There seems to be this huge craze on crystals going around the design world. Originally the crystals were created in a 3D program and imported to Photoshop where all kinds of coolness is added. In this tutorial I will show you an easy way to create these crystals in Photoshop. We are using Version 7 but it works the same for all versions including CS.

Create a new document.Mine was 300X200 pixels. You would probably want something larger. Modify all the settings for a larger image size. 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. Here I chose blue.

Don't deselect.

Now we want to add a gradient, use this method:

Select>modify>contract

I entered 6 pixels. If you are using a larger image size, consider 10 or even 15

Now we want to soften the selection.

Select>Feather: I chose 5, you may want to choose 10

Choose a lighter shade of the same color as the crystals and fill. I chose light blue.

Duplicate the layer and add a gaussian blur to the copy.

Move the blurred layer beneath the original layer.

Here I changed 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 pallette)

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 pallette, 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.

This is the result so far.

Time to spruce up the background a bit. I added a linear gradient.

You could do anything you wanted really.

Here is an optional step:

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.