Stage 1 : In this example I will show you how to enhance the standard textures from the Abstraction or Mutation CD, by using plug-in filters within Photoshop. I have started with image number 0656 from Abstraction and chosen to work with my own freeware Cybia filters (which can be downloaded from my website at : www.cybia.co.uk , by the way!). But you can use any plug-ins to experiment with.

Stage 2 : Duplicate the image on a new layer and apply a plug-in effect. I have used the "Chromium" filter from the EdgeWorks pack. This gives a bit more depth to the texture, but it's still needs some color added I think. Set the layer mode to "Hard Light" then flatten the image.

Stage 3 : Duplicate this layer and choose another plug-in. Using the "Radial Burn" filter from the "EmbossWorks" pack, you not only get a nice color tint but also some extra depth with the emboss effect. Set the layer mode to "Darken" then flatten again.

Stage 4 : You may wish to play around with color variations at this point. I have used the "RG,GB,BR" filter from the "SwapShop" pack in order to change the color here.

Stage 5 : To finish off I pasted the image in Stage 4 on a layer above the previous one, and used a linear gradient transparency mask to blend them together. This gives us a little more variation in the final result.