Happy Graduation

Hi everyone.  It's the start of a new challenge at Addicted to CAS.  I can't believe how quickly time flies between challenges! :)

This challenge is hosted by the very creative and sweet Barb (Barb's Studio Creations) ... and she has chosen this word ...

This challenge is sponsored by

I made the above graduation card for a family friend who just graduated from Grade 12 at the end of June.  Natasha is a very smart, beautiful and talented young woman and I know she will enjoy her time at University.  Congrats Natasha!!

I used a panel I made a while back with concentrated liquid watercolour paint (yellow, orange, magenta) to die-cut the butterfly.

I stamped the sentiment in black, placing it so that the butterfly could snuggle right up against it.  I decided it needed something a little extra, so stamped the splat in gold ink for the background behind the butterfly.  To tie the butterfly in with the gold splats, I dry embossed the butterfly with script and sponged with Inka Gold wax paste.  I used a foam brush and swiped lightly across the embossing just to highlight the raised areas.  Using stiff foam works well for this.  I added just a little to the tips of the antennas as well. :)

I hope you'll find time to check out the ATCAS School Challenge.  You'll see the wonderful cards from our Design Team, along with a card made by our extremely talented August Guest Designer, Linda (PaperCutting Kind of Day).

I'm also going to add this to the Mixed Media August Card Challenge ... where they are looking for Butterflies this month, with an optional element of gold.  I know this is super CAS, but it does have a lot of mixed media in this card, but in small doses (stamping, watercolour sprayed background, die-cuts, dry embossing, and inka gold wax paste highlights). :)

And I'm adding it to Virginia's View Challenge #17 - All About Embellishments.  The butterfly embellishment is the star of this card. :)

Thanks for coming by for a visit!

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge (SU!); Happy (Simon Says)

Paper:  White (Neenah); Black (SU!); Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Delicata Gold (Tsukineko)
Accessories & Tools:  Yellow, Orange and Magenta Liquid Watercolour Concentrate (Dick Blick), Frost White Paint (Tsukineko), Moonlight butterfly die (Memory Box), sponge, Inka Gold

Challenges:

ATCAS #70 - School
Mixed Media August Card Challenge - Butterflies
Virginia's View #17 - Embellishments