Stamp Simply #144 sketch challenge

I'm playing along in the Stamp Simply #144 sketch challenge today.  I've seen several monochromatic cards recently on several blogs, so I've had some ideas rolling around in my head for a couple of days.  I thought this sketch challenge fit so well with what I had in mind.  You can see the details for the challenge here.  I liked this sketch as soon as I saw it!
This card will go to an aunt and uncle who recently visited from Colorado.  We enjoyed spending a Saturday afternoon with them recently and we were fortunate to acquire an original piece of art from my uncle.  He is SO very talented and I am so excited to have another piece of his art displayed in our home!
Well....back to the card.
I thought a monochromatic card would be so easy to make.....mmm...not so much.  I found that I needed some definition here and there to define a few of the layers.  I did a little sponging around the edges, which seemed to be just what it needed.  I had the chance to use some ribbon that I recently purchased from Stampin' Up.  It's being discontinued, but I managed to grab some before it was gone.  This ribbed ribbon is part of the Beachfront pack.  I'm so glad that I bought this pack, because I LOVE all five of the ribbons!
I'm posting two photos.  The second one is a closeup of that gorgeous ribbon I talked about.

 

**** Card Recipe ****

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Confetti Cream (SU)

Stamp sets: Organic Grace, Whimsical Words (SU)

Ink: Close To Cocoa, Mellow Moss (SU)

Ribbon: Beachfront ribbed, linen thread (SU), cotton lace (Wrights)

Accessories and tools: embossing folder (Cuttlebug), buttons from my stash, sponges, Big Kick (Sizzix)