5 challenges and a ribbon blossom

I have mentioned before that I am part of a group of crafty friends that is a lovely friendly forum and includes setting each other monthly (non-blogging) challenges. Each month one member sends the others a pack of bits that they have to use to make a card: this month as it happens my dear friend Helen was in the chair, and she sent a pack that comprised the following:

• 1 piece approx 6 " x 6" of coredinations cardstock
• 1 large red/brown fabric flower
• 2 small red/brown fabric flowers
• 1 large white pearl brad
• 1 small silver puffy heart charm
• 2 cream skeleton leaves
• approx 1/2 yard of cream organza ribbon.

The only other rule was that we must use a "new technique" (eek!) in making our card. I agonised over this so long and hard I actually slightly missed the deadline (oops!) ... but last night I finally got down to business ....
It seemed clear to me that my BG "Sugared" papers were perfect to co-ordinate with the bits I'd been given, and once I'd picked out a paper then the WOJ image "Melinda Blowing Kisses" seemed to suggest itself naturally (I don't own this stamp .... approx 3 different peeps have sent me RAK's of this so I'm not sure who sent this one .. but thanks!!)
During the planning stage (about 2 weeks ago lol!!) I decided that the best new techinque to put together with this little lot would be a ribbon blossom, as I've admired them on other blogs and been meaning to have a go. I bought a number of small reels of co-ordinating Anita's ribbons, and I was away - I followed Pam's tutorial on Splitcoaststampers. I actually found this incredibly fiddly to do, and I think for the future I would get better results with all organza ribbon (rather than some grosgrain) as the knots are still somewhat visible ... the other concern is that these ribbon blossoms are pretty big so it kinda dominates the card ... but hey, it's done now and I'm still glad I had a go. I may try it with slightly shorter ribbon pieces next time.

Recipe:
Image: WOJ "Melinda Blowing Kisses" coloured with watercolour pencils;
Sentiment (inside): Penny Black;
Papers: BasicGrey "Sugared"; Coredinations red/brown cardstock embossed with Cuttlebug "Divine Swirls" and distressed by sanding
Flowers: from kit sent to me (I believe they are Papermania) + 1 Prima gold-coloured flower.
Ribbon: Anita's
Brads, charm and spacers from kit or from my stash.

Here's a picture of the inside - I'm still trying to decorate them. I haven't yet managed to do the back with my new personalised stamp, but will do before I send it.
Before putting this card together I thought I would see whether I could tie it in to any blog challenges, and so would also like to enter it for the following:
Friday Sketchers #38 - although there is a lot of extra embellishment the basic sketch is still there (somewhere!)
My Time to Craft #48 - this week is going for gold - and I have matted Melinda onto some distressed gold mirri card.
A Spoon Full of Sugar #38 - is Doodle doo! .. I have done some (very amateurish) kissy doodles round my image and sentiment inside.
Arty Girlz #72 - this week is flowers .. well this card has certainly got plenty of those, including with a twist!
I have decided I am going to send this card to my mum "just because..." :-)