Birthday Wishes | Candy Cane Collection
Mary Jo Johnston • June 2, 2026

Sip, Celebrate & Create a Colorful Summer Birthday Card


Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing fruity drink, bright colors, and a reason to celebrate! Today's birthday card combines all of those happy elements into one fun-filled design featuring the Pretty Little Studio Candy Cane Collection in a fresh and unexpected way.


This cheerful card proves that holiday collections aren't just for the holidays. The playful patterns and vibrant colors found in the Candy Cane papers are perfect for creating bold and colorful projects all year long, especially summer birthday cards!


The focal point of this design is a cute aqua drink cup overflowing with tropical-inspired details. A striped straw, colorful party hat, juicy orange slice, watermelon wedge, and bright foliage create a festive arrangement that instantly brings summer party vibes. The curved "Celebrate" sentiment draws your eye to the top of the card, while the "Birthday Wishes" greeting finishes the design perfectly.


One of my favorite elements is the background. The colorful polka dots scattered across the soft blue panel add movement and energy while allowing the dimensional embellishments to shine. Layering the bright patterned Candy Cane papers around the edges creates a playful frame that ties all the colors together beautifully.


This card is a great example of how fun, bold color combinations can make a birthday card feel extra special. The mix of aqua, pink, lime green, orange, yellow, and red creates a joyful palette that feels fresh, modern, and full of celebration.


Why I Love This Design:

Bright and cheerful summer-inspired color palette

Creative use of Pretty Little Studio's Candy Cane papers beyond holiday projects

Fun dimensional layers that add texture and interest

Perfect for summer birthdays, celebrations, and happy occasions

Bold, colorful design that instantly makes you smile


If you're looking to add a little extra sunshine to your cardmaking, pull out your favorite Pretty Little Studio Candy Cane papers and experiment with unexpected seasonal themes. Their vibrant patterns and playful colors are perfect for creating eye-catching birthday cards that are full of personality.


Happy crafting!

Mary Jo
Hi, I'm Mary Jo Johnston, and I've been paper crafting for more than 20 years. What began as a love for creating scrapbook pages quickly evolved into a passion for cardmaking. I enjoy every part of the creative process, from selecting papers and embellishments to layering the final details that bring a project to life. My favorite part is sharing those handmade creations, giving away one-of-a-kind works of art and being able to brighten someone's day or celebrate life's meaningful moments. I'm beyond excited to be designing for Pretty Little Studio and sharing creative inspiration using their beautiful collections.