So I put a question mark at the end of my blog title because I’m trying to decide if this card counts as “masculine” or not.  It definitely isn’t flowery, or pink, or have lots of lace and bows.  So I think it counts.  But take a look and you can decide for yourself.

Have I mentioned yet that I’m having a total love affair with Island Indigo right now?  Some of my favorite cards highlight Island Indigo and I’m already feeling like 8 months isn’t enough time to love this color before it’s term as an In Color ends.  So, hopefully you don’t mind it because you’ll be seeing a lot more I’m sure!

This was a quick card that I made to show a few of the new items in the Holiday catalog including:

* the woodgrain embossing folder

* the 7/8” Cotton ribbon

* the Affection Collection stamp set

I was in a rush and so I didn’t want to wait for the ink to dry if I stamped on the ribbon; so instead I stamped next to the ribbon.  I also grabbed the awesome Decorative Label punch and stamped and sponged the sentiment.  Then I took two more punchouts of the same shape and cut them to give me the matting I wanted for the sentiment.  (If you don’t already know how that works, let me know and I can put together a video to share it!)

My favorite thing about this card is how the Early Espresso sponging around the Friends sentiment layered over the Cajun Craze matting somehow makes it look like the edges are rounded and dimensional!

PS – Did you hear the other announcements from Stampin’ Up! yesterday?

3 stamp sets that you can buy individuals stamps out of… lowered printing prices with My Digital Studio…and a survey to help Stampin’ Up! pick a project kit to offer in the near future!  Check out this blog post to see all the details!

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products Anytime, click here!

Check out the 2012 Holiday Catalog

Are you earning your Northwest Stamper Rewards? Every order gets you closer to your FREE stamp set! Click here to learn more!

Masculine Friends Card Recipe
Stamps: Affection Collection
Ink: Island Indigo, Early Espresso
Paper: Very Vanilla, Island Indigo, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso core’dinations cardstock
Accessories: Big Shot, Woodgrain embossing folder, 7/8” cotton ribbon, decorative label punch, sponge daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals