Experimenting with Stencils

Hi everyone.  Day 1 of my stenciling course and I've made a couple of cards to share.  Just to let you know, this is all new to me, so I am experimenting and the results are definitely from a beginner! :)  Four different ways to use stencils were covered off in the lessons and this is the first one.  I've made two samples, again experimenting with how things look.  I rarely use stencils and I rarely use vellum, so this first card was a little challenging for me, but fun at the same time.  I used my Cameo to cut out a stencil of snowflakes.  I don't have any plastic to use for my stencils yet, so I cut it from Whisper White card stock ... didn't work too well as there are lots of edges that pulled away as I was sponging ... I think the design is not really meant to be a stencil since there are so many edges - but I do love the look of the sponging.  I used very soft blues to sponge the snowflakes ... sky blue first and then a darker turquoise for the upper right corner.

I cut my vellum tag and stamped and heat embossed in white - so difficult to photograph.  I have a close up below and hopefully you can see more detail.  The vellum on top allows the sponging to show through, so nothing is being covered up.  Fabulous design.  Forgot to mention, I complete copied Debby Hughes design for this card, but changed up the pattern, colors and the occasion of the card.  I also didn't have any white twine that I could use for the tag and do didn't have the long, wispy ends that are so pretty and feminine on Debby's original.  Guess I need to go buy some more supplies :)

FYI, here's the logo and link for the stenciling course if you're interested.  It's four days and if you don't have time to participate now, no problem as the materials, supplies list, videos and instructions are archived and ready for when you are!

As I mentioned above, I made two cards ... the second is exactly the same stencil, design and sentiment.  I changed up the colors of ink (darker blues) and embossed the sentiment in dark blue.  Totally different look ... but I definitely like the look of the white embossing better.  Always fun to experiment, though ... I've learned lots today. :)

Off to do a little painting in the house ... window guy called this morning and the install has been moved up to this coming Monday so I need to get to work! :)

Hoping to have some time later today to work on one of the other lessons from today's class.  As I mentioned above, there were four lessons in Day 1, so this course is going to keep me busy for a while! :)

Stamps:  Merry Little Christmas (SU!)
Paper:  White, Whisper White, Vellum
Ink:  Sky blue, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Stencil made with my Silhouette Cameo, sponges, white embossing powder, heat tool, 1/8" white ribbon, three silver sequins