
Learn how to create a digital scrapbook template or design in this tutorial. You will learn how to pull different scrapbook elements together with your photos.
Find a texture representing the tree bark of 1280×1024 px and 72 dpi.

Give some contrast effect to our texture, applying the Rectangle Tool (U) for this manipulation.

Set the next shown parameters for the made layer by making a mouse click on this layer on the layers’ palette.
Fill 0%, Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient’s parameters:


Using the same tool, try to dark out the picture along its edges.

The layer’s parameters: Fill 0%, Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient’s parameters:


Next we’ll use a pattern, like the one from below:

Edit>Define Pattern
Using the Rectangle Tool (U) now, we’ll represent the primary layer reserved for a scrapbooking element. The layer’s color in this case is #C3C3C3

Using the Free Transform option, try to turn over the layer the way demonstrated below:

The layer’s parameters: Blending Options>Drop Shadow

Blending Options>Pattern Overlay

Blending Options>Stroke


Next we’ll download a set of brushes for Adobe Photoshop, named Swirls.
On a new layer (Create new layer) with Blending mode-Color Dodge parameters, we’ll apply the downloaded brushes for introducing several different ornaments along the picture’s edges. The brushes’ color is #959595. Select after that Lock transparent pixel option (on the layers’ palette) to paint out the edges of the ornament, using for this operation the same standard brush.


the standard brush:

Using the Rectangle Tool (U), make another layer above the previous made one. The new one will have the color #DDDDDD. Insert additionally two tops on the right top corner, choosing the Add Anchior Point Tool. The top on the right corner should be deleted, selecting the Delete Anchior Point Tool.

Make a right click on the previous made layer belonging to the scrapbooking element (on the layers’ palette) and copy out the layer’s effects (Copy Layer Style), but on the recently made one click on Paste Layer Style.

Next we’ll select the Pen Tool (P) to make a bend corner for the scrapbooking element, the layer having the color #DDDDDD

The layer’s parameters: Blending Options>Drop Shadow

Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient’s parameters:

Blending Options>Pattern Overlay


Using the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) with the radius of 10 px, represent a kind of window reserved for our photo.

The layer’s parameters: Blending Options>Inner Shadow


Insert the picture we want to have on the scrapbook ( I used this picture from SXC. I would like to thank the author of this picture):

Press Alt button and make a mouse click between the picture’s layers and the window’s layer on the layers’ palette.

If necessary, we’ll displace a little the picture, using in this case the Free Transform option or the Move Tool (V) for the appropriate angle:

Next we’ll introduce the title on this scrapbook, following the demands from the next demonstrated table:


The final result!
View full size here.