Worked on this some more and I hope this is reasonably close to the real thing...... @ddm...wish I knew how to do what you're saying...Im sure that would make it look more like the real thing. @l8tr...this was 5-6 layers total but only 1 image...I'll post the original below in this thread.

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

The original image....untouched, except for resizing for web...

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

Wish I could help you with the texture idea - unfortunately I don't know anything about photoshop. However - what you have done with this image is amazing. It really has great character. Well done indeed. I wish I could do color.

Amazing changes, Michelle. It looks so 3 dimensional.

Great Michelle, that really works now, love it!

elusive.chaos

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star...." (Nietzsche)

Really beautiful work. I think previous version worked as well, but this does too. .n

Oooh ahhh... Iloveitloveitloveitloveitloveit... :-) The original is a keeper too.

Thanks for the mini-tut Alpha...I'll try that, but I'm thinking now...If I want to print this on textured inkjet paper then I wouldn't need to add the texture...right? The reason is, I think I might be able to find some sort of water color textured inkjet paper. I know Lumijet makes different papers that I've tried like linen and canvas...maybe some other company carries something similar to what I'm looking for.

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

"WOW" This is just great! The subtle changes you made to this complete the look for me. Oh and thanx for answerin this PS newbie's question! Take care! L8r!

Beautiful, Michelle. I feel like i can put my hand in and pick the clover.

Michelle coming a bit late to this thread, like the picture and the post work, if I had any comment it would be the hard edge If I recall correctly image transfer pictures have a uneven torn looking edges. :O)

Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing. Salvador Dali

Sorry Michelle, I see now I look again, you have got the edges correct, perhaps a little more white frame/paper would help emphasise this. :O)

Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing. Salvador Dali

excellent, your grunge postwork is very fine indeed...well done.

My humble personal opinion is that the "still working on" version of this is better (the one you've posted to the gallery is open also, and I'm comparing), as I think that this particular version here is "scratched" and texturised more than necessary...
...Rather distracting perhaps, blocking the beautiful and valuable blurred foliage that is clearly seen in the "still working on" version.
Also, esp. the horizontal and long scratches look rather...regular.

Well, mine is surely just a humble and visual evaluation (as I really am unable to texturise in photoshop), but maybe some other type of "dirtiness", more irregular and less blocking perhaps...

...I think. :)

After peeking the previous again, I agree Doruk, this seems, dont get me wrong, bit overdone or something like that. Its still beautiful, but has lost the freshness a bit. .n

Agreed Nico...I like this one myself but it does seem too scratched up...looking at images of others on the real thing they are not quite always so beat up looking. I printed this one on canvas paper from Lumijet and the scratches are not even noticable anymore. I think I need to go back to the previous version and see how that looks printed. I may still modify the edges somewhat on that to give a more unevenly torn look but....

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

This is really nice Michelle...now I'm going to chase up the gallery version too... :-)>