Inspired by Cristina Kowalczyk and Others

The latest special issue of Papercrafts is all about birthdays, and this card by Cristina Kowalczyk really stood out for me, for obvious reasons.

One-layer perfection! I just love the colors and her use of pearls. But then, Cristina is brilliant anyway...just click on her name and take a look at her CAS-lovin' blog.

Several other cards in the magazine spotlighted brackets, which reminded me that I have an EK Success label punch that includes brackets, and somehow the idea of Cristina's card and brackets merged in my head to form this:

Sweet! I added the outline heart because the sentiment needed a little something-something balance it on the upper right.

Gluing the brackets posed a problem. Those are so thin that they flex, and lining them up on the card required using a quilting ruler laid on the top for alignment and spacing. Felt a little like I was doing brain surgery, which is silly but true.

This card would not have been possible without the inspiration of Cristina's fun and colorful birthday card, so many, many thanks, Cristina!

Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Signature Greetings, Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments
ink: Memento
paper: Papertrey white, SU real red
accessories: Memento markers, EK Success bracket and label punch, glue pen