To make 3d effects with the layer you must know the basics of the light.
I've created this technique moving from the draw techniques: so you can get a good result if you use the light in the right way. No channels, only your inspiration! This can give to you a way to create your personal style!
Ok, we can start.
For this example I've made a simple shape.
The image above is only an example to give an idea of the shape: the real image has the shape split up into two channels.
This only because my favorite way to build an interface is to work directly in the channels. The image on the left shows this:
Since you must make this 3d shape only with the layers is just on the layers that you must make the light and every its properties.
To do this you can use the gradient tool. With the gradient fills you can emulate the paint (and make images like the iperrealism).
First you have to think to the light direction. So, if the light
move from the top to the bottom you must fill with a gradient, that
has a bright colour as foreground and a dark colour for the
background.
Make a new layer on the background and then fill it with the gradient (with the values that you have seen in the previous image).
For this fill we can think that the light move from the top.
Be sure that the gradient fill is Foreground to Background (press enter to check this in the options).
Now you have the background and the filled layer:
It could be a good idea make a copy of this layer because probably you'll use it several times in this step.
So copy this layer and then move it under the background (that must is a layer).
Click on the upper layer (the original gradient). Load the circle channel selection and press CTRL/SHIFT/i (or choose inverse from Select menu). Press delete.
Make another copy from the layer that is under the background.
I make so many copies because I think that could be useful take always a copy from original gradient or texture (this for any unexpected changes).
Move the layer copied on the background. Load the semicircle channel selection, invert it ( CTRL/SHIFT/i) and press delete.
Here's the current image:
As you can see now the gray gradient is rather uniform. To give a more shading you can do this: add a new layer and fill it with a gradient. For this gradient you should choose the white for the Foreground colour and in the gradient option (press enter for it) choose foreground to transparent.
And here's the image:
Duplicate this layer and then you can load the two shapes selections, one for times, invert they, and press delete (load the circle selection on a layer, invert it and delete so load the semicircle selection on the other, invert it and delete).
If the image has a good look you can merge the top layers with the middles.
By this way you can merge the others layers (top layer that has the white gradient and middle layer).
So, the current layer window should be like this:
Now go to the channels and make a copy of the semicircle channel. Press V and move the copy to the bottom, for example 6 moves down.
The active channel should be the Alpha 1. Make visible the semicircle channel (click on the square near the semicircle channel).
You can see two (or more) channels at the same time
Press the CTRL key and click on the semicircle channel, so with the CTRL key still pressed press also the ALT key. Now click on the Alpha 1 channel.
So you have first loaded the semicircle channel and next you have subtracted the Alpha 1 selection from it.
Save this selection (Select menu/Save selection). Now with the Magic Wand Tool (press W) you have to select the area that you must delete in the new channel (Alpha 2 channel).
From select menu choose Modify/Expand: enter 1 as value.
Press D: the Background colour should be the black. Now press delete.
On the layer window click on the first layer shape (the semicircle shape) then make a new layer.
Load the Alpha 2 selection (you can make it invisible pressing CTRL/h). Press G for the gradient tool.
Choose a 70%-80% gray color and make sure that the gradient is Foreground to Transparent.
Make the gradient moving the mouse from the right to the left.
Adding a glow layer you can improve the image:
That's it! Good
luck!!