Nutz about Stamping

This easy fun fold that packs a wow factor that will definitely impress

Today I have another Father's Day card idea, one that will really impress the men in your life! This fun fold requires no stamps or ink, thanks to the He's the Man Collection. You also don't need adhesive on the main card piece - this card is a breeze to make - all you need to do is score and fold! I would love to show you how.

 

The He's the Man Collection is fairly new. If you have seen my last Father's Day card video you will have seen these products. 

 

 

 

The He’s All That bundle will help you combine vintage images and versatile greetings to make creations for Father's Day, birthdays, and just because. You can also use the dies to create labels, circles, and banners with the versatile shapes and traditional argyle patterns (my fave). I won't be using the bundle for today's card but if you are looking for the perfect set for masculine cards this year, this is the bundle to purchase.

 

 

 

The He's the Man specialty paper is the final part of this collection. It has bold patterns in neutral colors and you'll also see versatile patterns (diamonds, stripes and plaids). Choose from antique cars, camping gear, suits and ties, and more. 

 

This paper is the star of today's fun fold and I will share an important tip for choosing a pattern that will work.

 

Note: In the collection you will also get the Rustic Metallic Dots, perfect to add visual interest to all your projects. You'll see these in my video as well. And if you click on the photos above you can link over to my online store to add this collection to your crafting space. You won't regret it as I have a special announcement coming this week about the He's the Man Collection. 

 

Here's what I am going to show you how to make - this card will wow anyone who gets it! You are going to have to watch the video below to see how this fun fold card opens up. 

 

Supplies

Stamp set: none needed

Ink: none needed

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        He's the Man: 11" square
        Basic Black: 2 1/8" square
        Crushed Curry: 3" square; 2 1/4" x 1 1/2"
        Sahara Sand: (2) 4" squares

Misc: He's the Man Specialty Designer Series paper; Bone Folder; Simply Scored (122334); Paper Snips; Stampin' Seal; Stampin' Dimensionals; Layering Circles Dies (151770)

Here's my video - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas! 

You don't want to miss my June At Home class announcement. Take a look!

A couple of years ago I surveyed my newsletter subscribers to ask what they help they needed. Hands down the response was: Masculine card ideas!

I am sure you know by now that I am thrilled with Stampin' Up!s He's the Man Collection:

The He's the Man Collection is fairly new and has four products in it:

 

The He’s All That bundle will help you combine vintage images and versatile greetings to make creations for Father's Day, birthdays, and just because. 

Make labels, circles, and banners with the versatile shapes in the All That Dies. You can also use these dies to create a traditional argyle pattern.

 

 

 

In the collection you will also get the Rustic Metallic Dots, perfect to add visual interest to all your projects.

 

 

The He's the Man specialty paper is the final part of this collection. It has bold patterns in neutral colors. Choose from antique cars, camping gear, suits and ties, and more. You'll also find versatile patterns such as diamonds, stripes, and plaids. This paper is the star of today's fun fold and I will share an important tip for choosing a pattern that will work.

 

If you are looking for the perfect set for masculine cards this year, this is the bundle to purchase. With Father's Day coming and the plea for masculine card ideas, I am excited to announce my next At Home Class! 

Get all the Juicy Details here!

Which is the best product suite for masculine cards? This one!

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge has a bit of a feminine vibe but with Father's Day coming soon, I decided my card design would be masculine instead. 

And frankly, there is no better product suite for masculine cards than this one:

*click on the image above to order the suite at my online store! 

Creating cards for the people in your life is easier than ever with the He’s All That bundle. Combine vintage images and versatile greetings to make creations and make labels, circles, and banners with the versatile shapes in the All That eies. You can also use these dies to create a traditional argyle pattern, which is what I feature on my card design below. 

The He's the Man patterned paper is packed with bold patterns in neutral colors. Choose from antique cars, camping gear, suits and ties, or find versatile patterns such as diamonds, stripes, and plaids. Mix and match the patterns with the coordinating die-cut images. To coordinate colors you will need: Early Espresso, Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Sahara Sand and Soft Succulent. 

I love that the 'sticker's in the designer paper can be the main feature on your cards, like I have done here: 

Here's a simpler view:

And now it's your turn! Try this week's challenge and see what you can create. If you want to see what the other design crew members created, click here. 

I will be featuring lots more masculine card ideas this month, so come back soon! 

This 1 product is perfect for this card map challenge

Ohh what a fun challenge for this week - if you like shiny, that is! I am not a big bling person, I am more of a subtle bling person - a bit here, a bit there; something you have to look for or notice. 

But today's challenge is 'loud and proud' bling! So let's go for it! 

 

I knew exactly what I wanted to make, starting with some Silver Brushed Metallic paper (you can use Silver Foil or other shiny paper you have one hand) and my Hive 3D Embossing Folder. This product is perfect for today's challenge:

I also grabbed a phrase from my retired Tasteful Textures stamp set because I wanted a vertical phrase that could be used for masculine cards:

The rest was easy - and I love the new Starry Sky In Color.

Here's my challenge card, with a masculine (Father's Day perhaps?) flavor:

See how easy that was to create? Now it's your turn; give this Shiny challenge a try, using what you have at home. If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here. 

Are you ready to sail off to new crafting adventures?

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge speaks to my heart. 

I love to be near water, and always have. So when I saw this week's challenge I was thrilled. Until I looked at my stamp set collection and realized that my beach-themed stamp sets retired last year. 

But I knew I have my trusty Sailing Home stamp set and Smooth Sailing dies: 

Whether you're sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in the Sailing Home Stamp Set will inspire you on your journey. I have used this set for masculine cards, scrapbook pages and gift ideas. 

When thinking about my card deign I decided to take a little cheat and have no sand on my card. My card, instead would be a water theme only so I used my Blending Brushes to create a waterscape background. 

I love each brush's velvety soft bristles - perfect for applying a little or a lot of ink. I decided to use Misty Moonlight for the water and then Bumblebee and Pumpkin Pie for the sky. Add a lighthouse, a sailboat and some birds in the sky and my card was complete. 

To make my layers stand out I used my Stitched Rectangles dies - and to add a little glamorous touch and visual interest. What do you think? 

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge for the week and see what you can create. And if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

 

 

What could be better than a card challenge using your sparkling products?

Nothing could be better I am sure. And this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge does just that:

I love cards that have bling on them even though I am not really a bling-y kind of person in real life. I made a New Year's Resolution two years ago to use my embellishments rather than hoard them (is this you too?) and have been making good on my promise. 

To make my card I used only three products, one of them creates the phrase:

1. Blackberry Beauty designer series paper (LOVE!)
   
   
   
   
2. Meadow dies (so versatile)
   
   
   
   
3. Floral Gallery dies (the perfect phrase)

And to make my card I tried a brand new fun fold technique - new to me, that is. I have never tried a Center Step fun fold card and was so surprised how easy it was to make. 

If you want to learn how to make a Center Step fun fold card, click here to see my YouTube video. 

Here's my card - can you see the bling? 

Now it's your turn: give this card map challenge a try and see what you can create that uses your sparkling products. And if you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew design crew members create for this challenge, click here. 

This drop-down gatefold masculine card has a fun surprise inside

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a fun twist on the gatefold card technique - a twist that creates a fun surprise inside.  I will be using my Sailing Home stap set and matching Smooth Sailing dies, my Layering Circles dies and  a brand new product from Stampin' Up!s Sale-a-Bration catalog!

 

You are going to love this technique!

 

If you are looking for products for masculine cards, or beachy scrapbook pages the Sailing Home stamp set and matching dies is for you. Whether you're sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in the Sailing Home set will inspire you on your journey. This set is my go-set for all cards masculine. I have also used it for graduation cards. 

 

I also used the new Beautifully Penned designer paper pack. The paper designs have a watercolor look in various black tones, making it easy to use with any color or any style for your projects. Its neutral tones and designs also allow you to explore coloring techniques with Stampin' Blends, Water Painters, and more = endless creative possibilities. 

Did you know that you can earn the Beautifully Penned paper for FREE? Click here to learn more about Stampin' Up!s Sale-a-Bration event, on now! 

 

Supplies

Stamp set: Sailing Home (149457)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
    Smoky Slate: 10" square; 2 1/4" square
    Basic Grey: 2" square
    Basic White: 2 3/4" square; 2 1/2" x 2"; 2" x 2 1/4"; 12" x 1 1/2"; 2 1/4" x 3 1/2"; 1 3/4" x 2 1/2"; (4) 2 1/4" x 4 6/8"; 4 3/4" square
    Beautifully Penned DSP: (4) 2 1/8" x 4 3/4" ; 4 3/4" square 

Misc: Beautifully Penned designer series paper (156630); Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Layering Circles dies (151770); Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine, Smooth Sailing dies (149576), Simply Scored, Paper Snips, Paper Cutter

Here's my video - showing you how to create this drop-down technique. Be sure to watch all the way through the video for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second idea using the same technique.

 

This amazing masculine card idea is actually a surprising pocket card

Today I have a really fun masculine card idea - one that is actually a pocket card. The card uses the Simply Elegant paper - two of the patterns:

One might think that this paper is only for weddings for showers, but I have used it for anything but those two special occasions. I love the colors and patterns and see so many uses for using them, including scrapbook pages. 

The card itself was constructed using the Handsomely Suited bundle. Celebrate the men in your life with the Handsomely Suited set. The images suit handmade cards you create for Father's Day, birthdays, or any occasion.

Here's this fun card idea - which is perfect for a variety of occasions. See how to make it below, along with what the card looks like open. I hope you will give it a try! 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Handsomely Suited Bundle (156240)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla (101650)
• Stamp Pads – Basic Gray (149165)
• Misc. – Simply Elegant 12 x 12 Specialty Designer Series Paper (155761); *Suit & Tie Dies (154322) *or as part of the Handsomely Suited Bundle; Paper Trimmer (152392); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Tear & Tape Adhesive (138995); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

Measurements: 

• Very Vanilla: 4 ¼ x 11 folded in half for card base, 3 x 5, 3 x 5 (for die cutting)
• Simply Elegant (dotted gray pattern): 3 x 5, plus scrap for die cutting collar
• Simply Elegant (paisley pattern): 2 x 4 or scrap (for die cutting)

Instructions :

1. Cut a “V” into one side of the card base with matching die, then add a strip of tear and tape to the inside right and left edges of the card. Press closed (card will be sealed on these sides and at the fold, with the only opening at the 4 ¼ inch side.)
2. Stamp the Birthday sentiment on one of the Very Vanilla pieces, and adhere to the dotted gray pattern paper (same size)
3. Slip this piece into the opening in the card base with the pattern side showing through the “V”
4. Cut a collar from the scrap of dotted pattern paper and adhere to the top of the matching paper.
5. Cut a tie, knot, and collar (for pocket scarf) from the paisley pattern paper.
6. Cut lapels, a pocket and buttons from the other Very Vanilla piece.
7. Adhere each of these die cut pieces to the card to create your suit, being sure to add the scarf to the back of the pocket before adhering the pocket.

Here's what this card looks like 'open'. 

This card map challenge will help you use up leftover designer paper

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge will help you use up all those leftover pieces to designer paper that you have tucked away. 

This is such a simple layout idea and you can go wild with possibilities. As Father's Day is coming up next weekend I decided to create a masculine card idea using my Best Year stamp set:

This is the perfect set for so many different occasions so you get such good value from this purchase (tip: click on the image above to order it at my online store). You can stamp the phrases and die cut them out or use them to create a simple layer as I did below.

I also chose to sue some left over pieces of the Simply Elegant designer paper. An unusual choice you may be thinking! And I agree but I love to challenge my thinking when crafting and I think with the Basic Gray card base these particular paper designs just work. 

What I did struggle with was that single strip across the front of the card map. It looks like it is supposed to be a contrasting strip and I tried to see what might work. In the end I went with a strip of one of the larger patterns and am very happy with how it looks. 

The crowning touch, in my humble opinion are the 6 Gold Metallic Pearls. I seldom use the gold pearls on my cards but they were a perfect match on my card!

Here's my card. Although the photo makes the phrase look unnoticeable, in reality it really stands out.  

Now it's your turn. Why not challenge yourself and see what you can create using this week's card map challenge? If you want to see what the other crew members created for this week's challenge, click here. Happy designing! 

Father's Day cards don't have to be difficult to impress

Father's Day is coming soon - are you ready? If not, I have a really fun and very simple card idea using the Handsomely Suited stamp set and coordinated Suite & Tie dies. 

Here's the Handsomely Suited stamp set, a great value for all this masculine cards you will be making every year:

 

And what if we paired the stamp set and dies with the Pansy Petals designer series paper? Unusual, huh! 

But it is such a good fit, don't you think? And remember, Father's Day cards don't have to be difficult to impress your dad. He will love whatever you create for him! 

Here's how to make this card. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Handsomely Suited (154444)
• Card Stock – Evening Evergreen (155574); Soft Seafoam (146988): Soft Succulent (155776); Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads – Evening Evergreen (155576)
• Misc. – Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper (DSP) (155807); Suit & Tie Dies (154322); Dimensionals (104430); Genial Gems (155500); adhesive of choice

Measurements:

• Evening Evergreen 1: 11” x 4 1/4”               
• Soft Seafoam 2:            5 3/8” x 4 1/8”, 4" x 1 1/4" (for sentiment)
• Soft Succulent 3: scrap to stamp & cut bow tie
• Basic White:  5 1/4" x 4" for liner
• DSP:                         5 1/4" x 4"     

Instructions:

• Score & fold Evening Evergreen card base at 5 1/2"
• Adhere Soft Seafoam mat to card base. Adhere DSP to Soft Seafoam mat
• Stamp the dotted bow tie onto the Soft Succulent scrap, die-cut using larger bow tie die
• Stamp sentiment onto the Soft Seafoam strip over to the right side
• Adhere the sentiment strip to the card front about 1" from the bottom
• Adhere the bow tie to the left side of the sentiment strip using Dimensionals
• Add a green Genial Gem below the bow tie
• Adhere the Basic White liner to the inside of the card & decorate as desired

See the masculine set that will inspire all your new adventures

Whether you're sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in the Sailing Home stamp set will inspire you on your journey. And it is what I chose for today's card map challenge: 

This challenge was super inspiring for me. I decided to pull out some of my old products and use them with the Sailing Home stamp set and Smooth Sailing dies which are still available for purchase:

I think this combo is perfect for masculine cards and with Father's Day coming up soon, I decided to make a masculine card idea to share with you. 

What makes this card so striking is the background layer, which came from the retired Memories & More card kit that was released the same year as the Sailing Home set and dies. I have always wanted to try this overlay and wow, I am so happy I did! Note: the striped layer also came from the same card kit. 

Here's my Sailing Home Father's Day card:

Want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created for this week's challenge? Click here! We hope you will give this map a try and see what you can create using what you have on hand. 

 

See how to make this stunning fun fold Father's Day card

Hi fellow crafters! It's time to start thinking about Father's Day and so today I am going to show you a stunning masculine card idea that would be perfect for this occasion. I will be using my new Beauty of Friendship bundle and will introduce the gorgeous Simply Elegant designer series paper. And this card has a fun fold that will delight your dad.

 

I have been featuring the Beauty of Friendship bundle on my YouTube channel in the past few weeks.

 

 

I think this bundle is perfect for many different occasions and I have provided you with lots of ideas to try. 

 

In today's video I introduced a brand new pack of designer paper, called Simply Elegant.

 

 

 

You can create simply gorgeous projects with the intricately detailed patterns in the Simply Elegant Specialty paper. This high-quality printed paper is excellent scrapbook paper, card making paper, and the beautiful designs are perfect for weddings, masculine projects, and more. What I love best is that each sheet includes copper, gold, or silver foiling.

 

Here's my fun fold card!

 

 

Supplies

Stamp Sets:  Beauty of Friendship bundle (155834)

 

Ink: Basic Gray

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

Basic Gray:   3 1/4" x 4 1/2"

Very Vanilla: 2 3/4" x 1 1/2"

Simply Elegant: 4" x 2 6/8";

In Good Taste: 3 x 1/2"; 3 3/4" x 5"

   

Misc:   Simply Elegant designer series paper (155761);  Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; In Good Taste designer series paper (152494); Stitched Rectangles dies (151820); Gray Granite Shimmer Ribbon (152463); Mini Glue Dots

And here's my video - watch all the way through for bonus tips and ideas! 

 

Would you choose vertical, horizontal or diagonal for this fun challenge?

That's the question for this week's card map challenge: 

The decision wasn't too problematic for me. I love nautical and don't have enough masculines birthday cards on hand, so immediately chose the left column for today's card. 

What was really fun was choosing which of the World of Good cards from the Memories & More card pack I wanted to use. This entire suite rocks for masculine projects: 

And then I added a bit of fun by stepping out of the suite to add a layer of the new Well Suited designer paper. The diagonal stripes and colors in this design have a coordinating and nautical feel, don't they? 

My card came together quite easily:

The birthday phrase came from the Best Year stamp set - I love this set and all the versatile phrases it offers. This is my number one go-to set lately. 

And if I turn the card just a bit more, you can see what I added to the inside - just for added fun and visual interest, using the Sailing Home stamp set:

 

The fun anchor element came from the matching Smooth Sailing dies.

So now it's up to you. Are you going to join our challenge this week? If so, did you choose vertical, horizontal or diagonal? If you want to see what the other design crew members created, click here. Feel free to 'enter' your card as well - we'd love to see art you created using what you have on hand. 

 

 

The best saying for inside of a masculine card

I am often asked how I design the inside of my cards. Sometimes I remember to share my inside designs but to be honest I often wait until I know who is getting a card for me and then I choose my phrases and design. 

Masculine cards can be a bit more tricky. I have shared lots of ideas in the past years for the outside of masculine cards, but what about the insides?

Here are my top 4 tips and then I will share some stamp set suggestions for phrases. 

Tips:

• if you have used designer paper on the front of the card, add a thin strip of the same paper inside
• add a stamped image in the bottom right or left corner inside - not a word stamp, but an image stamp
• stamp a phrase/word on the inside and then add an small image either above or below the phrase/word
• don't be afraid to use trees on masculine cards with a few small flowers thrown in. This never concerned my dad. 

 

Here are some suggested stamp sets:

1. Geared Up Garage - sooo masculine and has coordinating dies. The Geared Up Garage set isn't just a Father's Day set. It's for all classic car lovers in your life. 
   
   
   
2. Sailing Home - no surprise there, right? Just look back on my blog beginning in July and you will see lots of ideas using this fab set. I think the phrases can be used for many generations too. Whether he is sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in this set will inspire him on his journey.
   
   
   
3. A Good Man  - the quintessential masculine set. Great for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any day you want to recognize and celebrate your men.
   
   
   
4. A Wish for Everything - I decided to add this set because of has 38 stamps that you can combine, giving you bunches of options! And one of them is perfect for that special man in your life. 
   
   
   

And as this blog title promises, here's the best saying for the inside of a masculine card: 

Being a good Dad starts with being a good man

After that, what more is there to say?

3 easy tips for every masculine card you make

I am often asked for masculine card ideas and today this post will help you with this kind of card designs. I have three tips that you can think about for every masculine card you make:

Tip 1: Color choice

I think color choice is the most important consideration when making masculine cards. Many people think dark tones/colors when making cards for men or boys; most crafters lean towards Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, or Smoky Slate. But I don't really agree.

I love to add a pop of a brighter color into the mix. And that is perfectly ok, especially when choosing paper designs and patterns. 

Consider:

• Cherry Cobbler
• Melon Mambo
• Blackberry Bliss
• Shaded Spruce
• Pretty Peacock
• Bumblebee
• Pumpkin Pie

In Stampin' Up!s August-December Mini catalog there is a pack of 6x6 designer paper that is perfect for masculine cards. Introducing: Plaid Tidings

I love, love, love this pack of paper and I am sure you can see why. The plaid patterns have a masculine feel which means that the colors in this pack are perfect for masculine cards. 

So don't be afraid to try colors that are a bit out of the norm and try a pop of brighter color too. 

 

Tip 2: Choosing embellishments

When choosing embellishments for masculine cards, do you avoid adding a bow or ribbon on your cards? Consider again. Using a bow does not make your card feminine in design. If you want to add a bow, keep it small or if using ribbon or twine, tie it in a knot and place it near the card crease. Choose a coordinating color for ribbon or twine and these, too, can add a pop of brighter color. And consider the ribbon texture: Linen thread/ribbon, Braided Trim, Faux Suede Trim and Denim Ribbon are a few suggestions. 

As for other embellishments, certainly use them! Keep them small and consider the shape. Circles and stars work well and don't worry if they sparkle or shine. As long as they are small they will work. Again, coordinate your embellishments with the colors in your paper so that they blend in rather than stand out. 

I recommend you consider:

• Woven Threads: Pretty Peacock, Purple Posy, Rococo Rose, Seaside Spray, Terracotta Tile
• Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels: Cherry Cobbler, Coastal Cabana, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Shaded Spruce
• Whale of a Time Sequins: Flirty Flamingo, Just Jade, Pacific Point, Pool Party

Each of these embellishments have colors that will be fabulous on masculine cards.

Tip 3: Choosing layouts

My final tip is about the layout of the card itself. Most card layouts can be either masculine or feminine, depending on the colors, paper, and embellishments you use, but I feel that some layouts lend themselves perfectly to masculine cards.

Each week I post a card map challenge for you to try and here is your challenge for this week. The moment I saw it, I thought: masculine card layout. 

I took the above three tips into consideration when designing my card for this challenge. I used the Plaid Tidings paper, the Snowflake Sequins (not all are snowflake designs), Bumblebee Gingham ribbon and for the stamp set, I chose Tasteful Touches because I feel the word font is more masculine:

What colors do you normally choose for masculine cards? Leave me a comment and let me know.

There are many more tips I could share for designing masculine cards - I will do another blog post about this some day soon. 

For today, here's my card. 

Learn how to make slimline cards

I am pretty excited to share my card idea and video with you today!

This past week I stumbled across a new kind of card - called Slimline cards. I was surprise to discover a whole set of crafters out there making slimline cards and I thought it would be fun to try and to show you this style too. Not only did I make a slimline card but I made a video as well - so you could see step-by-step how to make the card along with some bonus tips. 

My first slimline card was created using the World of Good product suite - you know this is my fave in the new Annual catalog:

I used the World of Good paper and the Beautiful World bundle for my card. And to add a unique touch I also used the Copper Foil sheets with some of the dies. 

Although my card could be seen as more masculine in tone, I think it is perfect for anyone who you appreciate. 

 

Stamp set: Beautiful World bundle (154091)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Early Espresso: 8 1/2" x 7; two pieces 2" square; 2 1/4" square
        Whisper White: 2" square: two pieces 1 1/2" square
        Brass Foil: 2 pieces 2" square: two pieces  1 3/4" x 1"
        World of Good DSP: 3 1/4" x 8 1/4"

Other: Early Espresso Faux Suede Trim (152472); SNAIL adhesive; World of Good Specialty designer series paper (152491); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Mini Glue Dots; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Layering Circles dies (151770), die-cutting machine

 

Here's another view of my Beautiful World card:

Here's my video - watch for my bonus tips along the way: