I’ve been meaning to play with challenges lately but I just haven’t quite got around to it. So today, I’m just sliding in under the wire to join Jaydee’s sketch challenge at The Paper Players. I’m mixing some old with some new; I felt it was time that the beautiful Up and Away Thinlits Dies had an outing and that led to the rest of the card. And as long as glitter is okay, it’s also a masculine birthday card.

Here’s the sketch which inspired my card

I started by adding the dazzling diamonds glitter to the embossing paste and then used the Pattern Party Decorative Masks to make my clouds. A strip of soft sky allowed me to add my tranquil tide sentiment without really breaking up the sky – I think this is one of my new favourite sentiments, it’s from the set Happy Birthday Gorgeous. This set also has balloons but they weren’t dramatic enough for what was in my head. So I used the Up and Away thinlits dies to cut out two large detailed tranquil tide balloons which I stacked on top of each other and I also attached the pieces behind it in soft sky (also cut with the same framelits). I didn’t think that it made sense to see the clouds through the balloon. The extra layer of cardstock behind the balloon also made it lay flat on top of the card since I only built up the balloon where it wasn’t on my horizontal strip and the two detailed balloons stacked on top of each other gave more of a three dimensional look.

There are just FOUR days left in July which means that there are only four days left for the two awesome promotions mentioned below. Don’t miss out!

We have bonus days running this month – you get a coupon for every $50 you spend. Don’t give up a 10% discount!

Also, remember the amazing joining offer of $52 extra supplies plus a free Christmas stamp set worth $20 making that Starter Kit a steal at $99 plus tax for $197 worth of product and free shipping. For all the details check it out here.

I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Please use the Stampin’ Rewards code to get five FREE handmade cards; the current Stampin’ Rewards code is ZDSGJ9U3 (if your order is over $150, don’t use the code, you get the rewards, but you still get the free cards). In addition, if you spend $50 this month, I’ll send you the metallic sequin assortment. Click here to go to my online shop or here to join my team. To sign up for Paper Pumpkin, click here. For more details on my Customer Loyalty Programme, click here.

See you tomorrow,

Liz