blue stencilling

For some reason, when I use different shades of blue, the results are disappointing to me - as in this card.  I should have used a different color for the stenciled bg.  I did use a favorite ODB set, however.  For a stencil, I used something that has been in my supply  drawer for a long time.  A local store (now closed) was generous with make and takes, and I learned a lot from the owner - named Dorothy!  She cut A2 sized "stencils" from some type of light plastic sheets - I purchased a set of about 6 designs.  When I "discovered" pattern paper, and then embossing folders, I kind of forgot about useing these stencils - but I certainly like the effect, if not the color!  I sponged with chalk - trying to go lighter toward the center.
Use a stencil:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challengehttp://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Sketch:  http://deconstructingjen.com/category/the-deconstructed-sketch/
Birthday:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Stencil:  http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/new-month-new-challenge.html