I am finding out that I enjoy making images and sigs with a mirrored effect. This tutorial is my own creation and any resemblance to any other is strictly coincidental.

This is a very easy tutorial. All you will need is a Chrome Gradient and a tube of your choice.

Open an Image 250X300 transparent, Raster Background.

Add a NEW raster layer and name this OVAL.

Using the Preset Shapes Tool, locate and use the Ellipse shape. Use these settings; antialias CHECKED, Solid line, Width 5.Foreground Color

Change you Foreground color to a brownish yellow, I am using #FFB85D, make your Background color NULL, as we just need the outline.

Move your mouse to the upper left corner at start at 15-15. Locate these numbers at the lower right of your screen by the image size, they will be x15 and y15. Drag your mouse down and to the righ until your number reach x170 and y275. Release your mouse.

Go to Effects/Texture Effects/Sculpture and use the settings below.

Go to Effects/3-D/Inner Bevel and use these settings.

You image should now look like this.

SAVE.

Click on the Foreground Color and click on the Gradient tab. Browse throught the gradients in the drop down window until you find a Chrome. I am using Mah_Chrome. Use the setting of Linear, repeat 0, angle 222. Click OKAY.

Open a new Image 250X300 transparent, Raster Background. Flood Fill this with the Chrome Gradient. With this image still active, go to Edit/Copy.

Using the Magic Wand, click INSIDE the oval. Then go to Selections/Modify/Expand and set this to 1. You now have Marching Ants inside your oval but a little into your oval. Do not worry as this will work just fine.

Add a NEW Raster layer, name this MIRROR. With the MIRROR layer highlighted, go to Edit/Paste into Selection. Selections/Select None. Now click on the MIRROR layer and drag it below the OVAL layer. Now your MIRROR is behind your frame. You can now close out the gradient layer as we do not need it anymore.

SAVE.

With the OVAL layer highlighted add a NEW Raster layer, name this TUBE. Now go into your Tubes and pick out a Tube that you would like to use. I am using a cluster of Magnolias.

Use the Deform Tool to position your Tube where you would like it to be in front of your MIRROR.

When you are happy with where your Tube is going to be, Duplicte the TUBE layer, name this REFLECTION. Click on your tube and position it "into" the MIRROR then drag the REFLECTION layer down so that it is between the OVAL and MIRROR layers.

SAVE.

With the REFLECTION layer still highlighted, lower the Opacity to 50 and then arrange the TUBE and REFLECTION layers so that the TUBE looks like it is reflected in the mirror. Do not worry id the tube shows around the edges of the OVAL, as we will clear that up next.

Close out your TUBE layer by using the RED X. Zoom in to about 300, or larger if needed. Click on the ERASER Tool and use these settings; Size 5, Hardness 100, Step 25, Density and Opacity 100. Now hightlight the REFLECTION layer and carefully erase any unwanted tube that shows on the outside of your frame.

Remember, as long as your REFLECTION layer is HIGHLIGHTED, you will not erase and other layer.

Make your TUBE layer visible by clicking on the RED X.

SAVE.

You can stop now if you prefer. Just add a new layer and add your name, then Merge/Merge Visible and save as a gif.

But I am going to dress up the Frame a bit first.

Highlight the TUBE layer, which should be the top layer. Add a new Raster layer and name it GEMS. Go into your tubes and select a jewel that you prefer.

I used a heart shaped ruby since that is my birthstone. I sized it to 25 as I did not want it too large. Then I applied it to the top of the mirror frame.

Choice #1 If you are good enough at applying the tubed gem, you can start at the top middle of the frame and place them one at a time for as how many you would like on one side. Then you can duplicate the GEM layer, then go to Images/Mirror and use the Deform Tool to position it into place.

Choice #2 If you are unsure of your ability of applying the tubed gems, you can start at the top middle of the frame and place one gem. Then you can Duplicate the GEM layer for as how many you would like on one side. Then you use the mouse to move them one at a time into place. When you have each GEM where you want them on the one side, you can make the four layers (TUBE, OVAL, REFLECTION and MIRROR) invisible by clicking on the eye (RED X). Then Merge/Merge Visible.

Next you can duplicate the GEM layer, then go to Images/Mirror and use the Deform Tool to position it into place.

When you are done, make all the layers visible. Make a New Raster layer and add your name. Add a Drop Shadow to your name and to the TUBE layer if you prefer. Merge/Merge Visible.SAVE