Birthday wishes with Kiyoko/Anderson Gardens

Oh my...spring cleaning, an out-of-town guest, and extra days at work have kept me busy and away from my computer for the past couple of weeks! But finally this morning I was able to sneak downstairs for a few hours to my craft area and combine a couple of my favorite challenge blogs into a card, and this is what I came up with.



The image I used is Kiyoko from Sister Stamps and colored with Copics, isn't she the cutest?! The sketch I used is by Kim Yu who started posting monthly sketch challenges on her blog at the beginning of this year, and it really is true when I tell you that each and every one of her sketches have stunning results....I always look forward to the beginning of every month to see what she comes up with. The DP is by American Crafts, along with origami paper. The Kenji words are from Hero Arts. The cherry blossoms are from I Am Roses and were left in their original creamy/white color. The Asian brad is from Recollections. Would it surprise you if I said the sparklers are heavily laddened with Atyou Spica Glitter pens?

Stamps:
Sister Stamps: Kiyoko
Hero Arts: Tiny Chinese Wishes
Hero Arts: Chinese Happiness Wish

Challenges:
The Kraft Journal: Use Any Sketch
Simon Says: Birthday Celebrations
Paper Playtime: #73 Anything Goes
Totally Paper Crafts: #114 Saturated Colors
Kim Yu: May Sketch

Remember I said I had out-of-town company for a couple of days? I took my friend to see the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford while she was here and because the weather has been unseasonably warm this spring, we were able to enjoy the early blooms!

Main building/Gift Center:


Walking along the paths/grounds:


Raked sand in front of the head landscaper's home:


Bamboo water fountain:


The beautiful waterfall:



Gorgeous gardens, right?!! As always, thanks for stopping by and leaving all the sweet comments that you do...they make me smile!
:Dxx