Creating Backgrounds From Scratch

Hello! This is my first tutorial :) I make most of the backgrounds for my graphics myself. Here is one of the techniques I use. :) Though I am using Photoshop Elements, this can be done in regular Photoshop, gimp, and other online editors, depending on what features are in it.

Step 1: Open a new blank file, and fill the layer with one of the sparkle patterns in this free pattern package. Like so:



Step 2: Go to Enhance - Adjust Hue and Saturation. (may be different depending in what program you're using) and change the layer hue according to these settings:



Step 3: Create a new layer above the old one.



Step 4: Use the gradient tool to create a gradient in your new layer. It doesn't matter what colors, but I chose orange and yellow.



Step 5: Lower the opacity of the gradient layer. I chose 60%, but play around with the number and figure out what looks best.



Step 6: Create a new layer between the original two layers.



Step 7: Use the brush tool in this layer. You can use whatever brush, but I am using these brushes. Also, I am using a white brush but just use whatever looks best to you :)



Step 8: Create a new layer on top of all of your other layers and use one of the brushes in this brush set.



And tada! There you go! You have a beautiful background for your graphics. I hope this tutorial helped you. If you used it, please post the results here. Please don't duplicate this exactly or make anything relatively close. Here is the result! :)

(without the water mark of course)

^^ By Me :)

Music21: Yep! And if you decide to buy it, all the brushes you downloaded will still be there :)

^^ By Me :)

Allyouareismean: Awesome! Can't wait to see it! :)

^^ By Me :)

Allyouareismean: that's really cool!

^^ By Me :)

fearlessswiftie13: Haha, before I clicked on the thread I thought "Hey, I have 13 posts" :)

^^ By Me :)

Music21: cool I'll probably do one on cutting since I am not the best at blending...

^^ By Me :)