Joshua's graduation

We just heard that the son of friends of ours graduated in December - so this is pretty much a belated congratulations card.  Since it was so late I decided not to make it look so much like graduation.  I saw Erin's sample card at Clear it Out, and used it for a case/inspiration for this masculine look.  (used:  wood grain dp (from my very old stash!); Cuttlebug Congratulations embossing, Washi tape (the design looks like an arrow); a freebie verse from TLC (Thanks so much - perfect for my greeting); button dies tied with cord. For a simple card, I met a lot of challenges!
Sketch:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
      This is a cross challenge!
CASE Erin's card (stash item - DP):  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any (with sentiment):  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Bow and dies:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Wood (DP):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Button and bow :  http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
A for arrow:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/ 
Their digi: 
Bingo - row 3 - digi, sentiment, embossing):  http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/
Uplifting sentiment:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/