Guest Designer at Twofer Card Challenge

I'm delighted to be guest designing for Twofer Card Challenge #35.  It just so happens I'm drawn to balloon images, although I don't seem to use them very often.

Some time ago, a friend passed on to me an old Neat & Tangled set called Just for You.  I had so much fun using the balloons from the set for 2 completely different cards.  In case you haven't played before, here are the card requirements.

Here's a picture of my 2 cards together.  Be sure you enter one photo of both your cards in the linky.  All the rules can be found on the challenge blog.

I began by creating the birthday card using my MISTI.  The outlines & strings were stamped in Versafine Clair Morning Mist.  The balloons were stamped in Distress Inks candied apple, abandoned coral, fossilized amber, lucky clover & mermaid lagoon.  

For the sentiment I die cut MFT Block Happy Birthday.  I stacked the letters a couple high & colored each letter of "happy" with the ink matching the balloon it was attached to.  I left the word "birthday" white & attached it to a black strip. 

To make it more festive, I added Stardust Stickles to each balloon--so pretty in the light.  The red mat was made by blending candied apple on the edges of a white panel. 

My second card is very CAS.  I stamped the balloon without the outline 3 times in candied apple--allowing just a bit of overlapping.  Recently I saw some cards that had balloons without strings, so thought I'd give it a try.  

The sentiment stamped in Versafine Clair Nocturne is in a very old, unlabeled MFT set.  I added 3 tiny Gina K black heart embellishments & rounded the corners.  Decided against splatters or glitter & I do like the fresh, clean look.

I'd love to see you join the gallery for this fun challenge.  Maybe you've got an unused balloon image that needs some love!

Thanks so much for taking time to stop by.  If your blog address is in your profile or comment, I will visit you.