Masculine Birthday

When Amy asked me to make a birthday card for her father I was more than happy to do so.  However, masculine cards are NOT my strong suit, so I was a wee smidge worried.  I knew I could do it, but also knew it would prove to be a bit of a challenge.  As easily as those baby cards come to me, masculine cards are just as much a struggle.

However, I've purchased a number of "masculine" stamp sets and figured I could give it a go.  I have to say, I'm pleased with the results--Amy says her dad was too. :o)

I pulled out "The Open Sea" stamps and "Nautical Expedition" DSP and got to work.  I used the large ledger stamp as a background image in "Crumb Cake" and stamped-off once before stamping onto the vanilla card stock.  I also stamped-off the Night of Navy world map image as well. 

 I wanted to add a bit of balance and pull the eye down across the image so I (to steal a Jaydee-ism) "fussy cut" the anchor and adhered it using a couple dimensionals to pop it off the page.

 The vanilla was a bit bright and jarring so I swiped the edges across an Early Espresso ink pad to add a little depth without having to mount it on another layer.

The stamp set lends itself to distressing since it has such an aged look about it, and I couldn't resist adding a bit of interest by tearing across the bottom of the image.

I didn't bother with a sentiment on the outside because I wanted the image to be the main focus.  I don't think cards necessarily need to have a sentiment on the outside--sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. :shrug:

What I DO know is this card worked for me (and for Amy's dad), and that's what's most important. :o)

--Rach