Masculine Cards in Fall Colors

Hi friends,

One of the greatest challenges people ask me about is: "How to make masculine themed cards?"

Well, I have to confess that I absolutely love creating masculine cards, so I have gathered some quick tips fror you that might help!

I like to follow basic rules of design, but above all, I love to add texture!! 

These are created using Graphic45 papers, with rich yet subtle colors...

My recommendation is that you look at the papers as if you were selecting an outfit for the "Man in your life"...all kidding aside, this works!

Above, you see I selected a "pin-stripe shirt" base paper, followed by a music sheet embossed "tie".

A black "slacks" paper is embossed in wood grain, and the olive green burlap ribbon could very well be a belt. Now do you see it?

Then it's time to accessorize! 

I topped this card with two elements that had to convey my message. This card is for a pastor and worship leader, so the microphone and Bible were must-haves. In order to make sure these elements were not competing against each other, I added the microphone on a shaped tag, and topped it off with a metal brad (can you see a cuff link there?) and a black floss bow. 

Here is a closeup of that microphone and Bible. Both were stamped with black ink. The Microphone was also heat-embossed. This changed it to a copper finish, and oxide ink was used throughout.

The Praise stamp finished my card.

This card was a bit easier, but the same elements are at play. I wanted to incorporate the same Bible stamp, but this time I placed it on a flat surface. (As if on a desk). Once I had this element, I created the background as I would decorate a festive wall display.

Again, adding texture is key, so I used banner dies with a stitched edge, and also embossed the background paper with a honey-comb shape. Oxide ink helped to make this stand out. To repeat the same element in the card and still keep it subtle,  I added the banner tag pieces in the same honey-comb shape. 

The sentiment was the centerpiece of this card, so I added it with two small button brads at the center of my card, and used the same olive burlap ribbon. 

I was quite pleased with both of these cards. The neutral color pallete made it easier to concentrate on adding texture, and I loved using the inks and embossing to give them special touches here and there.

What I used: 

Graphic45, Making Memories, 7Gypsies, Ranger Oxide ink, Sheena Douglass, Dove Art Studios for C.C. Designs, BoBunny, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders, & others

I hope that this post has been helpful to you. If so, don't forget to leave a comment and visit my youtube page for more inspiration!

Be inspired, Be Blessed!

Raquel