Balloons are one of the biggest things going in paper crafts or any crafts, for that matter, right now. And today I’m jumping on the balloon love train and combining a big bunch with luscious, metallic inks from Tsukineko to create this sweet and shimmery card that’s sure to get a big “wow” from birthday boys, girls, guys, gals, and maybe a birthday dog or cat, too. Hey, it could happen!

Download the free “wish big” card base, which will fit any #10 envelope, below, and let’s get this party started!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• white cardstock
• the FREE printable “wish big” card template (download below)
• a printer
• scissors or a paper cutter
• an embossing stylus and a ruler
• a bone folder
• a digital die cutting machine (I used a Silhouette Cameo)
• balloon die cuts (I used the orange balloon from this set)
• metallic ink (I used Bronze Burst and Celestial Copper from the Tsukineko Metals Quad)
• ink daubers
• adhesive foam squares

How to Make the Metallic Balloons Card

Step 1 : Cut out 7 balloon shapes with a digital die cutting machine and set aside. Print the card template onto cardstock and, using an embossing stylus and ruler, score the card along the vertical notches on the template.

Step 2 : Cut the card out along the dotted lines on the template using a paper cutter or scissors.

Step 3 : Fold the card along the score line and crease the fold using a bone folder.

Step 4 : Pounce an ink dauber in the ink to load it with color. Then, pounce the ink over the first die cut balloon*, reloading the dauber with ink as needed, until the balloon is completely covered with ink.You may need to go over some areas more than once to get complete ink coverage. Repeat this process for each of the balloons.

* When coloring cardstock with ink, I typically move the dauber over the cardstock in small, circular motions; however, I found that a firm, up and down pouncing motion gives much better coverage and shimmer with these particular metallic inks.

Step 5 : Allow the ink to dry completely*. Then, add adhesive foam squares to the back of each balloon (I found that two or three per balloon are good). Adhere a balloon at the top of each “string” on the card template.

* Pigment inks, like I’m using here, tend to have a longer drying time. But you can dry them more quickly using a heat tool, if you don’t want to wait.

Step 6 : Using scissors, cut off any pieces of the balloons that hang over the edge of the card.

The photos really don’t do these beautiful metallic inks justice, but in this one you can get a better idea of just how shimmery they are:

Templates are for personal, non-commercial use only.

photos by Kristen Magee for Paper Crave