Happy Birthday and “just because” cards are super important to have on hand. Plus, they’re a very convenient excuse to make some cards… am I right?

These cards were done using Daniel Smith watercolor paints (my personal favorite), some low tack washi tape, a border sized embossing folder, a few random thin metal dies, some embossing powder, and some bling.

I just threw them together in colors that I like and called it done. Any shape will work and there are absolutely no rules when it comes to laying out the background with the washi tape… just have fun!

Here’s the video showing the process:

Below you will find a list of the products that I used for this project. I shop at my local Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Joann’s stores first. Then, if I can’t find what I want I look to online businesses like Simon Says Stamp, Gina K. Designs, and others. Finally, if what I want is out of stock, I’ll look to Amazon for my supplies.

PAPER
– Neenah Classic Crest, Solar White 110# for card bases
– Canson 140# cold press watercolor paper
– Gina K. Designs heavyweight card stock – In the Navy & Kraft

STAMPING
– Gina K. Designs Stamp Set – “Topical Blooms”
– Sizzix Stamp Set – “Happy Birthday to You”

CUTTING DIES
– Spellbinders A-2 Matting Basics rectangle – 3⅜” by 4⅝”
– Spellbinders Small Classic Ovals
– Spellbinders Nestabilites – Stars
– Echo Park Stitched Circles
– Sizzix Stephanie Barnard Dotted Hearts
– Spell Binder Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine
– Small acrylic block

EMBOSSING FOLDERS
– Darice border folder – Simple Pattern Dots

PAINT & INKS
– Daniel Smith Watercolor:
+ Pyrrol Scarlet
+ New Gamboge
+ French Ultramarine
+ Undersea Green
+ Carbazole Violet
+ Phthalo Blue
– Winsor & Newton
+ Indigo
+ Mauve
– Finetec Metallic Paint
– Versamark embossing ink
– Ranger Gold & Silver embossing powder
– Antistatic powder bag

EMBELLISHMENTS
– Simon Says Stamp sequins/confetti – Moonshine Confetti
– Studio Katia clear drops
– Studio Katia crystals – Iridescent Crystals Mix
– Nuvo Aqua Shimmer brush pen

ADHESIVES
– Ranger multi-medium matte glue
– Scotch ATG
– Foam tape
– Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares

MISC. TOOLS & SUPPLIES
– Acrylic stamp block
– 6mm Washi tape
– Blue painters tape
– Silver – Black Velvet #12 round watercolor brush
– Marvy Jewel Picker tool
– Tim Holtz for Tonic scissors
– Tim Holtz for Tonic paper trimmer
– Wagner heat tool
– Ranger non-stick craft sheet