Learn how to create a digital scrapbook template or design in this tutorial. You will learn how to pull different scrapbook elements together with your photos.

Final Image Preview

Find a texture representing the tree bark of 1280×1024 px and 72 dpi. (I used this texture from cgtextures.com)

Give some contrast effect to our texture, applying the Rectangle Tool (U) for this manipulation.

Set the next shown parameters for the made layer by making a mouse click on this layer on the layers’ palette.
Fill 0%, Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient’s parameters:

Using the same tool, try to dark out the picture along its edges.

The layer’s parameters: Fill 0%, Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient’s parameters:

Next we’ll use a pattern, like the one from below:

Edit>Define Pattern
Using the Rectangle Tool (U) now, we’ll represent the primary layer reserved for a scrapbooking element. The layer’s color in this case is #C3C3C3

Using the Free Transform option, try to turn over the layer the way demonstrated below:

The layer’s parameters: Blending Options>Drop Shadow

Blending Options>Pattern Overlay

Blending Options>Stroke

Next we’ll download a set of brushes for Adobe Photoshop, named Swirls.
On a new layer (Create new layer) with Blending mode-Color Dodge parameters, we’ll apply the downloaded brushes for introducing several different ornaments along the picture’s edges. The brushes’ color is #959595. Select after that Lock transparent pixel option (on the layers’ palette) to paint out the edges of the ornament, using for this operation the same standard brush.