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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Male Birthday Card

Hi Friends,

I hope you’re having a great week. I don’t know about you, but this time of year just flies by for me. I love Christmas. I wish it didn’t come and go so quickly.

Today, I’m sharing a card that I made a week or so ago for a co-worker who was celebrating his 50th birthday.

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I think it's a common theme for us girls, the struggle to create cards for men. I love ribbons, bows, gems, cutesy, and none of those things are real manly. So I always think cards for men need to be simpler. This is where I landed for the above card. My co-worker seemed to like it and really appreciated that it was handmade.

Now, for some of you who've had questions last week, I've not forgotten you! Tonight I will tackle my favorite.....

Coloring: I enjoy, no, I LOVE, coloring with Copic markers. I'm still learning and have a long way to go in developing the skill. But I'm enjoying the process SO much. The markers are an investment. I was fortunate to start my collection off because I had gotten a gift card. There are several blog with good tips, such as Debbie Olsen (she's a legend, seriously), Marianne Walker, and Nichol Magouirk did a great post on some of her favorite Copic colors.

For coloring on darker colors, colored pencils are grand! I also enjoy opaque markers when coloring on craft or darker colored cardstock. But truly my fall back are my Copics. They are so fun to blend and shade. I feel like I'm a kid again coloring :)

Anyway, I hope this was somewhat useful. I know I punted to some other blogs for info, but those have been great resources. And those ladies truly have much more experience than I do.

Remember, I do have the blog candy up for grabs.... You have until 8:00 p.m. EST on December 8th to comment on blog posts between November 28 and December 8. I will randomly select a winner and announce who that is on the 9th. Good luck!

Hugs and blessings

Nette

16 comments:

Yvonne Russell said...

I'm just starting with Copics... so much to learn. I like the birthday card... understated as you say, but very effective.

Laurel Beard said...

I love CAS, that is just my style, so I love this card. Love the touch of woodgrain.... Perfect for a male or female. Change up the color, keep design the same, and get a really girley CAS card. Love this.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Love the woodgrain! Yep, I struggle with male themed cards too....right now I'm struggling with a male themed scrapbook supposed to be done by Christmas....yikes! Thanks for the links on Copic tips. I love my Copics too but I have a long way to go on learning the proper shading!

Have a good day!
-Stacie

Karen B. said...

I think you do a great job with masculine cards, and look, you've even added a lawn fawn stamp, which I think would be hard!

~amy~ said...

perfect masculine card!

Kristy Smith said...

I love this card! It is so tough sometimes to make cards that are good for men! =) Great job!

Anonymous said...

Love that woodgrain! :)
I always have such a tough time making masculine cards. Yours turned out so perfect!

Ashley Newell said...

What a great card! I have such a hard time with male cards.

Sally Watkins said...

I always love wood grain! Thanks for sharing!

Danielle said...

What a lovely CAS card! Masculine cards are a struggle for me, this one is great!

Aparna said...

I can't wait to get my hands on some Copics--i'm hoping this Christmas will be a good one :)

Ann said...

Great guy card, Nette!

Unknown said...

Very cute, love the wood grain background!

Patty said...

Woodgrain is perfect for a male card and I really like the clean and simple design of this one. Thanks for sharing it with us!

jengd said...

I love how simple this is!

Heather Innusa said...

I think you nailed the 'male' b-day card. THEY'RE SO HARD! I love the woodgrain & is anything 'complete' without a Lawn Fawn banner? Seriously!

I love copic coloring. I'm just starting out - got b-day cash & invested as well - but its so fun & the colors are so beautiful!