Happy Birthday to the "Desert Diva"...

Today is the birthday of a wonderful artist and crafter, who also authors the fabulous blog, "Desert Diva." Hannelie is SO talented, often creating beautiful digital sentiments that she shares with the blogging world. She has also been an amazing support to me in my attempts to make a few cards for my family and friends, and I am proud to call her a friend.

If you want to blown away by some gorgeous CAS cards, visit her blog immediately! Once you do, I'm sure you'll want to join me as one of her followers.

I wanted to make a birthday card for Hannelie, using some of the tips I have picked up from her on how to make CAS cards. Here is my attempt:

 

I started by using a stencil (not sure of the brand) and some gold ink to create a background. Then I stamped my poppy in a bottle on top of the background and also on a scrap of white CS. The stamp set I used is called "Poppies in Bottles" by Stampendous.

I colored the poppy and the bottle that I had stamped onto the piece of scrap CS with some of my ProMarkers.

I also added some Glossy Accents to the bottle to give it a little shine and dimension. Once my bottle was dry, I tied a little piece of red crochet thread around it before adhering it to my card.

On the card base, itself, I colored only the stem of the flower.

For the center of my poppy flower, I added some black microbeads with some Glossy Accents. Then also adhered the flower on top of the one that was stamped onto my card base.

The inside of my card is plain, with only a stamped sentiment from Woodware.

I usually like to dress up the insides of my cards, but this time, I decided to dress up the envelope instead.

First, I made an envelope out of some deep red patterned DSP with my WRMK envelope punch board.

Then I stamped a poppy on the back flap...

...and also one on the front (along with a little poppy bud).

Once again, I want to wish this amazing lady a fabulous birthday filled with family, friends and lots of love. You are a gift to the crafting world, Hannelie, and we appreciate your talent and generosity!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Now scoot on over to Desert Diva for a real treat. But before you do, remember to laugh--a little or a lot--every day.
Cheryl