Magnifying Glass

Click on these pictures to see a larger version...	... and read this text to learn how to create this effect.
	First create a magnifying glass shape. I created this in Corel Xara. Structured drawing programs are great for creating basic outlines, as they allow much more flexible editing of basic shapes. I made this from a rectangle and two circles, and then exported it to Picture Publisher as two bitmaps, one for the circular lens holder, and one for the handle. I used two bitmaps because I wanted the componenets to have different textures.
	Next, I gave the objects colour. The lens holder was given a grey, metallic texture, while the handle was given a wood texture. I actually used PP8's bevel factory for this, to give the objects a 3D look with minimal effort. A similar effect could be achieved be filling the shapes with a texture, and then embossing them, as given in the emboss technique.
	I then created a background which I wanted magnified. This was simply some text on a stone wall background. I then copied the handle and lens-holder objects onto the background.
	Next, I created a circular mask inside the lens-holder, made this area into an object, and then applied a punch effect. This makes the area under the holder appear to bulge outwards, like with a real magnifying glass.
	Finally, to enhance the effect slightly, I embossed the area slightly (yes, using the emboss technique again). This gives a bit more of a highlight to the lens, making it appear more like glass. You may also notice that in the previous picture I had the lens off-centre. I corrected it for the final picture. Quite a nice effect, and very easy to repeat for any background once you've created the lens-holder and handle.