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Step 1: Create a new document of any size with a single background layer. Edit > Fill this background with a colour of your choice (I chose #6188A0). Then add a new transparent layer on top called Object, but leave it blank for the moment.

The next step can be performed in two totally different ways. Just choose the method which appeals the most to you...

Step 2a: Select the Brush Tool and choose a 1px hard tip. Set opacity to 100%, and draw a simple black shape outline on your Object layer. Polygonal shapes with hard corners yield the best results (you can draw straight lines by holding down the SHIFT key between clicks), but this is entirely up to you.

Step 2b: As an alternative, use the Pen Tool to create a unique path. Then hold down CTRL and click on the path in the paths palette to form a selection around your object. Navigate back to the Object layer in the layers palette, make sure it is the active layer and Edit > Stroke the outline with a 1px thick black line. You can then delete or hide your source path as we will no longer be using it.

Step 3: Hide the background layer so only your shape outline is showing. Grab the Rectangular Marquee Tool and draw a selection box around the object. It doesn't matter if this is too big, as Photoshop should automatically crop out dead space. Go into the main menu again and select Edit > Define brush. Call this brush anything you like and click OK. You can now hide or delete the Object layer as we will no longer be using it.  Unhide your background.

Step 4: Create a new transparent layer on top of the others and call it Path. Using the Pen Tool, draw a smooth rounded path like the one on the left. Avoid sharp corners as this can really mess up the final effect.

NB. If you followed step 2b, make sure you create a new path layer before you proceed, or else you might just add to the original object path and mess things up.

Step 5: Now go into the brushes palette and enter the Brush Tip Shape section. Select the brush that you just added and lower the Spacing setting to 10-20%. The exact value is up to your own personal tastes, but avoid going too high or you will lose the final effect totally.

NB. Please note that the 'brushes' tab may be in different places depending on your version of Photoshop and OS. If in doubt, consult your manual.

Step 6: Without leaving the brushes dialog, go into the Shape Dynamics section. Click on the Angle Jitter drop down box and select the 'Fade' setting. Enter a number of your choice in the Value box - this will vary the amount of 'twist' in the final effect. A Value of 100 is a good default. Leave the other options and sections unselected/inactive.

Step 7: Once the brush matches your own exacting specifications, leave the dialog, select white as the foreground colour, ensure the Path layer is selected, and enter the paths palette. Right-click on the gently undulating path created in step 4 and click on the Stroke Path menu option. Choose Brush from the options box that pops up and press OK. And that's it - Photoshop will now stroke your path with your custom brush and give you a cool wireframe like the one opposite!

Variations:  Different shapes produce different results, so experimentation is the key. By using thicker stroke depths in steps 2a/2b you can create even more interesting results that mix well with layer effects. Just have a look at my creations below for a little inspiration - all of them took mere minutes to produce and look rather spiffy, even on their own.

I really like this one. Makes for some great edgings and the effects are pretty cool.

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I did that, but nothing shows on path?

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Quote from Mayito7777;43664: I cannot find or enter the path palette?

The Paths palette is in the same palette group as Layers and Channels (see attached screenshot). Just click on the Paths tab to bring it to the front.

If for some reason your Paths palette is not visible, select Window > Paths from the pull-down menu to make it visible again.

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Well it doesnot work for me, after step 6 I am lost, I cannot find or enter the path palette?

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I absolutely Love this tutorial! Thank you so very much. I just started using this program a few month ago, I am not a big reader either the tutorial(s) here are short, sweet & easy to understand esp for me bacuse I dont like to read. Now have something to use my doodles with!! Thank You !!

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