Advice Needed To Create A Frost-like Effect/Pattern

[Jay1393]

I seem to be having a bit of trouble trying to create this frosty effect for a texture. I've searched as much as I could for any close tutorials and tried to do my best on my own, but I'm afraid I'm having no such luck. What I'm trying to do is recreate the effects seen on this picture: http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130308002240/riseoftheguardians/images/e/e1/Jack_Frost.jpg

 

The image is 1756 x 3000, so you can see the details very easily when viewing it at full size. What I would like to do specifically is try to create those patterns on his clothes and staff. I've managed some good colours and somewhat good icy textures (as a solid square canvas of course), but I can't seem to get the patterns right. If anyone knows how to make something like this (preferably on a transparent or solid background if possible to move onto the texture more easily) or can point me in the right direction elsewhere, it would be greatly appreciated and I thank you very much for your time.

[Cc4FuzzyHuggles]

Hello.
I think custom brushes would be an idea to try. I say this because if you look at my old post, here, some of those cool abstracts were made by brushes, and the frost you want looks like a kind of abstract design.
 
For brushes, you will want to install these file type plugins : http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?showtopic=25792, http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?showtopic=25696, http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?showtopic=18128 (see here on how to install plugins, but for file type plugins put them in your "File Type" Folder, not effects folder.)
 
Now, you have the option to either use brushes directly in Paint.NET or to use them with Custom Brushes Mini.
 
Next, explore Brusheezy, a website with free legal brushes and patterns : http://www.brusheezy.com/, and get creative.
But, take note, you might end up with brush "sets". These sets have several brushes compiled together and when you open the files up in paint.net each brush is on it's own layer.  If you want each brush as it's own image, not a stack of layers, then outside programs such as ABRMate or abrViewer might interest you as they can export the layers as individual images.

To color the brushes, play around with colors on layers, gradients on layers, and layer blending modes. The brushes might be black when you get them though, so if you want them white to be shiny simply invert their color. (found under the adjustments tab)

Or, you can use the brushes as masks, and use the alpha mask plugin : http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/1854-alpha-mask-import-plugin-20/
For the alpha mask plugin, have a pre-made image of colors, have the brush you want be black, copy the brush, then run the alpha mask plugin on the color image or the color layer, and check the invert mask setting. (sometimes checking all three settings is cool too.)

Alternatively, you could check out Paint.NET tutorials and other plugins to piece together your own idea for frost. I think starscape tutorials, this curly lines plugin, this Dryad plugin, text effect tutorials, and tutorials with cool colors GlowyLines, GlowyOrb could give you some ideas you can use.

And don't forget, Paint.NET has the "Frosted Glass" and "Crystalize" distort effects. Try those with some sort of emobss effect or emobss and bevel plugins (see plugin index to go hunting), then use a layer or layers of colors set to blending modes to color them. It might look cool.
 
Have questions? Was something confusing? Just ask.

Edited July 7, 2014 by Cc4FuzzyHuggles

[Pixey]

Hi there - CC4 just beat me as I was preparing this answer

Yes, as she said Custom Brushes will aid in the sparkle on the shirt.

I made this by:

1. Line curve Tool for the staff
2. Bucket fill with grey
3. Bevel Selection
4. Metalize at 64
5. Render Random Lines and put a check in the 'draw curves box'

http://i.imgur.com/4NEJxdZ.png

As for the shirt:

1. Fill with blue
2. Go to Tools and Custom Brushes and with a splatter brush paint on white splashes

http://i.imgur.com/bpCZ5dT.png

It takes time to learn all these things and just take it a step at a time. Learning how import brushes and save them will take a bit of work. Good luck

[Jay1393]

Thank you both very much for your replies! I figured some fancy brushes would need to be involved, but I never gave it any thought because I don't own a tablet or anything else similar. I'll definitely do my best with these, though. Thanks again!

[Pixey]

@Jay - thank you too   BTW - you don't need a tablet.  I never use one (couldn't get used to it) and the mouse works just fine.  Good luck .

[Seerose]

Dear Pixey and Cc4FuzzyHuggles! They both explain and help as well. Thank you so much. 

[Cc4FuzzyHuggles]

Thanks Seerose,

 

@ Jay, I don't own a tablet nor have I ever used one, and I also don't have very good PC specs, but I still LOVE brushes, and using them with the alpha mask plugin opens up lots of creative possibilities.

Edited July 8, 2014 by Cc4FuzzyHuggles