Stenciling without Stamping First

When I started on this card, I had a vague idea ruminating in my head, but I wasn't sure how to accomplish what I was thinking. It came to me during an Altenew AECP class entitled, Celebration Stencil Techniques, where I watched the instructor, Laurel Beard demonstrate several cool methods for using stencils in creative ways. I wanted to do likewise, so I decided to use the Altenew Magnolia Ballerina three-layer stencil without stamping the image first. I know, its not revolutionary or anything, lol, but I had seen a few cards that looked like they were colored that way because the look of the coloring was diffuse and I thought that would work well with ink blending. That was the plan...and it turned out exactly how I envisioned it. I was pleased with the results of using the stencil set in a non-traditional way.

1. I blended Distress Oxide inks in Squeezed Lemonade, Carved Pumpkin and Candied Apple randomly on each of the three layers. Without the guidance of the stamp outline, I felt a little mixed up on some parts, but I kept going and it worked out fine. 
2. For the background I started with an A2 panel in white and used another stencil to create a ink blended wide sunray effect in the same trio of inks in Step 1. I used a very light hand so that it would not compete with the blooms.
3. I fussy cut the stenciled flowers, determined the placement on the background panel then attached with foam tape for dimension.

• I used a general happy birthday sentiment that was part of a digital stamp set by Patricia Alvarez. I adhered it diagonally with Bearly Glue..
• I used a Gina Marie Designs rectangle stitched die on a black A2 panel and separated the die cuts reserving the inner layers for a future project. I took the outer stitched layer and glued it to the front of the folded card.
• I cut the petals that were hanging past the edges to be flush with the edge and placed a few embellishments around the card front.