You may recall THIS POST where I used MFT's cloud stencil - well, I made a couple of backgrounds with no idea what I was going to do with them. I just knew I would use them sometime. 

Creating a beautiful background by hand is kind of like using patterned paper - except it's better!! You can customize your colours, and then you can use it like you would any normal piece of PP. 

I used Technique Tuesday's Classic Kite Steel Craft Die. Classic black on top of an ornate background is just what the doctor ordered. Everything is the star on this card!

Other items used: Look Out World clear stamp set.