Shaded Background Technique

this is my first time joining the Retro Sketches challenge. I really liked this sketch idea and decided to just go for it! 

The circle made me think about doing a shaded background with a stamp image in silhouette over it. First I used my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut a circle and use it as a stencil. I made sure to keep a nice border around the circle to protect my card front. Next I positioned the stencil on my card front. I used three colors of ink to shade the background. I started with the lightest color in the center. I gently in the center to keep it fairly bright. Then I added the other two colors moving towards the circles edge. TIP: when sponging at the outer edges, move the sponge from the circle onto the stencil to get a crisp edge as seen here. For a softer edge, move the sponge from the stencil into the circle.

 5.5" x 4.25" side fold card  

After I finished the shaded background I stamped the balloon in black to create a silhouette and let the color come through. Adding some sparkles finished off the look! 

I had a lot of fun doing this challenge and plan to do more!

All products are Close To My Heart:

--Give a Lift stamp set

--White Daisy cardstock

--Cricut Art Philosoph cartridge

--Inks-Black, Sky, Crystal Blue, Gypsy

--Blue Epoxy Bubbles

--Purple Glitter Gems

--Black Small Flourishes

--Bitty Sparkles

--Sponge

Let's shop! My website is always open!

Have a great day!

Michelle