Category Archives: Masculine Cards

Masculine Patriotic Birthday Cake Card

Photoplay America the Beautiful Masculine Birthday Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Photoplay America the Beautiful Masculine Patriotic Birthday Cake Card

Hello, Friends!  Since my sweet husband’s birthday is just 2 days after the 4th, I thought it would be fun to make him a Masculine Patriotic Birthday Cake Card with my America the Beautiful papers from Photoplay.  This red. white, and blue card came together very quickly, but it still has some fun features and techniques that I think you will enjoy.

How to Bake a Masculine Birthday Cake Card

  • First, create a 5 1/2″ square card base with a side fold.  The side fold is important as you will see when we open the card.
  • Next, cut a 5 1/2″ square from the Barbecue pattern.
  • Then cut a 5 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ strip from the Celebrate pattern and adhere across the middle.
  • Now cut out the cake and confetti stars 3×4 card from the Liberty pattern.  Adhere these so that the stars peek out at an angle from behind the cake image.  Back with dimensionals and adhere.
  • Stamp the Smile sentiment with Faded Jeans Distress Oxide.  Then heat emboss with clear powder.  Brush the top with your Versamark pad, then heat emboss again to create a raised sentiment.
  • Next, cut out the sentiment with the matching die.
  • Now cut out an oval from the fireworks pattern using the die from the Make a Window  set.
  • Stamp the small “here’s a reason to ” sentiment with Barn Door Distress oxide ink and cut out with the small banner flag from Make a Window.
  • Top the cake image with a cherry button.  Then add dots of Dries Clear adhesive randomly on the plate, then sprinkle some Merry Mimosa Doo Dadz.
  • Dress up the corners with a pinwheel and a little red clothespin embellishment.
A Peek Inside

Pop ups are a perfect addition to a birthday card.  This one is so easy to make!

  • Cut out the long Celebrate panel from the Land of the Free patterned paper.
  • Fold it in half and burnish.
  • Now open it and fold the right hand side in half to meet the center crease.
  • Then fold the left hand side in half to meet the center crease.
  • Now accordion fold it in to a little packet.  The “C” will be on the bottom inside, and the “E” will be on the back side of the top panel.
  • Next figure out the placement for the pop up.  The center crease of the pop up needs to line up with the center crease of the card base.  Once you’ve found the sweet spot, adhere the bottom of the packet to the right hand side of the card base.
  • Fold the packet closed and place adhesive on the top.  Then close the card and press in place.
  • When you open the card, the sentiment will pop up!
  • Tuck a little ephemera bit behind the clothespin.  Then add the sticker banner in the right hand corner.

How fun is that?

Dale will have blackberry cobbler and vanilla ice cream in lieu of cake.  It’s something his mom used to make for him every year.  He changes up his birthday dessert every year, but this was what he wanted this year, so that’s what we are having.

We sure are thankful that we get to celebrate this birthday together.  After his big scare in April, we don’t take any special events for granted.  Actually, every day feels like a special event when you’ve survived a heart attack!  God is so good!

That’s it for me today, folks!  Gotta go make that blackberry cobbler.  You’ll find a linked supply list below the post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial

Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement PHoto 01

Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial

Hello, Friends! Today is all about the guys with this Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial.  Back in January, I shared a Classic Gentleman Notebook Tutorial with you.  So I had lots of panels and pieces of this collection in my stash.  Rather than let them keep gathering dust, I decided to create a project that we could use for Father’s Day, Graduation, Retirement or birthdays.  Even though it  has some unique interactive elements, I think you’re  going to like how simple it is to put together.

Got Gears?

Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement PHoto 01

When it comes to masculine projects, steampunk is always a great choice.  All those gears and trains and mechanical drawings lend themselves to a project most men will enjoy.  The Little Birdie Primed Chipboard Gears on the cover of this album took a trip to the grunge factory to make them stand out on this folio cover.

  • First, tap the chipboard with VersaMark Embossing Ink.
  • Next, place the gears in a funnel tray or on a sheet of printer paper.
  • Now shake a jar of Seth Apter Chunky Rust Embossing Powder and sprinkle it liberally over the inked up gears.
  • Let the excess embossing powder slide off the gears.  Don’t tap or flick!  Just pick the chipboard up and let the extra powder slide off into the tray or onto the sheet of paper.

TIP: A word to the wise:  Always take a moment to pour the powder back into the jar.  Then make sure you cover the jar and move it to a safe place (i.e. away from the area where you will be using your heat gun.) BEFORE you start heat embossing.  If  you, like me, have ever ended up with a spilled jar of powder, or a jar that has been ruined by being exposed to heat, you are nodding your head right now.

  • Now heat emboss the chipboard.  Keep the tip of your heat gun moving around the surface so that you don’t accidentally burn the powder.  Heat until all the powder is melted.  This can take a few minutes depending on how hot your embossing gun is.
  • Once the first layer has cooled, randomly tap the surface with more VersaMark.  Then sprinkle random areas with Patina Oxide Embossing Enamel.  Heat emboss, cool and repeat until you are happy with the finish on your gears.
  • Adhere small metal gears over the centers of the chipboard gears for extra dimension and texture.
A Peek Inside

The inside of the folio  is pretty simple.  There are two flap pages: one inside the front cover and another inside the back cover.

Learn how to create a spine in the center of the album.  Then attach these fun flip pockets.

What’s behind the flap pages?  A kinetic waterfall on one side and a large photo mat with a journal card on the other.

TIP: Adhere just the bottom edge of the car image to the page.  Then tuck the journal card in behind in.  Now you can place a really large 5″ x 7″ photo on the page and journal or add a smaller photo behind the card.

I think you are going to love how easy it is to create the pocket and pull out page.  It’s so easy, I can’t believe I didn’t do it this way earlier!

TIP: Trim 4″ x 6″ journal cards to fit the cover of the pull out page.

The inside back cover is a mirror image of the front.  This really makes it easy to design pages!

Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial on YouTube

If you’d like to  learn how to make this folio base, please enjoy this 20 minute video tutorial.  In it, we will learn how to create the folio cover and spine.  Then I’ll show you how to make the flap pages, pocket flaps and hidden pocket.  A tour of the finished folio has tips and tricks that you might find helpful.

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

If you’d like to leave a comment, please click on the REPLIES button below the title at the top of this post.  I love hearing from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook Folio

Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Collection Little Birdie Craft Dies Masculine Valentine Notebook Gift by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook for Little Birdie Crafts

Hello, Friends! How about we make a Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook with some of my new Little Birdie Crafts goodies today?  It’s a little bit vintage, a little bit steampunk, and a quick and easy project for your favorite fella.  I’m thrilled to be a Little Birdie Crafts Guest Designer again this term. This is my first project, and I hope you will have fun making it, too!

 

I don’t want to rush the season, but we will blink twice and Valentine’s Day will be upon us.  We all love frilly, frou-frou, pink Valentines.  But most guys don’t!  So this is the design I came up with for my sweet husband.  (Did you know he composes, arranges and performs all the music on my YouTube channel?)  He’s such a great guy, and I just really wanted to bless him with something special on Valentine’s Day.  Dale loves to write things down in notebooks, so I designed this 5 1/2″ x 8″ folio especially for him.  Since he’s a generous soul, I don’t think he will mind if I share it here with you.

Getting Started

 

  • Begin by cutting 4 sheets of 12×12 Classic Gentleman papers to measure 12″ x 8″.
  • Score the text collage sheet at  5 1/2″ and 6 1/2″.  Then fold along the scored lines to form  a 5 1/2″ x 8″ notebook or folio.
  • Next, cut the dapper gents patterned paper to 5 1/2″ x 8″  Ink all the edges with Ground Espresso Distress Ink.
  • Now use the Little Birdie Filmstrip Die to cut a frame from your scraps.  Adhere as seen in the photo.
  • Then, fussy cut the walking stick silhouette man, top hat, and playing cards from the cut apart page of the paper collection. Then use the Cogs and Wheels die to cut a bunch of gears from your scraps.
Little Details

  • Next, trim the 4″ x 6″ Clock and Gears Journal Card to measure 4″ square.  TIP:  if you just cut the bottom off the card, then glue the 4″ x 2″ scrap back behind the 4″ square, you can keep the framed edge all the way around the card.
  • Then trim the clocks from the second 4″ x 6″ card.  Place foam adhesive or other dimensionals on the back and adhere over the clocks on the 4×4 card.
  • Cut the Primed Chipboard Vintage Keys apart and ink them with Ground Espresso. Then apply Little Birdie Metallic Wax in Gold, Silver and Green to create a worn, vintage finish.
  • Adhere the 4″ x 4″ clock panel to the notebook base.  Then embellish with the keys, fussy cuts and die cut pieces using the photos as a guide.
The Spine

Since most men are not crazy about ribbons and bows, you need to find a good alternative for adding texture.  Little Birdie Flat Braided Twine looks (to me) like a watch fob, which makes it perfect for this project!  Simply punch holes at the top and bottom of the spine, then run the braided twine through and tie in a knot or shoestring bow.

A Peek Inside

Create a box pocket on the left hand side of the notebook.  I tucked in one of my hubby’s favorite chocolate bars and a nice gel pen.  The inside panel is lined with a 5 3/8″ x 8″ panel of the designer paper.

On the right, I decided to make a flip page.  Here’s how to do that:

  • First, cut an 11 1/2″ x 8″ panel from a 12×12 sheet of Classic Gentleman.
  • Now score it at 5 1/2″ and 6″.  Fold along the scored lines so that the patterned paper is on the inside and the blank white side is on top.  You will have a 1/2″ spine on the right of this flap.
  • Cover the blank flap page with a 5 3/8″ x 8″ panel of designer paper.  Decorate with a 4×6 journal card and the Die Cut Time Pieces.

Now you have the perfect spot to adhere a junior legal pad in the center of the notebook.  The flap cover will protect the pages from getting all wrinkled.  It also provides a great spot for a slash pocket to hold receipts and other “stuff.”

Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook Tour on YouTube

To help you get a feel for the function and flow of this little project, I’ve prepared a short video walk through with tips and tricks.

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Also, I have a little unboxing video and giveaway of the Little Birdie Dies used in this project HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Man in the Moon Masculine Milestone Birthday Card

Man in the Moon Masculine Milestone Birthday Card with RRR and Masquerade

Hello, Friends!  What do you say we make a Masculine Milestone Birthday Card today?  Our youngest son, my baby, turns 30 this week!  What?  How did that happen so fast!  No big milestone birthday bash this year, but I did want to make him a special card to commemorate the occasion.  As I was creating Halloween cards with the Masquerade collection, my eye fell on this whimsical image of these dapper gents partying on a crescent moon.  Perfect image for a son that you love to the moon and back!

The Process

This whimsical creation comes together in a jiffy, too.  The basic card recipe can be adapted  for use with any theme, any paper collection for any season.  Since this is fall, I chose to use fall colors.  Here’s the step by step:

  • Begin by creating a 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ top fold card from kraft cardstock.
  • Next, mat a 5 1/4″ square of the orange tartan on a 5 1/2″ square of black cardstock.
  • Now mat a 2 1/2″ x 5 1/8″ scrap of the reverse pattern on a 2 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ panel of black CS and adhere along the left hand side of the tartan.  Leave about a 1/2″ margin.
  • Then die cut the Tim Holtz Timekeeper clock from black cardstock.  Back it a circle of the argyle print from the Masquerade 6×6 pad. Adhere in the center of the card.
  • Die cut some stitched stars and the milestone numbers from copper foil paper and patterned paper.
  • Next fussy cut the men in the moon twice.  Layer together with dimensionals between them to create real depth.
  • Tuck the largest star behind the image.  Then adhere the image to the center of the clock.

  • Use an embossing folder to add texture to the numbers.  Then tap with Ground Espresso Distress Paint.  Let it dry for a few seconds, then wipe away the excess to create the look of hammered copper.
  • Add copper brads along the side.
  • Color the silver charm with a mix of Ginger Alcohol Ink.  Place it over the smallest star, securing with a foam dimensional.
  • The perfect finishing touch is a simple bow tied with Brown and Cream Gingham Ribbon from  Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Top the bow off with a haberdashery button for the win.
A Peek Inside

Finish the inside with papers and images from the Manly collection. Joel is a runner, so I had to fit that running shoe pattern into his card somewhere.   I tucked a little gift wallet inside the “Man Card” pocket.  (This image actually kinda looks like our handsome son!  Way to go, Authentique Paper!)  Add a panel of stamped birthday wishes to finish the interior of the card.

Simple.  Manly, Festive.  Not cute.  Whimsical.  I think this will work nicely for our son!  Joel has been a constant source of delight to our family.  As the youngest, he was doted on from the day he was born.  All of his siblings watched over him, protected him and spoiled him …just enough…not too much!  He’s industrious, intelligent and thoughtful.  And no, I’m not the least bit biased.  You’d feel that way about him, too, if you met him!

So there you go…an easy card “recipe” for a masculine milestone birthday.  Who knew that Halloween paper would work so well for a birthday card!

You’ll find a linked supply list below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Manly Slimline Birthday Wallet

Authentique Manly Slimline Birthday Wallet by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Authentique Manly Slimline Birthday Wallet

Hello, Friends!  I’m back from the beach, and popping in with a quick and easy Authentique Manly Slimline Birthday Wallet that I made for our son this year.  When Peter was a little tyke, he wanted a pair of cowboy boots more than anything in the world.  We were a young family, living on one meager income, so there was not a lot of extra money to throw around on non-essentials.  The possibility of getting cowboy boots for this cute little guy was not likely.

But you all probably know how it is when your precious child, who really never asks for anything, wants something with all his or her heart.  It weighs on your mind. You think about it.  And finally, if you are a person of faith, you pray about it.  “Lord, it seems trivial.  But that little boy wants a pair of cowboy boots. Could you make that happen?”

So the next time Peter expressed this wish, I said, “Well, let’s talk to God about it.” That dear little boy, who was only three at the time, bowed his head and said, “God please send me some cowboy boots. ” And then he beamed at me and skipped off to play.

The Faith of  a Child

A few days later, a dear friend came to visit us from out of state.  We enjoyed a pancake breakfast together and he got quite a kick out of our vivacious and friendly son. Not one word was said about cowboy boots or money or any such thing.  Before he left, our friend pulled me aside and pressed a wad of bills into my hand.  “Go get that boy a pair of cowboy boots,” he said with a big grin on his face.

Well, I was gobsmacked.  As soon as we had finished sending our friend off, I told Peter to come see what I had to show him.  “Look, Peter!  It’s a miracle!  God sent us the money to go buy you a pair of cowboy boots!  Isn’t that amazing?”  Peter’s brown eyes looked straight into mine and he said very solemnly, “Well, we prayed didn’t we?”

Oh, the faith and wisdom of a child!  I’ve never forgotten that.  He’s still a man of faith, and we are so blessed that he is our son.  I just thought you might like to know why I chose this image and theme for Peter’s birthday card this year.

The Details

To make the card base, follow these simple steps:

  • First, trim an 8 1/2″ x 11″ piece of kraft cardstock to measure 7 3/4″ x 11″.
  • Next, score at 3 1/2″, 3 3/4″, 7 1/4″, 7 1/2″, 9 3/4″ .
  • Now fold along the scored lines.  You will end up with a 7 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ card base with 1/4″ spines on the top and bottom.
  • Place magnets inside the card cover and on the inner flap before you decorate with designer papers, charms and vintage buttons.
A Peek Inside

  • Now line the inner panels of the card with designer paper.
  • Create a shallow box pocket inside the card by adding gussets to the sides of the flap.
  • First, fold the last score line on the pocket flap forward to create a “cuff.”
  • Then add designer paper below the cuff.
  • Adhere the cuff to the pocket flap, then add a strip of designer paper and a sticker to decorate.
  • Cut the gussets 3/4″ wide x 2″ tall.  Score at 1/4″ and 1/2″.
  • Glue the flaps to the card base and to the inside edge of the pocket flap to form the box pocket.

I’ll tuck a cash gift inside the box so Peter can go shopping for some new workshop tools.  Presenting a cash gift in this manner makes it a bit more personal and fun.

To see more ideas for working with the “Manly” collection, click HERE.  I’ve added a linked supply list below the post.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas you can use in your next masculine card making adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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