January 04, 2010

{MTSC55} Birthday Celebration!

Our son Andrew will be celebrating his 29th birthday on Thursday so I've created this card especially for him using Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge as my inspiration for the layout.

Andy is an avid outdoorsman like his Dad so I searched through all my stamp sets to try to find something appropriate. This is Noble Deer - a retired Stampin' Up! set that has always been one of my favorites. I think it was in the catalog for several years before retiring. Here I've stamped the image and sentiment with Timber Brown StazOn ink and clear embossed.

The cardstock and designer paper are all from my scrap stash, except for the base which is retired SU In-color True Thyme. I've used the large Texture wheel and True Thyme ink to give it some interest. The distressed look isn't one I do often and not because I don't like it, but because it doesn't come easy for me to rough up the edges of the paper and smear on the ink! LOL ! But, I do think it gives this card a more masculine feel and that's what I was going for. I have added a bit of random stitching, large antique brass brads, hodgepodge hardware and twill ribbon to embellish. What do you think? A little different from my usual style isn't it?

Back to my son's birthday. . . I can't believe my youngest is going to be 29! Where have the years gone?! When our children were little, I was blessed to be a "stay-at-home mom" and remember thinking I had all the time in the world with them. Often, people would tell me to enjoy them while they're young because they grow up so fast and believe me...it's TRUE! As much as we've enjoyed watching our children mature into responsible adults, graduate from college, marry, and begin careers of their own, somedays I still wish I could rewind and relive a few days of their childhood. : )


I digress. On to the business at hand! I'm sure you're all anxious to see what special creations Mercy's Muses have for you this week:


First of all, let's give a Warm Welcome to our January Guest Muse ~ Vicki Burdick from It's a Stamp Thing!

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner
Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict
Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes!
Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper
Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly
Shannan Teubner ~ ShannanTeubner Designs
Mercy Kerin ~ Lord Have Mercy {our Queen Muse}


You're ALL invited to participate in this challenge! All you have to do is create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation to Mister Linky on Mercy's blog. Just be sure to use the keyword MTSC55 when uploading to a public gallery. Hope you can join in the creative FUN! You'll be glad you did! :D

Now, I better get this post published before I lose it and have to start over! Thanks for dropping by and have a GREAT day!

Smiles 2 U!

Quote for Today ~

"Cooking and cleaning can wait til tomorrow
For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow.
So, settle down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."
-unknown

18 comments:

Sue from Oregon said...

Pefect Man card...I need to make some of these...and great sketch too!

Lisa Foster said...

WOW this is simply OUTSTANDING! I love ever fiber!
Hugs,
Lisa

Cindy Haffner said...

Pam this is GORGEOUS!!

Sarah said...

Wow! This is lovely! It's so hard to make cards for men as well.
Sarah x

LeAnne said...

OMGosh, I wish I had this card for my nephew!!! I made him such a sissy card, I am sure he'll throw it away. This is AWESOME!!! Love the deep color & texture!

Vicki Burdick said...

OMG Pam, this is awesome! Super manly card! Happy Birthday to your son!

Marisa said...

This card is a fabulous masculine card!!! I'm sure your "baby" will love it :D You don't look anywhere old enough to have a 29 year old either!! I hear you re: them growing up too quickly. Mine aren't even teenagers yet but I feel they are growing up waaaay too quickly and I want to "freeze frame" them for a while. Just keep treasuring memories in my heart and hugging them every chance I get.

Shannan Teubner said...

Different, maybe, but girl, it's STUNNING! WOW!

Wanda Cullen said...

Wow, Pam, this is an awesome masculine card!! I'm another one who loves the distressed look but have a hard time pulling it off!

Gail S. said...

I have a hard time making masculine cards and this card is wonderful! My oldest is 29 years old so I can relate about them growing up way too fast. Have a wonderful week and don't get too mcuh snow (aren't you sick of it???)

Stef Perry said...

Such a beautiful card for an outdoorsman! Your son should really enjoy this. I totally understand your question about how did your son become 29 all of a sudden!! My only child turned 32 last summer and her children are 4 and 7, so I am thinking the same thing about her as you are about your son, plus my dear grandchildren are growing up way too quick as well LOL!!! Thank goodness we are here to see them mature!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

This man card is perfect! I love all the texture.

Pam Varnell said...

Oh Pam, what a fabulous card for your son. I can never do manly cards but I will definitely be coming back to this one to get some pointers. LOVE it!!! Hugs.

Lynn Put said...

Oh WOW this is fabulous!!! My brother who hunts would love this card! All of the textures and warm colors are perfect on this! I wish SU wouldn't have retired this set its so great.
Happy Birthday to your son!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow... such a gorgeous masculine card. Masculine cards tend to be the most difficult for me. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!!!

Unknown said...

pam...this is so stunning and wonderful! love the textures and masculine beauty of this! great colors, embossing, and distressing! thanks for another wonderful sample this week!

{{{hugs}}}
mercy

Sam said...

Great job. I love the texture and attention to detail. Hope your son has a wonderful birthday.

Kay D said...

Wow! This is the most awesome "man" card I think I've ever seen!