Good Morning Fellow Stampers -
It's Tuesday, and because I'm running just a little behind on postings this week, I'm going to bring you two posts today! One will come in a couple hours with today's Weekly Deals and promotions. But I thought we'd start the day with this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge (PPA234) which I combined with the Can You Case It challenge (CYCI#51).
In addition, I had a friend and customer ask for a birthday card for a male friend. Now, most would agree, that creating a "male" card is probably one of the most difficult tasks we face on a daily basis in card and papercraft designing. It's very easy to make something with flowers, and ribbons, and pearls and bling! It is not quite so easy to find that balance that makes something decidedly "male" and appropriate for the male recipient. I will let you in on a little secret though -- we have some absolutely FABULOUS new products in the brand new 2015 Spring Occasions Catalog that are truly ALL Male!! You are going to be so excited :-)
Today, however, I chose a stamp set that is quite versatile and works well to create a simpler "male" card design. I also decided that the color challenge, even though it includes a soft purple color from our Subtles collection, could be used in a truly "subtle" manner (pun intended -- LOL), without overwhelming the card and detracting. You will see it used here as a background mat or as a "frame." It is not the focal color!
Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:
- Layerothology. This card base is cut from Night of Navy cardstock, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". It is layered with a "background" layer of Wisteria Wonder, topped with Brushed Silver cardstock -- I love to subtle glimmer this cardstock gives this card without being overwhelming. It's almost manly in itself -- LOL ;-) Before I laid the Silver to the Wisteria Wonder, I stamped it first with the very cool "ledger" style stamp from The Open Sea stamp set in Night of Navy [my chosen set for this card]. I encourage you to use your stamp-a-ma-jig to align your image perfectly. Next, I SNAILed my Silver cardstock to the Wisteria Wonder, then I wrapped a piece of Smoky Slate Chevron ribbon. Finally, I used my Paper Piercer to create some "holes" so I could insert my Silver Star brads (retired). I dug through my stash to locate these brads for this special card :-) Now you can adhere your piece to your card base front. Use plenty of SNAIL as the brads are heavy, and the ribbon is larger than most and can be chunky.
- All the World's a Stage. Stamp that "globe" image with the Night of Navy ink on the Brushed Silver cardstock; then very carefully cut it out with the 2" circle punch. Then select the circle from the Circles framelits that is just slightly larger and cut out your matted background piece from the Wisteria Wonder. Now, I'll give you a little tip here. I made my Globe sit at a slight angle by using one Dimension on the bottom, but stacking a double layer of Dimensionals at the top. It's a cool effect :-)
You will note that there are no pearls or rhinestones on this card -- LOL. The brads are a perfect embellishment for this "manly" card that still carries with it a lot of simple elegance. Do you agree?
I hope you enjoyed today's design -- in a little while we will talk Weekly Deals -- and celebrate the kick off of our spectacular new 2015 Spring Occasions Catalog.
I will have Designer paper and Ribbon shares this week as well -- so please be sure to check out all the information I will be posting. I hope you will participate in one of my shares -- I look forward to having so much fun with all of you this Spring! :-)
Until Next Time . . .
The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!
