The first thing to do when creating a new page is to set the properties of the page. To do so you need to choose Modify from the top of the screen and then click on Page Properties.
The background image I chose for this page is
one that I've had in my files. I labled it schoohouse. To add it to the page,
I first chose Browse...by Background Image, chose schoolhouse and clicked
OK.
To modify the color of the text I also used the above screen. There is a large color pallete for your use. You can also manipulate the background color as well.