Here's a few simple steps to simulate fractal images. Though, not a walk-through as such, just a few pointers on what tools to use to achieve these.

Here's a simple trick to create a sketch effect.
1. First, open the image you want to 'sketch'.
2. If your using Photoshop 7, use a 'Layer Set' for organization. Next duplicate, the original photo/image layer( I called mine 'copy'), and hide the original...

Here's a simple technique using brush strokes for making some trendy background (Texture)effects. Start with a new document.(Choose a large preset for a better effect.) Dark backgrounds work best, so I used Black. Hit the 'X' key on the keyboard to set the foreground color to White...

Here's a simple trick to create a colored pencil sketch effect.
1. First, open the image you want to 'pencil sketch'.
2. If your using Photoshop 7, use a 'Layer Set' for organization. Next duplicate, the original photo/image layer( I called mine 'original')...

Here's a few simple steps to create a realistic fire/inferno effect. First, start a new document, I used 640x480 preset. Then choose an orange color variant for your foreground (I used #DF853B) and Black (#000000) as the Background color. Create a new empty Layer...

A simple way to create a swirly pattern or lines using the Pen Tool. Using a dark background works best in this case. So I used black as the background. Select the 'Pen Tool (P)' and up on the 'Options Bar', select the 'Paths' option...

First start a new document. I started with a preset of 640 x 480. Next set the Foreground color to #F5840C (Shade of Orange) & Background color to #000000 (Black). (Ultimately, you choose your own varying color swatches, as this effect produces different results but the same effect.)...

I have found very few uses for the "Difference" layer option. This is an exception. I've used this technique to make some nice wallpapers, which are available at the bottom of the page...

Ever wondered how to make a tiled web page background where one tile joins perfectly with the next? This tutorial shows how to make a tiled web page background which has no visible tiling lines.

On the web, most things that aren't photographs, are two-dimensional, monotone areas, devoid of lighting. The key to making websites that really stand out has to do with two factors - lighting and randomness. This tutorial goes through the steps of making a very funky piece of wallpaper.