How to create a vintage effect - TUTORIAL

If you're ready, let's start !

 Step 1 

Cut the image and put it on the transparent layer.

 Step 2 

Add the flowers, in this particular case the pictures have a similar background (see the original files in the credits) and to obtain the right effect I have filled the background level with a dark color and I have blended the roses levels with the "Lighten blending mode".

 Step 3 

 Add the ornate elements and adjust the color tones; usually I use Image: Hue/Saturation, Color Balance, Levels, Brightness and Contrast.

 Step 4 

 Add another details (I added and delete often these elements during the process. until I'm satisfied of the result, but I think it's the fun and the damnation of every manipulator AA). Meanwhile don't forget to harmonize the colors of all parts of the illustration with usual adjustment image options. For a better result use a soft brush with "soft light" mode to lighten or darken the element that you want and if necessary blocks the transparent pixels of the image.

 Step 5 

When the manip is finished it's time to create a vintage effect, Search and download an old paper texture (there are a lot of great resource on DA, and some good external website of free resource like cgtextures) and put it on the top level. Use the "Soft light" blending mode and if nececessary regulates the opacity amount.

Step 6 

 At this step I work with non-destructive changes. Add "Selective colors" layers and down the black value to obtain a low contrast effect. Add "Curves" layer and work on red, in this layer use "Lighten blending mode", adjust the opacity until you get the desired effect. Add new layer and fill with a flat dark color, use Blending Modes: Exclusion on the layer and adjust the opacity until you get the desired effect.