CAS Mix Up May Challenge - hello

Hi everyone,

Have you tried the Gesso Resist technique featured in the May CAS Mix Up Challenge? I tried stamping with Gesso earlier this month, so I tried another way to use the technique this time. 

Here's my card:

Using Gesso Resist, Stenciling, Die-cutting, Dry Embossing, and Stamping

[How I made the card]
1. Coated a piece of Mixed Media paper with Gesso and let it dry.
2. Colored the Gesso piece with Distress Crayons (using three browns).
3. Put a stencil over the colored Gesso paper and removed the colors with baby wipes. The Distress Crayons came off because they reacted with water and Gesso worked as a resist for the surface of the paper.

4. Die-cut a frame and dry embossed the frame to add subtle texture.
5. Cut the stenciled Gesso paper into a rectangular shape and adhered it to the frame.
6. Die-cut the sentiment two times from white cardstock and one time from the leftover crayon colored Gesso paper, stacked them together, and glued them to a piece of vellum. Trimmed the vellum to make a shadow. (*1)

7. Glued the sentiment to the front panel and popped up the front panel on the card base with foam tape.
8. Stamped a little heart at the beginning of the stroke of hello. (*2)

(*1) I was originally going to adhere the die-cut sentiment directly on to the panel, but the sentiment got lost in the busy background. I didn't have a shadow die for the sentiment, so I fussy-cut the vellum.
(*2) I thought I finished making the card at Step 7, and I was going to take a photo. Then I realized that I didn't use a stamp!! 😱 It seems that I often forget to use a stamp when I'm into making a card.
I was not sure where to stamp or what image, but after thinking for a while I decided to stamp a tiny heart in red to add some color.


I liked the distress look worked well with the tree image.

You have until May 24 to link up your card here. I hope you'll try this fun technique!

Stamp: Countless Sayings 2 (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Mixed Media Paper (Strathmore - 140 lb.), Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), Translucent Vellum (My Favorite Things)
Ink: Real Red (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Distress Crayon (Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain), Stencil (Stampers Anonymous - String), Dies (Antique Frame - Penny Black, Sentimental - Avery Elle), Embossing Folder (Subtle 3D - Stampin' Up!), Foam Tape (3M), Connect Glue (Gina K)