Embossed Gems

Embossed Gems
Skill level: Basic
Programs used: Photoshop 6

This tutorial will focus on how you can use layer styles in Photoshop to create astounding 3D objects using highlights and shadowing definition. This tutorial will only be useful for Photoshop 6+ users, who have access to the layer styles window.

1. Create a new canvas, 200 x 150 pixels, with a white background. Create a new layer by pressing the "Create new layer" button in the layers palette.

2. Using the elliptical marquee tool , make a selection of about 160 x 135 pixels, and now fill this layer with any color using the paint bucket tool . Press [CTRL] + [D] to deselect.

3. Double-click on the layer in the layers palette to bring up the layer style window. Click on the "Inner Glow" check box and choose the values below:

4. Now click on the "Bevel and Emboss" check box and use the values as shown below:

5. Click on the "Color Overlay" check box and use these values (the light sky blue color has a hex value of #0099FF):

6. Lastly, have a click the "Gradient Overlay" check box and choose these values (the gradient contains pure white #FFFFFF on the left and a light grey #CCCCCC on the right):

Press "OK" and you should have a nice looking blue gem.

7. You can also use filters to alter the appearance of the gem, there are plenty of options. First you need to make a new layer underneath the gem layer, then activate the gem layer and press [CTRL] +[E] to merge both layers together. This will rasterize the layers style and allow you to edit it. Using the "Filter >Artistic > Paint Daubs" menu command and using these values, I managed to make an opalescent looking gem:

Or if you're looking for a more jaw dropping effect, try using the "Filter >Artistic >Plastic Wrap" menu command to create this effect:

Try experimenting with some other filters and blending modes to achieve all the effects below:
	Spatter	Sprayed	Twirl	Glass

	Wave	Zigzag	Reticulate	Half-tone

	Chrome	Pointillize	Craquelure	HSB Noise

Embossed Gems Skill level: Basic Programs used: Photoshop 6

Embossed Gems
Skill level: Basic
Programs used: Photoshop 6