Masculine cards can sometimes feel tricky to design, but today I created a fabulous thank you card that strikes the perfect balance of texture, color, and timeless style. It all started with the gorgeous Timeless Plaid Designer Series Paper (DSP). This classic pattern inspired me to cut strips of varying widths and adhere them diagonally onto a panel of Basic Beige cardstock. After trimming off the excess, I layered the panel onto a rich Early Espresso mat for contrast and then popped it up on a Basic Beige card base using dimensionals.
For the sentiment, I turned to the With You In Mind stamp set, stamping “Thank You” in Early Espresso ink on a scrap of Basic Beige. The Modern Oval Punch gave it a crisp, polished shape, and I wanted to add just a bit of dimension behind it. Two additional Modern Oval shapes, punched from Early Espresso cardstock, were layered slightly offset behind the sentiment to create a subtle shadow effect. Before adhering the sentiment to the card front with dimensionals, I looped some linen thread behind it for a touch of rustic texture.
As I was working, I noticed a few Autumn Leaves die cuts in Pecan Pie, Mossy Meadow, and Crushed Curry sitting on my desk—leftovers from a previous project. They felt like the perfect finishing touch, so I arranged them around the sentiment, mainly on the left side, to add just the right amount of detail without overwhelming the design.
I love how this card turned out. Finding the right thank you card for a guy isn’t always easy, but this combination of warm neutrals, a timeless plaid pattern, and natural elements makes for a versatile, masculine-friendly design. I already know exactly who this one is going to, and I’m looking forward to sending it off with gratitude.
I created a video with the step-by-step visuals of how to create this great card. While you’re at my YouTube channel, please be sure to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel. Your support is so very appreciated.
Have you ever found yourself needing a masculine thank you card? What are your favorite colors or design elements for making one? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (Basic Beige) – 5-1/2 x 4-1/4
- 1st layer (Early Espresso) – 5-1/4 x 4
- 2nd layer (Basic Beige) – 5 x 3-3/4
- DSP strips cut in various widths
- scraps of Basic Beige for sentiment to punch out and Early Espresso for shadowing the punch (2), scraps for die cuts in Pecan Pie, Mossy Meadow, and Crushed Curry
- Inside – Basic Beige 3-3/4 x 5, Coordinating cardstock (Early Espresso) 3-7/8 x 5-1/8, and DSP 3/4 x 3-3/4
Supplies Used: