Software: Ulead PhotoImpact 10
Author: MaryLou White
Home Page: Wishing Well Tutorials
Terms of Use: Please Read

Title: Easy Bow
Skill Level: Beginner
Featured Tools:
Path Tool, Continue Draw
Adding burn to images

Additional Files:
None


Description: Everyone loves a bow. This tutorial will show you how to make a very simple bow using the tools in the PhotoImpact 10 Path library. It can be made with other versions as well. This ia a great exercise in using the Continue Draw tool.
BASIC MODE vs STANDARD
PhotoImpact 10 has two work modes, Basic and Standard. Basic Mode features a simplified workspace with larger buttons and the most common functions whereas the Standard mode displays all of the functions. We will be using the Standard mode in this tutorial.

To check your mode, click Workspace on the Menu Bar. If the Standard Mode is greyed out, that means you are already in the Standard Mode. If not, click Standard Mode now. Warning: If you switch from Standard to Basic Mode, and you have custom settings, you will lose all your custom settings.

LET'S GET STARTED!
We're going to start by making a basic path shape template that can be used over and over to make as many bows as you like.

1. Open a new image, 400x400 with either a white or transparent background.

2. Select the Path Drawing tool.

3. Notice that the menu bar has changed. It now shows all of the options associated with the Path Drawing Tool.

4. On the Menu Attribute Bar, select a Color for your template. We will use grey for this tutorial but you may use whatever you like.

Set the mode to 3D Round.

Click the down arrow next to the Shape icon and select Custom Shape. This will open the Custom Shape library.

Make sure you are in the Shape Library. Select the Symbol Tab Group. You should see a screen like the one on the right.

Double click on image S08 (the heart) to select it. This will return you to the main screen.

5. Hold down the shift key and drag your mouse across the canvas to create a heart. Holding down the shift key as you draw will result in a perfect heart. This will be used to make the largest loop on the bow. Since it is a path object, it can easily be resized so make it whatever size you like.

6. Change the Mode to Continue Draw. Make a second smaller heart inside of the first one while holding down the Shift key. Once the heart has been drawn, you can use the mouse pointer to move it into position. When you are happy with the placement, change the Mode back to 3D Round.

The Path Tool Settings window should display on your screen. Set the width to the desired width. This tutorial uses width = 11.

Duplicate the heart to create a second one (right-click on heart, select Duplicate from menu).

7. Now we need to resize the second heart so it's about 3/4 the size of the first one. Click on the Transform tool. This will cause the menu attributes to change. Select the first icon (Resize) and make sure the little lock is locked. This will keep your heart from becoming distorted. Drag any corner node inward to adjust the heart size.

8. Repeat Step 5 to make one more smaller heart with a solid center. This wil be used for the "knot" in the center. You should have three hearts, two with an open center and one solid heart.

9. Let's make the streamer ribbons next. Select the Path Drawing tool again.

On the Menu Attribute Bar, set the mode to 3D Round.

Click the down arrow next to the Shape icon and select Custom Shape. This will open the Custom Shape library.

Select the Arrows Tab Group. You should see a screen like the one on the right.

Double click on image A16 to select it. This will return you to the main screen.

Drag your mouse cursor across the canvas (do not hold the Shift Key). Make the shape similar to the one on the right. Change the width on the Tool Panel to about 4.


This completes the basic bow template. You should have 4 images similar to those shown here. Save this file as a .ufo file. You may also want to drag it into your Easy Palette for safe keeping.
10. Just a bit more and we'll get to the fun stuff. Duplicate both of the hearts with the cutout centers. Click on the Transform tool. Set the number of degrees to rotate to 90. Rotate one heart left then rotate the second heart right.

Repeat the above using the smaller heart with the cutout center, but change the degree to 45.

Arrange your bow parts as shown, then drag the smaller heart to the middle to form the knot.

Note: If you have trouble getting one heart on top of the other, click on the Pick Tool. The menu will change and display the Arrange arrows. Select the object to move up, and click the up arrow.

11. Last but not least, you need some streamers! Click on the streamer you made in step 9 to select the object. Click the Transform tool and Rotate the streamer left 70 degrees. Duplicate the rotated piece, then click the Pick Tool, and on the menu, flip it to the right. This will give you two streamers, each at a different angle. Right-click and duplicate each piece. Place the duplicate slightly above the original as shown.

Move the streamers under the bow. You may have to use the Pick tool and the Arrange arrows to do this.

Now would be a good time to save your completed bow to either your hard drive or your Easy Palette - or both!

12 Now for the fun part - adding some color! Click on any piece in the bow to select that piece. Right-click and pick Select All Objects from the menu. Open your Easy Palette and find the Material Gallery. Double-click on whatever you like - it will apply the effect to all parts of your bow. If you don't like it, press CTRL+Z to undo and try something else. You may use any presets you like to get the colors you want. When you're finished, click Web on the menu\Image Optimizer - and save your image.
Note: For the more advanced user, you might want to turn on the border option on the path tool to create an outline around the individual pieces. You may also want to apply a fill patten, then use the burn and dodge tools to add depth since applying a fill pattern will change the format to 2D.

Experiment using various shapes to make your bows.. Try some different colors. Use different Border and Depth values for yet more variations.
Happy Bow Making!


Copyright© MaryLou White.
This document may not be translated, duplicated, redistributed or otherwise appropriated without permission.