A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card with Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  I love Graphic 45’s masculine collections, don’t you?  Today’s A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card features ribbons from the RRR March Ribbon Club Assortment.  There are so many ribbons in this club assortment that are perfect for masculine cards!

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01

My husband has used the same CPA for our family business for over 30 years.  When Tom decided to retire this year, I wanted to make him a card to thank him for all the wise counsel and financial advice he’s given us over the years.  So I made this 4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″ gatefold card folio with Tom’s retirement in mind.

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo

The ribbon closure is Charcoal Checkerboard Satin.  Soft, supple and easy to tie, I’m a big fan of this style of satin ribbon!

TIP:  To create a ribbon closure, place 1/2″ Scor-tape on the back of your card.  Measure your ribbon length by wrapping it around the card BEFORE you attach it to the Scor-Tape.  This way you can place the bow exactly where you want it to be.  When you’re happy with the placement, then peel off the tape liner and secure the ribbon to the back side of the card.

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Gatefold Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

TIP: Mat your focal image on a double layer of foam adhesive or waste chipboard to really make it stand out.   Add a die cut word to the ribbon panel for a fun surprise when the ribbon is untied.

A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card: A Peek Inside

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Gatefold Card by Kathy Clement Photo 02

To make the base for this gatefold card, score an 11″ x 6 1/4″ panel of grey cardstock at 4 1/2″ and 8 1/2″.  The panel for the focal image on the front is 4″ x 4″  I fussy cut a bunch of clocks and layered them on the first 4 1/4″ panel along with a strip of Red Satin Mini Swiss Dots Ribbon from the Club Assortment.  This adds a lovely pop of color, and complements the red hues in the paper.

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Gatefold Card by Kathy Clement Photo 03

I always add designer paper to one half of the focal panel of a gatefold card.  That way, when the card is opened, everything looks beautifully finished.

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Gatefold Card by Kathy Clement Photo 04

Since Tom is a CPA, I thought the New York Stock Exchange paper would give him a chuckle. The center panel has a little note card tucked into a pocket.  This is where we will add a personal note to thank Tom for his many years of outstanding service to our family.

I’m thinking I’ll have lots of fun making masculine cards with this month’s Ribbon Club…and feminine cards, too!

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

8 thoughts on “A Proper Gentleman Retirement Card

  1. Helen

    What a delightful card, Kathy. These papers are a dream for a masculine card…love that auto image and pocket watches. You’ve put them so well in this card. tfs

  2. Anne Schilling

    Wonderful! I just finished the G45 monthly kit with these papers. Hoping for enough leftovers for both your proper Gentlemen projects!

  3. Sara Emily Barker

    What a wonderful gift for your retiring CPA! Those papers are perfect for the occasional and for his profession! I dread the day our CPA retires! I think he’s the only one who will put up with us! Hugs!

  4. Gena L Krannig

    Kathy, this is a wonderfully card for any occasion really. Some of the papers on the front remind me so much of men’s ties. Plus I love the nostalgic feel of this collections. Wish there were more men in my life I could make something like this for. LOL Thank you for sharing this handsome card! Hugs!

  5. Vicki Smith

    Good Morning Kathy!! I love this card and the Graphic 45 proper gentleman paper. You give us so many ideas, tips and tricks. Cards for men are so difficult. It is about time we had beautiful papers dedicated to men. Thank You Graphic 45 and Kathy Clement!! I am sure there are more masculine papers but Proper Gentleman is especially beautiful. Thank You!!

  6. Betty Helpa

    Fantastic men’s card. Once again you strike gold with this card. Love the paper- how can you not with the way you put it together!

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