Happy 4th!

I don't think I'll ever stop making different versions of cards with this Seaside Bundle from Concord & 9th. I've had a red, white and blue card in mind since the package arrived with these goodies, so I got them out this morning to make one. I probably like the stenciling part of using these products the best, then the stamping and die cutting. I know it is really early to be thinking about the 4th, but we do Christmas in July cards, right?

I am playing along at the April 2026 Stencil Fun Challenge with my card. I've added a photo of the card below with just the stenciling step completed. There are four layering stencils in the set.

Here is all of the stenciling, my first step in the process. The sky and water are stenciled too! I try to add shading to the rooftops and water. I made a hazy white and blue sky and used the tiniest ink blending brush to make the cobblestones slightly different shades of grey. There's a big difference before you add the die cuts and stamping!

I am also playing along at The Card Concept #226. The colors and Patriotic theme in the photo grabbed my attention right away. Since I used stencils, distress and regular inks, stamping, and die cuts from metallic and regular cardstock my card is mixed media. I also think it is a clean and layered style with the stenciled and stamped elements being one layer and the die cuts being another layer or two. The sidewalks and buildings are left white for the most part and the water and sky are uncluttered.

I die cut a lot of the accessories and added and removed many of them over and over. I wanted a peaceful, simple view of the café and hotel by the water. Wherever this is, the red white and blue live on whether it is a holiday or not with the roof tiles, doors, awning and shutters.

The only thing that isn't by C & 9th on my card is the sentiment from Stampin' Up! a long time ago. I used matte silver cardstock scraps for the table and chairs, the upstairs railing, and the boat mast. They kind of go with the grey cobblestone walkway. I used a variety of inks from distress to regular ink pads.

Well, I'm sure people are making summer plans by now and the patriotic holidays start a month from now. Can you believe it?

Have a happy, restful weekend,

Carol