Christmas Tree




I have seen Christmas Tree tutorials done in pixels, vectors and clipart. I figured I could
do it an easier way, and less time consuming. So I sat down and came up with this tutorial.



Let's get started



#1 Open a new image 300X300. Click on your Paintbrush Tool, size 2. Pick a nice deep,dark
green for your foreground, I am using #096109, and a medium green for your background, I am using #0c7e0c.

#2 Now, draw what you think the BOTTOM section of your tree will look like. The broughs
can be all even, jagged, or in sections like I am doing. Now, add a TOP to your outline,
as we will be using this for all sections of your tree. Each tree will be different,
so do not worry, this is your tree. Plus, this will be the main shape that your tree will
take, so make this however you want your tree to look. I am using a white background so
that you can see the outline better. ZOOM in to be sure you do not have any open spaces.


#3 Click on your Magic Wand and use these settings; Mode: Add, Tolerance 0,
Contiguous CHECKED, Anti-alias UNchecked. Click INSIDE your outline.
Add a NEW layer and Flood Fill with your medium green. Select NONE.
Right click on your layer Arrange/Send to Bottom.


#4 Highlight your TOP layer, this should be your OUTLINE.
Add a Drop Shadow using the settings below (Effects/3D/Drop Shadow).
Merge/Merge Visible.


#5 Duplicate this layer and go to Image/Resize and change setting to 90%. Make sure
Resize All Layers is UNCHECKED.



#6 With the Mover Tool, position this section above the bottom section. See my image below.



#7 Now it is starting to take shape. Duplicate this layer and RESIZE changing
the percent to 80%. Position this on top of your last layer.

#8 Duplicate this layer and RESIZE changing the percent to 70%.
Position this on top of your last layer.

#9 Duplicate this layer and RESIZE changing the percent to 80%.
Position this on top of your last layer.

#10 Duplicate this layer and RESIZE keeping the percent at 80%.
Position this on top of your last layer.

#11 It is looking good and taking shape. This is what you should have so far......
(Now you can see how the TOP of your tree actually made the whole tree).



#12 Merge/Merge Visible and move the tree up towards the top of you canvas.
Click on your Preset Shapes Tool and locate the RECTANGLE. Change your foreground
to a dark brown, I used #66361c, and your background to a medium brown, I used #be4f12.
Add a NEW Raster layer and make a small rectangle at the bottom
center of your tree, slightly extending over the green. Select NONE.



#13 Move this layer BELOW your tree layer. Selections/Select All. Selections/Float.
Click on Image/3D/Inner Bevel and use the folowing settings below.



#14 Merge/Merge Visible. Now you can export and save as a tube.
You can decorate your tree any way that you wish.
Or you can use it for a forest scene.





Here are some diffent ways I used my tree.

       





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I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.
2006 All Rights Reserved PJ Keplinger