Ok let me start by giving the link to a blog that gave me alot of info:
http://www.fubar.com/blog/193270/795835
this blog has code templates and explanations of how to use them,and is very user friendly.Next is a skin explanation,and im going to do it by example.Ive not yet figured out which color changes what region yet,but you can mess with it till you get something you like.if not ill leave a link to a generator.
userprofile_links a:link, .userprofile_links a:visited, .userprofile_links a:active {
text-decoration:none;
color:#FFFF99;
this is a section from the skin creator.simply change the color code:(#FFFF99)with a color name(redetc.) or get a code from a photo editor or other program which has a gradient option.not sure which sections change what yet,but ill leave that to you .Heres a link to a generator: http://www.myfknspace.com/generators/hybrid-generator.php
hope this helps a bit.any questions feel free to ask me.