Joan's Challenge Happy Birthday Giraffe

Good Morning Ladies,
Sometimes morning feels like it comes earlier than some mornings than others. This is one of those mornings. I am hoping that the eight inches of snow they are calling for tonight passes over us.
I have been working like a busy little beaver to get cards created. A new challenge is abound at Joan's Garden. Here is the link to the challenge.... http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/02/joans-card-for-this-weeks-challenge.html Come join us!
My card for this post and challenge is Joan's Challenge Happy Birthday Giraffe
The requirements for this challenge are fun and easy ...
Create an outdoors card
Make it a Happy Birthday Card
Here is my first card for the challenge....

 To create this card I started with the giraffe image from Inky Antics. I stamped this cutie on bristol paper and colorized him with Copic markers. I then hand cut him out. I chose a sun die cut I created with a Sizzix die. I used three different shades of brown for my matting. At the bottom of the top layer of mats I tore a piece of cardstock and added ink to the torn edge to create a ground for the giraffe to stand on. At the top of the card I cut leaves from a Memory Box die. There are five of these die cuts layered. I then added the stamped Happy Birthday.

This is the inside of my card. I chose the celebrate sentiment, because when I see this giraffe he just makes me want to celebrate!
Thanks for a great challenge Joan!
I hope Selma and her family heal soon.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog