Technique: Random Shaped Journaling + Text on a Path

Schools out for the summer. Insert long sigh ... wait for it ... wait for it ... here! Ahhhhh! No more hearing "like, whatever" from upper teen and little twenty somethings. No more hearing why "old ladies -- like me -- shouldn't be on Facebook. Like whatever, I'm older and I've got more insurance.

Now I can "finally" update and clean up my blog amongst many other things. With that in mind let's reintroduce some techniques I frequent that I've shared around the WWW. I think it's about time I rounded them ALL up here. Probably won't blog new posts about each. But you can check them out whenever you wish using the links on the left sidebar.

This one is an oldie but goodie from February '08 at the OLW. I can't believe I still use this technique to this day! It's just that good ...

Of worthy note: This trick is good for versions of Adobe Photoshop CS2 and above. Elements does not yet offer a text on a path. However, I have heard Elements users *can* buy actions which simulate this technique -- I have never tried them. I do know that Elements users can manipulate text on paths which were first created in Photoshop. You can holla at me if you have specific questions about that! Now, on to the technique!

This is not new; matter of fact lots of peeps discuss how to create text on a path. But my method is a bit different: I like to create Random Shaped Journaling. Most of my pages and the templates I design use random shaped journaling which follows the shape of the photos or elements around it. It creates a seamless look on a page ... like the journaling was *meant* to be there. It implies movement and flow. And it makes my heart super happy!

Step 1

Create a new document in Photoshop. It can be any size you wish, however be sure to set your resolution to 300 pixel/inch. Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool, hold down the shift key to create a circle/release to create an oval, and click & drag the mouse to draw the circle on the canvas. You will see a group of "marching ants" once the circle is complete. (no pun intended).

Step 2

Create additional circles using the click & drag method and the mouse. Be sure the circles intersect. You can also use the Alt Key to detract from the shape.

Step 3

With the circles selections created, click on the Paths Pallete and select the "Make work path from selection" icon. The icon reminds me of a circle with pig-tails. Select the Horizontal Type Tool and click within the circles to type your journaling.

Step 4

Hit Enter. That's it! Use your shaped journaling within a digital layout or print, cut out and adhere it to a paper. I love to include additional elements around my shaped journaling for an added touch. Here's the layout I created to illustrate the technique back in '08.

And here's the same technique used on a newer layout. I placed the elements first then used the marquee tool to draw a random shape around my elements. Also try experimenting with the other shaped marquee tools to create tighter shape paths.

Thanks for taking a peek at my tutorial! I hope you'll use the technique and show me what you can do. :D

Comments

[Molly]

Oh, I always wondered how you did that! Great of you to share. I'll send you a link when I try it out. :-)

[jmutchelr]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial.