blue stencilling

For some reason, when I use different shades of blue, the results are disappointing to me - as in this card.  I should have used a different color for the stenciled bg.  I did use a favorite ODB set, however.  For a stencil, I used something that has been in my supply  drawer for a long time.  A local store (now closed) was generous with make and takes, and I learned a lot from the owner - named Dorothy!  She cut A2 sized "stencils" from some type of light plastic sheets - I purchased a set of about 6 designs.  When I "discovered" pattern paper, and then embossing folders, I kind of forgot about useing these stencils - but I certainly like the effect, if not the color!  I sponged with chalk - trying to go lighter toward the center.
Use a stencil:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challengehttp://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Sketch:  http://deconstructingjen.com/category/the-deconstructed-sketch/
Birthday:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Stencil:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/new-month-new-challenge.html

stencil and chalk

I used a stencil and dp that was part of my recent prize at Frilly and Funky.  The DP is from a pad calledSomething Blue (Prima), and the sunburst stencil is Stampers Anonymous.  The leafy branch is a Sizzix die available at Joan's Gardens - Terri has so many great products.  The verse is Verve, and sentiment from Recollections.  I added a bit of Washi tape between the segments.  Oh, yes, I used 3 shades of coral chalk for the sunburst - the scan is not very good.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com
Use a stencil and 2 pattern papers:   http://www.joanstouch.com/
DP to cover base:  http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Flowers and die:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Die Crazy:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Natural glory (the roses are glorious):  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Darla's baptism

In our church we practice infant baptism.  On Sunday, parents who are not members of our church brought their year old daughter to be baptized.  This is a cause for celebration and most definitely a new beginning.  These colors are not very frilly/feminine for a little girl, but I wanted to use some of the DP from the Paper Studio Faith collection - I think the butterscotch cs helps to lighten it.  I used the Spellbinder Majestic Elements ovals,  I am trying different ways to use this set.  You can see that i used a middle sized die for the main verse.  The layer under is cut with the same die and the next larger - which creates two pieces.  I put them back together with tiny bits of scotch tape., and adhered this to the bg square.  Oh, yes - I used a piece of DP the same color as the square with crosses - since I wanted contrast I sponged burgundy ink to match the DP designs.  The scallops are a Martha Stewart punch,  The main verse is SU, and the blessings is a part of a sticker from Dazzles (Hot off the Press.)  I have a special verse for the inside, including her name.
Sketch:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-month-long-choose-your-challenge.html
Die/punch:  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
 Beginning: http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-04-10T06:30:00%2B01:00&max-results=10
Sentiment:  http://flatfriendschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting verse:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Yellow (butterscotch):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Lots of layers:   http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Ink on paper:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Graduation 2014

I know I need graduation cards so far, no invitations so no colors (I am not sure of the colleges - I thought black and gold would be safe for this guy card.  The embossing is CB's congratulations EF, and the numbers are stickers which I colored with a marker.  The stars are gold foam stickers from a big package (yard sale find).  They are that rather garish (Is that the word I want???) gold - I toned them down with a bit of powdered chalk from chalk -ah-lot - spread with my finger.  Just the look I wanted!  The strips are washi tape.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://natalieandamy.blogspot.co.uk/
Masculine:  http://thecraftingcafe.blogspot.co.uk/
Texture and embossing:  http://www.theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/april-challenge-embossing-and-texture.html
Beginning:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-04-07T06:30:00%2B01:00&max-results=10
Chevrons:   http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/
Any: http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.com/

Ethan's Graduation

This will be the third graduation among our grandkids.  I used the photo and logo from the college web site - and the colors are blue and gold.  I liked the sketch I selected - to fit in the various elements.  I did the sentiment on the computer - a variation of one I have seen before.  For stripes - the bg is the embossed Distressed Stripes (Cuttleabug) - as well as the stripes in the logo.  I had to alter the placement of the tiny circles - to cover a label that was part of the logo.  A fortuitous find in my stash - ribbon  in the right colors!  The finished card is 4.5x6.25.
Sketch:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Stripes:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Embossing, texture:  http://www.theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/april-challenge-embossing-and-texture.html
Beginnings:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/