One of the issues I have with “masculine” cards is that they’re often drab. But it doesn’t have to be that way. While you may want to avoid colourful flowers that are seen as more feminine, it’s still possible to create an interesting card. So that was my challenge this morning, and I couldn’t help reaching for the entire Simply Elegant Suite Collection to help me.

SIMPLY ELEGANT DSP

My card began with the Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper (DSP). There’s lots of gorgeous designs in the pack that are great for masculine or gender-neutral projects. Today I wanted to create something simple but special and so I chose a pattern with gold and silver foil details. From there I could use the DSP to help me coordinate the rest of the project.

With the DSP already in my hand I started by cutting a 1-3/4″ x 5-1/2″ strip. Then to add bold contrast I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to mount it onto a 2″ x 5-1/2″ strip of Basic Black Card.

Next I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Basic Gray Card to match the background of the DSP. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Then with Stampin’ Dimensionals I added the layered DSP onto the card front.

BORDER STAMP

Now I began to think about how I would coordinate the inside of the card and envelope with the front. I could use more of the Simply Elegant DSP but I wondered if there was another option. When I pulled out the Elegantly Said Stamp Set I realised that there was! In the stamp set there’s a long border image with the same pattern as on my DSP, so that clinched it.

Using Basic Gray ink I stamped the left and right-hand sides of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Very Vanilla Card. Then I fixed this layer inside the card base using liquid glue.

Next I stamped the border image along the right and left-hand edges on the front of a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope. I set this aside, and this just left the sentiment on the front to do.

Going back to the Elegantly Said Stamp Set I chose “Wishing you a wonderful birthday”. I liked the combination of fonts that added interest without being too fussy.

Still using the Basic Gray ink I stamped the sentiment onto some Thick Very Vanilla Card. Then I punched it out using the Elegant Punch with the decorative end at the top of the sentiment.

Finally I cut some gold cord from the Simply Elegant Trim pack and tied it in a simple bow around the top of the punched piece. Then I added the sentiment to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals and my masculine / gender-neutral project was complete.

I love how easy it was to create this project, mind you Stampin’ Up! did all the work combining the various elements of this suite. What’s great is that this card could be used for so many different occasions with just a change of sentiment. What do you think?

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Elegantly Said Stamp Set with the Elegant Tag Punch using a single ‘bundle’ item number. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore that option.

You’ll also notice a link for the Simply Elegant Suite Collection. This is designed to make it easy to order the bundle, DSP and trim all together, using just one number. Please note that you still save 10% on the bundle, but there is no discount on the DSP and trim. The ‘suite’ option is simply designed for convenience when ordering.