Authentique Durable Handyman Masculine Birthday Card

Hello, Friends! I promised to share this Authentique Durable Masculine Birthday Card with you as soon as I found the time to get it made. This one is for our eldest (firstborn) son. This guy is such a fabulous family man. He just adores his wife and 3 little girls. As a partner in Dale’s roofing business, he’s an essential member of our family. He’s also an amazing artist, working with wood and metal. Since he loves to repurpose scrap wood, metal and other found objects, I thought he would enjoy the little metal tools on this vintage card.

This is one of my standard 5″ x 7″ top fold cards. The papers are from Authentique’s Durable Collection (retired, but you can still find a few HERE.) I tossed in a few scraps from Authentique Rugged as well. Ivory/Brown/Copper Ribbon and Natural Burlap string make for a great bow cluster.

Once again, I’ve added a decorative turn tab. This is made with a Spellbinder’s Label Eight Die. I centered the die on a scrap of designer paper and held it in place with tape. Then I ran it just half way through my die cutting machine. I really like the decorative element this adds to the card.

Authentique Durable Handyman Masculine Birthday Card: A Closer Look

Our son always has a carabiner hitch in his truck. It seemed fitting to add one to this card along with these adorable miniature tools. The Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Typed Token has been altered with alcohol inks. I’ve had the mini wooden ruler in my stash for ages, but I think you could substitute these Tim Holtz wood ruler pieces and be just fine. Metal gears are always a great addition to a masculine card. The steampunk clock charm adds another circular element to the mix.

Authentique Durable Handyman Masculine Birthday Card: A Peek Inside

To create the pocket, I used my Spellbinder’s Large Circle Nestablities Die. The paper panel was stamped with a tool background that I’ve had in my stash for ages. Then I used the scraps on my table to create the little gift card holder.

I’m excited to give this handyman themed card to our son. He is like the rugged tree from the quote: his roots go down deep, and he is solid at his core. We are very proud of him

I hope I shared some tips and tricks 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

Happy Father’s Day: Keep Calm and Stay Vintage Masculine Greeting Card

Hello, Ribbon Lovers! Happy Father’s Day! Today we honor all the dads out there, so I thought I would join the party by making this whimsical Keep Calm and Stay Vintage Masculine Greeting card.

Secrets to Creating a Great Masculine Card

Masculine cards can be challenging to create. In my experience there are several things that make the job easier.

First, choose a strong color palette. This grey and blue combo is classic, masculine and clean.
Next, choose patterned paper that is not too “fussy.” I’ve used Authentique’s Durable Collection Kit because not only is the color palette spot on, but the patterns are geometric in nature.
Then, choose trims that are not too frilly. This Copen Blue Delicate Stitched Satin Ribbon adds subtle texture and a pop of color to the card composition.
When it comes to embellishments, keep it simple! These Metallic Steampunk Gears, the flat back cabochons, the basic grey button from my button box, the game spinner and compass are all great embellishments for a masculine card.
Think about clean lines in your designs. I can’t speak for all men, but the ones I know definitely prefer a “tailored” look over a shabby chic look.
Inject a bit of humor with sentiments and images.

A Peek Inside

I added my signature pockets to the interior of the card.

Tags are one of my favorite items to add to small pocket.

Wouldn’t this be cute with a small photo mounted on it? Or write a personal note here to make it really special.

When you add details like tags or small folios to a card, suddenly, you have a gift and card in one.

To make this 4″ x 5″ tri fold folio here’s what you do:

First, cut a 5″ tall x 12″ long strip of designer cardstock.
Next, place on your scoring tool and score on the long side at 4″ and 8″.
Then, crease the score lines, folding the outer panels toward the center. You want the left hand panel to end up on the top.
Now, use a circle punch to add thumb holes, if desired.
Finally, decorate the cover of your folio as desired.

I kept the decorating to a minimum so there would be room for photos. I did include a journaling spot to record special memories or sentiments.

Although I’m sharing this card on Father’s Day, it would also make a fabulous birthday card for Dad.

And that, my friends, is how I go about designing a masculine card. I hope you found some tips and tricks in today’s post 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!