Concord & 9th Stencil Card

This week my package from Concord & 9th came! I got some really cool things, but what I'm most excited about is how little I paid for it all. They had a ridiculously good sale going so I treated myself to a few things I normally wouldn't buy. This stencil set is one such item.

It came at a perfect time, because over at Darnell's I.D.E.A.S. this week, the letter is "S" since it's the 5th week, which means use your stencils! And I'm also entering it over at NBUS (Never Before Used Schtuff) #76 because it's brand new. And since I'm venturing more into the world of stencils, I'm playing along with the Stencil Fun Challenge, which will really help me grow in this area. 

I love how this card looks, but sometimes I struggle with the idea of stenciling. It seems like, with whole picture stencils (as opposed to background stencils) that there's only one thing you can do with them and that is to make the given design. Having said that, this set is a little different in that it came with dies that you can cut out a few of the components and create a more stamped feel. I'll have to experiment a little more and perhaps watch a couple of YouTube videos. It's amazing what people come up with!

Looking at it now, one thing I think I could do is to add a couple different shades of pink and green rather than just use one. Or I could work on my skill of not stenciling the whole thing so solidly, but press less in some areas so that it's a lighter shade. I'm also wondering if hand drawing in some details in the leaves and flowers may make it better. Hmmm.....

It's not too noticeable in the picture above, but the vase is stenciled in gold and there are gold squiggles of Stickles in the center of the flowers. It just felt like it needed a little something extra after making this one.

Here's my complete supply list for this one:

• Concord & 9th Filled With Joy Stencil Set
• Concord & 9th Filled With Joy Stamps
• Papertrey Hibiscus Burst Card Stock
• Michael's Purple Card Stock
• Stampin' Up! Highland Heather Ink
• SU! Polished Pink Ink
• Dew Drops Brillance Galaxy God Ink
• Gold Stickles
• True White Speckletone Card Stock

I think I'll get more on the stenciling bandwagon as I use them more and more. One thing I found out is that I need more blending brushes. I only have four and I had to reuse one of them for this project. But for all my skepticism, this was a really fun card to make.

Be sure to stop over at NBUS and play along. Their challenges run all month long so there's plenty of time to get involved. And be sure to visit Darnell's blog. I love her chatty style and wonderfully witty humor! And Diane and Darlene have a wonderful array of all sorts of fun chalets play along with, so be sure to check them out too!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!