I have been trying to build up my stash of Birthday cards, after all it’s really those that we need the most, so when I saw this awesome layering Balloons set I knew I had to have it right away!!! It’s perfect to create super quick cards for really any celebration.

I started by stamping the more solid of the 2 layers in a lighter ink, masking off each balloon as I go, before stamping another. This way the ink is given more time to fully dry right inside the paper; dye inks dry straight away to touch, but it’s easy to forget that the dye has soaked into the fibres of the paper and so it does need a minute or two before it is dry enough to add another layer of ink over the top. This ensures you get the best, most crisp impression with each layer you add.

Once I had stamped both layers of my 3 balloons, I added a simple sentiment from an older Birthday Greetings stamp set. To make sure I got it as straight as possible I drew the line in first with a ruler and black fineliner, then lined my sentiment along that. To give me extra insurance that I didn’t spoil the panel by stamping a wonky sentiment I first stamped it onto a piece of clear packaging places on top of my panel so that I could test it first.

I trimmed down the panel so that I could add a strip of Navy cardstock, then used that same ruler and fineliner to draw in my balloon strings, adding a really simple bow where the string attaches to each balloon and then a bigger one at the bottom to tie all three balloons together.

A few sparkling clear sequins finishes the card off nicely.