{"id":3382,"date":"2023-06-06T08:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T12:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/?p=3382"},"modified":"2025-10-11T09:27:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T13:27:46","slug":"make-your-image-sparkle-glow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/make-your-image-sparkle-glow\/","title":{"rendered":"Make Your Image Sparkle & Glow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post is all about using styles in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (PSE). If you don\u2019t use either of these you likely have something similar in your graphics package. If not, this may not be a good topic for you. However, if you do have style effects available in your software, you might still find some useful tips about when & how to use them to spruce up your layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A while back in my post about Fonts<\/a><\/strong> I mentioned that I would have a post coming up about using layer styles. I know I gave you an example of using styles in my post about using stamps<\/a><\/strong>. But I have always intended to post some specific tips about styles. Well finally, here it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photoshop layer styles are just about what you would expect given the name. They are style effects that alter the appearance of a layer. Typically layer styles are used for text effects, but they can be used on images, backgrounds, and basically any other layer. You are probably already familiar with these in the form of the presets in Photoshop, such as Drop Shadow, Stroke, Inner Glow, etc. But there are tons more out there that create stunning effects. And the great news is\u2026I\u2019ve never found a \u201cPhotoshop\u201d style that wasn\u2019t compatible with Photoshop Elements (PSE). That doesn\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t some out there\u2026I just haven\u2019t run into any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photoshop layer styles make it incredibly simple to apply one or many different effects to your designs. When applied, a layer style is linked to all the contents of a layer \u2014 so when you move or edit that particular layer, your styles are still applied to the modified contents. The versatility of such a tool allows for tons of experimentation as you can easily switch between styles, apply different styles to different layers, and shift all of your contents around without affecting the styles. Basically, this tool is just a lot of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Layer Styles<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Sample<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What would we do without styles? Being able to add touches of virtual glitter, glass, paint, metal, wood, and so much more is one of the best parts about digital scrapbooking. The number and type of styles available changes daily\u2026I can\u2019t even begin to tell you what all is available out there today. The image above shows a small sample of some styles available through Creative Fabrica<\/a><\/strong>. Sadly, like fonts\u2026it\u2019s so easy to end up with too many loaded into your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I\u2019m not going to get into installing styles\u2026once again there are way too many good tutorials out there to cover this for you. Just search the internet for \u201cInstalling Photoshop Styles\u201d. What I am going to tell you about installing them is DO NOT install absolutely every style that you own. Just as is the case with fonts, it can lead to performance issues if you install too many. Try to keep just a core group of frequently used styles installed.  You can always add new styles as you go. If you start noticing performance issues over time, you can always go in and delete the styles used the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, on to using these wonderful tools. With your layer style(s) loaded into Photoshop or PSE, all that\u2019s left is for you to start experimenting. To apply a layer style, simply select the layer that you would like to modify and find the style you\u2019d like to use in your Style Palette.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Styles<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Then when you click the style, it will be immediately applied to your layer. If you glance at your layers palette, you will see the Effects icon at the far right edge of your layer. This means that the style(s) have been added to your layer.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Styles<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you double-click on that icon, it will open the Style Settings dialog box and you can see the different style options. The more complicated the style, the more effects you will see listed in the Style Settings box.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Style<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When you\u2019re working with preset styles that came with PSE (or whatever graphics editor you\u2019re using) I generally say it\u2019s ok to make adjustments to these style settings. Whenever you\u2019re working with a style setting you purchased from a designer I highly recommend not monkeying around with the settings (other than perhaps the shadow settings). It could dramatically alter the desired effect in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scaling Style Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now I want to tell you about one of the other style options available: adjusting the pattern size of styles by scaling. Sometimes you might want to apply the same style to different-sized objects from background papers to tiny embellishments. Smaller objects like a brad may look better with a smaller pattern than say a large piece of paper.  It\u2019s good to remember we have that scaling capability available in our \u201carsenal\u201d of tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all styles have noticeable patterns, but let\u2019s see what happens when we change the scale of styles that do. I\u2019m going to show you some examples using this layout I recently created in my creative team work for ScrapChat Designs using her \u201cSisterhood<\/a><\/strong>\u201d collection. You can see more details about this layout in my CT gallery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Sisterhood<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As you can see, a bevel style has already been applied to the title text. I love using bevels on titles and\/or word art. They just \u201czhuzh\u201d things up a bit and make the words pop more than just a shadow. Now, back to the real topic of this part\u2026scaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m going to change a couple other elements on this layout to demonstrate how changing the scaling can impact the style. For this first example I\u2019m going to be using the \u201cClearly Styles<\/a><\/strong>\u201d that came with the pack shown in the sample styles image above (from Creative Fabrica<\/a><\/strong>). I\u2019ve hidden part of the title text so you can see what happens to the \u201carrow\u201d tag underneath that text. Here\u2019s what it looks like when I simply apply a style:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Clearly<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As you can see, not only did the style apply a paint spatter to the arrow shape, it also removed the original detail and beveled the edges. Notice how you can now see the page background behind the arrow. Not really what I expected but it\u2019s still going to give you an idea of scaling as I move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that I\u2019ve applied the style, I go to Layer > Layer Style > Scale Effects.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Scale<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This opens the Scale Layer Effects dialog box allowing me to change the percentage of scaling. I then use the slider (or type into the number box) to make changes to the size of the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Scale<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Using 56% this is the result:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Clearly<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As and easy reminder here\u2019s the style before scaling:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Clearly<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

See how not just the paint splatters but also the bevel on the edges are both smaller? I just as easily could have made them larger:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Clearly<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This particular style really isn\u2019t going to work for this arrow behind the title so I\u2019m going to show you another example using a glitter style from \u201cSoul Bird Glitter\u201d part of the \u201cSoul Bird\u201d collection by Manu Scraps (no longer available).<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Soul<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Now, this could work. The color will go nicely with the rest of the layout. But I think this is just a bit too \u201cglittery\u201d compared with the rest of the page. So, I\u2019m going to scale the size of the glitter:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Soul<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

That\u2019s so much nicer. Now it\u2019s more of a shimmer than \u201cchunkier\u201d glitter. I\u2019ll apply a nice shadow and unhide the title so we can see what it looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Sisterhood<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As you can see, scaling makes quite a difference! Admittedly, some patterns look better than others when their scale changes drastically, so it doesn\u2019t hurt to experiment a bit and see for yourself which results you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you have fun adjusting the pattern size of styles by trying you hand at scaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layering Styles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This technique comes in very handy more times than you might think. This is something not everyone understands. I know I didn\u2019t when I first started using styles. There are (to the best of my knowledge) two different types of style layering. I will call the first one \u201csimple\u201d and the second one \u201ccomplex\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple Style Layering<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once you have applied one style to an element it\u2019s very easy to open the Style Settings box and change or even add styles (preset ones).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m going to go back to the glitter arrow that I created in the above layout.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Active<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the Style Settings box, you\u2019ll see that the only \u201cactive\u201d style setting is for Drop Shadow. That\u2019s because I had applied that shadow after the glitter. So, I\u2019m sure you might be wondering about where the glitter information is. The glitter style I used did not include any settings that were part of the preset options. Therefore, other than scaling, there are no settings for the glitter that can be changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I can go in and add settings for any one of the other options available. Let\u2019s see what happens if I set a bevel setting. First, I want to ensure that the \u201cPreview\u201d box is checked.  This allows me to see the changes as I apply them to the element without having to save them. I then set the bevel size to 35 pixels (px) and for Direction, I check the \u201cUp\u201d box.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Bevel<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This bevel might be a bit too steep but I\u2019m going to leave it for now. Next, I want see what happens if for Direction, I check the \u201cDown\u201d box.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Modified<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

That\u2019s a pretty interesting look.  I like that better than the upward bevel so I\u2019ll click OK. I could have added a stroke or glow effect as well. But I\u2019m happy with just the bevel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So that\u2019s the simple version of layering styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complex Style Layering<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Now I want to tell you about the trickier method of layering styles. I\u2019m guessing you\u2019re wondering when you might need to do this. Let\u2019s say you want to turn a \u201cflat\u201d paper element into a flair (glossy button or brad-type element). This is exactly when you will likely need to layer style effects in a more complex fashion. I\u2019m going to take the plaid circle behind the title and make that into a flair.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Plaid<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I\u2019ll remove the shadow until I\u2019m finished applying other styles. And since I clipped a paper to the original circle in the template I used, I need to first merge the paper\/circle & then simplify this new layer. Just a note here\u2026I would suggest that when you\u2019re first experimenting with layering styles you should make a copy of (& hide) whatever layer you\u2019re playing with before beginning. That includes copying the layer(s) before merging them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create the flair effect, I\u2019m going to use a combination of styles from \u201cStylin\u2019 109 – Flair & Gloss\u201d by Mommyish (sadly, now retired). I duplicate the simplified layer (just as a precaution) and apply one of the flair styles first, being sure to adjust the lighting angle to fit the other elements in the layout.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Flair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Now, I think I might want to apply a bit more gloss to this. Before I do that, I have to duplicate the layer again. If I try to just apply a gloss style directly over the flair that I just created it will not work\u2026all I\u2019ll get is the gloss effect. I won\u2019t even be able to see the plaid anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Gloss<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

With the duplicate layer selected I can now apply the gloss style.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Gloss<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s a subtle change but I do like it better. I still want to add a shadow back in. Now, before I do that, I can do one of two things: I can leave the two layers as they are & link them, or I can merge the two layers together. I generally leave the layers separate but linked. That way if I feel the need to change something later, it will be easier than if I have merged the layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the separate layers (not merged) I will select only the bottom (flair) layer and apply an appropriate shadow and unhide the title so we can see what the layout looks like now.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Sisterhood<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the example above with the flair I used a single set of styles that contained both the bevel and the gloss. Sometimes, you may need to combine styles from two different packs to achieve similar results. Whether using styles from the same or separate packs, you likely will follow these same steps for complex layering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you\u2019ll try layering styles to see what kind of results you can achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, the order in which layer styles are applied to the content in the layer can be very important. For example, the Drop Shadow effect should typically be applied after all other effects. Whereas, any bevel, emboss or gloss effect should typically be applied on top of any other effects. This should help when visualizing how multiple effects will be applied to the contents of a layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Single Most Important Tip About Styles<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Have<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Pretty cool, right? With those basics in mind, the fun is really just beginning. If you have a few handy style packs in your designer utility belt, you\u2019re well on your way to adding a layer of depth and professionalism to your designs. There are so many amazing products available in the marketplace to help you get started using layer styles. And you can even find some free styles if you search the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as I always say\u2026the more you work with styles the more proficient you\u2019ll become at using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, if you have any questions or need a bit of help finding a particular font, please don\u2019t hesitate to \u201cMessage Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d for some assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for reading yet another Tuesday Tip. <\/em>If you don\u2019t want to miss the next post, just click \u201cFollow Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d to stay in touch. And as always\u2026\u201cHappy Scrapping!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Stay<\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This post is all about using styles in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (PSE). If you don\u2019t use either of these you likely have something similar in your graphics package. If not, this may not be a good topic for you. However, if you do have style effects available in your software, you might still find some useful tips about when & how to use them to spruce up your layout. A while back in my post about Fonts I mentioned…<\/p>\n

Read More Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"0","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tuesday-tip-day"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3382"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3382\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3382"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3382"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}