Rp Tutorials

could someone help me create a layout like the one trueblood has with the livejournal login and the sparkles when the cursor goes over something? i don't want an exact duplicate. i just want to be able to create something like that and like miw. i'm stumped on how to remove the user info and calendar button and replace them with something like the stars, or even do the name in a fancy, so if someone has the time and can teach me then i would be really thankful! i already tried going through help sites but i keep getting lost in all the posts.