Before we get to today’s card…many thanks for the special and heartfelt comments and emails you send about our dear Murphy. John came down to be with us yesterday and it was great for him to see Hannah ride and be together! Each day will get better and for those of you that I have been through this…time truly heals the wounds but the great memories are always present.
I have been having so many birthdays lately and I need a masculine card and I think I like it!! After I started to play around, things just came together and then when I stood back and looked at it – I was one happy stamper!
Let’s get going! There are 2 elements that I do not use often and when I do I say to myself “Why do I not use them more?” They are the Stamp Set Gorgeous Grunge and Washi Tape!
- The base of this are is a regular A-2 card but I have the fold to the left. The color of the base is Sahara Sand. (I have to admit – this was one of my least favorite colors years ago…but please try to use it – it is a wonderful neutral for so many color options.)
- The Very Vanilla is 4” X 5 ¼” and using the Memento Tuxedo Ink I gave it a quick stamp with the fun stamp splatter from the Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set (another confession…when this stamp set came out last year I thought it was the worst new stamp set in the catalog…WOW, was I wrong. It truly is very versatile and I find it to be a life saver for quick fillers!!!
- I scored it with the Simply Scored at ¾” and then just one more larger (7/8”)…then placed my washi tape and then did a similar score on the other side…so easy – yet so effective! True you can use the Stampin’ Trimmer but I think using this tool gives you a much deeper and effective embossed score line.
- The sentiment is from the Four You Stamp Set and this is one that should be on your shelf of goodies! Please click here and order it if you do not have it as it always is a lifesaver especially in making clean and simple cards!
- Trying to keep the masculine feel I used the hexagon punch and paired it up with the Flash Back Designer Series Paper. I adore this paper as it coordinates with Very Vanilla, many times our DSP go with the white and this is why I find this to be a refreshing paper choice!
- Just using one hexagon POPPED up I think did the trick and the trio of stars was the finale that was needed! This is another MUST HAVE…the itty bitty accents punch pack deliver a BIG punch – another great filler!
- I think just about every card I have done this week has had a double whammy envelope! I line the outer flap and then I carried the theme of the card to the front to make the mailman smile and again, I find that if I use the “green glue” the stars will stay put for mailing – just ask the postmaster to “hand stamp it” so it will not go through the machine!
Trust me, when they see me come into the Post Office, they know that I will stand in line to have my cards hand stamped!
That’s it folks! Can’t you just imagine the variety of colors that you can use to make this card different! If you wanted a feminine feel…use the flower punch and a fun and bright washi tape! JUST HAVE FUN!
FUN is what Hannah and I have been having. It will be sad to go home but I would not have traded this week with being with her for anything!
Life throws things to us for a reason….I truly believe this… she is getting ready to go abroad for her junior year in college next Saturday and will not be home until December!
As a family we talked about Murphy and knowing that his time would be limited, we asked her if what her wishes were…I do believe that animals know who is the stronger link and it is definitely John not me…aa hard as it is – we will be ok – as we will live on such precious memories!
I hope that you have enjoyed this masculine card and will keep it in your “memory bank” – it’s a keeper layout!
Thanks for popping in today and you know what tomorrow is…Make it Mine Monday!!! Woot-Woot – it is a super easy yet fun sketch that I know you will create some GREAT projects!
Until tomorrow…whew…I am sooo glad that I was prepared thru Wednesday for you! Hannah gave me some GREAT tips last week getting prepared for this week!
Awesome card, will CASE this for sure. Sending hugs for when you return home. All your memories will make for many precious moments.
Hi Susan, What a great guy card and easy too! I too was not fond of Gorgeous Grunge but now use my daughter-in-law’s set often. I may have to break down and get my own!
Great looking card, love the color and design.
Love this card…..took me awhile to order Grunge, too….but it sure does the job !!
And sending kind thoughts of Murphy. Our pet are such a part of our families. Hold dear the memories.
I like this card a lot ! What popped out to me are your little spots at the upper right corner surrounding your star ! Great detail …I love unexpected points of eye catching detail! And you are so right about the GG stamp set . It is the cherry on top sometimes .
So so glad you had special time with your girl child ! Big hug to Murphy !
Oh, Susan. I was busy yesterday and didn’t read your blog until now. I’m so sorry to hear about Murphy. Our dear pets are such a huge part of our lives and families. I know you will miss him. My sweet little Izzy left me 3 years ago. I still miss her, but smile when I recall all of the joy and love she brought to me for 15 years. I hope you’ll be able to feel the same when you think of Murphy. Hugs to you and your family.
Love this card, Susan! I especially like how you highlighted the washi tape with score lines. It is such a simple technique but does so much. Thanks for the idea. I’m going to give it a try soon!
Susan you did it again. Just when I need a male birthday card, you come to my rescue. Love this card. The colors are perfect. I too love the DSP flash back, paired with very vanilla. I didn’t like the Grunge stamp set either till I saw a few cards made with the set. As you mentioned, great filler.
Love your cards. Thanks for sharing.
MaryAnn
I love love love this card! has so many elements–stars, hexagons, embossing, grunge, washi tape–yet still manages to look clean and simple. Can’t wait to try it myself.
And I too extend my sympathies in your loss of Murphy. From your posts, I know you love your animals.
Thanks for sharing so freely.
Dear Susan, I am so sorry to hear about Murphy, I was away all weekend. I know you will have precious memories of your wonderful; Murphy. Please know you and John and your family are all in my prayers for the loss of Murphy. I am so glad you had a great time with Hannah. Those memories will help you when you think of Murphy.
Your Card is beautiful. Masculine cards are hard for me. You always come up with great cards, T
Ellen Hinds