Banners So Kind Of You Card - STAMPlorations Blog Sketch Challenge #8

Sketch layouts are great, they are a wonderful starting point when creating a card, especially if your mojo has gone walkabout!  I usually enjoy sketch challenges - but must admit to finding some layouts more challenging than others!  When I saw this bi-weekly STAMPlorations sketch #8 I immediately thought it wasn't my usual sort of thing.  My favourite sketches tend to have space for a main image focal point.  This layout seemed to lend itself to a more graphic style which I don't gravitate to - I love seeing them but tend not to make cards that way myself.  However, after taking a second look, I decided to have a go anyway.  You know what?  I really had fun putting this card together so I'm glad I tried it, I found it refreshing to go outside my "norm"! 

My starting point was to cut flag banners from 3 different SU! patterned papers and I stamped the sentiment and inked the edges of each banner.  I then made an A6 sized Pistachio Pudding card base.  I stamped my new fave stamp - the SU! Hardwood stamp - onto Pool Party CS using the same colour ink.  I inked the edges of the panel and matted onto a black layer.  I adhered a panel of black CS and popped up the 3 banners.  I then added a die cut leafy branch and 3 punched flowers with black gem centres.

More of the pretty patterned papers came into play when I decorated the inside of the card and the envelope flap.

The STAMPlorations sketch challenge #8 is open until Monday 31st March, do give it a try!

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! 'Hardwood' stamp, SU! 'Sweet Essentials' & 'Simply Sketched' sets
CS: SU! Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Basic Black & Whisper White
Patterned paper: SU! Sweet Sorbet DSP pack
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Tools:  MFT 'Fishtail Flags Stax' Die-namics die, Joy Crafts Vintage Flourishes 'Branch Leaves' die, Woodware flower punch, sponge daubers
Embellishments & accessories: PaperMania black gems,3D foam tape