I first carefully selected the merry-go-round in the source image, by using the pen tool.
Then I added the trees and gras backround and the clouds and sky. I blended them as good as possible using layer's masks. Colored them and gave them shadows.
I added Christmas lights using a very useful PNG file and baloons, also from a PNG package.
Added poppie field and changed blending mode to overlay. Blended it in.
I added more glow to the lights by using multiple layers with different blending modes (screen and color dodge), plus I added gaussian blur.
I added some gradient adjustment layers for coloring, brightness/contrast, and some soft brushes touch in some areas to enlighten them.
Credits to:
1. "Pyrator" on Flickr for an amazing backround image, at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fire_brace/.
2. "Bluesse" on deviantart for an amazing stock, specially the PNG Packages which I strongly suggest that you go and have a look, they are extremely useful and totally awesome. Please visit account at: http://bluesse.deviantart.com/.
3. "obsidiandawn" for another great PNG package, the Christmas lights, which are usually very hard to find on the web. Official site at: http://www.obsidiandawn.com/.
Hope you like it! (5 years and 3784 days ago)
Good luck 
but, what you should change are the trees. they are all green, including the trunks. also mask the bottom of the trees a bit so they'll blend in better 
I like this alot, you created a nice atmosphere right there...good job author
zzz......time to wake up...........Author your image looks like one of my dreams I had last night..........cheerfull and happy...just like a happy ending dream....Good job, I like it...High marks.
This looks soooo good
you had a brilliant idea and result 
Very pretty and dreamy, beautiful mood
So intriguing: sweet but mysterious.
a favourite.
Good job, a really nice atmosphere that still suggests playfulness.. congratulations.
It really looks like a scene out of a dream. I love the play with light and the balloons! I can almost hear the music
Really really lovely work 
Great entry. You have taken the source image and added interest and volume.
LOVE THIS!
beautiful colors and lights; looks like the image came to life
good job. I like the result!
whoah! love the colors!
Very pretty
very nice!!
This MUST have come from the dream time! Love it.
Congrats for your third place, Cornelia! The more I look at it, the more I can hear the music
Congrats!
congratulations on a fantastic entry!
congrats
Congratulations, my dear friend!
Congratulations for 3rd, nice
Congrats!
Howdie stranger!
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