Step 7
Take watercolor 2 and set it under model layer then clear unwanted parts with layer mask:
Duplicate this layer and flip it horizontally. I use layer mask to remove some parts and now we have nice shoulder-like effect:
Step 8
Isolate branches 1 and place it on the top of model head after converting it to Smart Objects and downsizing it (still under model layer). Add layer mask to this one and use Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to make a selection at the edge of the branches then use hard black brush (don’t use soft brush) to remove the bottom and some branches as shown:
Step 9
I add a Curves layer (Clipping Mask) to brighten the branches a bit:
Step 10
Open branches 2 stock. I take a part from this pic and situate it at the top right of model head, then duplicate it twice, name them from 1 to 3. I flip 2nd horizontally, then position them around model head part. I use layer mask to erase the bottom of the third:
Step 11
These branches look darker from background so I want to brighten them together. To do it, make these layers selected then hit Cmd/Ctrl+G to make group for them. Change the mode of this group from Pass Through (default group mode) to Normal 100%. On 3 layer, go to Layer-New Adjustment Layer-Curves:
Because the mode changed to Normal 100% so this Curves layer only affects the layers inside this group (branches 2 ones).
Step 12
Make a new layer on the top. Set foreground and background to #a8ba81 and #012955. Use Rectangular Marquee Tool to make a square on the pic then go to Filter-Render-Clouds. After applying Clouds filter, choose Filter-Pixelate-Mosaic:
Filter-Distort-Polar Coordinates:
Step 13
Convert this result to Smart Object then downsize it and change the mode to Hard Light 100%. Use Cmd/Ctrl+T to rotate it and move it to the right cheek of model and erase unwanted parts with layer mask:
Duplicate this layer and move to left cheek under the eye, hide the left part of it with black brush and layer mask:
I use a Color Balance layer (Clipping Mask) to change color of this effect