Clipping layers, groups, mask Clipping layers are made up from al least two layers that have been grouped using the create clipping mask feature, the bottom layer in a clipping group acts as a background layer for the entire clipping group. The solidity of the clipping layer controls what is revealed on the layers that are clipped (added to the clipping group).
Delay This tutorial took me a day longer than I anticipated to write (you’ll see why from the number of steps), but I hope you enjoy it! Final Image As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating: Step 1 Open up a new document and go to view>show>grid. Then use your path tool to draw a path in the shape of half a wine bottle. Take your time with this step in order to get a really nice shape. Use a photo for reference if necessary. Step 2 Create a new layer called ‘bottle shape’. Then go to your paths palette and click ‘load path as a selection’. Then fill your selection with black. I had to go in with the lasso tool and tidy up a copy of edges. Duplicate this layer and go to edit>transform>flip horizontal. Then move the duplicate to complete the other half of the bottle shape. Then merge the two layers together. Step 3 Then go to layer blending options for this merged layer and apply a gradient overlay ranging from black to 110202 back to black....
Making a mask from a selection - Draw some brushstrokes on an empty layer - Make a new layer and fill it with lots of color - Ctrl click the first layers thumbnail and then the vector mask button - Turn off the first layer to see that the new layer has a vector mask identicial to the shape and opacity of the first layer