Speech Bubble Header

1. Start out by creating a new document large enough for your header. (In this tutorial I will not create a full header containing a logo, just the right side without the logo.) Fill in the background with the color of your choice. I chose color #adb191. Next, create a new layer, select the Rectangular Marquee Tool and create a selection on the upper portion of the image for the actual header. Again, you may fill this in with your color of choice.

2. Next right-click on the current layer and select Blending Options. I chose to add a Drop Shadow, Color Overlay, Gradient Overlay, and a Stroke.

3. Now that the background for the header has been completed, go ahead and add some text links for navigation. I am using the Myraid Pro font.

4. We will now create a speech bubble that will go off of the Blog link. Create a new layer then select the Rectangular Marquee Tool. Create a selection for the main part of the bubble. After creating the selection, DO NOT fill it in just now. Instead go to Select > Modify > Smooth. Use a setting of 2-3 px or more and click OK. Next select the Polygonal Lasso Tool. Make sure that the second icon in the tool options bar (Add to selection) is selected. Create the selection and fill it in black as shown below.

5. Now that the bubble has been created, lets add some style to it. Right-click on the current layer and select Blending Options. Add an Inner Shadow, Satin, and Gradient Overlay. You may continue to enhance the bubble by adding a very subtle Drop Shadow if you'd like to.

6. Finally, go ahead and add a graphic and some text. You may use the same tickets graphic that I used if you'd like to.