Francophile Birthday

I've been busy churning out the birthday cards lately. We've got 7 family birthdays in 20 days on my side. Every time we turn around, there's birthday cake to eat. Not so much the hardship, really.

Thought I'd share this sweet card I made for my Francophile sister. I've been loving all the cut files at the Silhouette store for non-traditional cards. Decided to do a lever card for her.

I used Avery Elle's Bonjour set for some French flair. I have a love affair with French macaroons. They look so delectable and cute. But truth be told, I have never actually eaten one. I originally blamed this on the fact I live in the middle of the boonies. You can't exactly get fancy French food at the local Sheetz. But recently I noticed that there is a little coffee and macaroon stand at the food court at the local outlet mall. And now, I'm just scared to try one because I'm afraid the mystique will go away with my first taste. I'll spoil it all for myself. :) So for now, I'll just admire them in photos (and stamps!) looking so pretty and enticing.

The macaroons and banner (Paper Smooches Streamers) in my card are shaded with Copic markers and white pencil. My favorite way to use Copics is to add so depth to colored cardstock like this.

"Happy Birthday" in French is from PTI's Global Greetings: French. Thought it worked well.

A lever card action shot for you. The window is bordered with brackets from PTI's Over Under Easy. I really felt like that brought the front together a bit. Patterned paper is from the Mint Julep Collection by Basic Grey.

And lastly, solving a little problem with the lever card. You don't have a lot of room for a sentiment generally because of how things fold up. This long and narrow sentiment from PTI's Stylish Sentiments: Birthday was perfect in the space.

That's it for me. :) Have a Happy 4th of July week. Three more birthday cakes to eat between now and then for us. I can always work it all off starting the 5th, right?