Branch Out...Birthday

I was spending the morning responding to posts, going through my e-mail and trying to visit a few blogs.  I felt behind, although I've felt worse!  Somewhere in hour two I had the overwhelming urge to make a card.  So, that's what I did!

Now, I also need to take care of a little business.  I was just tickled pink to win a few honors over the last week.  One at Freshly Made Sketches for THIS card.  I was chosen a "Perfect Princess" by the lovely Cindy Hall!

This week is a sketch by Allisa (also very lovely.)  So, my first thought for the shape was a Christmas tree, but that changed.  It may be a little obscure but the sketch is there!

The other challenge I did well with...Stampin' Royalty.  I made their top three with THIS card and have been given the title of "Goddess."  Hee!  Hee!  This week they have a gorgeous photo to play with!  I knew exactly what stamp I wanted to use.

Then, a glitter challenge over at City Crafter Challenge.  I don't use glitter too often.   Love the effects, not the mess!

Anyway, here's what I came up with:

I'd like to share a few tips about the glitter I used.  I hope you find them useful.

This is a close-up my test sample.  Sorry, it's out of focus!  But see how the pink glitter has migrated onto the silver?  Also, the black isn't very vibrant on that white paper.  I "fixed" that by adhering the glitter to strips similar to the glitter color BEFORE I adhered them to the card.

My favorite technique for making glitter stick is using adhesive like Sticky Strip (Scor-tape) or a sticker maker (like a Xyron.)  This is one of my strips before peeling away the backing and adding the glitter.

It worked great!  Super easy and my strips are very straight.  Success!

OK, now that I have that out of my system...I will go back to commenting and blog surfing!