Hi there, A friend asked me if I'd do this tutorial using the puzzle effect from the Xenofex plugin. I'm sure there are a few plugins out there that does the puzzle effect..But Xenofex is the one I used..I'm including the zipped file with the graphics I used. But you can use any that you'd like with it.
Now I'm assuming your knowledge of PSP is beyond the "OMG, WHAT the heck is that and what have I done ???!!" stage.*S*

Here is the zipped file for the graphics and the Xenofex site where you can download it.

Here we go, so HAVE FUN and don't forget to save often!!

Open the graphic of your choice then go to EFFECTS and find your Xenofex plugin. Click the PUZZLE effect. Use these settings.

Now click on your MAGIC WAND tool and have it set to the tolerance to 50 and feather 0 *this you might have to adjust, it depends on what the back ground in the puzzle piece selection is, whether just plain white or intricate.* Now when a 'puzzle piece' is selected go to SELECTIONS and choose MODIFY then EXPAND 1 Pixel. You can copy and paste as a new layer.. * this is the puzzle piece that looks likes its laid on top of the puzzle.* At this point you should have the marching ants still around the puzzle piece on the background layer.. Now you CUT the piece out *using the scissors* Make sure your background color is set on BLACK or what ever color you want in place of the puzzle piece.

Puzzle pieces CUT out with the black background

Time to add a new layer. You click on your selection tool *rectangle* and draw a small square and fill it with white..ADD another layer and add a tube of your preference. scale it down to fit exactly on that white square layer. THEN you merge VISIBLE, ONLY those two layers *the white square and the tube* When those two are merged go to EFFECTS, 3D , BUTTTONIZE, using these settings.

Use your DEFORMATION tool now and turn the 'button'.Remember ALWAYS when you RESIZE or use the DEFORMATION tool to go to EFFECTS and SHARPEN.
Now apply a drop shadow.

I adjusted the transparency of the button layer.. You can use your own discretion on that

I now added the little baby boot tube. Then went to EFFECTS, 3D effects and applied an inner bevel using these settings.>/font>

Your graphic should now look like this.

There are so many variations you can do with this..The sky's the limit!!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Look for all my others. Till next time..Toodles!!!!

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