Stencils and Embossing Powder - CCC and NBUS

Whew! Something about traveling takes the wind right out of me. This week I had to give a grant writing presentation to city officials down in our state capital, Bismarck. Talk about nerve wracking! To top it all off, I was co-presenting with the Director of my Center. Double whew!

So that's why things have been a little quiet on the Becca front this week. Today I'm back to share a card that I made for the March Card Chain Challenge over at Society of Stampaholics. What is the CCC? I'm glad you asked! 

The CCC is Deborah Nolan's brainchild. It's a monthly card exchange of sorts. Basically you sign up to send a card, and you also get a card. It's a ton of fun and a great way to actually use those pretty cards you make. 

Today I'm going to talk about using stencils and embossing powder to achieve a great distressed effect. 

To make the panel for my card, I started by rubbing the background with some lighter shades of Distress Inks (Tattered Rose, Spun Sugar, and Stormy Sky). 

Many people just use stencils with inks, but there are so many ways to use them! A couple weeks ago, I did a series of tutorials showcasing stencils and embossing paste, distress paints, and spray stains. 

Using stencils with embossing powder is very similar to using stencils with inks. Rather than using ink, however, all you have to do is sponge with an embossing ink (I used Perfect Medium, which is a thicker ink that works well with Perfect Pearls). 

This stencil is a sticky back one that came along with a brand new set that I just got from Hampton Art. I was dubious at first about how the sticky back would work on paper, but it was AMAZING! I didn't have to worry about taping the stencil down to hold it in place and it peeled right off with no problems!

Anywho - I sponged the embossing ink through the stencil and used a gold powder. Before drying, I brushed some areas off to give it more of a distressed look. I embossed a bird on a piece of turquoise vellum and then added some pink flowers sand twine. Lastly I sprayed the background with Distress Spray Stains and put all the layers together: 

This card was sent to the amazingly talented Robyn Oliver in Australia. 

Speaking of cards, I received a gorgeous one in the CCC from Mynette Kitchen that I want to share with you all! 

Let's just say that one is VERY proudly displayed in my house! Gorgeous! 

HEY! Have you heard?! The NBUS challenge is now open for business (or pleasure)! What is NBUS? I'm glad you asked! NBUS is an acronym for never-been-used-schtuff and is the brainchild of the amazingly hilarious and warm Darnell Knauss of DJKardKreations. So pull out your unused stuff that needs some love and get playing already!!

I am also going to link up the following great challenges:
Simon Says Stamps Monday - Lions and Lambs Oh My (use animals)
Addicted to Stamps and More - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon - All tied up (used twine)
Hiding in My Craft Room - Embossing