Happy Birthday (Etcetera, Etcetera)

As I sat down yesterday to create a new project, I realized that I hadn’t yet shared all my masculine projects from my Convention board. There are three or four still left to share, and I don’t want to let too much time pass by before I share them all. Today’s card is an odd-shaped card (long and slender like the Thanksgiving card I made for the Pals Blog Hop two weeks ago – see it here). The unexpected size of this card makes it super-special in my mind. Here’s my card: Petite Pairs, Stampin' Up!, Brian King

Since this card was for my Convention Board that featured Masculine cards, I have a couple of tips and tricks related to the “masculineness” of this card.

Tips, Tricks and Reminders

  • Masculine patterns in unexpected places. This pattern is from Etcetera Designer Series Paper. Have you noticed that most of the Designer Series Papers have a theme on one side of the paper (this set is filled with sewing-themed designs) and a non-themed pattern on the other? That means the uses for the paper are endless. You might not have expected to find a masculine chevron in the sewing-themed paper, but there it is! It’s fun to find useful patterns in unexpected places.
  • Eye-grabber. While I admit that this card is a bit over-sized, I love that your eye goes right to the sentiment. The large panel of patterned paper might catch your eye, but you’ll immediately be drawn to the circle (with a repeat of the same paper) and then to the smallest circle that wishes you a happy birthday. That’s the ultimate goal, right? As I am looking at this image and writing about it, it’s kind of reminiscent of a Volkswagon Symbol, isn’t it.Petite Pairs, Stampin' Up!, Brian King
  • Odd shapes for an intriguing look. I try to frequently change-up the shapes and sizes of cards. I might get stuck on square cards every once in a while (you’ve called me on it before), but even the size of those changes from 6″ x 6″ to 5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ and even 5″ x 5″. I love the traditional size of a 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ card, but it’s nice to change things up to keep things fresh. Unexpected and intriguing.

When I presented this odd-shaped card at Covention, I also made a coordinating envelope with a piece of Very Vanilla paper from my Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack. I measured around the card, creating a seam for the envelope in the center/back and then folding the flaps at the top and bottom. I clasped the envelope shut on the ends with twine. Here’s a hazy picture (enlarged from my Convention board): Stampin' Up!, Brian King

Stamp sets: Petite Pairs. Papers: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Etcetera Designer Series Paper Inks: Night of Navy Accessories: Circles Collection Framelits, Circle punches, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Brian

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15 Comments

  1. Good Morning, Very nice card Brian. The dimensions and colors are great. The envelope is super. I’m already thinking of someone to send this card to. Have a great weekend. Thanks a bunch. πŸ™‚

  2. Hello from Maine again Brian! I grew up with three brothers (no sisters), have three sons (no daughters), and I am a female Boy Scout Scoutmaster, so I am always in need of “gentleman’s cards” as I call them. Thanks for another great idea. : ) Have a great week-end, Dawn

  3. Laurie Burns Gachewicz

    This chevron pattern of the Etcetera DSP is exactly why I had to have it!! Nicely done CAS card Brian!! The envelope is the icing on the birthday cake!!

  4. I always love it when you match up the DSP on every aspect of your card. It’s technique that I need to remember to use. l like to make different sizes of cards as well and have made envelopes like you described. Now with SU coming out with the Envelope Punch Board will be so simple. I received mine this week (I am a demo) and all the different sizes are just great! People are going to love it.

  5. Now that is definitely a lengthy birthday card but really cool! Love the use of the DSP and circles! So cool! πŸ™‚

  6. Very cool card. I like the unusual size and the nifty envelope to match.

  7. Hi Brian. Once you mentioned the old VW symbol I saw it immediately. Boy, you really do think “outside the box”. LOL When I run out of the A2 size envelopes I will make cards to fit in the standard business size envelope (card size 4X9) and then wonder why I don’t do that more often. It really gets your creative juices flowing to change out once in a while. Great card, I’ll have to check to see if I have any of that paper selection.

  8. I like to make cards that fit a regular envelope, too. Loving the versatile DSP! Congrats on your win at Paper Players today! That map card was an impressive display of masking!

  9. Excellent example of your creativity….WTG….can’t wait until next one! Thanks for sharing.

  10. So happy that you are still sharing your convention cards since we hd trouble seeing what you were doing at convention! This card is wonderful…and the striking simplicity and size are really great! Looking forward to seeing more of your creations that share inspiration!

  11. Thanks Brian! Love your cards…you are such an inspiration. I need to make more masculine cards for my card sale bin at work. Keep up the fantastic work!

  12. Great CAS card, Brian! *Very* striking!

  13. Thank you for being our “go-to” for SUPERIOR masculine cards, Brian! πŸ™‚

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