i want to have two different images one on each side (left and right) of my background
right now i have this
#ffffff url(images/image2.gif) right repeat-y;
how would i edit this to have two different images using this doesn't work when i thought it would
#ffffff url(images/image1.gif) left repeat-y;
#ffffff url(images/image2.gif) right repeat-y;
You'll have to have two separate div ids for "wraps". And you have to tweak carefully so that they don't "overlay" each other wrong. Take a look at a theme I did here: http://vkaryl.net/ExMachina; I've layered 4 (or was it 5?) graphics using divs.
If you think that would work for what you're wanting to do, feel free to grab the css (assuming you're using FF with the webdev toolbar); if not, you can access it here: http://vkaryl.net/ExMachina/wp-content/themes/tapestries/style.css