How to Create a Kaleidoscope Image
One of the enduring memories of childhood are amazing and dazzling kaleidoscope images. There are many ways to make a kaleidoscopic image, including meticulously hand-drawn images using color markers or paint. These images can also be made using a computer-based design program like Photoshop. Photoshop's many tools and functions make the entire process much easier and provide a satisfying result.
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Instructions
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Open Photoshop. Select "File" and click "New." Adjust the pixel width and height in the dialog box. Make the pixel resolution 72 if planning to put the kaleidoscope online, but 200 if it will be printed. Click "OK."
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2
Select the "Custom Shape" tool from the bottom of the toolbar. Make sure the tool in the first dropdown options is set to "Defined Proportions" and "From Center." Make sure, too, that "Fill Pixels" is turned off. Select, from the second dropdown menu, the shape for the image. Use the "Registration Target 2," as it works well. Click on the center of the canvas and draw the shape.
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3
Click on the "Paths" tab above the "Layers" panel. Right-click on the listed path. From the options, select "Make Selection." Go to the toolbar and change the "Foreground" and "background" colors to two being used in the kaleidoscopic image. Select the "Gradient" tool and drag it across the canvas.
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4
Create a new layer. Select a different circular preset shape for the "Custom Shape" tool. Draw the shape on the canvas. Change the colors and use the "Gradient" tool again, or select the "Paint Bucket" tool and fill the selection with a texture. Repeat this process until all layers are complete.
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Select "Edit," "Transform" and "Rotate" to rotate particular layers. Visit the "Layers" panel and lower the "Opacity' so the layers below can be seen. Save the work as a high-resolution JPEG file.
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