Ray
this image was downloaded from the net, free domain( can't remember exactly) and it is a high resolution image and this is aGIMP-INKSCAPE process
, I shall try and explain, first it was imported in Gimp ,desaturate, filter-photocopy ,play with the sliders to get enough details in masking.
Step 2, enlarge the pattern to 300 to 400% and start working on the details required erase or add (like use your creativity) then I take the image to inkscape and I do this several times to clean up the pattern ( with tracing)till I am satisfied with the end result .
I finally bring it to Corel Draw ,sort of resize to fit add my name, (you might laugh at this but this is the only way I know) convert it to pdf ,go on line to convert pdf to Jpg. Once that done, if the file is big ,again reduce it to mailing size and that is about all I do. I sincerely hope that this answer makes sense,Ray
Mahendra