Embrace...Grosgrain Ribbon

I love using ribbon. This ribbon has a layered look but is only a single layer. I made this card for the Verve Anniversary Sketch #3 and uses more layers than I normally use for a CAS card but I used this pretty ribbon so I thought I'd post it. Supplies: Stamps - Verve; Paper - PaperTrey, MME dp; Ink - Momento; Misc - Gorsgrain ribbon, MM Brads, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Border embossing folder.

FTL 8

Just a simple silhouette for the main focus of another fabulous layout! Supplies: stamps - Fundamental Phrases, Inspired by Nature paper - ruby red, mellow moss, creamy caramel, white, stella ruby (basic grey) dsp ink - chocolate chip acc - oval nesties, chocolate grosgrain, scallop border punch, dimensionals

FTL8

I just got this beautiful 6x6 paper from Memory Box called Grove and wanted to use it on today's sketch. So I decided to put the patterned paper on the main part of the card front instead of showing underneath (where the green is). The only stamping here is the larger butterfly in the scalloped circle. I also pierced the flight path of the smaller butterfly that is printed on the paper.I used my Martha Stewart border punch to make the scallops and my Nestabilities to punch out the scalloped circle. I edged the circle with Momento Bamboo Shoots ink. I used my Scor-pal to make 2 sets of parallel scores along the bottom and left off a sentiment until I decide what to use this for. Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts Designer Butterflies; Ink - Momento, Pallette Noir, SU! Pale Plum; Paper - DCWV Card stock, Memory Box Grove; Misc - piercer, Nestabilities, May Arts ribbon, MM ribbon slide, MS border punch, Scor-pal, dimensionals.

FTL 8!

So here is this week's sketch. I really like using this one when I want to show off a bit of patterned paper. As usual, my rectangle strip with the circle represents some sort of ribbon and knot or bow. However, feel free to put some sort of embellishment there instead!

For my card today, I went with some "old friends". This card is all Stampin' Up! I even did the scallops using the corner rounder instead of my nestabilities!

For my scalloped circle I went with a patterned paper covered flower. It's so nice to choose 4 different papers that you know are going to coordinate nicely! I've been on a bit of a chipboard kick these past few days. I have so much of it, and it really covers up or inks up nicely! It's a pretty quick process too! For these ones, I didn't feel like dealing with Mod Podge, so I taped the paper on.

Speaking of using the chipboard I have... I'm trying really hard to use more and more of all the stuff I have. I think it's really good to step back and evaluate all the stuff you have. Figure out new ways to use your supplies before going out and buying more! If you can use a certain supply for a quick CAS type card, all the better! It'll give you more motivation to use that supply again and make more cards!

Supplies:

Stamps: It's your birthday

Ink:Brilliant Blue

Paper: Jersey Shore, Bashful Blue

Accessories, etc.: On Board Blossoms & Basics, Sanding Block, Wasabi Ribbon, Corner Rounder

Remember, if you want to play along, put a link here or use the keywords FTL8 at SCS!

Tips: Repetition

Repeating an element on a card is a really quick and easy way to unify your theme. There are several different ways you can do this, listed below are just a few ways to use repetition to your advantage.

• You can use a shape, such as circles or squares, for your repeated element.
• You can use a specific theme as a repeated element, say all flourish type stamps.
• You can use the same stamp over and over to make a background, then use it again for your focal point.
• You can even use a monochromatic colour scheme as your repeated element.

For my card, I went with the third option. I used the cat head stamp and paws several times to make a fun background. The cat head is also stamped once in a brighter colour as my focal point. One thing to keep in mind if you are doing a random type background with more than one image- start with the biggest image first. You'll be able to fill in spots with your smaller images. Supplies: Stamps: Inkadinkadoo Cat clear set, Sun Spirit Studio Sentiments Paper: Summer Sun, Only Orange, White Ribbon: American Crafts Ink: Canteloupe, Tangerine