Manipulations with Picasa and Photoshop Elements

I learned a little bit more about manipulating photos in Photoshop Elements, on Thursday, in my digital photography class.  I tried some things out today and had lots of fun.  This first picture was very boring but I think the leaves look useable now for a small art quilt.

Next, I started out with one of the pictures I took in NYC last year of the 59th St Bridge while riding the Roosevelt Tram and between Picasa and Photoshop, this is what I came up with.  I need to keep playing so I will learn how to use all the tools.  It's the 'layers' I haven't yet been able to master, but I'll keep on trying. Click on the individual pictures for a better view.

                                                        original picture