Site Layout in PS Question

[AdemoS]

To start with, I had planned to create a php layout based on this photoshop design. Then I recalled how cliche and overdone things like that were, so I decided to go back to the original idea I had wanted to do, but did not know how to.

The shape would basiclly look the same as the layout I displayed above, but the texture I wanted, was what it looks like when you cut a crystal-rock in half, smooth, a few imperfections here and there. But no matter how often I tried I couldn't get the exact, cut crystal look I was trying for.

Around that time, I came upon BioRUST, and found countless tutorials, showing how to do seemingly complicated effects, with minimal effort, often using the basic, pre-loaded photoshop filters. It seemed just about anything could be accomplished by using some kind of combination of clouds, noise, and gradients.

So my question to the photoshop adepts around here is, how would I create a sliced crystal look, in a menu shaped similar to this?

[Bub]

I'm not real sure what you mean by "sliced crystal look." Possible that you could find an example somewhere and I know someone here can help you achieve the desired look.

[AdemoS]

Oh good idea, what I mean is alot like this but not exactly that color, just that kind of look. [the color scheme would be more one color and better match my original example] I'll try to find a larger picture and update this thread, but you should get the idea. Very clean sig btw, and I like the blue.

[jumbosheep]

Sliced amethyst (might not be correct spelling) look? image
you could always take this image, blow it up, change the hue, cut out the realative shape you want, add some distortion and a fade gradient around the edges.

[AdemoS]

Not exactly, but thank you for the reply. What I am looking for, is a way to create a crystal surface look, but smoothed. Maybe crystal is the wrong word...shiny..glass like? If anyone reading this thinks they might have an idea, feel free to post an image or link to a tutorial, and I'll look through to see if that's what I meant.

Thanks in advance for reading.

[x32fzw]

Do you mean that popular glass effect many sites use?
I mean things like this: Glass button

Or do you mean a glass/crystal layout? Kinda white and shiny...?

I do alot of graphics and im currently working on a template for myself using alot of glass buttons etc.

If you could find a website that uses a template simular to what you want then please link it!

I hope i can help further.

[Bub]

Ok, I played with photoshop a little and came up with a marble look. Possible this is what you're looking for? I've included an image with the marble look in 3 different colors. Don't ask me why *shrug*

[AdemoS]

Originally Posted by x32fzw

Do you mean that popular glass effect many sites use?
I mean things like this: Glass button

Woah...nice tutorial..but not really, it's hard to explain. I want a rough-dark looking glass effect, using the color in my example....I have the EXACT image in my head, but for the life of me cannot draw nor explain it correctly. >_< xD

Originally Posted by x32fzw

Or do you mean a glass/crystal layout? Kinda white and shiny...?

Not white, but shiney and glass/crystal...instead a darker looking crystal, similar to the color scheme in my original image.

Originally Posted by x32fzw

I do alot of graphics and im currently working on a template for myself using alot of glass buttons etc.
If you could find a website that uses a template simular to what you want then please link it!
I hope i can help further.

Hmm well if I find any tutorials specfically for what I want, I'll be happy to spread the word, but what I want is pretty hard to explain/achieve.

Originally Posted by bub

Ok, I played with photoshop a little and came up with a marble look. Possible this is what you're looking for? I've included an image with the marble look in 3 different colors. Don't ask me why *shrug*

Holy crap, that looks great. In fact, though it wasn't really what I meant, it gives me a damn interesting idea for tiling a layout menu....but agian, not really the right 'dark' look I wanted. Either way though, if you'd be willing to attach/send the psd, PM and I'll give you any requested contact details.

Thank you both for all the FANTASTIC replies, so far I haven't yet seen what I am trying to get, but the help is greatly appericated nether the less.

EDIT: Loving your sig x32fzw, but I had to copy and paste your name @_@ Too hard to remember xD

[Bub]

http://www.bubster.org/bub/marble
I've uploaded the pattern and a few other rock patterns to my domain. Enjoy.

It's not "tilable" so I highly reccomend using gaussian blur to remove the corner look. The pattern is white so just change the hue/saturation to get the color you want.

BTW, we look forward to seeing what you come up with so make sure you post your work *thumbs up*

[AdemoS]

Nice, thanks for the upload. I actually meant the .psd file, but I guess I can just cut out each square from the jpeg and use it seperatly. Not sure how to open/use the .pat file, but it was nice of you to upload it anyway. I'll keep that tiling advice in mind though.

Oh of course, when I FINALLY get together the look I want, you guys will be the first to see it. ;D

Btw the plan is, to use a tilable effect for the FAST version of the site and more complicated artistic designs for the DETAILED version of the site. I am planning to base the entire thing in php so that I can seamlessly change back and forth between design versions without having to make a seperate page for design version. X_X

[badreligionpunk]

do you mean something shiny crystalized kinda like your avatar except purple like the pic you post originally or the amethyst?

[Bub]

I don't think I saved a large PSD. Seems like a pattern is the easiest way to do it so that's what I saved.

Stick that .pat file in your /Photoshops/Presets/Patterns Folder.
In Photoshop, go to Edit/Preset Manager. Click on the drop down box and go to Patterns. Select Load and choose "Rock.pat." It'll show the pattern in the menu.

To use, go to edit/fill, select the pattern named "Marble" and hit ok. Then blur by a little.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[AdemoS]

Originally Posted by badreligionpunk

do you mean something shiny crystalized kinda like your avatar except purple like the pic you post originally or the amethyst?

No, not really. I know how I made that. Stock Photos + Perverse Filter + Default Blending Effects. But thanks for the suggestion.

Originally Posted by Bub

I don't think I saved a large PSD. Seems like a pattern is the easiest way to do it so that's what I saved.
Stick that .pat file in your /Photoshops/Presets/Patterns Folder.
In Photoshop, go to Edit/Preset Manager. Click on the drop down box and go to Patterns. Select Load and choose "Rock.pat." It'll show the pattern in the menu.
To use, go to edit/fill, select the pattern named "Marble" and hit ok. Then blur by a little.
Let me know if you have any other questions.

Ahh, I see. Thanks alot. I'll be sure to check that out when I need to use the pattern. Thanks agian.