Before I jump into today’s project, I must thank you all for your wonderful responses to yesterday’s post. As I was going to bed last night, there were 71 comments left on my Art is my Vitamin post, and the card was being shared on lots of Pinterest boards. I was excited to see my project “take off” like that, but I was more appreciative of the kind feedback and comments you left. Thank you.
Today, I’m sharing another card from my Convention presentation on masculine projects. If you missed my “Convention Wrap-up” post, click here. It doesn’t get any cleaner or any simpler than this card, but I love I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out. Here’s my card:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- Find the right paper. The right Designer Series Paper pattern is sometimes hidden where you’d least expect it. When I first laid eyes on this page from Gingham Garden, I knew it was special – because of the faux texture, I thought it would be perfect for a masculine card. Masculine print in a pack of paper call Gingham Garden? Who knew? This Pear Pizzazz print pairs well with Early Espresso.
- Layering cardstock. If you’ve paid attention to my designs for a while, then you know I like to layer my cardstock. A young Goldilocks once said, “Sometimes an extra layer of cardstock is too much. Sometimes an extra layer of cardstock is not enough. But sometimes an extra layer cardstock is just right.” That’s about the time a bear came along and ate her. While my card is a clean and simple construction, I like the layer of cardstock between the Early Espresso base and the Gingham Garden DSP. It doesn’t add a pop, but I think it’s the subtle difference between “eh!” and “aaaaah!”.
- Repeat banners. Banner Greetings wasn’t my first idea for the sentiment on this card, but the more I played with the simple, brown cake with its cool, brown flags, I was drawn to the idea of repeating the flag motif in the sentiment of the card. To further mold this cake topper into the rest of the card, I colored one flag with Island Indigo and one with Pear Pizzazz.
Stamps sets: Make a Cake, Banner Greetings (hostess) Papers: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper Inks: Island Indigo, Stampin’ Write Markers (Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz) Accessories: Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Stampin’ Dimensionals
All-in-all, I am pretty happy with how this card turned out. Between the colors, the pattern and the clean, clean, clean layout, this stands out as one of my favorite cards on my Convention board. What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
I think it is awesome Brian!! Very CAS!! I like how you pulled Island Indigo in with the sentiment and the little banner flag on the cake – it looks great with Pear Pizzazz and Early Expresso!!! LOL with your Goldilocks reference too!! 🙂
Gorgeous!!
Like your choice of dsp . I think it is the eye catcher here and perfect for a CAS card . I feel like Goldilocks at times trying to find the”just right” on my layers . That`s where you are the smart “bear” Yogi ! Your layers are always “just right”.
Definitely one of my favourites too, Brian. It’s gorgeous! (You would have had 72 comments yesterday if only I’d had time to check my emails! Your vitamin card is so uplifting!)
Very nice card. I found the layers today. =)
You do an excellent job layering your designs.
LOVE your choice of DSP, Brian, too! It is PERFECT for this clean and simple card!
TSMFS yet another WINNER!!!
Love the choice of colors too, love the layering and the focal point of this little birthday cake. SU hit the nail on the head when they asked you to do this display of masculine cards for the convention, every single one is a winner!! I struggle making masculine cards so this collection you are sharing is helping me a lot. Thank you!!
Just rec’d my Holiday swatch books. They are great! Thanks so much.
You make such beautiful cards. “aaaaah”
You can’t go wrong with plaid. Wonderful color combo. Very pleasant on the eye. Absolutely a winner in my book. Oh yes, you’re a pretty good story teller also.
Love it Brian. Very much an Ahhhh
The little flags on the cake reminded me of the flags on a golf course so I’m a-thinkin’ hmmmmmm
great card for my golfing friends! Thanks Brian and I absolutely love this card. I am definitely a CAS kind of card maker and sometimes find it’s harder to make a CAS card then one covered with “stuff”! LOL This one is trophy worthy to me.
Brian, I look forward to seeing what you will post next each day. I love your designs and your great ideas for masculine cards. It was a pleasure seeing you at convention.
Thumbs up on the card and loved your take on the fairy tale ! Your blogs always make me smile!
Brian, by the response to your AWESOME card yesterday, I bet SU will be getting a lot of orders for this stamp set, mine included. You are a great enabler!!
Perfect in every way!
I love seeing your cards each day and this one is no exception. I find it difficult making cards for the guys in my life and so I have really enjoyed your Covention posts. I just wish that I could have seen it for myself at Convention, but you were a very popular guy, lol!! I also layer my cards and love your Goldilocks story that goes with today`s post!
Like it very much…KISStampers
I forgot to mention that I got all of my Shares ,Swatch Books and Embellies and it was like Christmas ! I love love everything and especially how nicely they are all packaged !! Thank you !
Now I have to decide what to use first . I know I tell you this all the time ,Brian but, I love the smell of new DSP !! It is like a new box of Crayola Crayons !!!
Sonny is right, new DSP is like a box of new Crayons. I love, love, love this card. Your choice of texture and colors are great. (as always). Must get the new DSP papers.
Very nice, clean and simple…and I have the stamp set to make it! Thanks, Brian.
Hi Brian, I’m so pleased to have found your blog. I love the cards you have made and the eloquence of your posts. You have a style that is really warm and friendly.
Alison
Love the clean and simple masculine card today, Brian. I’ve always been partial to combining green and brown, and you did it with finesse! I’m up to my knees in guys’ card with so many family members and friends celebrating birthdays this summer, so I appreciate seeing new ones that I can CAS. Had to laugh at your Goldilocks reference as I played her in a school production when I was in first grade…oh, about a zillion years ago now! ;o) Brought back memories.
I always forget to do that “flag tag” like that… thanks for reminding me. Very cool card!
Poor Goldilocks, she should have made up her mind before the bear got there.