I found this simply stunning inspiration pic on Inspired By Challenge #IB161!
I was determined to use some of my new Wildflower Stems dies, so it was just a matter of finding a vase or other suitable container to put them in. I found an old Sizzix Originals Balloons die and thought I could possibly adapt the long balloon as a suitable vase AND then could kill two birds with the one stone and enter Twofer Card Challenge #35 which has the prompt balloons!

Here's a closer view of the bottled wildflower. I coloured the stem with an olive alcohol marker and the tips with a pale pink but the pink didn't pop enough so I went over with an embossing marker and embossed in this lovely Metal Magic Pink embossing powder by Debbi Moore. I cut the base off the balloon, layered it up a few times and coated it with a few coats of the same pink embossing powder. Not only is it a very pretty shade of pink, but this powder has a lovely subtle metallic sheen. The sentiment is from WMS Afternoon Tea Sentiments and cut with the smallest Labels 25 - I punched a small hole in it to make it into a tag to hang around the neck of the bottle!

Then it was just a matter of creating a real balloon themed card! I cut 5 balloons (actually I cut 15 because each of them is layered up 3 times) and coloured them in various distress inks to have a rainbow-themed card, then coated them in Glossy Accents. I was lucky enough to find this sheet of DP to make a bright bold background for my balloons and some wash tape to decorate the envelope! The sentiment is wishful thinking more than anything else of course! Hubby is having a big birthday next week but there will NOT be a party! In fact I'm having a big birthday in October and it's very unlikely that we'll be able to have a party then either! But that's life for a while longer yet unfortunately!
I'm also entering the following challenges
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you leave a comment, I’ll be over the moon! I’ll also know you were here, so I can check out what you’ve been up to and maybe get to know you a little bit better!
Kate