Welcome to our second actions installment called, The Hatchet Action.  The only thing missing from this one is the saw dust and woodchips.

Shown above is the final result of the hatchet action (or lumberjack action if you like).  This one is pretty easy to setup.  All you need is a 72dpi image with some black text on it, and your ready to chop away.  As with our Blood Action, this is designed to work on a 72dpi file only.  For anything else, you will need to dissect the action and reproduce this effect yourself.  Also, this action is only guaranteed to work with PhotoShop 5.5.

OK, let's get hacking.

First, download the hatchet action here and load it into your PhotoShop Actions Palette.  Consult your manual if you need help loading actions.  Next, we need to start a new Image.  For consistency sake, let's start with the same size file I used to created this action.  You can always try other sizes later.  Let's begin with an image 8x5 inches, white background, 72dpi.  Next, we need some type.  I used a font called Incised901 Bdcn BT, 175 points, Bold, with crisp anti-aliasing.  Left is my original text (resized for the Web).  I used a font that is not too complex with no serifs, since it has to look like it was cut from wood.  Make sure you give yourself some room on the top and bottom for the larger hunk of lumber underneath the text.  Next, You can flatten your image or let the action do it for you.  Finally,  select hatchet from the Actions Palette, click play, and watch the wood chips fly.  When your finished, the wood letters will be on they're own layer so that you can drag it onto any background you wish.

You'll want to take a look at how the Crystallize filter was used on the alpha channels to create the random hack job you see on the wooden base and the letters.  Also, take a look at how layer effects were used to enhance the edges and create shadows.

Be sure to experiment a bit with different fonts, sizes, tracking, etc.  And be sure to study the action to find out what makes it work.  Email Us with any incarnations you may come up with on your own.  Also, take a minute to sign our guest book and let us know what you think of these.

Have Fun!!!