When it comes to creating masculine birthday cards, choosing the right color palette and textures makes all the difference. Today’s card is one I had so much fun making, and while the Spring Corners stamp set might not sound like the most masculine choice, it absolutely worked! Sometimes, it’s all about seeing a set in a new way and giving it the love it deserves.
The card base is Early Espresso, a rich, deep brown that sets the stage for a strong, masculine look. Layered on top is Azure Afternoon, a blue that I simply adore—bold, bright, and perfect for adding a pop of color. For extra texture, I dry embossed a panel of Basic White using the Plaster Painting 3D Embossing Folder, then added Shimmery White Embossing Paste to the raised areas with a Palette Knife. This subtle shine gives the card an extra touch of interest without overpowering the design.
To bring in some rugged detail, I stamped cross-hatch marks in Early Espresso ink onto Basic White cardstock. This panel was then layered onto Pecan Pie cardstock for contrast before being adhered to the card with dimensionals. A sentiment banner, die-cut with the Stylish Shapes dies, was stamped with “Happy Birthday” in Azure Afternoon ink and placed on the right side of the card, overlapping the base panels just slightly for a balanced look.
No card is complete without a finishing touch, so I added three Pecan Pie Ribboned Adhesive-Backed Dots near the sentiment. Inside, a Basic White panel was layered onto Azure Afternoon to tie everything together.
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This card is my entry for the Sketch Saturday #771 Challenge, The Color Throwdown #838, Can You Handle The Pressure for March, and the AAA Birthday #71 Challenge. Challenges like these always spark creativity, and I love how this design came together with unexpected elements!
If you’d like to see how this card was made, I’ve created a video tutorial that walks through the entire process. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.
I can’t wait to send this card out—it’s the perfect masculine birthday card with just the right mix of texture, color, and dimension!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (Early Espresso) – 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4
- 1st Layer (Azure Afternoon) – 4 x 5-1/4
- 2nd Layer Embossed (Basic White) – 3-3/4 x 5
- Art Piece (Basic White) 3-5/8 x 2-3/8, coordinating cardstock (Pecan Pie) – 3-3/4 x 2-1/2
- scrap Basic White for sentiment die
- Inside – Basic White 3-3/4 x 5, coordinating cardstock (Azure Afternoon) – 3-7/8 x 5-1/8
Supplies Used:
What a great birthday card! Thanks for joining us at the Color Throwdown!
Thank you so much, Susie! I had a lot of fun creating this card, and I always love playing along with Color Throwdown challenges. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving such a kind comment!
OH WOW this is just awesome! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Can You Handle the Pressure challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Can You Handle the Pressure Co-Owner
Thank you so much, Darlene! I’m glad you like the card and I love playing along with the Can You Handle The Pressure challenge!
Great textures and Art Deco vibe. Super masculine card. Thanks for playing at AAA Birthday, hope to see you join in with future challenges too. Stay safe and keep crafting!
Thank you, Jane! I appreciate your kind comments about the Art Deco vibe of this card and its great textures. I truly enjoyed playing along with the AAA Birthday challenge and hope to join in again soon.
Great use of texture to step up a clean and simple design! Thanks for joining us at Can You Handle the Pressure!
Thank you, Melanie! I love adding texture to bring a little extra something to a clean and simple design. I appreciate you stopping by, and I always enjoy playing along with Can You Handle the Pressure!
What a great clean and simple masculine design! Thanks for rockin’ the throwdown colors and joining in our challenge!
Thank you, Wanda! I had so much fun working with this color combo—it was a great challenge! I appreciate you stopping by and for all the inspiration you and the team provide each week. Can’t wait for the next throwdown!
I LOVE this take on our sketch! Simple and so effective. Thanks for playing with us at Sketch Saturday!
Thank you, Heather! I appreciate your kind comments so much. I love playing along with the Sketch Saturday challenges and will be sure to play again soon.
Great CAS design and I love the texture.
Thanks for joining us at the AAA Birthday Challenge.
Helen x
DT
Thanks for the kind comments, Helen. Love the challenges at AAA Birthday.
Love this card! I forget sometimes that less is best. I also love using enamel dots on my cards. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Machelle! I appreciate your kind comments.