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)