A creative idea for backdrops

~* The Puddle Effect *~

By Valerie

Well, that's what I call it anyway...lol
(I use this mainly as a backdrop for tags, etc.)

Open a new blank image.
Click on the Lasso Tool.

Change your settings for the lasso tool as follows:
(this places a soft edge on the image)

Click on the canvas and draw a puddle. lol
(Connect the line from beginning to end.)
Example below:
(NOTE: double-click to complete your puddle.)

!! IMPORTANT !!
Once you have drawn the puddle...
grab it and move it slightly on your canvas.
This sets it as path object.
(If you do NOT do this, the puddle will become part
of your canvas... and you will not be able to move it later.)

Now you can fill your puddle with color,
texture, gradients, an image, etc.
to use as a backdrop for tags or text. :)
EXAMPLE:

*** NOTE ***
With the puddle still selected, you can click on
the PICK TOOL and make it transparent if it's too dark. :)

In this example, the transparency is set at 50%.

Here's an example of how I use it for tags: