Tips And Tricks For Creating Masculine Cards - Featuring The Essentials By Ellen January 2019 Release
Hi everyone. I’m so glad you’re here. Thanks for stopping by today.
Today I thought I would address one of the most common questions I get about card making…masculine cards. It seems we all have plenty of ideas for creating cards that lean a little more feminine….but we get stuck when it comes to creating masculine cards. I’m hoping to provide a few tips and tricks today for creating masculine cards.
I want to start by saying that I think you can take any card design and make it more masculine. Changing the color scheme and imagery on a card, while using the same layout ideas and elements can quickly take a pink frilly card and make it more manly. So there’s your first step…don’t reinvent the wheel. Use a design or layout that you know you love and change it up.
Also, I think many of us automatically think that masculine means un-embellished. And I think many of us love the embellishment process of card making…so it stumps us when we create for a man. I’m here to tell you that masculine doesn’t mean un-embellished. I just like to use a different type of embellishment…like wooden accents, enamel dots, flat (rather than iridescent) sequins and other natural elements like twine. And you can guarantee that if I’m making the card…it’s gonna have shine…whether it’s for a man or a woman.
Here’s the best tips and tricks I can think of for a more masculine feeling card.
Start with more masculine imagery. The new Leading Gentleman from the Essentials By Ellen line is the perfect example of imagery that works well for masculine cards. You might not want to try to make a masculine card using a giant rose. Just a thought.
Choose your colors. Change something from pink to blue and it will instantly feel less feminine. Consider using a color scheme that ties in with his favorite sports team. Bringing in some stronger colors like black and deep navy or some neutrals like Kraft are also great places to start when choosing a more masculine color scheme.
Embellish away. For many of us, myself included, a card doesn’t feel complete without some sort of embellishment. For a masculine card, I still embellish, I just tend to choose a different type of embellishment. As I mentioned above, enamel dots, flat sequins (rather than shiny or iridescent), wood elements and other natural types of twines and accessories are great embellishments for masculine cards. I’ve also been known to throw a sequin or two on a card for the guy in my life. I figure if I’m making it…anything goes. ;)
Don’t reinvent the wheel. If creating masculine feeling cards is a struggle for you anyway, don’t try to reinvent the wheel when you sit down to create a "card for a dude”. Use a layout that you’ve used before and change the elements to man it up. There’s no harm in recycling something you know you love to begin with.
Play with patterns. Finding a plaid or stripe with the right colors can add a pop of interest to your design and really elevate your card. Don’t be afraid to pull in some pattern with small banner elements or strips of patterned paper.
Break out of the box. Sometimes you just have to let go of the expectation…and create. And if a sequin feels good to you…just do it. Don’t let the confines of what’s normally used for masculine projects stifle your creativity. I can honestly tell you, my husband has never said to me “nice card…but what’s with the sequins?” when I’ve presented him with something handmade. Chances are, the guys in your life can find the beauty in sparkly things too. Glitter’s not off limits. Nothing is really off limits. Those limits are your own and I encourage you to break free from them when you’re creating.
Today’s card features some new products from the Essentials By Ellen line that are new for January 2019. This is only a small taste of this fabulous release and I encourage you to check out the entire thing. I’ll have it all linked below.
Be sure to check out today’s video tutorial. I’ll walk you through the creation of this card. If you want to watch this video in HD on my YouTube channel, click HERE to head over there now. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and turn on the notifications while you’re there.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and these tips. Let me know you’re favorite tip in the comments below.
Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!
XOXO
SUPPLIES
*affiliate links used*
|
