Inspire Create Share Blog Hop: It's a Guy Thing

Hello friends!  Welcome to the Inspire Create Share Blog Hop.  Or theme this month is It's a Guy Thing! I’m so excited to share this card today—it’s one of those designs that feels peaceful, powerful, and perfect for just about anyone, especially when you're looking for a masculine card idea that doesn’t feel boring or flat.

This project features the Scenic Adventure stamp and die bundle from Stampin’ Up!—a must-have if you love building serene, nature-inspired scenes. I created the soft sky background by ink blending Lemon Lolly and Petal Pink inks to capture that golden early-morning glow. The mountain and tree layers are die cut from cardstock and lightly inked around the edges for added depth and definition.

To finish it off, I heat embossed the sentiment “you’re amazing” in white—a simple, encouraging message that works for so many occasions. A few matte embellishments complete the look without distracting from the landscape.

Whether you're making a card for a birthday, thank you, or just because, this kind of outdoorsy vibe is always a hit—especially with the guys in your life!

Tips for Creating Masculine Cards

Let’s be honest—making masculine cards can feel like a creative challenge. Whether you're designing for Father’s Day, birthdays, or just a thoughtful “hello,” it’s easy to feel stumped when your go-to supplies are florals, pastels, or sparkle (I get it—I love those too!).

But masculine cards don’t have to be boring or difficult. In fact, they’re a great opportunity to stretch your creativity in new ways. Here are some of my favorite tips for designing cards with a masculine feel—while still staying true to your style!

1. Think Texture Over Pattern

Instead of floral or intricate patterns, reach for textures like woodgrain, metal, or brick. Embossing folders are perfect for this! A little texture adds interest without overwhelming the design.

2. Stick to Bold, Neutral, or Earthy Tones

Colors like navy, gray, black, brown, mossy green, and rust tend to feel more masculine. You don’t have to avoid color altogether—just go for bolds over brights, or use deep tones in small doses.

3. Go for Clean Lines and Simple Layouts

Masculine cards tend to look best with straightforward designs. Try keeping layers to a minimum or sticking to basic shapes like circles, stars, or rectangles.

4. Choose the Right Imagery

Think about the recipient’s interests. Tools, cars, mountains, wildlife, sports, or coffee themes are all great masculine options. Don’t have specific stamps? Geometric shapes, stripes, or even sentiment-only designs can be just as striking.

5. Embellish with Restraint

You don’t have to skip embellishments entirely—just use them intentionally. Consider matte enamel dots, twine, metal accents, or even staples for that rugged, industrial look.

 6. Sentiments Matter

Pick sentiments that match the tone—strong, supportive, funny, or sincere. Fonts that are bold or typewriter-style usually feel more masculine than loopy scripts.

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Final Thoughts

Masculine cards don’t have to mean dull or lifeless. With the right color palette, textures, and themes, you can create cards that feel stylish, heartfelt, and totally you.

Have a favorite tip for making masculine cards? Or a go-to color combo? I’d love to hear in the comments!

And now, don't forget to click 'Next Blog' below to continue along the hop and see what all the other talented participants created this month.

Happy Stamping!

Lisa

Stampin' Up! Supplies used: