Focal Point using Dies & Color for a Happy Birthday

Wanted to join the fun over at the MFT Summer School with Lesson #2 on Focal Points and also join a few more challenges with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge with "Anything Goes" as well as Seize Your Birthday.

Here is my card:

I wanted to build a focal point with using dies but before that I started with my Blueprints 20 to create a stax up look as well. Started off using Steel Blue cardstock with the Scallops and than Smooth White for the smaller stitched panel in the center and added craft foam under the panel. 

Here is what I used to create the flower and focal point at the top by combining different elements.

Cardstock used was Summer Splash for the blue, Tickled Pink for the Pink, Smooth White for the flower and doily. White basic pearl was added at the top.

Last but not least, added a sentiment from the stamp set: Totally Happy but choose Grout Gray cardstock to keep the colors as focal point as in spot coloring on a card.

Basically, the same card, but by changing a few elements on the card, look what happens when you remove the scallops and change the look of the sentiment. 

Let me know which one you like better? As always, if you haven't checked out the challenge site, please do so to see more inspiration and plus join in on the last sketch.

Supplies Used: 

Stamp Set:  Totally Happy (MFT)

Card stock and Paper: Smooth White, Steel Blue, Grout Gray, Summer Splash, Tickled Pink (MFT), 

Inks: Black Licorice (MFT Hybird)

Accessories:  Blueprints 20 & 3 (MFT), Stitched Circles Dies (MFT), Dizzy Doily Duo (MFT), Upsy-Saisy (MFT), Horizontal Stitched Dies (MFT), Foam Mount Tape, Foam Craft, Basic Pearl