Embossed Masculine Birthday Cards

 When it comes to handmade birthday cards, sometimes it’s nice to step away from florals and bright colors. It can be fun to create something with a more masculine edge. Hey there, It’s Judy here sharing my latest project for CutCardStock. I am creating two embossed birthday cards that feature metallic highlights, bold textures, and clean designs—perfect for the men in your life.

Supplies 

• Lessebo Colors NAVY BLUE 83lb Cardstock
• Stardream Metallic COPPER 105lb Cardstock
• Stardream Metallic SILVER 105 lb Cardstock
• Embossing folders (gears & clocks)
• Die-cut & stamped sentiments (embossing ink & powder for stamped sentiment)
• Enamel dots
• Ink and gilding wax for highlighting embossed textures

Embossing for Striking Backgrounds

Both of my cards start with embossing panels. Using gear and clock embossing folders, I created dimensional backgrounds that really pop when highlighted with metallic cardstock and ink. Embossing is such a simple technique, yet it adds instant texture and interest.

• Card One (Left): I used a gears embossing folder on Lessebo Navy Blue Cardstock and lightly rubbed on silver gilding wax to enhance the raised details. The sentiment is cut from Stardream Metallic Silver Cardstock and layered with a bold “birthday” die cut. “happy” was stamped and heat embossed. 3 silver, glitter enamel dots finished off the design.

• Card Two (Right): For this version, I embossed clocks onto Lessebo Navy Blue Cardstock. I applied silver metallic ink onto the embossing folder to give the cardstock an aged or patinated look. Then lightly apply bronze gilding wax with a finger. Layering the embossed panel with Stardream Metallic Copper Cardstockgave it a warm, industrial look. The “Happy Birthday” sentiment is die cut to match, tying the whole design together.

Why I Love These Cards

These cards are a great reminder that masculine cards don’t have to be plain or boring. The combination of texture, metallic shine, and strong contrasts creates an eye-catching look that works for birthdays and beyond. Plus, backgrounds with embossing are quick to make and they are easy to adapt with different color schemes or sentiments.

Final Thoughts

Embossing is one of my go-to techniques when I want to make cards that look polished with minimal effort. These masculine birthday cards came together quickly, yet the results are bold and striking. Whether you’re making a card for your dad, brother, husband, or a friend, this style is sure to impress!

Join us over on the CutCardStock Facebook Page and the Facebook Group Creating with CutCardStock for more inspiration.

 And even more inspiration can be found on the CutCardStock Creative Blog.

DIY Music Themed Decor

 If you love music and paper crafting like I do, this project is the perfect blend of both! 

 Today I’m sharing a fun and meaningful décor piece that features one of my favorite quotes: “Where words fail, music speaks.” With bold colors, glittery accents, and playful music notes, this project makes a beautiful display for your craft room, music studio, or as a gift for the music lover in your life.

Supplies Used:

• Clear Scraps 8 x 8  Acrylic Book Stand  
• Clear Scraps Treble Clef Chipboard Embellishments
• Clear Scraps Music Notes Chipboard Embellishments
• 
  
  
  
  
• Patterned papers
• Black glitter cardstock, black glitter vinyl
• Quote/title cut file 
• Adhesives (double sided tape, liquid glue)
• Scissors, paper trimmer

Step 1: Cut the Quote

Cut or print your chosen quote—“Where words fail, music speaks.” I used black glitter vinyl to make the words stand out against the colorful background. 

Step 2: Apply Quote to Book Stand

Apply quote to the front side of the book stand. I’m only using the words from the cut file.

Step 3: Add Pattern Paper

Start by selecting bold patterned papers that will make your project pop. 

Trim the paper down slightly smaller than the backside of book stand. Add double sided tape to edges on front side of the paper.

Adhere

Cut 4 strips of black glitter cardstock about 1/4’ wide for a border. Adhere to front side of book stand.

Step 3: Embellish with Music Notes

Nothing says “music” like music notes! I used the chipboard embellishments, colored them with a black sparkle pen. Place them around the quote and project is complete.

Final Thoughts

I love how this project turned out—playful, bold, and full of meaning. Whether you’re gifting it to a music teacher, decorating a studio, or making something for yourself,  this project is sure to hit the right note! 🎶

Be sure and check out more Clear Scraps inspiration by following on social media

Clear Scraps Blog

Clear Scraps Facebook

Clear Scraps Instagram

Clear Scraps Pinterest   

Morgan's ArtWorld September

 Well, here we are, at the beginning of another month.

That always brings on a new challenge at

Morgan's ArtWorld!

My inspiration card is created with

Wedding 3.

I colored the image with prismacolor pencils and fussy cut.

I happened to have a card base sitting near my work space

left from a project I had started but went a different direction with.

The top half of the card was die cut with the bottom open to the inside.

I decided to turn the card with the die cut portion on the left.

I backed with a silver foiled card stock.

A patterned paper from a pile of scraps near my desk served well 

for the right side of the the inside of the card.

I placed white card stock on the left of the inside for a personal message.

The fussy cut image was adhered to the edge of the front.

I die cut the sentiment and adhered to a die cut rectangle.

The flower bouquet below the sentiment is a sticker from my stash.

I hope you'll join in the challenge this month.

It's always ANYTHING GOES and you cab

enter with projects using images from any company.

*******************************************

Linking up to:

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Love to Craft - ATG

Love to Scrap - ATG

A Cut Above - ATG with a die cut

A Place to Start - playing ATG

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

Hello there!

I'm sharing some inspiration for this month's

Polkadoodles Craft & Card Making Challenge.

 It's all about birds and flowers for the design team's makes this week.

I created a card that is perfect to give someone special to you.

Love Bird Rose Flowers from the Wings of Love Downloads

was printed, colored with Prismacolor pencils and fussy cut.

This sweet little bird was popped onto my background

created with papers from

Wanda Printable Paper Patterns and Flower Meadow Printable Download.

I printed one of the sentiments from Love Birds Greetings onto

white card stock and stenciled over with the

Blossoming Rose 6 x 6" Stencil. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope to see your entry in the gallery!

Warm Winter Wishes - Rustic Christmas Owl Card

 Hey there! 

Today I'm sharing a cozy holiday card featuring the a

dorable Rustic Christmas Owl stamp set from Pajama Crafter Stamps. 

Nothing says “warm holiday wishes” like

 a sweet owl bundled up in a Santa hat and scarf!

I used the sketch for this month’s 

Pajama Crafter Stamps Sketch Challenge for my card design.

There is a sketch challenge every month and anyone is welcome to join in.

 You can find the sketch at the beginning of the month on 

the Pajama Crafter Stamps & Friends Facebook Page. 

The challenge runs all month. 

To play: Use Pajama Crafter Stamps or Prickley Pear Stamps with the sketch.

 Upload your creation to the Album on the 

Pajama Crafter Stamps & Friends Facebook Page.

I begin my card project by stamping the image, 

coloring with Prismacolor pencils and fussy cutting.
Two pattern papers from my stash comprise the card background. 

I stamped one of the pine stamps from

 the stamp set in the top left hand corner.
I die cut a postage stamp frame. 

A piece of white card stock is behind the frame.

 I popped the owl image with foam tape.
The sentiment is stamped and fussy cut. It is adhered with foam tape.
I added some Opalescence Confetti Embellishments to complete.
This stamp set is so cute! 

I will definitely be using it over and over again.
Thanks so much for taking the time

 to check out my Rustic Christmas Owl Card.

************************************

Linking up to:

CRAFT Challenge - Christmas

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge - ATG Christmas

A Place to Start - playing ATG

Dream Valley Challenge - 2 or more papers

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

Peace on Earth - ATG Christmas

Sweet Stampin' - Animals

Ally's Angels - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG option

Just for You – Handmade Card Featuring Conie Fong Art

Today I’m sharing a cheerful handmade card I created using 

the adorable Pepper with Flowers digital stamp from Conie Fong Art & Design. 

This sweet little turtle is carrying a colorful bouquet of flowers, 

making it the perfect image for sending smiles and warm wishes.

I colored the turtle and flowers using Prisamcolor pencils, 

blending rich shades of green, brown, and 

pops of bright floral tones to bring the image to life. 

To frame the design, 

I used a bold postage-edge die cut in deep green cardstock, 

which really makes the artwork stand out. 

A scattering of sparkling sequins adds just the right amount of shine and dimension.

For the sentiment, I chose a large script die cut reading “Just for You”, layered 

in coordinating green to tie the whole card together. 

It’s a simple but striking way to let someone know you’re thinking of them.

This card would be wonderful for birthdays, thank you notes, or 

just sending a little happiness to brighten someone’s day.

Supplies Used:

• Digital stamp: Conie Fong Art & Design

• Prismacolor Pencils

• Lessebo Hunter's Green Card Stock from CutCardStock

• Postage-edge frame die from scrapbook.com

• Sentiment die: Just for You from Crafter's Companion

• Sequins for embellishment from Pajama Crafters Stamps

If you’d like to see more of Conie Fong’s beautiful images, be sure to visit the 

Conie Fong Art Etsy Shop

Thanks for stopping by and I hope this happy little turtle brings you a smile today! 

---

Linking up to:

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Animal

Creative Fingers - ATG

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday - ATG

Addicted to Stamps and More - Any Occasion

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Crafty Animals - ATG w/animals

Critter Crazy - ATG w/featured critter

Classic Design Challenge - ATG /Happy Birthday Twist 

A Place to Start - ATG

613 Avenue Create - ATG

____________________________________________________________

CHALLENGE RECOGNITION

Friday Night Lights - Best Coach Ever Card

There’s nothing quite like Friday night lights, cheering fans and all the excitement of a football game. Judy here sharing a special card that’s perfect for celebrating the unsung heroes of the sport, our coaches.

 

Create this “Best Coach Ever” card with Friday Night Lights Stamps from Pajama Crafter Stamps. 

Stamp the three adorable football players, color and fussy cut. Layer the images onto circle die-cuts for dimension. Stamp the background with the stars stamp from the set for that game-day vibe. Color with red and black markers.

Create a border by stamping with football helmets, tying the whole sports theme together. 

Add a small trophy image, because what’s a coach without recognition for their hard work and leadership?

I used bold black and red—highlighting the word coach on the “Best Coach Ever” stamp to make it stand out. Stamp #1 Fan on a banner shape to finish off perfectly.

This card would be a great way to thank a coach at the end of the season. Or, for a special milestone win or just to let them know how much they’re appreciated.

Whether you’re a player, parent, or fan, handmade cards like this one are such a thoughtful way to show gratitude.

**************************************

Linking up to:

Little Red Wagon - Circle of Life

Try it on Tuesday - Going Round in Circles

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG option

Crafts Galore Encore - ATG

Creative Crafting Uncles - ATG

The Creative Crafters - ATG

A Place to Start - playing ATG

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

Creative Fingers - ATG

__________________________________________

CHALLENGE RECOGNITION