This month I’m taking a different approach to the birthday cards for the church card ministry. Typically I create a large batch of a single card, but this time around I’ve decided to make smaller batches of a few cards. I made 10 of this card, and I’m planning on making similar “small” batches of cards until I have enough for the September birthdays. I don’t know how many cards I need for September yet, so there is a chance that I could over-shoot the quantity needed. If that happens, then I’ll have some ready for the next month. However, this method means that I can get started earlier in the month before I know how many cards are needed. So I’m not concerned about that. This method means that I can get started earlier in the month before I know how many cards are needed which will reduce stress later in the month. Another thing I’m liking about this is that I will create more different cards that I can share here. I also like designing a variety of cards because that’s where the fun is (for me).

This sketch challenge was the inspiration for my card design. I’ve had the Wanted to Say dies for a couple of months and I was glad to use them for the first time for the center sentiment. I thought that the sentiment should be the focal point of this design so I decided to use stencils to add color in the top-left and bottom-right corners. I added 2 diecut star clusters (also from the Wanted to Say dies) and some retired metallic sequins to zhuzh up the card.

I’ve been using my stencils (aka decorative masks) a bit more lately and I’m really liking them a lot. They are inexpensive, work with any ink (and more) and add design elements without bulk. You can use a light hand with the blending brush to get a subtle effect or a heavier hand (like I did here) to add more color. The Blending Brushes make using stencils an absolute breeze! I adore these tools and encourage you to check them out.

Lemon Lime Twist

Azure Afternoon

Night of Navy

I used the 2023 Color Coach from Stampin’ Up! again for this color combination. This time I knew that I wanted to use Lemon Lime Twist as one of the colors on the card. I quickly found this combo in the PDF and I was off to the races. These colors are so cheerful together and seem perfect for a birthday card. The added beauty is that this color scheme will work for birthday at any time of the year. There are some color combinations that seem to be for a specific season, but this one seems like it will work well all year long.

Wanted To Say Dies [161594] $39.00	Artistic Mix Decorative Masks [159178] $10.00	Blending Brushes [153611] $13.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.25
Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144245] $10.00	Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [161719] $10.00	Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100867] $10.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.50
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad [147145] $9.00