INTRODUCTION
The Cookie Cutter Tool can be used to draw a shape on the face of a picture and move the shape onto another picture.  The shape can also be saved as a picture.

OPEN A BLANK FILE, ADD TEXT AND ERASE THE TEXT
Open Photoshop Elements in the Full Edit mode.  Click File + New + Blank File > set Preset=Default Photoshop Elements Size (note the Resolution=300) > hold Ctrl key and tap the number 0 (blank file fits on screen).  Select the Text tool (on the Tools Bar) > select Boulder size 48 pt, color red > with cap locks on, type NT 294 (if necessary, select the Move tool and position the text near top center).  Select Effects + Layer Styles + Drop Shadow + Hard Edge + Apply (under Effects above the Layers palette).  Click Layer + Flatten Image > right-click the layer on the Layers palette and select Rename > type the name Text > click OK > select the Magic Eraser tool > uncheck Contiguous > click a red letter (all the red is erased) > put mouse pointer on bar above the Text picture and drag to the right leaving about ¼ of the picture visible.  Hold the Ctrl key and tap the letter O (open) > select a scenic picture > click Open > click Image + Resize + Image Size > type 4 inches in the Height field (width should be around 6) > change resolution to 300) > click OK > hold Ctrl and tap number 0 to maximize the picture > select the Move tool and drag the picture onto the Text picture > drag the new Text picture to the center > place pointer at bottom of the Layers palette (double vertical arrow) and pull down to reveal both layers > close the eye on Text > rename the scenic picture Scene > center Scene on the available area > on the Layers palette, drag the Text title above the Scene title > open the eye on Text (part of the scene is seen through the text letters) > to view a different part of Scene it is necessary to close the Text eye, click on the Scene title (with Move tool still selected) move Scene and reopen the Text eye > when satisfied, drag the Text/Scene file to the right leaving about 1/3 visible.

INTRODUCTION TO THE COOKIE CUTTER TOOL
Click the Scenic picture > select the Cookie Cutter tool > open the Custom Shape picker (the down arrow right of Shape: located above) > select the butterfly > set Feather=2 > click and drag a 2 inch area of the picture (form a butterfly) < click the green check mark (crops the butterfly) > select the Move tool > drag the butterfly onto the Text/Scene picture > drag the Text/Scene picture to center > on the Layers palette, drag the butterfly layer above the Text layer > (with Move still selected, move the butterfly below the text and to the right – leaving space for more shapes on the left) > Click the Hand tool (removes selection bars).  Drag Text/Scene to the right.  On the Undo History palette, find and select the Image Size step (restores the Scenic picture) and repeat the above for a different shape, etc….

CONCLUSION
Now you can make colorful text and/or create colorful cookies of many shapes.  By experimenting, you can create a cookie with a feathered edge that will serve as a stand-alone picture.

GOOD WEB SITES
BILL’S HOME PAGE: bzus.com
LEISURE VILLAGE: leisurevillage.us and leisurevillage.org
GOOGLE: www.google.com, images.google.com, maps.google.com, news.google.com