Checkered Sphere

We'll begin this tutorial, by creating a new canvas at a size of 300 x 155. Then double click the background layer in the Layers Palette and click OK to unlock the layer.

Now right click on the background layer in the Layers Palette and select, "Blending Options...". Now click on "Gradient Overlay".

You may now click OK.

You should now have the below image.

Next, grab the "Elliptical Marquee Tool" and make the below selection. Create a new layer and download this pattern here for the next step.

Now select the "Paint Bucket Tool". You may need to change the fill type in the Options Palette as the below image illustrates. Then find the pattern you just downloaded and fill the selection.

You should now have the below image.

Next, keep the selection and go to the main menu and choose "Filter" then "Distort" and lastly "Spherize" and use the below settings. You may now deselect the selection.

You should now have the below image.

Now right click on the checkered sphere layer in the Layers Palette and select, "Blending Options...". Now click on "Inner Shadow".

Do not click "OK" yet. Still more to do.

Now click on "Inner Glow".

Do not click "OK" yet. Still more to do.

Now click on " Gradient Overlay".

You may now click OK.

You should now have the below image.

Using the "Ellipse Tool" draw the below shape using Black and drag so it is beneath the checkered sphere layer in the Layers Palette. Name this layer "Drop Shadow" in the layers Palette.

Now right click on the "Drop Shadow" layer in the Layers Palette and select, "Blending Options...".

Do not click "OK" yet. Still more to do.

Now click on "Outer Glow".

You may now click OK

You should now have the below image.

Next, go to the main menu and choose "Filter" then "Blur" and lastly "Gaussian Blur" and use the below settings.

The Results!!!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.