I have big plans to blog about the recent birthday party events at our house, but it’s taking me awhile to get the photos and such organized and ready, so in the meantime, I thought I’d share a recent card project!
I am fortunate enough to participate in a frequent card swap with a group of talented stamping friends at work. We’ve always done a ‘do your own thing’ approach to a theme for these swaps, but this last round, there was a request to focus on masculine birthday cards. I thought this idea was brilliant! I know I always struggle with not having enough masculine cards on hand, or not having the RIGHT masculine card on hand. With a swap, I get a set of cards made with stamps and accessories I don’t own, making it a great way to expand my masculine card supply!
After procrastinating until the last possible moment, I spent an hour in the stamp room whipping up my cards after all the others in the house had gone to bed for the night. (This really is the BEST time to stamp!) I had an idea and a layout in mind, but sometimes what I end up with doesn’t come out exactly like I envision it, but that’s OK with me.
I had originally planned to incorporate a bit of green onto this card to use a blue/green color scheme against the kraft. But once I had it all together, I didn’t like the green so much. I think maybe I just didn’t like the Wild Wasabi color; if I had tried a different shade, I may have been happier. But seeing the simple blues against the kraft was pleasing enough, and so I decided to keep it simple.
None of the stamps used are current. I like being able to use my retired stuff for these swaps. I gives me a chance to use products I’m no longer allowed to demonstrate. Also, having been a demonstrator for a number of years, I have built up quite the collection of retired stamps! (I think I own literally EVERY nautical/lighthouse/sailboat themed stamp set that Stampin Up has ever made!)
I added a loop of Artichoke denim jean ribbon just below the main image for just a tiny bit of accent. I personally think cards always need a little accent of some sort – my favorite is to use ribbon. But when making masculine cards, you have to play it safe! I think this ribbon loop is just the right amount of accent for this card!
Up next, I want to share with you 5 card designs I created for a class I hosted. They turned out great, and I can’t wait to get them ready to post!
Great card! I always struggle with the masculine themed cards.
Posted by: michelle | March 11, 2012 at 09:59 PM