http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2941/ab6copy2ya.jpg
This technique is called 'freeforming' and it's a lot of fun. Start with a new transparent bg, then marque a shape. if the bg is 800x600, make the shape an elongated oval 500 x 75. add a white background on a separate layer. Now the fun begins. start distorting the shape, copy it, add color to the copy. add transparency to the copy, bevel it play with the bevel curves, copy it again play somemore with that copy change the color and transparency. Eventually, you'll get the hang of the technique and will beable to control the effect to get what your after. Hope this helps