HELP ! ! ! Need Assistance Making Large Template

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Posted By
Stardancer
Apr 10, 2004
Views
473
Replies
9
Status
Closed
Greetings Everyone,

I’ve been knocking myself out trying to make a larger version (12" x 12", 300 ppi) version of templates as on this link:

<http://www.earthmandalas.com/how/templates.html>

Can anyone tell me how these were made? I would think it would be relatively simple, but I’ve just wasted about an hour trying to figure out how these were made. I’m using Photoshop 7.

I did copy these larger ones, and then tried to increase them to the size and ppi I needed, but the lines between the colors became distorted (pixles became jagged), and I need smooth lines to make these mandalas in a larger format.

Sure would appreciate some ‘dummy proof’ (maybe step by step?) directions on how to make these much needed templates.

Thanks in advance.
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LenHewitt
Apr 11, 2004
Use the pen tool to create a path by using one of the segments as a guide.

Now change the size of the image from Image>Image Size and delete the original image.

You will now have just a path of the correct size/ orientation. From the paths palette select the workpath and then Make Selection. Fill that selection with black. CTRL+D to de-select. Select the path again with the path selection tool and then Transform Path>Rotate.

Set the rotation point to what will be the centre of the segments and rotate the path to the next position. Again, make a selection and fill with red.Repeat for other segments.
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Stardancer
Apr 11, 2004
Len,

Thanks for your feedback suggestions. Is there a secret to getting the pen to draw a straight line? Here’s what I did (without much success)…

I created a new layer on the template. I used the ‘free form pen’ and drew small sections of the first color wedge. A few time, the pen lines seemed to ‘snap to’ the pattern of the image I was copying (as if on a ‘snap to grid’). Other times, the lines didn’t ‘snap to’, and they were way outside of the pattern. And the curve across the top was a total disaster. Not smooth at all.

I was wondering if there was a way that I could use your same technique, but in the new layer, use the Elliptical Marquee tool to create the curved edge (creating a circle). Then somehow (need your suggestions here) create the straight lines of each side of the wedge. Then cut away what I don’t need (use the crop tool? or erase tool?) and start with my first wedge. Then use your ideas to flip the wedge on a new layer and color it?

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Stardancer
RW
Rene_Walling
Apr 11, 2004
To draw a straight line with the pen tool:

1) Click once at the start of the line
2) Click a second time at the end.

You now have a straight line.

Look in the PS help file for more detailled info on how to use the pen tool.
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LenHewitt
Apr 11, 2004
Stardancer,

You need only three ‘control points. to create those segments.

Click with pen tool on the centre, Click again at the circumference, but this time drag in the direction of the curve. Click on the circunference where the segment ends, and then click back on your starting point.

Now use the ‘convert direction’ tool on the two anchor points on the circumverence to drag the control handles to make the path match the shape. Voila! perfect segment as a Path!
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Stardancer
Apr 12, 2004
Rene,

Thanks for your feedback on making a straight line. Once you know how to do it, it’s really simple. Lots of good info in the PS Help file.
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Stardancer
Apr 12, 2004
Len,

Ok, I’m making progress. Thanks for your ‘clues for the clueless’! LOL! ! Two more questions from your earlier post:

You said: Select the path again with the path selection tool and then Transform Path>Rotate.

Question: I don’t see a ‘Transform Path>Rotate’ anywhere. I don’t see it under ‘Edit>Transform’ – just ‘Edit>Transform>Rotate’ – and if I right-click on the ‘Work Path’, the option to ‘transform path’ is not listed. Where would I find that option?

You said: Set the rotation point to what will be the centre of the segments and rotate the path to the next position.

Question: Not sure what you mean here. Do you mean to move the ‘center button’ in the middle of the bounding box? I selected Edit>Transform>Rotate. Then I moved the center button to the center of the first wedge selected, pressed ‘enter’ and nothing happened. More details, please.
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LenHewitt
Apr 12, 2004
Stardancer,

‘Transform Path>Rotate’ anywhere<<

You haven’t got the Path selected. With the Path selected the Edit>Transform becomes ‘Transform Path’

Do you mean to move the ‘center button’ in the middle of the bounding
box?<<

Yes.
S
Stardancer
Apr 12, 2004
Len,

Thanks for your guidance with this. Your diagrams above *really* helped. Especially the second one.

I still wasn’t getting ‘Transform Path’, and read PS Help and discovered the ‘path selection tool’. When I clicked on the path with the tool, then selected Edit, the ‘Transform Path’ option was there. Previously, I was right clicking on the ‘Paths’ tab, and selecting the ‘Make Selection’ option. I would get the ‘marching ants’ around the path, but the ‘Transform Path’ option was not there.

So now I selected Transform Path>Rotate, moved the center mark per your picture below, and I can rotate the path and manipulate it to line up with the first object.

If I click ‘Make Selection’ on the Path Tab, I get the ‘marching ants’, and then fill with the second color. Wahoo ! ! !

Thank you, thank you, thank you ! ! Your patience and guidance is a wonderful gift to this Photoshop community.
L
LenHewitt
Apr 12, 2004
You’re very welcome, Stardancer

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