Birthday Girl

My baby girl's birthday was two weeks ago. And by baby, I mean she's the baby of the family, but by no means a baby. (You know you're getting old when your kids are approaching middle-age. Yeesh!) So we celebrated her birthday and her dad's birthday last Saturday on his birthday. Tacos were on the menu along with lots of margaritas. Needless to say, a fun time was had by all!

This is the card I made for her. She hasn't outgrown liking glitter (just like her mom!), so naturally there had to be some glimmer paper on the card. And for extra shimmer, I colored the blossoms with Clear Wink of Stella.

STAMPS: Birthday Blooms, Sky is the Limit
CARDSTOCK: Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Kraft Corrugated, Whisper White, Neutrals DSP Stack, Gold Glimmer Paper
INK: Basic Black Archival plus Stampin' Write Markers Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, & Wild Wasabi
ACCESSORIES: Gold 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Gold 1/8" Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush, Gold Wink of Stella Glitter Brush

Bringing Birthdays Back

As I mentioned in a previous post, Shannon West has started a movement to bring back the sending of traditional birthday cards in the mail. Too often these days we rely on social media to stay in touch, and I believe we are drifting further apart as a result. We can spend several dollars on a cup of coffee in a coffee shop, but then think it's too expensive to send a card or letter. Really? In my opinion, forty-nine cents isn't too much to tell someone happy birthday, or even that you're just thinking of them. And that birthday card might be the only one they get! How can you NOT send a card?! Okay, hopping off my soapbox now.

I did forget to mention in that post that I am also participating in the #imbringingbirthdaysback movement and will send a birthday card to anyone who sends me their name, address, and birthday. I promise to try to get it sent on time! (And if you want to reciprocate, my birthday is February 6th.)

The card above was sent to someone who didn't even ask to be a part of it, but his keynote speech at the Stampin' Up! Convention a couple years ago really touched my heart. I noticed his birthday was coming up (one good thing about Facebook, I guess), so I asked for his address. I hope he likes it!

I liked it so much that I made eight more similar cards, using up some neglected DSP. If you want to make some quick, cute birthday cards, these would be just the ticket!

Card base: 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" colored cardstock to coordinate with DSP, scored and folded at 4-1/4"
Image panel: 3" x 4" Whisper White
Mat behind image panel: 3-1/8" x 4-1/8" same color as card base

Stamp balloon strings first, making sure to leave room for the stamped small balloons at the top. Stamp small balloons in whatever color your card base is, unless you are using black. (But I guess if someone is having one of "those" milestone birthdays, black balloons might be appropriate!)

If it's a darker color, stamp off once to produce a lighter color. The dots at the bottoms of the balloons can be full strength. On a scrap, stamp the large balloon and dots as you did for the small ones. Punch out with balloon punch or fussy cut, and pop up on Stampin' Dimensionals. Add whatever greeting you want. I did stamp the bow on the first card, but ended up tying little baker's twine bows for the others. I think they looked cuter.

Supplies listed below are for the first card.
STAMPS: Balloon Celebration, Sky Is the Limit (SAB)
CARDSTOCK: Basic Black, Whisper White, Cherry on Top DSP Stack
INK: Basic Black Archival, So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Watermelon Wonder
ACCESSORIES: Balloon Bouquet Punch, Clear Wink of Stella, Stampin' Dimensionals