This is par 2 of making icons Tutorial. So let’s start by creating a mere document. This time it will be square.

Use custom shape tool to create basic form.

Make a copy of the layer and transform it to be a little bit smaller than the original layer.

Use Layer styles on Upper layer.

And here is our result for this moment.

Steps:
Using color range tool select the BLUE color tone.

Further IT.

Create anew later (when the selection is still on).

Fill it with gradient.

Use Layer styles.

Use layer mask and black to white gradient to blend the lower border.

Here is layer order results.

Now, make another selection. Further it (CREATE a NEW Layer before Filling it) and use White to transparency gradient on it.

Result:

And layer order:

I want to use some color correction:
So create a new adjustment layer on the top of the layer box.

Use Gaussian Blur on this layer.

Make a selection using rectangle tool.

Copy this Square layer and make one of them smaller that the other using CTRL+T keystroke.

Here is what we got:
I’ve changed the color.

Layer 1 settings:

RESULT:

It’s actually hard to see, but there is difference.

Layer 2 settings:

Result:

Now it is time to put some text here:

And use a little style on the text:

Good result:

Now I want to put a reflection. But first merge all visible layers.
Turn the background off visible.

And we have only 2 layers.

Now transform the object like it is going to perspective. Use Perspective transform.

Good. Now let’s create the reflection-just create anew temporary doc and follow my steps.

Copy the layer back to original doc.

Use layer mask to hide a part of the reflection. We don’t see object’s reflection as clear as the object it self.

And we are done here. Turn the background off Visible and save it in PNG. Format if you want to use it like an icon.

And here it is. I have my own icon as a part of my messy desktop. Looks quite Ok among Apple’s? Leopard OS icons.