Flying high ...

.... Kathryn asked me to make a birthday card for one of her best friends in the UK.  Melody's birthday is two days after Kathryn's and it'll be the first time for quite a few years that they won't be celebrating together.  I've used several challenges in the making of this card:

• Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC113 - sketch designed by Lynn Mercurio
• Colour Q - cQc153 
• Do You Stack Up? - DYSU88 - theme is birthdays

I turned the sketch to make it a vertical.  I used the wonderful Half Pint Heroines to make the hot air balloon and little girl.  Melody aims high, so this is the perfect choice for her card.  I paper pieced the balloon using Stampin' Up! designer paper, and some card which was stamped with a WM pattern giving a tone-on-tone effect.  I added a small cloud and finished off with a simple birthday sentiment.  I have had to substitute Baja Breeze for Soft Sky, and for some reason the pretty coral is showing up much redder in this photo!!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Half Pint Heroines, Half Pint Heroes, Faux Fun
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Chocolate Chip, Calypso Coral
Spellbinders: Ironwork Accents (S5-058)
Accessories:  Stampin' Up! designer paper - Baja Breeze, So Saffron; SU Card - Calypso Coral; Promarkers, Card from stash

That's all for now - I didn't make it into the garden yesterday, so I'd better do some today!  Oh yes, the ironing pile is back too!  Hey ho!!  See you soon.