Hinge It

I needed something as a third component for the face of this card. To compliment the large flower and the framed sentiment I chose a die cut hinge. Elements of a card front should vary enough in size and shape so that they don't compete for attention, but work well together.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Papers: blue cardstock (Bazzill), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Staz On Timber Brown
Accessories: Quickutz Die, Sizzix Label Die, brads (stash), paper distressing tool

A Handy Tool

I've always had trouble highlighting embossed images with ink. The Inkssentials tool that is used with Distress Inks allows me to get a more consistent coverage of my dry embossed paper.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (Junkitz)
Ink: Ranger Distress Broken China
Accessories: Spellbinders Label Die, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, brads (stash), ribbon (Fabricland)

A Paper Ribbon

Rather than stamp a sentiment in a rectangle, square or oval, I thought I would try something different and stamped Happy Birthday on a ribbon shaped piece of cardstock. I thought this also added "movement" to the card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Stampin' Up
Papers: off white and pink cardstock (stash), patterned papers (stash), mulberry (stash)
Inks: sentiment (Staz On Timber Brown), paper ribbon (Distress Antique Linen)
Accessories: pearls (Kaiser), Martha Stewart Border Punch

Layered Borders

Here I made an interesting border of three layers by offsetting the scallops. The distressing in the patterned paper was complimented by the inking of the edges of the white cardstock with Broken China Distress Ink. The sentiment and butterflies were also stamped with the same ink.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamps: sentiment (Hero Arts), butterfly (PSX)
Ink: Ranger Distress Broken China
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), blue cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Junkitz)
Accessories: ribbon (Fabricland)

Distress Inks

I have fallen in love with a product that's been around for some time. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the properties of Ranger Distress Inks. These dye inks have a slower drying time than other dye inks, making them easily blendable. With the Inkssentials blending tool that has a foam pad, I was able to work the ink towards the centre of the card, achieving a dry brushed effect around the edges of my card. As seen here, better coverage is achieved when using this ink to stamp, than with other dye inks. Over the next little while, I will continue to make cards using these inks to show you many of the colours they come in and ways in which they can be used.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Hero Arts
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned paper (Junkitz)
Ink: Distress Broken China
Accessories: Inkssentials Tool & Foam Pad, ribbon (Fabricland)

Custom Cuts

To give my sentiment a little more weight without covering too much of the underlying patterned paper, I used part of a scalloped rectangle die cut.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Close to My Heart
Inks: Versaink Black and Colorbox green chalk
Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned paper (K & Company)
Accessories: Spellbinders rectangles & scalloped rectangles , brads (stash)

Using the Negative

Any suggestions on how I can get a better scan of bulky cards? I used the negative from the die I cut out with my Spellbinders from the previous card. I simply stamped my sentiment and adhered it to the back of the "frame", centring the words.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Cloud 9
Ink: Versafine Black
Papers: pink & plum (Bazzill), patterned (K & Company)
Accessories: Spellbinders, paper clip (K & Company), distressing tool

Clip It

Once again, the depth of the paper clip distorted the card scan. Thought this embellishment was something different. Balances the brads in the bottom, right hand corner of the card front.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Ink: Versafine Black
Papers: pink cardstock (stash), green & plum cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned paper (K & Company)
Accessories: Spellbinders, brads (Bazzill), paper clip (K & Company), distressing tool

Flowers from Mulberry

Apologies for the poor scan. The bulk of the mulberry flower distorts the focus of the card front. It was made from 8 scalloped circles of the same size. I adhered them together with a brad and scrunched one layer at a time. Afterwards, I pulled apart the layers as desired. Though it is difficult to see, I complimented the mulberry flower with a pearl and crystal stick pin. Thought this balanced the framed sentiment.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Verve
Ink: Staz On
Papers: pink cardstock (stash), patterned paper (stash), mulberry (stash), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific)
Accessories: Spellbinder Dies, Quickutz Embossing Folder, pink gros grain ribbon (stash), stick pin (Jenni Bowlin), distressing tool

Double Up

Working with a smaller stamped image allows you to add more layers to a card. Also keep in mind the dimension of the stamped image when choosing one to work with a patterned paper. In this instance, a long sentiment was required since this piece patterned paper had to be used on a long card front, rather than a wide card front.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Verve
Papers: off white (stash), pink cardstock (Bazzill), patterned paper (stash)
Ink: Versafine Black, Colorbox pink chalk
Accessories: butterfly punch (Creative Memories), Spellbinder Dies, ribbon (Fabricland), pearls (Kaiser)

Stackem' Up

In an effort to use the smallest of scraps left over from making a group of cards, I made a "striped" border out of different pieces of cardstock of the same size.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), beige cardstock (Bazzill), patterned papers (Basic Grey)
Ink: Colorbox Chalks
Accessories: brad (Basic Grey), Spellbinder Ice Cream Cone Dies, velvet ribbon (stash), Cuttlebug embossing folder

In Perspective

Here I had no problem layering a pattered paper behind a variety of die cuts. The pattern size was small enough that it did not "compete" with the ice cream cones. It was also different enough in size to compliment the plaid patterned paper below.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: pink& beige cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned paper (Basic Grey)
Ink: Colorbox Chalks
Accessories: brads (Doodlebug), Spellbinders Ice Cream Cone/Oval & Scalloped Oval dies, Cuttlebug embossing folder, tiny alphabet stickers (My Little Shoebox), scalloped scissors (Fiskars)

With a Twist

Though these cards are very similar, an important step was taken to accommodate sentiments of different lengths along the border of the cards. The scallops were centred in the first card, providing spaces for the 5 letters in "sweet". To make room for the 6 letters in "thanks", the border was cut with 6 scallops.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), coloured cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned papers (Basic Grey Two Scoops)
Inks: Colorbox
Accessories: Spellbinder dies, EK Success Border punch, white letter stickers (stash), Cuttlebug embossing folder

Make it with Mulberry

In attempt to find yet another way to use these ice cream dies, I cut the scoops out of mulberry paper. The texture in this paper is perfect for this look. A border was dry embossed, cut in the centre and fit together under the cone to suit the size of the card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), blue & brown cardstock (Bazzill), mulberry (stash), patterned (Heidi Grace)
Ink: Staz On black & timber
Accessories: embossing border folder (Cuttlebug), ice cream dies (Spellbinders), brad (stash)

Frame a Die Cut

For something different, I decided to frame a die cut as I have often framed a stamped image. Framing emphasizes the focal point of the card front.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: unknown
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), blue/orange/brown/beige cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned paper Heidi Grace
Ink: Versafine Timber Brown
Accessories: Martha Stewart Border punch, Spellbinder Ovals & Scalloped Ovals and Ice Cream Cone dies, Cuttlebug embossing folder, brads (stash), ribbon (Fabricland)

The Cherry on Top

I used the larger dies in the Spellbinder Ice Cream die set to make this card. The die cut was large enough to support this glittery brad. I chose My Little Shoebox Tiny Alpha stickers in a colour that coordinated with the patterned paper for my sentiment.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: brown, blue & brown cardstock (Bazzill), patterned papers (Heidi Grace)
Ink: Colorbox
Accessories: brad (stash), Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug embossing folder, buttons (Bazzill), embroidery thread (stash), stickers (My Little Shoebox)

Triple Scoops

In my second card, I switched from solid cardstock to patterned paper for the scoops. Since the patterned papers are all from the same product line, they work well together. I thought that the gooey border punch was consistent with the theme.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: blue & brown cardstock (Bazzill), patterned papers (Heidi Grace)
Accessories: Spellbinder ice cream cone die, Cuttlebug Diamond Rough embossing folder, Martha Stewart border punch

Ice Cream, You Scream...

I was given somewhat of a challenge/opportunity to use Linda G.'s new Spellbinder Ice Cream dies. It was great fun to incorporate this current trend in layering patterned papers with the die cuts. Inking the edges of the scoops of ice cream with inks of a similar colour adds to the dimension of the card, as does the dry embossing of the cone.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), coloured cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned papers (Heidi Grace )
Inks: Colorbox Chalk
Accessories: white sticker letters (stash), Cuttlebug embossing folder, Spellbinder dies, EK Success border punch, ribbon (stash)

Shimmer & Chalk

I have used this die before, but thought I would add more dimension to the card by inking the inner edges of the leaves. Glimmer Mist gives the flower enough sparkle to make it stand out on the soft, patterned background.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Inks: Colorbox Chalk
Papers: off white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), green cardstock (stash), patterned paper (Chatterbox)
Accessories: brads (stash), Spellbinder die, Glimmer Mist

Puddling

I incorporated the puddling technique taught to me by Judy G. Inking a stamp with a number of different inks saturated into a small pile of baby wipes results in a one of a kind image. I love the look of the guitar and plan to try this with other solid stamps I have, including flowers and butterflies. A guitar is another great focal point for a masculine card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Close to My Heart
Inks: Close to My Heart
Papers: Close to My Heart
Accessories: Spellbinder Labels & Rectangles

Stippling

This is the last of the 3 cards I made in the card class I took. Here I antiqued the card by using a large stenciling brush. By pouncing the inked end of the brush, an antiqued look is achieved. Just another way to soften the look of a card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
All papers, floral stamps and inks provided by the LSS.
Stamp: Cloud 9
Ink: Colorbox
Accessories: brads (stash), Spellbinder Labels, stencil brush

Using More Stamped Patterned Paper

Stamping a good size of cardstock allowed me to create 3 cards with the same paper. I enhanced the folk art theme of the card with a corduroy brad and by inking the torn edges. Paper piercing and a marker were using to create faux stitching.

Natalie

Card Recipe
All paper, inks and floral stamps were provided by the LSS.
Stamp: sentiment (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Colorbox
Accessories: brad (Making Memories)

Making Patterned Paper

This is the result of a card class I enjoyed at the LSS. Though I had been shown how to stamp patterned paper before, using the "triangle" system, I found stamping three's in smaller groups easier for me to work with; I am not a good random stamper and find I need parameters in which to work. I need to experiment with other stamps and ink colour combinations. I used some of my own stamps to complete the cards at home.

Natalie

Card Recipe
All paper, ink and floral stamps were provided by the LSS
Stamp: sentiment (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Staz On Timber
Accessories: brads (stash)

Framed in Fashion

I wanted to use every strip of paper from this collection, so I taped the rectangular pieces together and then cut them as one piece of paper with a Spellbinders die. I like the unique die cut. I love this sentiment and thought it a good choice for a man's card. When images for men's cards seem limited, look to your selection of sentiments to use as the focal point of your card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Custer's Last Stamp, Inc.
Ink: Versafine black
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), all others (SEI)
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels & Ovals, black rhinestones (Kaiser)

A Touch of Pewter

Here a pewter brad with a more masculine pattern on it completes this card. Black and grey ribbon with a checked patterned also works well.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: PSX
Ink: Versafine black
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), all others (SEI)
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels, brad (Making Memories), ribbon (stash)

Always Argyle

Argyle is another pattern commonly associated with men. Here it provides a good border to support the focal point of the card front. The black brad brought men's cuff links to my mind. Putting it directly underneath the sentiment immediately draws the eye to the words on the front of the card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Stampcraft
Ink: Versafine black
Papers: SEI
Accessories: Spellbinder Labels, brad (stash)

He's All Boy

This card incorporates all things male: darker colours, architectural design, strips and a non-lacey border.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamps: image and sentiment (Stampin' Up)
Papers: all SEI
Ink: Versafine black
Accessories: EK Success border punch, brads (stash)

Reverse Image Stamps

Keeping in mind that the design in this stamp is not the part of the image that will be inked allows for a perfect match with the coordinating papers. Black ink "pops" the burgundy cardstock colour underneath.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Stampin' Up
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), black cardstock (stash), patterned paper (SEI)
Ink: Versafine black
Accessories: Spellbinder Squares

Architectural Elements

Designs found in historical architecture can also work well for a masculine card. Stamp images can be found of columns, stone carvings and tiles.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Stampin' Up
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), all others (SEI)
Ink: Adirondak raisin
Accessories: Spellbinder Squares

A Heavy Accent

To achieve a more masculine look, I chose a more solid and heavy flourish design. Furthermore, it is a nice contrast to the slim stripes in the patterned paper. Flourishes of finer detail are more feminine and whimsical. Gun metal brads also fit the theme.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamps: sentiment (Stampin' Up), flourish (Impression Obsession)
Ink: Versafine black
Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (SEI)
Accessories: brads & ribbon (stash)

Congrats, Eh!

Enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Natalie