This image started with a digital photo of my sister’s hammock. Using Photoshop, I applied Alien Skin EyeCandy 4000’s Swirl filter and Fantastic Machines FM Tile Tools Blend Emboss filter to make the peaks and valleys more 3-dimensional. Finally, I added a 30% overlay of Reindeer Graphics Adaptive Equalization filter in "vivid light" layer mode to enhance the texture.
To make the graduated yellow border I first created a yellow background layer. Then I selected the swirled hammock image and feathered the edge by 20 pixels. This "ate into the edges." As a result, the yellow background layer shined through around the edges, creating a translucent border.
For those who don’t use Photoshop, I just hope you enjoy my work.
