I was wondering if anyone knows of any good tutorials that teach how to make ornate picture frames in Photoshop? Or if someone knows of a plug-in that can, help, I'd love to hear about it.

I am trying to create something similar to the photo frame here:
http://www.templatemonster.com/flash-templates/7919.html

I have also attached a JPG image of what I am wanting to accomplish.

Thanks for any advice/tips/hints you can give.

:)

Options:
1. Hand craft from scratch. Exceptionally challenging. It would take a whole lot of design skill + Photoshop skills to convert the design into the digital frame -- not to mention (but I will) time to do it.

2. Plugins. Easy to use, a lot of variety in outcome, but depending on your perspective, can be expensive.

Three of the better known options:

* PhotoGraphic Edges: http://www.AutoFX.com

* MagicFrames or ClassicFrames: http://www.humansoftware.com/

* Photo Frame: http://www.extensis.com/en/products/product_family.jsp?locale=en_US&id=1022

For others, Google: photoshop "frame plugin"

Hope this gets you started.

~Danny~

p.s. If you don't need this degree of fanciness, there are boatloads of Photoshop actions that build pretty slick matte/frame combinations.

Danny,

Thanks for replying! Hope you are doing well :)

Thanks for those links. I actually have the Extensis program and I downloaded a trial of AutoFX's program. Both are cool, but I can't seem to make the ornate kind of frames like the example I gave. They give more plain frames and torn edges etc.

I would be into checking out any PS actions that might help. I'll do a search.

HumanSoftware's Classic Frames would probably do the trick. I'll investigate further.

Maybe I just need to try to spend the time to create the ornate frame by hand. It would be a good challenge. Just have to set aside the time! Oh for there to be 36 hours in a day instead of 24!

Maybe I could find a frame and scan it and do something that way. I'll see if I can come up with something.

Thanks for the help!

I'm doing fabulous, thanks! :)

After doing a little more poking, the "Classic Frames" look like the best fit for your needs.

re: Photoshop Actions

Not ornate like you're looking for, but lots of exotic wood effects and you can't beat the price. Bud Guinn is a master frame action maker:

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=53420#post53420

Thanks Danny! I think that Classic frames is the way to go for a quick frame.

Gonna check out Bud's stuff as well.

:)

You might try one of the stock photo houses (if you just need one frame) or a package such as Hemera Photo Objects. This frame is from Hemera's collection.

Another alternative is to create one in Illustrator since it is much easier to do line drawings there, then bring it over to PhotoShop.

Hi Natalie (rnbluvva),

I tend to use frames from ClassicFrames. I use to make my own but they were taking too long to create and wanted to focus on my restoration techniques more. Their plugins are really nice and work great, the prices are good to. Here is the link:

http://www.humansoftware.com/pages1200/ClassicFrame/HSclafram11.html

Hope this helps!

Jon

You might try one of the stock photo houses (if you just need one frame) or a package such as Hemera Photo Objects. This frame is from Hemera's collection.

Another alternative is to create one in Illustrator since it is much easier to do line drawings there, then bring it over to PhotoShop.

Hi Swampy!

Thanks for that suggestion.

Do you know if you can buy images on a per image basis? I checked out Hemera and it looks like you have to do the yearly or monthly package. I am interested in their service tho, it looks like great stock footage.

Thanks again.

Hi Natalie (rnbluvva),

I tend to use frames from ClassicFrames. I use to make my own but they were taking too long to create and wanted to focus on my restoration techniques more. Their plugins are really nice and work great, the prices are good to. Here is the link:

http://www.humansoftware.com/pages1200/ClassicFrame/HSclafram11.html

Hope this helps!

Jon

Hi Jon,

Yes the classic frames package really is appealing. I think I am going to go with that option. They have some really cool plug-ins!

:)

Natalie,

Here is another site that I have used their frames as well. There are "Action" so you can modifiy them. However, I have found a few that did not work, but they are few and far between.

http://www.chainstyle.com/

Later!
Jon

Theres also
http://www.photoshopgraphics.co.uk/oneclickframes.shtml

Christine

Christine your very helpful; saving all the links thanks!

Elle

I usually just goto google if I need anything. Hit images, then advanced image search or whatever it says. You can specify you want large size graphics only. Type in frame or picture frame or maybe ornate picture frame.

Then I just paste in what I need..

Yuppicide,

Google is great I have to admit, but you have to remember that the images are usually copyright protected, even if there is no posting, it is applied. Therefore, I try to email the person or website web master of the site and get permission to use the images. I have found that the people are usually really surprised that you have emailed them and are really helpful and willing to give you permission with no problems.

Food For Thought!
Jon