Someone so special - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

This is my second post this evening.  I've been busy sponging and stamping this afternoon :)
As with the first card, this one is also a sympathy card AND is going into the current challenge at
CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 - here's Laura's sketch...

And, yes.  I used the same techniques as on my first card.  Masking, sponging and stamping.

It might be difficult to see the variation of colors in sky, in these photos.  It's much easier to see IRL.  I punched a piece of white card stock using a round scallop SU punch then used that as a mask for creating the clouds in the sky.  I just kept moving it and sponging more color across the sky.  It's really very easy.  Before removing the masks, I stamped my images.  Except the palm frond at the top of the panel.  I removed the mask before stamping it outside the "sky" area, to add a little depth (at least I hope it does!).
Below the sentiment I added a narrow strip of card stock.  That's about it :)
Thank you so much for stopping in to take a look.  I appreciate it!

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), night of navy (SU)

ink: bashful blue, night of navy, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: forever in our hearts (Verve)

other: sponge pads and distressing/sponging handle (Ranger)

With Sympathy, gingko leaves - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

Hey, I've got 2 more cards to post today.  The second will follow shortly.
Unfortunately, I've needed to use several sympathy cards from my stash lately.  So, I've made 2 more to replenish my stock.  I know that some stampers don't like to make sympathy cards.  I'm not one of them.  I like creating them, because I know how meaningful it can be to receive a hand crafted card in that situation.
Kris, someone that is now a very good friend and co-worker (and my SU demo!), gave me a hand crafted sympathy card when one of my parents passed away.  At that time I barely knew Kris.  When I realized that someone I barely knew had taken the time to make that card for me - well, it really warmed my heart.  I still remember opening and reading that card 9 years ago.  I hope that the sympathy cards that I send to others, will mean as much to them.

Well, I guess I'd better get back on track or I'll be blogging all evening, huh???

CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 has another great challenge this week...of course!  Take a look at Laura's sketch.

It's been a while since I did a sponged background and I love doing them.  So, I sponged!  Here's the result.

Ahhh....did I mention I love sponging?  Yeah?  Ok.
I used 4 inks for the sponging, keeping the lightest in near the center of the panel.  I stamped the gingko leaves before removing my masks...except along the right edge.  I wanted a couple of leaves to extend beyond the masked area to give the illusion of some depth.  The rest of the card is self explanatory, I think.  But, if you have any questions, please ask!
Thanks so much for taking a look,

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), always artichoke (SU)

ink: certainly celery, pear pizzazz, old olive, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: harvest berries, simple sentiments (PTI)

other: gems (Affinity by the Paper Studio), distressing handle and pads (Ranger)