I love being able to create a card on the fly and I almost always need more easy handmade birthday cards for those last minute “I didn't know his/her birthday was today!” moments. This card is pretty cute on its own but can also serve as a super fast and easy base for stepped up cards. Come back in a couple of days to see one example!
First let's take a peek:
Simple, maybe a little plain, kinda sorta great for a birthday card for a guy…..
So a few little details about this card that makes it one of the super easy cards to whip out…….. First, that background with its lovely subtle texture was made stamping the new Drybrush background stamp with Smoky Slate a SECOND time – stamping off is the widely used term – from the background I used on this card. Stamping off gives you the same terrific details and the same color, just in shade one degree lighter than the original image. I use this technique a lot for when I really want the same exact color in that lighter version to keep the coordination but just soften the image a bit.
Second, I used just the detail piece of the the super cool new Plaid Builder dies to make that grid. And by turning it slightly from straight, I got some “movement” on the card which gives a lot of visual interest with no added materials. Angles love curves and placing angles off center with curves gives even more impact!
And third, I used a little known but popular PRO TIP to create the element that the greeting is stamped on. When you get your stamp sets, they come with a backing on each piece that you peel off to mount your stamp. I save those pieces in the container with the stamps when they are interesting shapes or outline the greeting in a way I like. Then stamp the image, place the sticker over that and trace lightly with a pencil. Fussy cut and erase any pencil marks with a white art eraser (to prevent smudging).
I also added the greeting with dimensional adhesive to make it seem like it was floating above that grid. Again, using just a couple of colors makes the different elements stand out.
So as I said, this card skews a little more masculine. But by adding just a few extra things you can change the whole vibe of this project so be sure to check back soon for a fresh version of this same project!
In the meantime, order those things you know you are going to want to play with right here:
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Here's a handy pin for you to save to your board where you keep your quick and easy card ideas.
Be sure to check back to see the modifications I make to this – I am betting you will want to run and start churning your own easy handmade birthday cards by the TON!
