This is a 16th birthday card for my MUCH loved nephew, Ben. He is the closest I will come to having a child of my own, and he is extremely precious to me! And, he really appreciates it when I make a card for him, and I want that card to be as special as I can make it. I struggle with making masculine cards, always have... Hopefully, over time, they will become easier.
I have been die-cutting with fun foam lately and have been enjoying it. I like the ready-made dimension that I get with fun-foam, and if the fun foam isn't backed with adhesive, then I usually add my own double-sided adhesive to make attaching especially very intricate die-cuts easier. However, I wasn't so smart when I cut out the "happy birthday" by Elizabeth Crafts and Quietfire, so I took a straight pin and added tiny bits of my go-to glue, Crafters Pick The Ultimate and painstakingly placed the two words onto the Pacific Point embossed cardstock. I used the silver mirror cs for the words but used matte silver cs (WITH adhesive on the back--I had die-cut the happy birthday words previously) for the birthday candles, I used a Tonic Studios Invite Insert Set, Celebration Candles. I have a number of the Invite set (bought as a set on a huge discount), and each set has a different outer edge and all are interchangeable. But I chose to use this postage stamp edge that came with this set. The numbers were cut out with green fun foam that I backed with adhesive, these are from Crafters Companion Sara Signature Birthday Party collection, it's a set of larger numbers. While these were still in the dies, I added Glossy Accents to the open portions of the numbers that were embossed to add some attention to the 16. Originally, I planned to put just one layer of the numbers but after I attached them, I wasn't satisfied, so I die-cut and added Glossy Accents to add another layer, and I was much happier with the double layer.
For the envelope, I die-cut in red fun foam the Sizzix "Happy Birthday to You" die-cut and attached it to the white envelope. I felt that the envelope needed a more festive feel, so I die-cut banners from the Taylored Expressions "Skinny Mini Party Borders" die set in green, red, and yellow. On the flap side of the envelope, I placed other banners from that same set (the tassel banner) also in fun foam in red, green, and yellow.
I hope that my nephew thought that this 16th birthday card was cool enough! I went with his favorite color of blue for the embossed layer on the base of the card. He seemed pretty happy with the card and the long, heartfelt note I wrote to him. As long as he liked it, then I am happy!!! I tend to see all of the flaws and my goal is to see fewer and fewer flaws as I continue as a card-maker. But I wonder if my standards just continue to rise as hopefully will my abilities to make a better card. We will see! But as long as the card recipient is happy and I am improving, then I have met my goals!!!
Thank you for taking time and trouble to look at my card. Know how much it means to me to be a part of this great, supportive SCS community! It is my goal to be an encouragement and a support whenever I leave a comment. When you leave a comment for me, it absolutely makes my day!!!
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 GMT Views: 1434
Favorited:4
Registered: June 18, 2011 Location: Big Island Hawai'i USA Posts: 7582
Tue, Jul 24, 2018 @ 5:04 PM
I think that you did a fantastic job making this card for your nephew! I can feel the love you put into it. The die cuts are gorgeous, colorful, even mirrored! I'm sure he felt the love you have for him, too <3
Registered: July 9, 2008 Location: Stars Fell on Alabama Posts: 75034
Tue, Jul 24, 2018 @ 7:52 PM
Well, this is a fabulous card for your Ben and you managed to get 16 wonderful candles on there, too. I use straight pins, also, for glue on tiny pieces. I love the numbers with the Glossy Accents. And, your envelope is so cheerful and colorful....love it all and I am sure Ben did, too. I know he thought it was cool enough.
------------------------------ My Blog---My Gallery---My PinterestI'm a Punchkateer! (Prez) FOREVERDirty Dozen Alumni2014 CAS Spring DT--- Inspiration Challenge Co- Hostess 12/02/17-12/28/19 Watercolor Wednesday Design Team Hebrews 13:2Brenda
Registered: February 5, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 92650
Wed, Jul 25, 2018 @ 3:11 AM
A wonderful b'day card for your special nephew, Ben. Your die cuts with the fun foam give such wonderful dimension to your design....it obviously comes in a wide range of colors too. He will be thrilled!
Registered: April 6, 2009 Location: Weyers Cave, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley Posts: 31218
Wed, Jul 25, 2018 @ 3:25 AM
First, your striped ef is perfect for a guy card! To me, the 16th birthday is a fun milestone and deserves a special card. You have certainly made this just that by using the foil for the sentiment and glossy accents to the number! Your envelope is pretty fun too!
Someone once said, "These cards we make are not Hallmark, they are Hand made." Just remember that and try not to be so hard on yourself. And Thank You for your encouraging comments on my cards! They are SO Appreciated! Hugs
------------------------------ ~Roberta
�Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.�
― Lou Holtz
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 132007
Sat, Jul 28, 2018 @ 4:31 AM
IMO making masculine cards doesn't get any easier - but it's good to keep going. I need to make a few for my stash, but they don't come naturally. I think this looks super with all that texture. The glossy accents on the foam numbers looks absolutely fabulous.
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 83888
Sun, Jul 29, 2018 @ 4:59 AM
How special to find a 16 year old boy who shows appreciation for cards - he has been raised well. Great card with super layers and colors and it works as masculine. Very well done!
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: December 4, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 16610
Sun, Jun 21, 2020 @ 5:11 PM
Oh, this is such a fabulous 16th birthday card for a young man! I love the colors, the texture and the shiny gold elements - this card looks expensive! And men love anything that looks expensive- think cars! How fun. And what a fun envelope this is too. I know your nephew loved this card his "favorite' aunt made for him with lots of heart and soul! Thank you so much for your glowing comments on my retro kitchen card too- you are so kind and I appreciate it so much! ~Karen M.