Tutorial for TKJ - Men's Cards

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Here is my tutorial for this month at The Kraft Journal.

More making cards for men ...

Fonts – chose an easy to read, print font.  Cursive fonts, unless very simple, are too “fancy” – just ask him !

Paper – Graphic 45 has the most fabulous paper for men, and you will usually find it on the “B” side.  A good decision maker for you is, does this look like a formal tie ?  If it does, it will work for a more formal type card.  On the other hand, does it look like a flannel shirt ?  If so, it would probably be a great choice for a more casual card.  If you have or find paper that reflects his hobbies or interests, it will be manly already.  

Ribbon – a dark formal type ribbon could be used but skip the bow !  You may try a knot in the middle, or the two ends tied in a knot, or just add a simple ribbon across the card either direction.  You can however use a small bow if you are using hemp or jewelry cording, think of shoe lace bows.

Distressing – if your guy is like mine, he has some old blue jeans he lives in.  Coredinations offers a huge choice in colors, and cores of different colors.  Kraft and brown always show up as a distressed choice for men - think of worn wallets, pockets, belts, driving gloves and Hush Puppies.

Stamps & Digitals – you really don’t have to look too hard to find stamps and digital images for men.  Again, stay with a simple font for your sentiment.  Skip the cutsey animals and children, and botanicals, unless you are looking at a good sturdy tree.  You won’t have difficulties if you stick with the same ideas that you see in men’s advertising – sports and the outdoors, if he truly likes those things already.

Here is a Halloween card for a guy – note the distressing, the striped “tie” paper, the worn wallet paper framing the skeletal image, the skull & crossbones design paper, the “sports” ticket, and the simple sentiment font. From last month’s tutorial, I worked from a straight foreward sketch, with sharp right angles. I also used some recycled packaging and an old shower scrubby to evoke more of a “used and comfortable” feeling, and to add some texture.

Next month we will conclude this mini-series with a raft of fun embellishments for guys !  

From The Kraft Outlet - Lunch bag notecard, black & kraft background paper, Halloween sticker, and ticket.

Digital "wallet" paper - Designer Digitals

Design Paper - Bo Bunny

Ink - Ranger

Sentiment - Reminisce

Brads - stash

Recycled packaging framing the sticker, and recycled shower scrubby, cut and painted 

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