Step 30

The last thing we will add is a leaf. Start by making a copy of the “Stem” group. Right Click the group and select “Merge Group”. Place this layer below the original “Stem” group. Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal and then Scale and Warp this layer into position.

Step 31

Next, create a New Group called “Leaf”. On a new layer, create an inverted heart shape in green. Make a copy of this layer and use Levels (Command/Ctrl + L) to lighten this copy.

Step 32

Use the Eraser Tool (E) on the copied layer to erase lines resembling the veins of a leaf (this will allow the darker leaf to show through). Open up the Layer Styles and add a Bevel and Emboss to this layer.

Step 33

Merge both leaf layers together and Rotate and Scale (Command/Ctrl + T) it into position and rename the layer “Merged Leaf”.

Step 34

Use the Liquify Filter (Filter > Liquify) to manipulate the edges of the leaf, just like we did with the flower petals.

Step 35

Use the Dodge and Burn Tools to add some more definition to the leaf.

Step 36

Copy a portion of the leaf and paste it to a new layer below the “Merged Leaf”. Use this piece of the leaf to fill in any parts of the leaf that appear to curl up and expose the underside. If needed, use the Eraser Tool (E) to trim the shape.

Step 37

To add some shine to the leaf, create a new clipping layer to the “Merged Leaf” layer and fill with white. Double click this layer to open the Layer Styles and adjust the Blend If sliders as shown. By moving the Blend If: Underlying Layer slider, you can control how hard and soft you want to blend the white layer over the leaf’s light or dark values.

Step 38

To finish up the leaf, use the Burn Tool to add some additional shadows to the leaf.

Step 39

To complete the image, I added a shadow and reflection. To create the shadow, use the Ellipse Tool to make a black ellipse under the base of the pot, then use a combination of the Motion blur and Gaussian Blur filters to blur it. Adjust the shadow’s Opacity. For the reflection, simply merge a copy of the pot into one layer and flip vertically. Reposition this layer and adjust its opacity for the illusion of a reflection.