Little Birdie Proper Gentleman Mixed Media Card
Hello, Friends! I made this Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Mixed Media Card for our son’s birthday. It was such a fun process that I decided to share the how-to’s with you here on the blog. I know that masculine cards can be hard to cook up sometimes. But with a few simple tricks in your crafty toolbox, you’ll find this card is very easy to make!
Scrappy Backgrouund
First, gather up all your little scrappy bits of Classic Gentleman. They don’t have to match. Nor do they have to be the same size. I love making this kind of mixed media background because it allows you to use up all those odd little bits and bobs of designer paper.
Now, cut a 5″ x 7″ panel of scrap cardstock. Again, the color doesn’t matter one bit. Whatever you have on hand will work. Begin to glue down all the random pieces of designer paper. You will have pieces that hang over the edge and you may have to overlap some pieces slightly to make them fit.
When the surface of the 5″ x 7″ panel is completely covered, trim it to measure 4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″. Now the real fun begins!
Paint, Emboss, Repeat
Paint the entire surface of your patchwork creation with a coat of Tawny Metallic Paint. Then heat dry it. Next, ink the flat side of an embossing folder with Espresso Distress Oxide Ink. Spritz the front of the painted panel lightly with water and place in the folder over the raised edge side. Now close the folder and run it through your die cutting machine following the directions.
Then lightly dry brush the raised portions of the embossed design with Caribbean Blue Metallic Paint. Heat dry. Now immediately brush a light layer of the Tawny paint over the surface again and wipe it back with a paper towel. Finally, run the panel through the embossing folder again to achieve a deep impression.
Alter a key with paint and metallic wax glaze. This makes a striking masculine embellishment for the card.
You can dilute Patina Glaze Metallic Wax with a little water and spatter it over the surface of the embossed panel.
Finish by glazing the chipboard word phrase with more of the metallic wax. Then wrap the bottom of the panel with braided hemp. Tie a knot, fray the edges and add a button and you’re done!
A Peek Inside
Finish the inside of the card with altered chipboard cogs and more designer papers.
If you don’t have this wonderful collection in your stash, I highly recommend it!
I hope I shared some tips and ideas you can use today!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
SUPPLY LIST
- Tawny Metallic Paint
- Caribbean Blue Metallic Paint
- Classic Gentleman Paper Pack
- Chipboard Cogs
- Live Your Dreams Chipboard Phrase
- Patina Glaze Metallic Wax
- Braided Jute Twine
- Tim Holtz Compass Rose Embossing Folder (retired)
I just balk at doing a masculine card because it honestly drains me to come up with a design and sentiment. I usually end up doing something related to their hobby (one more golf card and I might throw in the towel) or a pop up card. (Although I do adore my new Pink Ink Design Golf Mouse – fun to color.) I think this idea/technique of yours is perfect and a new fun approach for me. A few supplies and I will be in heaven because I just love embossing folders and die cutting. Painting is a newly enjoyable technique for me that I have dabbled in – but I am a messy crafter and end up with a lot of whatever on me and surrounding areas. Thanks for this grand, inspired idea and I will enjoy this new-to-me technique. Such a wonderful card you designed!
I like the idea of using buts apieces of leftover paper and using paint to make it work together. This is a great idea for a masculine card and I know I appreciate any ideas for creating cards for the guys in our life. I’ve no doubt your son loved his card!
Sandra Smith
Queen Creek
Luv your concept of using up the scraps and then painting them to make a real cohesive piece!!! Your masculine card is awesome! And yes I still have some of these papers left. Woo-who! Thanks for the inspiration Kathy. Hugs, Suzy Q
Interesting way to use those bits and pieces…love the embossing folder to create that raised “image.” LOVE the inside of this card! I happen to like the look of gears. Thanks for detailed instructions.
I do love mixed media. There seems to be no wrong way except when you mix colours and they become mud, but hey, let the mud dry and do more layers
What a great masculine card, Kathy! Simple and elegant all at the same time. The watch gears and vintage men images are so wonderful and nostalgic. Wish I had more men in my life to make more “guy” cards for. I really do like them and yours are always so fantastic! Thank you for sharing! Hugs!
I love this. I love mixed media. It’s frees your creativity to do whatever inspiration you feel.