How to create layered monograms:

After you have chosen your photos, background colors and/or patterns, and created your page in Photoshop Elements, it’s time to accessorize!

1. Choose the letter you will use for your monogram, usually the subject of a page layout.

2. Choose a font for the letter that fits the subject. It needs to be bold enough to make a statement of personality about the subject. Classic fonts, such as Century Gothic or Adobe Garamond, add an elegant touch, as opposed to making a bold statement.

3. Choose a background shape for the monogram. It should probably be a circle or square, in a color that compliments the existing layout. I prefer it to pick up on a color from the layout and not be too contrast-y. The easiest way to select the circle or square is by using an existing Page Accessory.

4. Place your circle or square Page Accessory on your layout (see directions with the PNGs), either using the place suggested on the Template or moving it to a more appropriate spot.

5. Select the Type Tool and type your chosen letter on the circle or square. Highlight it and use the Options Bar to change the font and size. Use the Move Tool to move it to the center of the circle.

6. Here’s the fun part: I like to use the Eyedropper Tool to sample a color from one of the photos in the layout and use it to color the letter. In the layout at right, I sampled Emerson’s sweatshirt. Just select the Eyedropper Tool, click it in a color on a photo, and you’ll see the “Foreground Color” square at the bottom of the Toolbox change to that color. Click around until you find one you love. Then, just use the Text Tool to highlight the monogram letter, and click in the Foreground Color box. Voila!

It’s also fun to create your own layered monograms with Patterned Digital Paper. I recommend you use them when your layout does NOT already have pattern, but it’s fun to mix it up sometimes!

1. Select your letter and font as per the suggestions above.

2. Choose and place a Page Accessory where you plan to create your monogram. It can be any color; what you’re looking for is the shape of the outer edge. In the sample at right, I used a square from the Scalloped Shapes 1 (Classic Page Accessories 2 collection).

3. Select the Patterned Digital Paper you want to use. The pattern should be low-contrast so that you can choose a color for the letter that is either substantially darker or lighter, and will remain visible. As you can see, in this sample I chose a light pattern that contrasted well with the dark letter.

4. You may want to resize the pattern to fit the Accessory better; usually, you’ll want to make it smaller.

5. Now, apply the pattern to the shape with the Magic Click: Drag the Patterned Paper onto your layout. In the Layers Panel, make sure it is directly over the Page Accessory. Hold down the Alt key (Control on Mac), and hover your mouse between the two layers. When the cursor becomes an icon of two linked circles, click the mouse and your Patterned Paper will be “cut” in the shape of the accessory!

6. For ease of working with the layout, you may want to go the Layers Panel, and in the drop-down menu choose “Merge Down” so you have created a single Page Accessory.

7. Then, just use your Type Tool to create a letter as described above.

This project in my life

I have used monograms in dozens of digital scrapbook page layouts. They are classic, timeless, and add just the right amount of visual punch without competing with the photos.

Monograms are used in all kinds of classic design, from notecards to pillows. To see some beautiful uses of monograms, check out designer Jessica Wilcox’s blog, Modern Moments (I’m proud to say she’s my daughter-in-law). Jessica uses monograms on everything from ice buckets to cookies.

I’ll be excited to share with you future projects using monograms beyond just scrapbook pages. Watch for them in future Beautifully Simple Projects!