FTL82 challenge with Birthday Best

Oh dear - late again! I've struggled to make it for the Clean and Simple FTL sketch challenge this week but I'm so happy to be here at last! Here is this week's sketch and here is my version:

I have combined the challenge with the one I set myself yesterday - that is to show you how versatile the stamp set Birthday Best can be. Have a look at yesterday's card here on the left...

...and now look at today's card above. It's hard to imagine these images are part of the same set! The balloons have a children's 50s retro feel whereas the flowers are much more grown-up and feminine.

I love Pretty in Pink with Always Artichoke and do you like the flower stems? They're just thin strips of Certainly Celery card stock. The dimensionals that are popping the flower heads up are also holding the stems in place. The flower heads were made by colouring only the flower head on the stamp with markers, stamping the image and then colouring the petals with my New Best Friend the blender pen. I was inspired by the taffeta ribbon which is darker on its edges - the taffeta ribbon is probably my favourite ribbon (although the striped grosgrain is gorgeous too and I adore the gingham ribbon...)

Supplies on the flower card (all Stampin' Up unless specified)
Stamps: Birthday Best (flowers), Happy Moments (sentiment)
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive
Card stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Other: Le Jardin designer paper (retired), Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Cameo Coral stampin write, blender pen

The sun has been out in Buckingham today and, for the first time this year (roll of drums please...), I went outside without my gloves on without feeling cold!!! YAY!!!
I enjoy reading the blogs of crafters all over the world and it seems that everyone has been waiting for the spring to arrive. I just want to say - there's hope ladies!
See you soon