In illustrator how do I create a clipping mask path based on a path layer?

Question

I am trying to apply a pattern piece of vector artwork which is from one image to another image.

The original image has the following:

it has a clip group - with a clipping path and a artwork splatter layer - which contains a splatter set of artwork seen - which extends far beyond the faded purple rectangular outline you can see - but doesnt show because of the clipping path.

I want to recreate this - on the following image.

In this I have the following:

I have a group which contains a path - which is the blue rectangular outline. I also have copied the artwork splatter layer from the file where the above example comes from into group called Splatter artwork.

I want to turn my 'path' layers in this second image into clipping masks where I can then add my splatter artwork layer inside of the clipping mask layer but I cannot work out how to do this - my paths cannot contain other layers it seems, not sure why.

I am very new to illustrator - so please help. I hope you understand the problem my explanation is probably pretty bad - but basically I want to emulate the clipping mask outline of the path as per the first shape in the first example - in my second image - the rectangular shape is subtly different hence why I need to do this.

Answer 1

You may want to try using the Pathfinder tool as well. This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to which direction you go without having to rearrange your layers.

Answer 2

Well i figured it out. You put the path higher in the layers than the pattern, then select both, right click and make clipping mask. Voila!