So Much Happy Birthday Card

Hello, Crafters.

Yesterday I had my nails manicured and I’m feeling human again. Today I’m off to the hairdressers! Yesterday PM Boris Johnson said that coronavirus restrictions will ease further in England under plans for a “significant return to normality” by Christmas. That is such sweet music to hear after the past four months of restrictions.

As soon as I saw the HAPPY die I knew I’d be buying it. I loved the way the die cuts the word happy between two pieces of cardstock (CS). Yesterday I decided to have my first play with it and chose Just Jade as my colour. I wouldn’t say I love the five new inColours but I definitely think they are a great selection of colours.

I had a look in the catalogue to see the card samples for the HAPPY die but unfortunately, it confused me somewhat because I like all three cards. It was down to two cards because one of them didn’t use HAPPY. I decided to start die-cutting and see what direction it took me in!  Once I’d reached this point my design gradually developed and then I saw something that made me know exactly what I was going to do!

I measured a piece of Just Jade CS that fitted the width of my card and was the same height as the die. Trying to die-cut something on a piece of cardstock which is the same size as the die isn’t the easiest thing to do. I decided to put the die face up on the cutting mat and then I put the cardstock on top. I used small Post It Notes to hold the cardstock in place.

After I had cranked it through the Big Shot, I cranked it back again. I removed the top cutting mat and the die-cut popped straight out of the die. This left the negative pieces of HAPPY still in the die and I had a lightbulb moment! I decided I could use the negative pieces to make a second card and that’s exactly what I’ve done!

The other special part of my card is the second half of the sentiment, i.e. BIRTHDAY. I have seen this technique used so many times and have always admired it. I’ve often thought about doing it but never got round to it! I stamped the sentiment and cut around the outside instead of using a die-cut it into a perfect shape like an oblong, oval etc.

I decorated the inside of the card using three of the smaller balloons and used the die for the string using Very Vanilla CS. The colour of the Designer Series Paper and the cardstock is Just Jade but for the balloons, I also used Coastal Cabana and Mint Macaroon. Unfortunately, I have lost my die for the big balloon so I had to fussy cut them. I’m so pleased it’s such an easy shape! LOL!

That’s it from me today. I hope you have a great weekend and I look forward to being back with you with Sunday’s video! In the meantime, take care and stay safe. Happy crafting.

JanB. xx