Friday, December 3, 2010

A Sparkly Pine Bough

Masculine Card made with a the Autumn Days Stamp SetToday's card is a little more masculine than previous posts. When I do the Stamp-a-Stacks at my house or plan out the cards for the ladies who stamp with me at work at lunch, I always try to have a few "man cards". What makes a man card? You have to consider 3 thingsthe image, the colors and the embellishments.

The image on this card is very neutral. Please, no tirades about sexism here, but outdoorsy, sporty images or images with animals or vehicles are all good for a "man card". You can also use a geometric design. This pine branch is from a stamp set called Autumn Days.  The wheat image on this card I made last week is from the same stamp set. I also used the background stamp Sanded on the brown card base. It seemed to add to the "woodsy" feel of this card.

Generally the colors on a man card will be darker colors or brighter, bolder colors, but general rule is to avoid pastels.  This combination of Chocolate Chip and Always Artichoke works well. 

The embellishments on a man card should just not be too frilly.  This card does have a ribbon on it, but it is the grosgrain ribbon, not a taffeta or satin.  And it is tied in just a knot, not in a bow. After I stamped the image I pressed the whole piece onto my Versamark pad and then covered with Iridescent Ice embossing powder and heat set it. While it does make this card very sparkly I think it still works well for a man card for 2 reasons. First, we are entering winter and the sparkly just brings to mind snow.  Second, the iridescent ice embossing powder is much more subtle than Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. 

All supplies used on this card are Stampin'UP!  Let me know if you want to purchase these or any other supplies.

Thanks for choosing me as your source of stamping inspiration and education. I'm here to help. Your choice to purchase your stamping supplies through me helps to support this website.

--Katie

1 comment:

teresea said...

I like the card! It is a nice masculane card. New follower from SC. #276 - Teresea