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Note: Since I didn't feel like explaining how to make a pattern, I just uploaded the set of patterns I have already made. Make sure that you load them! Also, I like to use a custom filter called Eliminate White a lot. I strongly recommend downloading it prior to going any further.. You will also have to restart photoshop before you can use it.
1) Open up your base, and create a new layer (Layer>>New or Shift+Ctrl+N)
2) Take your Bucket Fill tool and change the setting from Foreground to Pattern. Then select which pattern you wish to use.
3) Fill your empty new layer with the pattern you selected, and then Go to Filter>>Transparency>>Eliminate White. Setting the layer to Multiply would get the same effect, but then I wouldn't be able to do the next step.
4) After Eliminating all the white with the filter, select the top layer and go into the Blending options. Set the blend mode to "Overlay" and made turn the opacity down a bit if it's too dark.
5) Next, it would be a good idea to erase parts of the pattern so that the icon doesn't look tacky with patterns all over it. If your icon features a person like this one does, erase the part of the layer where the person is so that the pattern appears to be in the background.
6) Flatten your image! :D
Tomorrow I'll go into coloring and maybe text. For now, sleep!