colapsing layers- after

steps that i took to correct this image

1. start with background layer

2.make four duplicates

-background

-normal

-lighten

-darken

3.using layers lighten the lighten layer and darken the darken layer

4.go to normal layer and erase what i wanted darker- then merge the normal and darken layers

5.go back to normal layer and erase what i wanted lighter-then merge the normal and lighten layers.