Anyway...we haven't had a chance to all get together, but we plan to soon to celebrate. I made him this card (Mom...make sure he doesn't look, k?! Thanks!) and I am pretty happy with it. Masculine cards can be tricky sometimes, particularly if you break out of the simple, graphic look. Those are easier for me because, well, I happen to really like simple and graphic and you can use a masculine image and be done, but I wanted something that suited my Dad a bit better for this card, so this is what I came up with!
I started with a 5x10 strip of kraft cardstock. I scored and folded that in half to create the base for my card. I usually make my own bases, just because I can use any papers I want that way.
I then stamped the background image (harlequin) with VersaMark ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder. I love how bold it is, while still being subtle enough to serve as a background. I added a quick sheet pulled from a booklet of Making Memories journaling sheets for the die cut shape in the background.
I created an embellishment cluster with the first word of my sentiment incorporated into the cluster. I used a Jenni Bowlin label sticker, a few Prima flowers, some My Mind's Eye gem stones, and a chipboard accent from Scenic Route.
For the remainder of the sentiment I mixed alphabet stamps (CTMH) and rub-on letters from My Mind's Eye to create a unique look. I also stamped some flourishes (Autumn Leaves) on the sides. For the flourishes, I chose to do second generation stamping so that the color would be the same as the sentiment, just in a different tone. I love the way it came out!
As a finishing touch I added some wooden beads around the sentiment to accent it and bring it all together.
So, what do you think?
I also did a crazy thing the other day! I FINALLY purchased my first ever pair of knitting needles! So....that pretty much means I need to learn to knit now. I'm scared! LOL! I tried crochet once and failed miserably, so I'm hoping I'm more suited for knitting. If you happen to know of a great website for beginners, I'd love some suggestions! I totally plan to be making cable knit sweaters in like a month! HA! KIDDING!!!!! KIDDING!!!! KIDDING!!! But, for reals...if you have tutorials or whatever, that would totally rock! I know at least some of you will because your wicked cool like that.
Well, gotta run! Tomorrow...assuming I get the pictures uploaded ('cause I totally keep forgetting) I will be discussing my Mother's 5 o'clock shadow! (What?! Doesn't your Mother have one?) hee-hee.....she's going to KILL me for that one! But really...come back to see what I'm talking about...it will be fun. I promise!
This is a great card! Love all of the detailing. All of my masculine cards always look so flat. I'm afraid to embellish them.
ReplyDeleteGo to wiki for knitting. I learned a year ago and there are up close videos of how to cast on, cast off, etc. It helped me a lot!
What a GREAT man card! Love how you embossed the back ground - that was the first thing I noticed! Love your cluster of embellies too - perfection! He's gonna love it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the knitting - I've tried to crochet once too and failed miserably - so I will just stick to cross stitch and scrapbooking! HA! But once you get real good - you can make me a scarf! ;)
This card is so cute. I have never knit before. I love the look of your blog...it's been awhile since I have popped over. Don't ya just love the 3 columns! I don't know how I ever lived with just 2.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! I love the embossing technique and the mixture of stamped and rub-on letters.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, it's a cutie!!! I agree with Diana that your embellishments looks great (my masculine cards never really have a lot of details). Two thumbs up!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your dad...I was just reading the comments and read yours on my post today...funny thing was...I was just thinking about you and wondered where you were today....funny how that happens sometimes. I understand about busy...so weeks it is all I can do to post on Thurs....Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteMasculine cards are so hard to make. You did a fabulous job on this one!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like he is going to have a very cute birthday:-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome card, I love it! And how ironic that your dad was born on "Labor Day". :)
ReplyDeleteAWESOMW card!!LOVE the colors sooo beautifly done. I like going to lionbrand.com they have the same instructions for knitting that was in a book that I bought to learn.Plus tons of free projects.
ReplyDeletehugs
Brenda
Love the card! Nice!
ReplyDeleteJust dropped by from SITS to say hi; hope you'll do the same.
Hi www.greedygirlsguide.com checking in from SITS
ReplyDeleteTHis a great card very creative
what a great card!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your beach story above too---heehee...five oclock shadow (too great!) What nice memories you have made!
Love the card for your Daddy!! and the fact that you show close ups so we can really appreciate your work!!
ReplyDeleteso excited that you are going to learn to knit!! Finally decided that, after years of doing both, that crocheting is actually easier, but the instructions for knitting are much easier to understand. Will be looking for some tutorials - am convinced that the easiest way to learn most anything is by watching someone else do it, but perhaps that's just me!! In any case, i know you will do a great job!! And think of the whole new world of yarns that you are now opened up to!! Have fun!!