sorry!!!
I spend far too much time messing around with graphics if it's
any consolation! I do a lot of different graphics, banners, 3D things, web pages etc.
It took ages so I'm glad it got a positive response, sorry about the tears though!
I'm using Ulead Photo Impact 6. It's a great program with loads of flexibility and options. I really like Ulead software, it works so well and can do most of the things I try and throw at it.
Basically it's a photohandling program (as you will have guessed) but it does a nice line in objects and is fantastic with textures and fills (frills as well).
The main shape was just a combination of two 3d shapes plus some shadow effects. It isn't as hard to do as it may look, the time is spent on deciding what looks nice!
The main reason I set about doing a skin was in thanks for the help that you guys and gals have put in the forums, the fact I spent a while on it proves what a helpful bunch you all are!