magic wand tool

Lesson:

The image


*We will start with the cupcake image. If you have extra time you can use a second image. You should select an image that would be work well with the magic wand tool. You can use an image from the blog or from your own collection.

To save an image from the blog click on it to enlarge the image, then right click and select Save Image As. Save the image to the Desktop.

Selecting the Image


In Photoshop go to File > Open and select your photo from the Desktop. Click OK.

Creating a new layer

Once the image is open, you will need to duplicate the background to create a new layer. Click on Layer, choose Duplicate Layer (or CNTRL + J or COMMAND + J).

While in the new layer, choose the Magic Wand Tool from the tool palette. Set the Tolerance to 32 and then click on the green icing on the middle cupcake. Hold down the SHIFT key to add areas to the selection. Hold down the ALT key to subtract areas from the selection.

Hit CNTRL + J or COMMAND + J to copy the selection to a new layer.

Free Transform your selection to make the icing cover more of the cupcake

(CNTRL + T or COMMAND + T)

Hit ENTER to apply.

Use the Smudge tool to make the icing look more natural.

On the layer with the icing, click on the Cookie and choose Hue/Saturation. Drag the Saturation bar to the right. When you finish adjusting the saturation, merge down the Hue/Saturation Layer (by clicking CNTRL + E or COMMAND + E) so that it becomes one with Layer 1.

Crop

Crop the Entire image by choosing the crop tool and clicking and dragging it out to the desired dimensions. Press Enter.

If Extra Time

Change the color of each of the cupcakes, making each one different.

Try making a cupcake with different color striped icing.

Add a border that is the same color as your icing, by using the color picker and dragging the crop tool beyond the edges of the image.

Finish

Go to FILE > SAVE AS and choose jpeg.

Students can repeat process on additional images if time remains.