In this Adobe® Photoshop tutorial, you will learn some new techniques to create a crystal effect using Blurs, Layer tools and Selections. It is necessary for the reader to have some basic knowledge of the various tools used in Photoshop. This tutorial is best suited for Advanced Photoshop Designers. So let's move in to the tutorial now.
Create a new document. Mine was 300X200 pixels. You would probably want something larger. Modify all the settings for a larger image size and experiment.
Create a new layer. With the Polygon lasso tool, draw your rough shape. Notice that in Photoshop 6 you can draw off the canvas. When you get to the start/finish point you will see a little circle. As soon as you click on the start point, the entire shape will b loaded as a selection.
Fill with a dark color. Don't deselect. Now we want to add a gradient, use this method: Select-->modify-->contract. Enter 6 pixels and if you are using a larger image size, consider 10 or even 15.
Now we want to soften the selection. Go to Select-->Feather: Chose a value between 5-10 . Choose a lighter shade of the same color as the crystals and fill.
Duplicate the layer and add a Gaussian blur to the copy. Move the blurred layer beneath the original layer.
Change the background to black. Notice the original layer and the blurred layers. Here is where the crystals take on their 3D look: Add a layer style to the shape. (Click the little "f" at the bottom of the layers palette)
Choose bevel and emboss. Technique: Chisel soft .Increase the depth and size until you are happy with the result. Change the gloss contour , uncheck global light and change the altitude to 7.
To get the translucent crystal like opacity: Still in the layer style box. Go to Blending options lower the fill opacity to 42. Press ok. In the layers palette, change the blending mode to screen.
Duplicate the crystal layer. Press Ctrl/Cmd+T for free transform. Rotate the new layer, you will see it interact with the other crystal layer. Time to spruce up the background a bit. Add a linear gradient. You could do anything you want really.
Copy the layer style to the blurred layer. It adds an interesting feel. If you want you can keep coping layers and rotating them. Experiment and come up with some of your own results.
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