Steampunk Birthday Card

"Happy 18th Birthday Joshua"

Hi Friends,  Today I'm sharing a card I made for my 'adopted grandson' Josh for his 18th birthday. Whenever I create for my grandsons, I always seem to lean towards a "Time Fly's" theme.  Probably because they are all growing up so fast!  It may look a little complicated but actually with just a few simple techniques it was pretty easy and lots of fun to create.   

To start, I used Graphic 45's "Steampunk Spells" paper collection and its coordinating 6x6 cardstock pad.   I fussy cut a few flowers for the cover and inside with their vines or gears still attached.  Then I picked out a nice big hot air balloon for the cover and a small on for the inside.  I really wanted the big balloon to have a lot of dimension, so I adhered it to chipboard, distressed the edges (using TH Vintage Photo) and added a few coats of Glossy Accents to make it shine and really pop!  

Male Steampunk Gear Head Chippy from Gina's Design

Then I took this amazing Steampunk Male Gear Head chippy, a gift from my friend Donna from Gina's Designs and finished it with some Viva Inka Gold and Copper colored Metallic Rubs.  I used the same metallic rubs in green, azure and turquoise to finish the Leaky Shed Spring Butterfly.

Steampunk Male Gear Head Close Up

Putting it all together was pretty simple.  Before I adhered anything or double matted the background papers, I added the corner eyelets to the top piece of cardstock, roughed up the mat edges and distressed them with ink.  Then I roughly sewed the edge of each mat with different stitches.  I arranged the embellishments the way I wanted them, then used a clock face to stamp out a few peek-a-boo clocks and the inside sentiment.  Now I was ready to secure everything down.  I used some foam tape to lift the balloon up, tucked in a few flowers and the gear head, layered on some metal gears, butterfly sequins, and finely the birthday banner.  Here's the inside of the card and a final look at the cover:

"Live the Life You've Imagined"

Happy 18th Birthday Joshua"

Well friends that's it for me today.  I hope all you Steampunk fans out there enjoyed this fun, funky and cool masculine card.  Until next time, I hope you're inspired to create something from the heart!  ~ Dawna

PS:  If you're new to my site, please feel free to join or sign up for emails so you can enjoy what's next!