Hi saunter, how did you do this image in Photoshop?

Nice first try. It could use a little more detail but makes an ok texture wallpaper. Keep exploring the features of photoshop and lets see some more of your experimentation. We learn by doing.
Russ

"n00b" work isn't so bad, but as said above, a little more detail wouldn't hurt but this does make a pretty nice and simple desktop, with calm colors that are easy to look at, the only thing I suggest is to try new things with the program, Welcome to Caedes.

Not buyin it.

not bad for a first try, but my advice is to use some brushes and filters

caedes is a place of artists, desire-to-be artists, photographers (i know i didnt spell that right lol) and anyone else who likes playing with images, to show people what they did, see how other people like it, and then have opinions (99.9% of the time are meant [or should be anyways] to help you do better the next time around.) if i am able too, ill upload an image i did a while back which was my very first from-scratch photoshop image. check my gallery sometime (itll be called 'Flames' or have something to do with fire in the name) welcome! don't be afraid to put stuff out there. we're not here to attack and eat you and your images.