Blend two existing textures together (images and spot layers) using a view mask to create an entirely new textured effect. Overlay a textured spot layer on top of an image as a view mask and paint areas out, giving a subtle textured look. 

Using different parts of various pieces of artwork to build a new design is a very typical workflow. In order to build up designs from various images, we have to use mask layers. This is because images are opaque, and without a mask you simply would not see one on top of another (the one at the top of the list in the Layers Palette would be blocked from view by the second image). Whilst designing and editing it looks like the images are being edited, but they are not. Only the mask layer is being changed and this is why masks are such a versatile tool when creating and editing.

1. Open the two images you want to blend.
   
2. Merge them into the same file using Layer Menu > Merge. You will now only see the merged design in the file.
   
3. Activate the image at the bottom of the list, and choose Layer Menu > New Mask.
4. Click the disclosure triangle for that image to reveal its channels and the newly added mask layer.
5. Activate only the mask layer and leave it invisible.
   
6. Using the Vignette Tool, draw a gradient across the file. You will notice that the first image can be seen at one end of the file and the second image can be seen at the other end. The area in the middle will blend from one image to the other.
   
7. In the image above you will see that the white area on the mask layer corresponds with one image, the black area corresponds with the other image and the tonal area on the layer corresponds with the blended section of the two images. Keep this in mind because it will help to explain what happens when you paint on the mask layer.
   
8. Experiment further by using different tools to create interesting blends between the two images. In the image below the Splatter Tool has been used, but we suggest experimenting with the Brush Tool too, because changes in transparency of the brush stoke can work very effectively here.
9. Once you have finished editing the design choose Separate Menu > Combine to Image to save the combined design effects as a new flatted image.