Stamp Effect

Here's a simple 'Layer Mask' and Brush Preset technique to create a custom edge stamp effect.

Start with the 'Rectangle Tool (U)'...
...and draw the base shape as I have captured below.
I have set the foreground color of the shape to white (#ffffff) and also set a background layer with an off color.
With the stamp shape layer still active in the 'Layers Palette' as I have captured below, and the 'Rectangle Tool (U)' still active on the Toolbar...
Go to the 'Options Bar' and select the 'Paths' option icon as I have captured below.
Next, draw a new 'Rectangle' path with the 'Rectangle Tool (U)' just inside the original stamp shape (hold 'Shift' key to constrain to proportions), as I have captured below. (Indicated by the solid box with the four anchor points)

NOTE: All this is happening on a single layer
Now that the path is in place, lets define a Brush Preset to create the knockout holes along the edge of a stamp.
To do this, select the 'Eraser Tool (E)' on the ToolBar.
Then select the 'Brush Preset Picker' up on the Options Bar or through the 'Brush Palette' in the Docking Well. (As in step 8)

Note: Make sure you are setting the parameters for the brush with the 'Eraser Tool (E)' active, and not the 'Brush Tool (B)'.
...then hit the 'F5' key to open the Brush Preset Control Panel. Simply adjust the 'Brush Tip Shape' settings to what I have captured below.
Next, add a 'Layer Mask' to the stamp layer by clicking on the 'Add Layer Mask' icon (Second from left)at the bottom of the 'Layers Palette'.

Now, you should see a 'Layer Mask Thumbnail' linked into the stamp layer, as I have captured below.
We're almost there!
Next with the 'Path Selection Tool (A)', select the path we created in step 6, then right click and from the context menu items, choose 'Stroke Path'.
At the next prompt, choose 'Eraser' tool from the list and hit 'OK'.

This is where step 7 'Eraser Tool (E)' 'Brush Preset' gets utilized.
Wallah! The Brush Preset we created in step 8 does the trick here.
It's just a matter of adding other elements to create the look and feel of a stamp.
Next I added a new 'Rectangle Shape (U)' with a foreground color of black : #000000.
I then brought in a picture to use, by scaling it down to a certain size on its own layer just above the black shape layer in step 13.
Selecting this layer in the 'Layers Palette', then go 'Layer/Group with Previous' and this should hide any unnecessary data, as I have captured below.
This is how a 'Group with Previous' should appear like in the 'Layers Palette'.
This is the final image with additional text elements and a drop shadow on the base stamp shape.

Filed Under: Pen Tool Techniques