I’m very happy when I can make a masculine appropriate card that does not involve fishing, golfing or some other kind of sport. LOL!

For this card I used more subdued shades of green and a kraft-colored ink to slightly brighten up things. I love the artsy look of the brushstroke stripes in these colors. The stripes slightly overlap each other and are paired with the brushstroke “happy birthday” sentiment from Avery Elle. I stamped the birthday sentiment and ink blots (also from the same Avery Elle stamp set) in Versamark ink and then heat embossed them using gold embossing powder. The two stamp sets really complement each other and the gold embossing powder gives the card a richer look.

My inspiration for this card came from Maile Belles. She is on the design team for Papertrey Ink and she designed the brush stroke stamps I used for this card. I love Maile’s creations. She has a very identifiable style which I can’t fully describe. It’s part graphic, simple and straightforward. She has a great eye for just the right placement of all the elements she uses on her cards. Love her style. Maile is definitely one of several card makers who are my source for inspiration.

Supplies used in making this card:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink: Watercolor Wonder stamp set; Avery Elle: Brushed stamp set (happy birthday sentiment and ink splats)

Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 80# for card front; Papertrey Ink: Pinefeather for card front mat; Neenah Solar White 110# for the card base.

Inks: Papertrey Ink: Ocean Tides, Classic Kraft, Aqua Mist, and Pinefeather; Versamark ink.

Other: WOW embossing powder in Gold Rich Pale (for the sentiment and ink splats).