My first layout and I used a lot of inking and a few fabric patches to use on my background cardstock. I then created my journaling in a black text box on my computer and changed my font to white. I then printed this out and cut in strips for my layout.
The rubon flourishes were added directly to the fabric patches. some of the rubons peeled off but I didn't mind as this added to the texture of the layout.
Next, I created a little keepsake box. I used a prebought paper mache box as my starter and cover the lid and sides with cardstock and paper. I used my Spellbinder Nestablilities labels to create the image on the lid and inked all sides. The lid was complete with several flowers, leaves, stick pin, stems, ribbon and gems. To finish the box I attached a fringe to the lid side to hang over the edges. 
I created a range of mini cards for my family based on a pack of small envelopes I had purchased some time ago. All the cards have the same theme; base card, matted patterned paper, ribbon, die cuts, flourishes and dry embossing. These will certainly come in handy for their next birthdays.
ps Don't think cards have to be made in the usual format. Smaller versions are ideal to use up scraps and only take half the time to make.
I actually had enough left over pieces to create another layout. Here I distressed and inked all edges of the cardstock and paper. Layered each piece over each other then machine stitched all edges. The mini chipboard tags were attached together with double sided tape then painted in a co ordinating colour. I used these as a base for my title.The green flower was cut from the flowered diecut paper and overlapped three times to create depth. I curled the edges to add more definition.
