Ever wondered how to make your text look like it's carved? Well, here is a short tutorial on how it is done using Photoshop CS. We use this technique when preparing the free designs for customers house signs.

1.Start with plain type on a dark surface

2. Select the text and border (the area to be carved and gilded) using the magic wand tool. Make a new layer from the selection using Layer>New>Layer via Copy.

3. In the layers palette, double click on the new layer to open it. Click on the "Bevel and Emboss" button.

4. Change the settings as follows:

Here are the setting you need:

• Style: Inner Bevel
• Technique: Chisel Hard
• Depth: 281px
• Direction: Down
• Size: 250px
• Soften: 0px
• Angle: 120 degrees
• Altitude: 30 degrees
• Highlight mode: Normal, Opacity: 100%, Colour: #FFFFFF
• Shadow mode: Normal, Opacity: 100%, Colour: #4E500A

5. Click "Colour Overlay" and set the colour to "#CC9900".

6. Click "OK" and you should have a carved and gilded sign. You may have to fiddle with the colours to make it look right on your PC. Here is what you should be left with:

Hopefully this works for you.