not a problem... there are about 101 ways you could do it just which works best is up to you. This suggestion came becuase I saw the advantage of always have'n an editable mask. in effect turning the new layer into the mask so you don't have to heal the original pic because the new layer does not effect it untill you do the enivitable.. the very very last thing you do. Because you should also dupliacte the original background layer of the scan... selct all delete, then ~ fill with green or something and you will see the full power of my assistance... when I'm can express myself better the more helpfull it will be. after you paste the mask layer into the quick mask chanel.... and delte the selection from the Photgraph .... hide the mask layer and have a look at what you've done... and post an exaple here. Photshop has masks, selections, and clipping paths... you can make selections from paths and make paths from selections. but I think you know that.