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
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• 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

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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.

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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