Peeling Sticker Effect

As a child, there are few things more fun than sticking stickers on things. Everything(s). Here’s how to easily create a peeled sticker effect. I got this idea from the Sticker System Icon pack from Iconfactory.

First, you want to start with your object on it’s own layer. If you need help getting your object on it’s own layer check out this quick tutorial on masking.

Add a background layer by holding [Ctrl] + [Alt] and clicking on the New Layer button at the bottom of the Layers Palette [F7]. Press [D] to select the default colors and press [Ctrl + Backspace] to fill with white.

Double-click on your object’s layer in the area to the right of the name. This will bring up the Layer Style dialog box. Click on [Stroke] at the bottom of the list.

Set the Stroke size to something thick for your object, in this case I’m using 6-pixels. Click on the Color box and change the Stroke Color to white.

Click on the [Outer Glow] Style in the Layer Styles list. Change the Blend Mode to [Normal]. Change the color to black.

Adjust the Size and Spread until you get a nice, soft outline. In this case, I’m using a Size of [9-px] and Spread of [35%].

Move on to the [Drop Shadow] Style in the Layer Styles list. Adjust the Angle to [90°] and increase the Distance slightly [6-px].

Press [Ctrl + T] to bring up your Transform bounding box. Before you do ANYTHING, right-click in the box and choose [Warp].

Now click-and-drag the box from the lower-right corner up slightly.

Press the [Return] (number-pad Enter) to apply the transformation.

Create a New Layer [Ctrl + Shift + N] above your object’s layer. Then press [Ctrl + Alt + G] to create a create a new Clipping Mask.

Set the Layer Mode to [Screen] and the Layer Opacity to around [50%].

Choose the Gradient Tool [G] and click on the Gradient in the Option Bar (up top) to bring up the Gradient Editor. Edit your Gradient to look something like this:

Click-and-drag your Gradient in a very small area where you thing the “bend” of your sticker should be.

It may take a few tries to get it right.

Right-click on the “f” icon in the right-side of your object Layer in the Layers Palette. When the menu appears, choose [Create Layers].

You will now have a bunch of various Layers underneath your object Layer. Find the one labeled “Drop Shadow.”

Press [Ctrl + T] to bring up th Transform Bouncing box again. Right-click and choose [Warp] again.

Click-and-drag the right corner towards the right to bring the shadow “back out.”

Reduce the “Fill” on the “Drop Shadow” layer to make it a little less harsh.

And… that’s it! Feel free to change the stroke and background colors as you wish. Play around with it. Have some fun.