The 101 Guide to apply effect filters on the web

Have a good read with this article by Christian “Schepp” Schaefer on implementing cross-browser blur with CSS, filters, and SVG: http://drublic.de/blog/effects-for-the-web/

Also another point to note, although DirectX filters has always been something convenient from IE to replace CSS3, as of IE version 10, it will no longer be supported. However, if any of you still has preference to pick it up and learn it, here is the link for you:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms673539%28v=VS.85%29.aspx