How do I grab a large sample area instead of the small eye dropper?

[JD Smith]

I have an old magazine advertisement that I am remastering, and then printing out on quality photo paper in an 8x10 size. Problem is, the entire edging is pink. I want to extend the edges of the ad because there is lettering and pictures that go right up to the edge, and once I put it in a frame, some of that is cut out and not visible. So I essentially want to extend the border all the way around on all sides, but want it in the pink color instead of a white border. When I use the eyedropper, it grabs one solid color, and when I paste that color to my outer white area, it doesn't look right. This ad I scan is old and pixelated. I want my extension to look the same. I though if I could grab an area and copy that instead, it would look more natural. But I've burned 2 hours trying to figure out how to do that with no luck.

I am using Photoshop Elements version 8.

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[JD Smith]

Here is what I am talking about. I re-cropped the pic to make more of a border area. In doing that, it gave me a blank white outer area. So I filled it in with pink, but it is a solid pink color,and it doesn't look right. I'm trying to figure out how to recreate the granulated look that the vintage ad possesses, so that it all blends in.

 

[ibclare]

OK, I removed my entire post since it turns out the layer, add noise works quite well.

• Remove the white border.
• Make a layer below and use your eyedropper to select multiple areas till you find the closest overall match.
• Go to filter>add noise. Check uniform and uncheck monochromatic. Set the distribution low till it matches up.
• Add a layer mask to the image layer. Now take the softest round brush in 30 to 40% opacity and brush black to blend the edges that are paler in color.

Here's what I came up with:



This was quickly done and there is some cleanup or more careful brushing needed. Make the brush harder when you are near the type or the halo/feather effect of the brush will erase further than you think. Also remember that with a layer mask, you can always switch to white and reveal the original pixels.

Hope this helps.