This tutorial will teach you how to make some simple elements that look like everyday office supplies (a paper clip, brad, push pin, etc.)  You will be shown how to open a file, use custom shapes, and how to apply layer styles.

Start by opening a file.  Make the size 1 inch x 1 inch, 300 psi, transparent background, color RGB.

Click on the custom shape icon in the tool bar.  In the horizontal tool bar, click on the Shapes arrow, and in the drop down menu, find the paper clip from Objects.

Now, using your cursor and holding the shift key, so the paper clip will be proportionate, draw the paper clip in your file.  It doesn't matter what color you choose.  Now apply the Wow Chrome effect of your choice.  Click on the Layer Styles palette and from the drop down box, choose Wow Chrome and click on the style you like.

At this time, you may decide your paper clip looks a little wavy.  The bevel might need to be adjusted.  In the upper horizontal tool bar, click on Layers, Layer Styles,Style Settings and play with the bevel until you are satisfied with its look.

Simplify the layer by right clicking on the layer the paper clip is located on ( I like to keep my layers palette docked in the PSE2 workspace. To do this, grab the tab with your mouse and drag it into the workspace). Choose Simplify Layers.

Try using the same steps as above, but add a Wow Plastic effect to make a colored paper clip.  Mine looked like this after I adjusted the layer style. 

Now, using the same basic ideas, you can make some more complex elements. 

Open a new file and draw a pushpin.  The pushpin can be all chrome, or it can have a colored top and a chrome pin area.  To do this, start by making a pushpin with Wow Plastic applied.  Then make another layer (Layer New).  On this layer, make a chrome pushpin.  I erased everything but the chrome pin portion.  On the Wow Plastic portion, I erased the pin portion.  Now grab the chrome pin portion with your mouse, and pull the chrome layer below the Wow Plastic layer. I also enlarged the pin portion proportionately this way making sure the layer with the pin on it is selected, (it will be blue in the layers palette) hit "v" on your keyboard(v is the shortcut for Move). 

Place your cursor over one of the little clear boxes around the pushpin.  Now look in the top horizontal bar and you will see a W: box (width) with a 100.0% in it.  Change the number to 110% and then click on the chain link next to it.  This will resize the pin proportionately.  Move the pin portion around with either your mouse, or use your cursor keys on your keyboard until it looks centered.    

Now Layers, Merge Visible Layers.  You have a pushpin that is colored and chrome!

You can do much the same thing to create a simple pencil.  I made three layers with a simple pencil shape on each layer.  I applied a wood effect to the bottom layer--Effects, Patterns, Wood.

I applied oak to the middle layer to represent the lighter, wood area that looks sharpened.  Finally I recolored the top layer dark gray to look like pencil lead.  Do this by clicking on the double boxes at the bottom of the tool palette, and choosing a color with the cursor in the pop up box.  Click on Ok.  Then choose the paint bucket tool, also located in the tool box, and then click on the topmost layer with your paint bucket cursor.

Now start erasing (choose the tool on the tool palette that looks like an eraser) on each layer until you what looks like pencil.  For instance on the top layer, choose a fairly large hard brush from Default Brushes.  Erase most of this layer, leaving just a small bit of pencil point.  You may need to make your brush smaller to accomplish this as you get to the small tip.  As you start erasing each layer, a pop up box should appear that asks you if you want to simplify the layer.  Answer in the affirmative.  My pencil looks like this after I did some simple erasing, added some artistic touches, merged visible layers and applied a bevel to the whole element. 

I encourage you to try making your own elements.  PSE2 has several more custom shapes such as a scissors and pen.  Use the simple steps above to make your own digital office supplies.  And above all, HAVE FUN!

If you can't have fun, what can you do?