottom nodes on the stem you just created.

Pull the bottom nodes out to the sides to get the base of the shape.

Convert the layer to a rastor layer from the layers menu. Layers>Convert to Rastor.

Use the magic wand tool and click anywhere except where your dodecon is on the image. Go to Selections>Invert.

Go to Effects>Artistic Effects>Enamel and use the following settings:

1. Blur 100
2. Detail 51
3. Density 63
4. Angle 225
5. Color white

Go to Effects>3D Effects>Inner Bevel and use the settings shown below.

Below shows what your finished bevel should look like.

Go to Effects>Reflection Effects>Feedback and use the settings shown below.

Below shows what your shape should now look like.

Go to Selections>Select None.

Go to Images>Flip

Move the bottom of the shape to the bottom of the image canvas as shown below.

Go to Effects>Reflection Effects>Rotating Mirror and apply the settings shown below.

Add new layers, Layer 2 and Layer 3 as shown in the Layer Palette below, under Layer 1.

On Layer 2 using the Flood Fill tool add a radial gradient.

On Layer 3 using the Picture Tube tool add flames.

Add a new layer above Layer 1. Using the Picture Tube tool add Fireworks as shown below.

Add lights to the layer you just put the Fireworks on with the settings shown below.

Select the layer with your shape and add the same light settings as you did to the Fireworks layer.

After adding lights to the Fireworks and Shape layers you should have an image similar to below.

Add new new layer over Layer 4 and using the Picture Tube tool add Jelly beans.

Merge your layers and save your image.

All different kinds of effects can be achieved when using the technique above for creating vector shapes and altering them with reflection and other effects.

Copyright Vikki Olds, All Rights Reserved