Take your object (Australian flag in this case), and make some space around it, by clicking Image > Canvas Size, and putting in a greater height and width for the canvas.
Now make a new image, the same size as your first image.


Click Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, and blur your image a bit. This image is now your "displacement map". Save this image (I generally use the name "dispmap.psd").
Now go back to your original flag image, and click Filter > Distort > Displace. Put 0% in "Horizontal Scale" and 5% in "Vertical Scale". (You can go higher if you want the waves to be bigger.) When it asks for a file, select your displacement map. (This will distort your image depending on how dark the displacement map is at that point.)
Now grab your displacement map image, and drag it onto your image. Use the arrow keys to nudge the displacement map until it covers the whole image.
Change the displacement map layer's Mode from Normal to Overlay, and reduce its opacity (75% is good).
Voila, a funky flag. Scroll up and compare this image to the first one, and you'll really notice the difference.
This technique can also be used to make realistic curtains, ribbons, and banners.
- writersfreedom, Wanted Dead, Lilia and 2 others like this