Gimp Layer Effects Texture

In this Gimp tutorial, you will see how an End Table texture can be created using Layer Effects. If your Gimp does not have the LayerFX script, then download it below and you will have some of the best tools for creating 2D textures just like Photoshop.

LayerFX for Gimp makes it easy to create artwork and is easy to learn. You will learn to use the following Layer Effects: bevel and emboss, pillow emboss, and dropshadow.These effects are applied to patterns in different layers to create a realistic texture.

You will also see how the Paths tool in Gimp is used to make complex patterns with nice curves like on the door handles and patterns.

Watch the videos, or Read the step by step instructions below.

File Downloads :

>> LayerFX script

>> EndTableDoor picture

>> BeforeEffects.xcf gimp file

>> AfterEffects.xcf gimp file

Left and Right Panels

Download the GIMP .xfc file above.

From these two layers we will create all the other layers. The WoodBase is lighter than the Template image so shadows show up better.

Create a new layer called LeftRightPanels. Put it above the WoodBase layer.

Under View, on the menu, turn on Show Grid and Snap to Grid.

Now we can use the Rectangular selection tool to make a selection for the left panel.

Activate the WoodBaseTexture layer. From the Menu, go to Copy.

Go back to the LeftRightPanelslayer and go to Menu and Paste. You will see that the texture is pasted into the selection.

Create the same selection for the right side to complete the two Panels

Next, we will add Layer Style Effects. On the Menu go to Script-Fu / Layer Effects / Bevel & Emboss. Style=Inner Bevel, Size=10, Contour=Half Round. Also Check Merge with Layer.

Run the Bevel and Emboss one more time.

Add a Drop Shadow. This will add more depth. Stay on the original LeftRightPanels layer. Go toLayer Effects/Drop Shadow. Opacity=50%, Size=5. Check Merge with Layer.

Pillow Embossed

Create a new layer, call it EmbossedKnobs.

Turn on the picture layer, and the Grid. Make sure Snap to Grid is on. On the toolbar choose theElliptical selection tool . Hold Shift key and draw a group of circle selections over the areas shown below on the picture.

Activate the WoodBase layer and go to Menu and Copy.

Go to the EmbossedKnobs layer. Go back to Menu and Paste the texture into the circle selections

Right click the EmbossedKnobs layer to make a copy.

Flip the EmbossedKnobscopy layer. Go to the menu, and Layer/Transform/Flip Horizontally.

Merge the copy layer down.

On the Menu go to Script-Fu / Layer Effects / Bevel & Emboss. Style=Pillow Emboss, Size=5. CheckMerge with Layer.

Create the Pattern

Turn on the picture layer.Zoom in to the top pattern.On the tool bar, select the Pen tool.

Draw a rough outline of the pattern consisting of only six line segments. Make sure you are in Design mode.

Now go to “Edit” mode. This will allow you to pull out little square handles that can be used to curve the lines.There are two handes for each point. Move the handles to make the lines curve to the shape of the background picture.

Follow the same procedure for the bottom door pattern.

On the Toolbox, under Paths, click “Selection from Path“. A selection over the path is seen in the image. Then Select Invert.

Click WoodBaseTexture. From the menu go to Edit/Copy.

Then back to the Pattern copy layer and Edit/Paste. Anchor the selection. Use the Rectangular tool to select and Delete the right half of the texture.

Click the Flip tool. Then select the Path symbol. Flip Horizontally. On the Toolbox, under Paths, click “Selection from Path“.

Go to Select Inverse. Go to the WoodBaseTexture layer, then Edit/Copy. Back to the Pattern layer and Edit/Paste. Then use the Rectangular tool to select and Delete the left half of the texture.

Go to Tools/Paths. The Paths window pops up. Turn off the eye of your Path to hide it.

Merge the copy down onto the Pattern layer. We now have the pattern done.

Layer Style Effects on the Pattern Layer

Next we will add Layer Style Effects to the Pattern layer.

On the Menu go to Script-Fu / Layer Effects / Bevel & Emboss. Style=Inner Bevel, Size=15, Surface Contour=Linear, Soften=3. Check Merge with Layer.

Do another Inner Bevel on the pattern layer, but change Surface Contour to Half Round. This will make the bevel effect have more depth and a rounded edge.

Add a Drop Shadow.

We have to add a Layer Mask to the Pattern layer. Go to Layer/Mask/Add Layer Mask. Choose Black. Click the black Layer Mask to activate it. The pattern is hidden by the mask.

Use a large Pencil with a white foreground color.

Click the Mask layer, and draw where the patterns are to reveal them. Be careful not to expose more than is needed or the Pattern layer will overlap the bottom layers.

Draw the PanelKnobs

Create a new layer, PanelKnobs, above the Pattern layer.

Turn the Template background picture on, and zoom in.

Use the Paths Tool to make a rough outline of the handle in Design Mode.

In Edit Mode, each point has two handles to curve the lines. Curve the lines to match the background handle.

From the Toolbox, under Paths, click “Selection from Path.” This will create a selection over the path line. We will use this selection area to fill in the handle color.

Double click the foreground and change it to a bronze color.

Click the PanelKnobs layer. On the Menu, go to Edit/Fill with FG color.

Keep it on the PanelKnobs layer. On the menu go to Layer/Duplicate Layer. A copy of the handles layer is created above the original. With the PanelKnobscopy layer still active, go to the ToolBox and click the Rotate Tool. Click the handle and rotate 180 degrees.

Go to the ToolBox, and click the Move Tool. Move the handle down and to the left to mirror the top handle.

Merge the two PanelKnob layers. Go to Layer/Merge Down on the Menu.

Make a square selection over the left handle. Go to Menu, Edit/Copy. Move the selection over to the right and go to Menu, Edit/Paste.

Stay on the PanelKnobs layer. In the ToolBox click the Flip Tool Then click the right handle. Move it until it mirrors the left side. Anchor the selection.

Bevel the PanelKnobs

On the PanelKnobs layer, go to Menu then Script-Fu / Layer Effects / Bevel & Emboss. Style=Inner Bevel, Size=10, Soften=3, Surface Contour=Half Round. Bevel this a second time to bring out more depth.