A Man of Knowledge w/Stamp Simply

There are SO many great stamp sets, dies and products waiting for you at Stamp Simply.  Today I'm sharing a fun masculine card which, if you know me, is a rare thing.  I really struggle when making cards for guys.  In fact, when my hubby asks me for a card for a guy friend; he usually ends up telling me, "that's too feminine".  LOL  But this card using a few awesome products from Stamp Simply is the perfect encouragement card for any male (or female, actually).  Here's how I made this one.

I used a light kraft cardstock to pressure emboss my frame using the Sizzix 3-D Lumber Embossing Folder.  Next, I used the smaller square found in the Praying Hands Dies to cut out the missing square from my lumber frame.  I dirtied the Lumber background using various ink mediums.  I used a piece of white cardstock to stamp the books found in the Man of Knowledge Stamp Set.  I stamped the books twice, and I painted them using oxide inks.  On the second (right hand side) layer of books, I used the Man of Knowledge Dies to cut the books, and I raised them up using 3-D Foam Tabs.

I'll let you all in on a little secret regarding this card.  I was attempting to add A LITTLE BIT of brown edging around the frame and edges.  A little bit, right?  Well, this has NEVER happened to me before; but as I was adding some color with a dark brown Copic, the Copic EXPLODED ink everywhere.  Big blotches, splotches and messes.  What to do?  Well, I wasn't about to start over, so I added more of it everywhere to make it look like it was done on purpose.

The sentiment I used is also found in the Man of Knowledge Stamp Set.  I fussy cut it, layered it on light kraft cardstock, and then used my cut-out square scrap to back the sentiment with that same Lumber Embossing Folder background using the Fishtail Banner Dies.  I was able to get lots of great texture while adding lots of great color as well.  Who ever said that guy's cards can't still be colorful?  Right?  There are so many fun stamp sets at Stamp Simply, and this one is really awesome.

No matter what type of card you're looking to create, I'm sure that Stamp Simply will have several options to help you.  Be sure to visit the Stamp Simply Blog and Instagram Page for lots of inspiration and to find out about special sales and promotions.  I'm so grateful to have you visit me.   By the way, this is the card that inspired my creation.  I just love being inspired by the art of others.  Don't you?

I'm sharing my card here:

Can You Handle the Pressure Challenge Blog - January: Anything Goes/Friendship - I used a Sizzix Lumber Embossing Folder on my card.

Blessings,

Karen