In this tutorial we'll see how is it possible to create wallpapers by combining several pictures, we'll learn also several methods of correcting the colors, use the layers, the filters and see how to create unusual lightness effects.

First we need to open a new file of standard sizes wallpapers: File - New (ctrl+n).



Open now in a new window the photo representing an eye:



Mark it out, using the Rectangular Marquee Tool and make a copy of it: Edit - Copy (ctrl+c). Get back to the earlier created file and insert it on a new layer: Edit - Paste (ctrl+v). Now we should correct the eye's parameters, selecting the next option: Edit - Free Transform (ctrl+t)



Insert on a new layer the photo of any kind of dial plate, in this case of a compass.



Separate the dial plate out of its background, using the Elliptical Marquee Tool:

 

The layer containing the rests of the picture should be erased: Layer - Delete - Layer. We should copy also that part of the compass that is without its frame.



Distort the compass's perspective after that, making use of this command: Edit - Transform - Distort



The second layer must be placed above the eye (Distort, Free Transform) and then erase the unnecessary part by marking it firstly with Polygonal Lasso Tool. Before marking that part we could minimize the layer's Opacity till 0%, and then turn it back on 100%. We should blur out the dial plate's edges too, selecting the Blur Tool.



Decolorize the layer now: Image - Adjustments - Desaturate (shift+ctrl+u) and change the layer's type on Multiply, increase the layer's contrast, using the next option: Image - Adjustments - Curves (ctrl+m).



Open in a new window the photo representing the autumn leaves: (ctrl+o):

 

Because they are situated on a white background, we can mark them out with Rectangular Marquee Tool and Magic Wand Tool. Copy the leaves and insert each of them on a new layer, getting back to the wallpapers window.



We should change after that the leaves' angles and placements (ctrl+t). Then make several copies of these new layers: Layer - Duplicate Layer (ctrl+j) and create out of them a new composition, situated under the compass's layer (just move the layers on their right places).



Apply to each of the layers the next command: Layer - Layer Style - Drop Shadow



This way we'll get the leaves shadows:



Combine all the layers containing the leaves on them:



And merge them down: Layer - Merge Down (ctrl+e). Now we have to insert on a new layer the texture of a textile (ctrl+e), that you may see below:



Place it above the layer containing the eye (ctrl+t).

 

Create a mask then out of this layer: Layer - Add Layer Mask - Reveal All and choose the Gradient Tool of black color to make invisible a part of the layer situated above the eye:



Apply the following command: Layer - Remove Layer Mask - Apply and start correcting the colors. Apply first Image - Adjustments - Selective Color (for the layer containing the textile's texture).



Use now Image - Adjustments - Hue/Saturation (ctrl+u).



Change a little the layer's brightness and the contrast, making use of the next command: Image - Adjustments - Levels (ctrl+v).