How to create a website banner with the GIMP (a beginner tutorial)

I have several websites in mind that I would like to start working on, but one of my issues is that I don't really have any graphic design chops. I have opened the GIMP a few times, only to run away in horror.

In my attempts to come up with a banner for a future blog, I came across the submitted tutorial. It is a straightforward, useful introduction to the GIMP for someone who has never used it. Hopefully it can get you over that initial design hump and help you get to work on those personal websites you've been putting off.