Gallery Idol Round 3

This round started as a real challenge. Of course I have used stencil before, but I want to come up with something that's outside the box. Friday passed with no inspiration whatsoever. Saturday, I had a couple ideas, but worried one might be too complicated. So, I tried to make this colorful geometric panel instead andddd... ditched it. Although, I did end up using that card for other assignment. Nothing go to waste. ;)

Then I went back to that idea that I thought was too complicated. I was thinking about creating a painting like image using stencil. I ran my idea to Trinh, who's been my sounding board through this journey (and the previous GI journey back in 2010) and when she said yes, that's cool, I went to work and came up with this.

Seriously, I am so proud of this card. From, what was I thinking, you're nuts, (took me 5 times to get it right) it has became wow, I can't believe I actually did it.

I made my own stencil for the whole thing. Using Silhouette I made stencil of the girl silhouette, the butterflies and the diagonal stripes. The honey comb stencil is from Memory Box. 

I start by tracing the girl stencil on the card panel, just the hair part, so I know where to place the butterflies. Then I inked the butterflies with various color ink using make up sponge. Once I inked all the butterflies, I stamped some with  a fine detailed flower from PTI Pretty Peonies set and some with Stampabilities Faded Text Background.

Then erase the pencil line, placed the girl stencil back on and using the mini sponge dauber inked the silhouette with Rangers Antique Linen, Spun Sugar, Shabby Shutters (mixed with Memento Pear Tart). Then without removing the stencil, stamp the Pretty Peonies. Added some small splatter details using the ink splatter from Mama Elephant Fair Feathers set. Here's a close up of the card. Click on the pic if you want to see it in larger size.

Once that done, I decided the panel still need a bit more umph..., so I decided to make a couple of the butterflies pop by adding an actual butterfly die-cut and add a bit of texture to the panel using Memory Box Honey Comb stencil & embossing paste. While waiting for it to dry, I stencil the diagonal stripe on one side of the card base and wiped solid ink on the other side. Finished by adding the sentiment & adhering the panel to the card base.

The whole thing is so pretty and bright. It totally makes me happy. I sure hope to make it to the next round. At the end, I am just thrilled that this challenge has made me create a project that I am proud of. Yes, it took hours and hours to get it look the way I want it, but the satisfaction when you accomplish something that you thought might not be possible is so worth it.

If you love this card, I'd so love for yo to vote for it. Thank you in advance for your vote & support. You all are awesome!