Here is my project attempt. Working out how to seamlessly match the edges still eludes me but I'm somewhat excited about the first attempt. Sketches and embedded experience below. 

I found a lot of missed patches and weird anomalies, so just went over the filtered image with another layer to patch things up.

I find this absolutely fascinating and am interested in doing more and eventually creating animation too. Had a lot of fun so there will be more to come eventually.

Thanks for a great tutorial Taylor!