We can now start working on a pin to attach the button to the lapel. Select the Background layer and click the Create a new layer icon.
Select the Rectangular Marquee tool. Make a selection similar to the one seen below.
Select the Polygonal Lasso tool.
In the Options bar change the selection type to Subtract from Selection.
Make 2 subtractive selections at the end of the first to create a point at the end of the first selection.
Select the Gradient tool. Make or load a gradient similar to the one seen below.
From top to bottom, fill the selection with the gradient.
Let's reduce the thickness of the pin. Go to Edit>Transform>Scale. In the Height setting in the options bar, enter 50% and hit enter to accept the transformation.
Go to Image>Adjust>Curves. Create a curve similar to the one seen below and click OK. Keep an eye on the pin as you create the curve… you may accept the curve whenever you are satisfied with the metal.
Open the Layer Styles for the pin layer. Select Drop Shadow from the menu. The default drop shadow is fine, so just click OK in the Layer Styles dialog box.
On the bottom of the Layers palette, click the Create a new set icon. Move all the layers into the new set; rename the set Button 1.
Right-click on the Set in the palette and select Duplicate Layer Set. Do this many times if you want more buttons.
You can now move each set around the image, rotating them, stacking them and so forth. The layer styles will retain the proper shading as they are still intact within the sets.
Al Ward, a certified Photoshop Addict and Webmaster of Action FX Photoshop Resources (
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