Easiest way to create animated icons

I Am complete newbie in designing and have Came across the gif like http://ift.tt/1H5onmT .. I want to know How to easily do this kinda of cool animation,What is the right tool to do it.

Right now Idea I have is create different thumbnails in photoshop and merge it as gif. OR is there any easiest way or tutorial.Some one guide me.