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19 March 2011

Week 7 Theme Challenge - Masculine!

What wonderful entries there were last week and how very inventive you all are. It has been so rewarding to see so many participants submitting several cards as confidence grows and imaginations are sparked.  
It's practically a full time job for us to visit you all, but this week we were delighted to receive comments from lots of you on our personal blogs.We truly appreciate this and hope that you will continue to visit us.Thank you so much!

Our challenge this week is a 'bete noir' for many of us, so in the true spirit of challenges our theme this week is

A MASCULINE card

As ever, we would ask you to observe our guidelines above in creating your card for a man.

For this card, I used a stamp from the Stampin' Up Studio Sketches set, stamped in Chocolate chip ink onto ivory card. I wondered about inking around the edge of the image whilst in the die, but after consideration decided to leave it plain.
 This Spellbinders Label set (no 12) comprises 6 dies, each one just over 1 cm smaller than the next largest in the set. This gap seemed too large a border for my image to I decided to do a little inventive trimming.
Modifying Die cuts
  • Firstly I cut a spare shape the same size as the one for my image.
  • Next I cut the mount for my image using the next size larger die.

  • I attached the spare card to the mount using a dab of  re-positionable glue. I put it in one corner leaving the appropriate size border that I wanted for the finished mount on two sides.

  • Then I placed the same die I had used for cutting it, around the next corner using the spare card as a guide, and put it through my Cuttle bug,(corner to be cut facing toward the machine) and wound it through just enough to cut that corner and then wound it back. 

  • I then turned the card once more, placed the die around the next corner, and with that corner facing the machine just wound it through enough to cut that corner and then wound it back once more.
  • I repeated the process for the final corner.


I also did a bit of jiggling with my sentiment tags. Previously I'd never managed to get a mount for a tag, but using the same process I did it today.
    I stamped the sentiment, die-cut it with the appropriate gap on one side, then moved it along the die and re-cut, just winding through the Cuttlebug enough to cut one end then winding back!

    I did the same with the larger tag for the mount!
    You must excuse my badly scarred cutting plate, but it's seen a lot of wear!






    And now it's over to me Mandi

    Masculine cards are probably the ones we find most difficult.
    I have decided to show a simple option for those times we need to make a card where the man has
    no hobbies, doesn't like sport, doesn't drink! Yep aren't they a pain!
    Us girlies are so much easier to cater for eh!

    So what do we do for men!
    I think a bit of texture, pattern or colour goes a long way.



    I had originally decided on strips of textured embossed card in black and white, then as I was searching I found my Fleur de Lis [FDL] embossing folder and 'ting' remembered my FDL die cuts!
    And this happened
    So black or white....I don't know which I prefer, I keep changing my mind!

    The font I used is called
    Abaddon
    you can find it here

    A little mention about placement.
    The sentiment is off centre, and I placed the FDL off centre too, but bringing it in about the same distance from the edge as the Happy Birthday, giving balance
    For the white example, I offset the large FDL die cut, rather than placing the whole thing onto the card. It creates a different effect i think!


    As always we would like to to continue to visit fellow participants blogs to leave a friendly comment. With the growing popularity of our challenges, we are finding it increasingly difficult to get to everyone's blog, but we have just about managed to date. If numbers increase radically we may have to share the commenting between us and so your commenting will be even more welcome.

    71 comments:

    1. Great cards as always Chrissie and Mandi. Such a difficult theme, hope we can all inspire each other!

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    2. A toughie this week - masculine AND clean and simple!Great idea to get our brains working though.
      Diane xx

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    3. eeekkk Im running for the hills at the mere thought at trying to make a masculine card lol
      Wonderful cards Mandi and Chrissie!

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    4. Great cards as always Chrissie and Mandi.

      Sandra

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    5. Ooh this is a challenge ladies! I love your samples and as always the tips too. I'm loving this early morning Saturday crafting, wonder how long I can keep it up?

      Love
      Victoria
      x

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    6. Masculine card huh? TRICKY but we probably all have to tackle a guy card now and then - this'll be a great challenge!

      Kathyk

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    7. Oh No. I really struggle with masculine.

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    8. Thanks for the challenge - fab theme. Had to get out of bed to create and was enjoying a lie in!

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    9. This is the one I was hoping wouldn't come up, as I find cards for men really difficult! But, as you say, it's a challenge, so why not! So I'm looking forward to getting lots of inspiration from all the wonderful entries which I'm sure will arise from it, and, Chrissie and Mandi, you've given us two fantastic examples to start with. Lynne x

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    10. Oh my goodness, are you trying to push us over the edge .... masculine! Thanks for a fabulous challenge. xx

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    11. Hi Girls
      gorgeous cards as always, will try n not be so late this time, Chrissie so you get marks on your cards from all them scrathes?? i do???
      Feel free to say what ya like on me cards, i will never take offence, i quite look forward to them, still aimin for an A+!! pmsl, sue,x

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    12. LIM is now my first port of call on a Saturday nearly had a fit when i woke at 8.10 this morning hubby was whats the matter with you and i was saying its LIM its LIM Oh my is there a self help group that comes with the challenge :D wonderful inspiration as always girls. Looking forward to seeing everyones creation. I must admit i love making male cards.

      Ali x

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    13. Your cards are absolutely stunning and many many thanks for the tip on die cutting the labels and tags. I've been trying to use scissors and it's always a disaster, off to try your technique
      Beryl x

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    14. Thank you for another great challenge, I am in awe of the beautiful entries every week. Lots of wonderful creativity. xx Jan

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    15. Great challenge again - and thanks for the tips with the die cutting - most inventive - and I think people would understand if you split the commenting between you and we got visit from either of you rather than both, otherwise you will be spending all your time blogging and no time creating - and we cant have that can we?

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    16. I'm in the middle of making a girlie card so my challenge card will have to wait a little while. That's just as well because I might then gain some inspiration from somewhere. Thanks for this challenge which will certainly challenge me. Hazel x

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    17. Thanks for taking the time to visit us all and leave comments! I'm sure no one would mind if you shared the load and visited half and half.

      Great challenge this week, looking forward to seeing what everyone makes!

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    18. oh dear I was going to use the image from last week when 'masculine' came up !
      Never mind the creative cogs are churning already! Thanks again for a brilliant challenge blog x

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    19. Love your cards! Great challenge! I´ve added mine :)

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    20. Now, this is a challenge - off to put on my thinking cap - but it may be a while!! Looking forward to seeing all the cards.

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    21. Great Cards again, Love the Wee Tutorial Thanks for sharing, Love Hazelxoxo

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    22. Wahoo . . . sorted!
      Hugs, Sandra x

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    23. Hi
      managed to do a card not to inspired....... but linked it ok Chrissie......
      hugs
      sylvie
      Some stunners again
      xx

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    24. MMmmmmm gonna have to have a think for this one...good to get the old brain working tho!

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    25. Thanks Mandi & Chrissie for another great challenge. I am hopeless at 'men' cards but have given it a try.!!!
      Maureen...........x

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    26. Fab cards once again, this challenge really makes me think hard! Jo x

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    27. BEAUTIFUL cards. Love this site. Everyone has such a different outlook on the topic it is interesting to see where they take it. Keep up the good work, everyone!!!

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    28. Oh my a masculine card....my pet hate. I had my idea all ready for this week and then saw the challenge. Be nice to see all the inspiration for male cards I think we all struggle with those.Good luck everyone, nice cards C&M too :O) Viv xx

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    29. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm might be a while to get his one done! lol

      Thank you for the challange though, keeps us on our toes!

      Sam x

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    30. Can I give a tip about dies please don't know if any one knows this but you saying about the edge being to wide I thought I would share when using dies like nesties cut out your die as you would then make your mat by drawing around the very outer edge of the same nestie on your contrasting colour mat cut around this with a pair of scissors and hey presto you have a slightly larger piece of card to put your original onto it does work as I used it a few times hope you don't mond me sharing love the card BTW
      Jacki xx

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    31. I guess I'm not the only one who struggles with masculine cards!

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    32. You all are doing such an awesome job! Great tutorial too. I had a brain smack - explained on my blog -- lol Thanks girls- fun as usual

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    33. Yes, I have to say I've done that Jacki, and if you run your embossing tool round the edge, it gives a polished effect
      Thanks for sharing
      mandi

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    34. Another great theme, super examples as well

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    35. Another great challenge Chrissie and Mandi - thank you!

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    36. Another great challenge idea - just had a look through the cards so far and some really good ideas there. Hope you like my entry - I thought of the waistcoast stamp as soon as I saw the challenge was masculine!

      Helen x

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    37. Sorry to have made a mess with my entry....I so hate to put people to trouble. I really appreciate your comments, and look forward to getting a little cleaner and simpler for next time. Thanks again. Hugs lin

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    38. hi ladies, glad I got to join in this week, loving your cards!!! wasn't brave enough last week for one step challenge .. LOl :) xx

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    39. Hi Chrissie and Mandi,
      Both your cards are gorgeous! And there are some fab entries already. I must get myself organised and try to join in x

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    40. Mmm and here's me thinking what great Ladies you are and then you go and spoil it all by doing a Male card challenge.
      Mandi I like the black better.
      Been to the GNPE today and found myself looking for stamps that would be suitable for your challenges, how sad is that. Only got 1 though, probably won't get to use it either.
      Thanks to both of you.

      Kath x

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    41. Hi Thanks for choosing my off the edge fairy card to go into the ShowCASe, I am so thrilled. Sorry to say I may have accidently deleted your email, acting upon strict instructions from son's - don't open anything you don't recognise! I'll watch out for it arriving, thanks again. Caz

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    42. Fab cards again ladies and great tips too.

      I made it in good time this week too lol

      Kerry x

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    43. Wow... So many really lovely cards well done every one.

      Em

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    44. Morning ladies, wow are you busy ladies! Great posts from you both with interesting and useful info. Well done, ikki

      Not sure why, but the clip of my card seems to have been cropped and yet it's okay on my blog?!?!!?

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    45. Thanks for all the tips on your post and your cards. This was really inspiring as I always struggle with these cards but I've loved doing this one and feel my cards for men will be better now. Thanks Cherry XXX

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    46. You ladies have really created something here! So many inspiring cards every week! I just saw that you ShowCASed my card from last week. What an honor! I'm smiling from head to toe! Thanks for the challenges and all the comments too!

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    47. Great cards ladies and thanks for the tips with the bug.
      Linbyx

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    48. Great challenge and wonderful inspiration from the DT. Thank you for the tutorial, this is so useful!

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    49. great challenge girls....hugs kath xxx

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    50. Another week for me just to look & pick up inspiration..........I don't need any male cards until much later in the year :)
      Some good ideas for me to try out later!!

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    51. I am loving your challenges & have just made my second card for the "masculine" challenge.
      Fiona Platzer

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    52. Great samples from you both - interesting that you both went essentially monochrome!

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    53. Thanks Chrissie for your support and encouragement, I'm back with another try with a tree frog card. Hugs lin

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    54. Loving the FDL die cut1 and thanks for the little tips on move DC very effective1

      love Dawn x

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    55. Thanks for a great chall. def. had me thinking cap on BUT may have got too many layers girls let me know what you think plz???

      smiles Christine xx

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    56. You,ve got a great thing going here, not surprised it's difficult for you. I'm sure we'd all appreciate any feedback whenever you can but understand how time consuming it is. In the meantime I think everyone's on board with the commitment to commenting.

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    57. Sorry girls should av gone to spec savers?LOL I'll read the rules nxt time...thanks so much for your comms..I was surprised to see so many challs my creation fitted..

      smiles Christine xx

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    58. This week I knew exactly what I wanted to do....just didn't turn out as expected oh-hum! never mind, the challenge was good fun!!
      Many thanks
      Diane x

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    59. Enjoyed doing this challenge, Hopefully this means i got my mojo back and i can join in more often
      Wendy x

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    60. You ladies rock! and so does the community you built with this challenge. It is so popular!!!!

      #justsaying :-)

      Well done.

      cheers,
      Malyn at ThinkInkCreative

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    61. Hello Ladies...thanks for the continued hard work and blogathan hopping. Great work...

      Sarah

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    62. Hello,

      Again an interesting challenge and great designs. Thanks for all your hard work with us. :)

      Sending a nice sunny spring hug from Slovenia to all ladies on this challenge and especially Chrissie & Mandi,
      Aleksandra

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    63. Hi Chrissie and Mandi this is my first time with your challenge which I love BTW! Hope you like my card and I will be playing along again too!

      Tina
      X

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    64. Hi Girlies, Thanks for all your hard work in arranging these challenges, I,m really enjoying taking part, and looking forward to the next one. Please dont be afraid to criticise my cards, if you think something could be done better. xx

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    65. What a great challenge...always. I'm glad to add a masculine to my stash.

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    66. Well it was certainly a Challenge, CAS & Male
      My brain had to brush out some sawdust for this one for sure...lol
      hugs Mau XX

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    67. Nao estou participando deste tema... mas retornarei num futuro! Quero testar mais este estilo!!!

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    68. Your cards are brilliant ladies. A great challange this week, the first one I have ever entered. This has certainly helped me with inspiration for male cards, thank you. Tracey x

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    69. I must say how friendly everyone is here. I have had 8 lovely comments on my card since I posted it 12 hrs ago - thank you!!!

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    70. Loved all the Cards great Inspiration, thanks.
      Really enjoyed this Challenge as I usually struggle making cards for Men and this Challenge came up just at the right time as it is for my Husbands Birthday.

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