How to add a paper clip with your image editor

Faux metal clips are a fabulous way to give a digital layout the illusion of depth, and to make it seem "held together" in a very traditionally scrapped manner. We have several paper clips available at CottageArts.net to use. They come in different styles and there are various ways to use our "full clips" and "partial clips".

 

This tutorial will show how to appropriately add each of these types to your layout -- whether to hold things together (such as photos, mats and papers), or to just add as a fun design element.

Full Clips
With a full clip, you can simply drag it on a layout if you want it to appear to be just sitting there. If you want to make it look as if it is attaching elements together, first you add it on top, and then erase the portion that you would like to appear under the elements. You can do this by selecting a small portion with the Lasso Tool or Marquee Tool. Then delete the selection (Edit>Cut). Or, use a hard edged eraser brush tool and erase with the mouse.

Papers and Safety Pin from Simply Kids CD

Partial Clips
Partial clips are easier to add to your layout - you just lay them atop the elements you want to attach together. Be sure to take into account the angle of the clip ends that appear to "go into" the elements beneath, as well as where the ends of the paper clip are. Make sure that the ends are adjacent to an edge of the paper or element you want to attach.

Papers and Rusty paper clip from Simply Vintage CD

Example Using Full Clip:

 

 

Have fun experimenting with "clipping" all different elements together, such as papers, mats, photos, and even other embellishments!