Question about dashboard desktop pages

I don't think that this is possible without third party software and I don't know of any that do this off hand.

The desktop, each desktop, is a representation of your /User/Desktop folder so having different icons on each desktop wouldn't be possible.

 

You're confusing your metaphors: the Finder Desktop is, as noted, a representation of a folder (in this case a special one, The Desktop) that is open with the files/folders inside revealed. A page is something different.

But you raise a valid point: why don't all folders, when opened, spread out on the screen with a custom background? Dunno. In fact, pages might be a better metaphor, and at times people have suggested that as a way to go. More like iOS.

You could try Finder alternatives; check out Conjure by Conjure Bunny. http://www.conjurebunny.com/Conjure/Welcome.html

It's what you envision: a page that you can write or draw on, add files or folders to, emails, sounds. All kinds of stuff. Worth checking out just to see that the rather tired and ancient Mac OS interface doesn't have to be the only way we interact with computers.

Another is Raskin.