Happy Birthday Balloons

Hi everyone.  Time for May's Sketch Challenge at Happy Little Stampers.  I know, it's still April for a lot of us :) ... but it's already May in Australia and that's where HLS is based. :)

Here's May's sketch ...

Isn't this fun??!! :)  I love the image that Kylie has selected for this month.  I thought about doing a bokeh technique card, and I may still do that. :)

But when I saw the fun colours and the floaty-ness (is that a word??) :) of the dots, it made me think of balloons.  At first, I cut out and coloured nine balloons, but it was way too much for a small card, so I took it down to three and it seemed just right.  A smattering of sequins and a large stamped sentiment and my card was finished.  It's hard to see the "b" in "birthday", but it's there. :)

I decided after I finished the card, that I wanted to add some sparkle to the balloons. So I got out my Clear Wink of Stella pen and went over the balloons, twice.  For some reason it removed some of the colour, so I had to sponge in some more.  I managed OK, but it was risky and I almost ruined the card and had to start again.  I usually know that if I miss doing something before a card is put together, it's best to just leave it ... luck was on my side, this time. :)

Here's a close-up so you can see the sparkle ...

I hope you'll come join us for this fun challenge.  Be inspired by the sketch above and play along at HLS May Sketch Challenge.  The challenge is open for the whole month, so there's lots of time to play along.

There's also a Design Team Call for the Sketch Challenge and the upcoming new Christmas Challenge at HLS.  If you're interested in joining us, please add DT after your name on your entry this month. :)

Stamps:  The big, the bold and the Happy (Winnie & Walter)
Paper:  White (Neenah)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Distress Inks:  Picked Raspberry, Ripe Persimmon, Squeezed Lemonade (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Balloon die-cuts made with my Silhouette Cameo, sponges, Scor-Pal, assorted sequins, white baker's twine, clear wink of stella, white gel pen

Challenges:

HLS May Sketch Challenge