Can I use a gradient along with a pattern for fill effects?

[LJV]

I am currently using Word 2003 on Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.
My question is if I want to fill an Autoshape with a fill effect like some
type of Pattern, can I also create a Gradient effect with that pattern? I
saw a small flyer online that someone created and I think they used Word. I
was able to duplicate almost everything to a tea, the Autoshape, the text
boxes, the shading surrounding the Text boxes/autoshapes within the main
autoshape. But this flyer had a certain type of pattern as the fill effect
of which I didn't see as one of the options for patterns on my system, but
also, it looked as if the left side of the main autoshape had some darkened
areas more so than the middle and the right side. Kind of like when you use
the Gradient Tab under fill effects. But I can't figure out how, when I go
to the fill effects option, to combine a gradient with a pattern like this
flyer has. I can achieve the gradient effect with solid colors only, not
with a pattern effect. Any ideas and/or help in this area would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks
LJV

 

[Mary Sauer]

Create two identical autoshapes. Fill the first with a pattern, fill the second
with the gradient. Adjust the transparency. Place on top the first.

 

[LJV]

Mary,

Thank you so much! This definitely answered my question and I tried it out
and worked just as you said.

I am wondering also if you happen to know anything about my first question
in my post regarding the type of pattern that this person had on their flyer
online. I didn't actually see that pattern under the fill effects dialogue
box, pattern tab. Are there more set of patterns located online that can be
downloaded to your system? I just realized as I'm writing this to you that
maybe I could use that same technique of layering one or two autoshapes on
top of one and other to even create different patterns. Can you layer more
than one Autoshape on another, apply gradients and then adjust the
transparency to get the effect that you want? I'll have to try this right
now.

Thanks,
LJV

 

[Mary Sauer]

Hello LVJ,

There are patterns on the Office web site. You can fill an autoshape with just
about any type image. Fill, fill effects, picture tab. I would suggest checking
the aspect option.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/results.aspx?qu=patterns&sc=20
I do all this in Publisher, much easier.

 

[LJV]

Hi Mary,

Thank you for all your help and the below information. For some reason I am
not able to find the particular type of Fill pattern this person used. I
don't know, maybe they created the fill pattern themselves somehow? I don't
know why I'm so stuck on this, but I would just love to know how to get a
hold of it. It is not anything fancy. It's just a basic Grey & White
pattern. It has a grey background like solid color and then little white
dashes and circles next to each other. But each line of this pattern is
offset from the one above and below it. So for instance, where you see a
small white circle on one line, you'll see a small white dash on the line
directly above and below it, vice versa. But it is definitely not one of the
pattern options contained within the fill effects dialogue box within Word.
But I really like the looks of it. It's very professional but simple
looking. It doesn't overtake what's on top of it. If you'd like, I can
email you a copy of it so you can see it. Or if you'd rather not give out
your email, maybe I can post someplace where you can view it or something.
But you may be a little tired of this by now and if so, I understand. I'll
just throw it out your way and you can decide.

Thanks so much once again!,
LJV

 

[Mary Sauer]

Hey LJV, send it to me. I have all the legacy clipart Microsoft has offered over
the years, maybe it is part of it.
mary-sauer at columbus.rr.com