The struggle with the Elements of a Masculine Handmade Happy Birthday Card is real.  We're women – we love the bling!  We love the pretty papers and all the frill.  But we also want to share our craft with the men in our lives.  And that's when we pull out some card stock, stamps and inks and just stare, and stare, and stare.

This post about all the Elements of a Masculine Handmade Happy Birthday Card should help you make some decisions before you start pulling out all the “stuff” and get to work making a masculine card you will feel good about sending.

The Card

Here's the card we're going to discuss today.  You'll find the usual supply list and dimensions, but you'll also find a list of elements to consider then making a masculine card.

NOTE:  The stamps I chose were not from a “guy” stamp set or bundle.  I wanted you to clearly see that you can make these cards from what you have if you stick to a few simple concepts.

blue birthay card with cupcakes in shades of blue

The Supplies

If you like this project – here are all the supplies used.  Simply click on an image to shop in my Stampin' Up! Store.

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detailed view of cupcakes on blue birthday card

One of the most important elements of a masculine card is depth.  You can create depth with layers, but also with dimension.  In this case, the cupcakes are all popped up to add dimension to the card.  They also balance the popped up greeting in the opposite corner.

inside card with blue layer and navy cupcake in corner

The  inside of the card uses repetition as with any handmade card.  The Cloud Cover layer is repeated, but not die embossed.  One of the three colored cupcakes is repeated, Sea Secret, but it's stamped directly on the Cloud Cover layer.

Elements of a Masculine Card

Here are my top go-to elements when making a masculine card.  I know some of you like to use everything on a card, especially if the person you're making it for is very close to you.  Try to resist this.  The only real rule about a masculine card is to Keep It Simple.

These are in no particular order – pick and choose 3 – 5 and get creating!

  1. Stick with colors from a neutral pallet, any blues and dark greens
  2. Use multiple layers instead of bling to add dimension
  3. Vary the size and shape of your layers to add interest to the card
  4. Use texture to add interest to the card.  My top two methods are die embossing and paper tearing
  5. Use stacked layers or foam adhesive to pop up important elements – remember dimension from above
  6. Repeat key elements inside the card as well

Dimensions and Measurements

  • Basic Beige – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
  • Sea Secret – 5 1/4″ x 4″
  • Cloud Cover – 5 1/4″ x 4″ (inside of card)
  • Cloud Cover – 5″ x 3 3/4″ (die embossed outside layer)
  • Basic White – scrap for greeting and cupcakes

Your Turn

I hope this post helped with making masculine cards.  Consider pinning this image to your “Ink Stamp and Scrap” board so you can get back to this post easily.

pinterest pin for guy cards explained

Thanks for Stopping By

Did you find this post helpful?  Let me know in the comments if you have something you'd like me to post about.  Chat soon – Linda

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