PhotoImpactZone PuddleFrame

Version 6 and up
Skill level: All

Some time ago, I was asked if there was a way that a puddleframe could be made in PhotoImpact. That at that time there was a link to a PSP tut. The link is now gone, but this is how I did it in PI. You may use other options.
This tutorial is fairly simple to do if you have the Flood or Puddle filters, but I have some fixes if you don't have them, so read on.

1. Open a new image, in 400 X 400.
2. Using path tool, 3d Pipe, make a border any size you like.

3. Switch to continue draw mode in the path tool Mode box.
4. Draw additional borders as you see fit.
5. Now change the Mode back to 3dPipe.
6. R/C and duplicate the path.

7. Select the top frame and change the mode to 2d, then move it to the back.
Note: You only need to do Step 7a if you have the even odd fill like I illustrate to the right.

7.a. With the 2d path still selected, click on the options button (on the attributes toolbar) and be sure Even-Odd fill is unchecked.

8. CTRL F to open the fill menu. You may fill it with anything you like. I chose a picture of my nephew.
9. CTRL SHIFT A to select all objects, then drag them to easy palette, just in case.

10. Using the standard selection tool, make an elliptical selection. Switch  to subtract mode, then snip little elliptical bites out of your selection, till it looks like this. Or you may download my selection.

11. Fill your selection using the Almathera Puddle filter, or the Flood filter from Flaming Pear.
12. Using the Pick Tool, give the object a soft edge of about 30, then right click and duplicate. Send one of the puddles to the back. Then expand the object vertically using the transformation tool.
13. Final touches....Optional
Select the base image, then fill with a gradient background, or whatever your heart desires...There are no limits here, other than those you place on yourself.