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

Brien's Father's Day Card 2011

 

Brien, is by trade, a map maker.  Okay, so it's something that is actually far more complicated than that, but he tells people he makes maps for a living.  So, when I saw "The Open Sea" stamp set, I knew I had to have it, if only for the map image.  

I don't know about anyone else, but I have a dreadful time with masculine cards.  This set lends itself to masculine cards beautifully.  I complimented the set with the "Nautical Expedition" DSP and was ready to roll. :o)  

I'm not a fan of snipping (I believe I may have mentioned that once or twice), but still snipped out the anchor and the needle for the compass.  I adhered the needle using a piece of the "Vintage Trinkets".  

I couldn't have been more pleased with how well the card turned out, and I can tell you B really seemed to like it.  :o)

This card uses:

*Stamp Set: "The Open Sea"

*Papers: "Nautical Expedition" DSP, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

*Inks: Crumb Cake (I still want to call it "Kraft"!), Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso

*Accessories: "Vintage Trinkets" brad, dimensionals

--Rach