Yeah.. first of all ensure that your sig dimensions is within AC limits, i.e. for under 10K, it shouldn't exceed 120px, and 140px for 10K+.
Then while saving proceed this way,
File -> Save for web and devices.
In that window select JPEG, and you'll see a quality slider, slide it and set the image size to 2 kb less than max. allowed limit. Again it's 59kb for 10K, 39kb for 500posts and above, and 29kb for those below 500 posts.
the ones surrounding text are done with pen tool, the rings surrounding render, with pen tool, background lights are c4ds..
btw if you want download this... I've uploaded my brush collection here ^^
What it contains ->http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6208/brushpack.gif
Link -> Assorted Brush pack.rar
Password -> eisenbricher