Decided to top an envelope with a
flat-bottom tube?  Or just want to
decorate one for a new creation? 
Let's make a fancy envelope tube to
use with your creations. 
  

Skill Level: Intermediate

 

This tutorial was written in PSP9, but

other versions should work also

 

SUPPLIES

 

Filters:

MuRa's Meister: Cloud 2.2 (Here)

 
A Tube or Accents (Optional)
 

Performance Notes:

All settings will remain the same,

unless otherwise noted

 

It's quick and easy, so 

LET’S BEGIN

 

1. File > Open
Select your tube or accents
 
2. Window > Duplicate (Shift + D)
Close original
 
3. Image > Resize
Settings:
Resample using = Bicubic
Lock aspect ratio = Checked
Resize all layers = Checked
Resolution = 72.000
Width = No greater than 300 pixels
Height = Will readjust itself
 
4. Dropper Tool (E)
Left click in tube to choose
a light color as Foreground Color
Right click in graphic to choose
a dark color as Background Color
 
5. File > New
Settings:
Width = 300 Pixels
Height = 200
Transparent = Checked
(you can also try 500 x 350 to use a
larger envelope for a header)
 
6. Flood Fill Tool (F)
 
Settings:
Match mode = None
Sample merged = Checked
Blend mode = Normal
Opacity = 100
Floodfill your Image with your dark
color
 
7. Effects > Plugins > MuRa's Meister > Cloud
Settings:

 

8. Preset Shape Tool
Settings:
Shape = Triangle
Retain style = not checked
Anti-alias = checked
Create as vector = checked
Line style = solid
Width = 1
Starting at your upper right-hand corner,
Draw out your triangle across the
canvas like so:
 
Pull the nodes out, so your triangle
is fully touching all sides, then pull
down the top node about 50 pixels
(100 if you chose the larger envelope)
 
 
 
9. Layers > Convert to Raster Layer
 
10. Selections > Select All
 
11. Selections > Float
 
12. Selections > Defloat
 
13. Selections > Modify > Contract
Settings:
Number of Pixels = 2
  
14. Effects > Plugins > MuRa's
Meister > Cloud
 
15. Selections > Select None
 
16. Effects > 3D Effects > Drop Shadow
Settings:
V & H = 0 (zero)
Opacity = 65
Blur = 23.00
Color = your dark color
(Or one of your choice)
Shadow on new layer = not checked
 
17. Effects > 3D Effects > Inner Bevel
Settings:
Bevel 2
Width = 6
Smoothness = 24
Depth = 3
Ambience = 17
Shininess = 31
Color = White
Angle = 0 (zero)
Intensity = 32
Elevation = 40
 
18. Layers > Duplicate
 
19. Image > Flip
 
20. Layers > Merge > Merge Visible
 
That's all there is to your envelope. If
you are just fancying up your
envelope you can do that here and
you're done.  For an envelope topper,
continue on...
 
21. Image > Canvas Size
Settings:
Lock aspect ratio = not checked
Width & Height = 500 Pixels
Placement = center
 
22. Edit > Copy your tube
 
23. Edit > Paste as new layer
with your envelope
 
24. Move Tool
Arrange your Envelope and topper
together
See goal shots for example
 
25. Layers > Merge > Merge Visible
 
That's it! There's no end to your creativity.