3D Greeting Cards Tut

3-D Greeting Cards

	Level: Beginner/Intermediate Tools: Path Tools, Resize/Slant, Edit/Trace Additional Files Needed: Your own card decorations (path kits, scene, etc)
	1. We'll start with a large size - you can resize them as needed. Start with a WHITE canvas, 400 wide by 300 high. Using the path tool, add a 2D BLACK rectangle 200 w x 260 h.
	2. Now go to the Path tools again, this time choose a border path shape (I'm using Border 6) Mine is 128 x 315, but yours may differ. Make your shape so that it extends over the top and bottom of the black shape. Try to get half of the scallop/edge even at top and bottom.
	3. When you're happy with your edge, right click and merge all. Now go to edit, trace, image, and accept the default settings. Go to 3-D TRIM, border 2, depth 30. Here you will add a preset; mine is Steel 5 in the Material Attributes Gallery. If you use a metal preset, make sure to remove the bump. I also added lights to this preset, as the default setting was too dark.
	4. Move your shape to a new dark canvas, same size as before.
	5. Now, duplicate your shape, changing the preset to white (make sure the border stays at 2). Using the transform tool, flip horizontally, then move more to the right. Send behind the original shape.
	6. Duplicate the first shape again, change the preset to another color, or metal, such as gold or silver. Move your gold just behind the top layer, move it using your arrow keys out to the right so that it just shows under the top layer. Select both top layers, merge as single object.
	7. To give it the 3D look, lets add a shadow. Using the settings shown, put your shadow under the top layer. Looking more like a 3D card, isn't it?
	8. NOW comes the fun -- put whatever you wish for the front of your card. Mine is for Christmas, but yours can be for whatever occasion you wish!! When done, merge all of your decoration and top layer of your card.
Lying down card Standing up card	9. The finishing touch - card rarely lie flat, so lets use the transform tool on slant. Using the right side, put the curser over the side node and slant UP. Mine was 295 high when done. I also checked the back of the card - leave it straight, but it should be around 263 pixels high. A variation of this, if you want a stand up card for a mantle piece, etc, is to slant the right side of the top layer DOWN. Mine is 295 pixels high. The back should also be straight and at 263 high. The shadow should be changed to the 2nd button from the left.
	Here's just another example of a card made this way, without the edging. If you're really good at animation, you could decorate the inside as well to have the card open to your message!!! Enjoy making your own cards!

When you've completed your card(s) feel free to right click and take home your award. This is offered on the honor system. Please do NOT link back to the award!

Thanks for trying this tut!