Using graphic editors, HOW can I make my own medals?

Question: Using graphic editors, HOW can I make my own medals!?

Reference: http://www!.usmilitarystuff!.com/index!.php!.!.!.

Basically I am interested in making my own medals!. I have Photoshop 7 and CS3!. I am able to acquire other programs if need be!.

I can easily find a picture of an eagle or star (heh) or whatever, but it's the issue of working with bevels which is tripping me up!.

Any plugins that anyone knows of or any tuts!? Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The "emboss" filter can get you started on creating the illusion!. After that it would take some creative coloring to finish out the shadows and metallic highlights to finish the effect!. Just remember that the embossing effect will change the image to black and white!. Don't forget to convert it back to a color mode!.

As far as the "bevel" of the medallion's edge, I would try to make a disc, slightly larger than the face of the medal, on a layer beneath the medal!. On that disc, I suggest you play around with applying a radial gradation until it come out the way you want!. Just take care that the highlighs and shadows match the lighting angle on the medal face!.Www@QuestionHome@Com