Coffee Break DSP solves the masculine birthday card dilemma

Designing masculine birthday cards seems to challenge even the most experienced card makers.  We worry about the colours (can’t be too pretty), we worry about keeping it simple (can’t be too ‘frilly’ or have too much bling) and it can’t be super cute.  Or do we just over think masculine cards?  This month’s Global Stampers’ Challenge was to create a masculine card using one of the Designer Series Papers which are currently on sale (more on that below).  I chose Coffee Break DSP because its patterns are made for a masculine birthday.  Don’t forget to check out my friends’ projects from around the globe with the links below.

What is so special about the Coffee Break Designer Series Paper?  The colours are still a little earthy but it is the combination of the different colours that make everything pop.  The Soft Sky, Pear Pizzazz, Garden Green, Soft Suede and Early Espresso combination is divine.  Now I had hardly every used Pear Pizzazz up until now.  Another demo had nominated it as her favourite colour and I thought: REALLY?????  Then in the spirit of experimentation, I decided to give it a go.  And I love it – it seems to go with so many different colour palettes.

[bctt tweet=”What makes a masculine birthday card?” username=”annspaperworks”]

I don’t think you can go wrong with earthy colours, cards that do something a little different (pop-up card, fancy folds, shaker cards, spinner cards are just a few ideas) and simple sentiments, nothing toooo gushy unless it is going to your nearest and dearest.

Coffee Break DSP was perfect for this project.  Now I know most of you would prefer to use one of the coordinating stamps from the Coffee Cafe Stamp Set to make this ‘an I love coffee card’.  That would look amazing – but I hate coffee, I don’t just dislike it, I hate it.  So I didn’t order the matching stamp set.  As the intended recipient of this card is a coffee lover, I had to be creative and use the images from the DSP.  I used the Everyday Label Punch in this project as it is my current favourite punch.

Measurements and Supplies:

Time required: 3/4 hr  Experience Required: Suitable for Beginners

Whisper White Cardbase: 5-1/2″ x 12″, scored at 4-1/4″; 7-1/4″; and 10-1/4″.

Early Espresso Woodgrain layers two 5-3/8″ x 1-5/8″ (panel one and two); two 5-3/8″ x 2-7/8″ (panel three and four); 5-3/8″ x 4-1/8″ (panel five)

Selected DSP patterns: two 5-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ (panel one and two); 5-1/4″ x 2-3/4″ (panel four); 5-1/4″ x 4″ (panel five)

Punch two Early Espresso Woodgrain DSP Everyday Label shapes – one cut in half vertically and one cut in half horizontally to provide a contrasting layer to Whisper White punched shape.  Split the punched shapes so that the contrasting layer is slightly larger (see photo).  For the horizontal punch, you will need to trim the tab off each side.

Assemble card as per photo.  Stamp sentiment in Early Espresso from Special Celebrations Stamp Set.  Fussy cut images from Coffee Break DSP and adhere using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

Belly Band

Whisper White Cardstock 9-1/2″ x 1-3/8″;

Early Espresso Woodgrain layer 9-1/2″ x 1-1/4″;

10″ Burlap ribbon

Assemble belly band by wrapping card horizontally with Whisper White C/S strip and secure in the centre with Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  Gently reinforce the folds at the side with your fingers.  Wrap  Early Eespresso Woodgrain layer around the belly band, gently reinforcing the side folds with your fingertips.  Secure in the centre with Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  Adhere the layers together.  Wrap belly band with the Burlap Ribbon.  I secured the ribbon with a staple and added a few Glue Dots to keep the layers together.  Decorate with the sentiment.  Stamp sentiment in Pear Pizzazz from Happy Birthday Gorgeous Stamp Set, attach to belly band using Foam Adhesive Strips.

Stampin’ Up! Product List

For further information about the products used in this project, just click on the items below to view in my Online Store.  I would love to be your Demonstrator if you don’t already have one and live in Australia.  All these products can be purchased through my online shop or ordered through me.  Please allow Demonstrator contact when ordering online so I can thank you properly.  Stamp sets used in this project may be available in other mount options (wood-mount, clear-mount or photopolymer). I have listed the option that I used.  If you are shopping online and your order is under $250, please use current Host Code HTYJEUF7.

Designer Series Paper Sale

Let’s admit it: we all just love gorgeous Designer Series Paper.  By popular demand, Stampin’ Up! is bringing back an incredible offer on Designer Series Paper. You can buy three packages of selected Designer Series Paper and get one FREE during October! This sale includes Designer Series Paper from both the annual and holiday catalogues.  And we’re even including select Christmas, Specialty and Designer Series Paper Stacks.

So which papers are on sale?

144180 Just Add Color Specialty Designer Series Paper

144180 Just Add Color Specialty Designer Series Paper

144137 Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper

144118 Birthday Memories Designer Series Paper

144118 Birthday Memories Designer Series Paper

144111 Be Merry Designer Series Paper

144118 Birthday Memories Designer Series Paper

144163 Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper

144155 Coffee Break Designer Series Paper

144185 Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper

144110 Whole Lot Of Lovely Designer Series Paper

144168 Petal Garden Designer Series Paper Stack 144193 Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack

144193 Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack

144177 Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack

144629 Christmas Around The World Designer Series Paper

144613 Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper.

 

Fiona

Alicia

Valerie

Robbie