pimping (next time it would be mroe convenient if you provide a gallery link or have it in your sig) :/ just a thought.
anyway, I think your retouches are great
and I do like your banners...except the whole pixelated thing? I'm not sure, maybe it's for artistic reasons (probably no duh) but I think it's kind of out of place, or should be done more subtly. If it's too out there, the texture of the pixelated part becomes the focus...making the background seem too messy. o.O
but your blending is great. and your text is great too!

you're super talented
xx
eunice