Step 1: Start off with a blank 500x500 pixel document, add a new layer, and Edit > Fill it with black.  Once you have done this, add three 50-300% Zoom lens flares (Render) at 125%, so that your image resembles the one on the left.

Step 2: Go to the main menu and run Filter > Sketch > Chrome with a Detail of 6 and a Smoothness of 4.

Step 3: Set the colour to your own personal taste using Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation. I chose a blue (200 Hue 60 Sat).  The final colour choice is, of course, up to you, but remember to use a darkish duller colour at first, because our creation will get lighter and lighter as the tutorial proceeds.

Now Layer > Duplicate this layer and change the blending mode to Lighten.

Step 4: Layer > Duplicate this new layer and change the blending mode to Overlay.

Step 5: On the Lightened layer, run Filter > Distortion > Wave, and click on the randomize button a few times till you get a nice effect like the one opposite.

Step 6: Layer > Merge this layer with your original layer, duplicate it, then Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal, set layer blending mode to lighten, and merge it again.

Step 7: Getting the idea yet?  If not, duplicate the original layer again, flip it vertically, set the layer blending mode to lighten and merge it.

Step 8: You can stop here or add one more duplication at a 90 degree angle. Either way, you should have a fancy and highly fashionable texture of your very own now! Enjoy!

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I really like this tut. I have to say is was extremely well written. Very easy to follow and fun

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Very effective and lots of fun. Thanks.

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I have a question perhaps someone can help me with -

I just upgraded to CS2 after not using adobe products for several years and I've been working this tutorial. Well, I made one design and all went well.

But now - I can't get the render> lens flare to enable. It's grayed out. No matter what I do, it won't activate. All I have done is do the tutorial once and then closed the design I made and opened a new canvas.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Annie

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You have to reposition them in the lens flare options. Don't just do the quick flare each time, but allways choose lens flare "the long way round". Then you can reposition them and change other options.

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hi when i add 3 lense flares they all end up on top of each other ... how do i space them out like in ur pic ???

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