Monday, April 19, 2010

Kraft Week Day 1: Rustic Dude Kraft

So, Mary Dawn of the awesome blog My Pink Mexico challenged me to use more kraft. I mean, really challenged me! Of course, I couldn't resist a challenge, so I went for it. Hook, line, and sinker.

Especially the sinker part. At times, I felt like I was drowning in brown. But it was SOOOOO worth it. *frabjous joy!*

And you're gonna LOVE Mary Dawn's kraft creations, too! She's the Kween of Kraft. I'm merely a pretender.

We decided on a different theme for each day this week, and today's theme is Rustic Dude Kraft. I'm pretty sure this took longer than any single card I made for the whole week. But it makes me so very happy!


OMG, sponging and distressing on one card! Please acknowledge that you know how HARD this was for me!!!! In fact, most of this week's posts stretched my creative horizons.

Stretching is important, you know. But not too far, of course. This is still clean and simple.

Each kraft square (1 3/8" square) is stamped with Close to Cocoa with a different background stamp, some of which I have hardly ever used. The screen background, for instance. I was considering giving that stamp away. It'll be harder now. Much harder.

Anyway, I sponged each square on all four sides and distressed only the tops and bottoms by running the cardstock over a scissor blade. Then I attached all four squares with glue to a natural cardstock base, added the twine and button (lawsy, that was a pain to figure out) and stamped the sentiment in more close to cocoa.

To attach the button, I wrapped the twine around the card and ran both ends up through the holes in the button. I put a glue dot where I wanted the button and pulled the ends of the string down until the button was stuck. Then I tied a knot.

I just love the texture of this card. It positively SCREAMS dude, don't you think? With a monochromatic color scheme, texture adds interest. So does that button. Making this card helped me realize I'm really short on interesting brown buttons, though. Wouldn't it look even better with a PTI rustic vintage button instead of the SEI plain one? And in retrospect, I think it would have looked awesome with a dark blue or red button with the sentiment stamped in the same color.

Someone please make that variation on the card so I can see what it would look like with a dark-colored button and sentiment. I'd be grateful.

GIVE-AWAY Details

Mary Dawn and I will choose one random commenter for the week to receive our prize. What is the prize? Well, it's a Crop-o-Dile II BIG BITE and a $25 gift certificate to Papertrey Ink! YES!

To enter, comment on at least one of the Kraft Week posts (one comment per post, of course). Mary Dawn will post five times, and so will I. That gives you ten entries for the drawing if you comment on all the Kraft Week posts. The more posts you comment on, the more chances to win!

Supplies
stamps: PTI Simple Little Things; four random background stamps
paper: PTI natural, kraft
ink: close to cocoa
accessories: twine (PTI), button (SEI), scissors, sponge

147 comments:

  1. ohhh-can't wait for all the krafty inspiration-wonderful first day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is GORGEOUS... in a manly sort of way! Thanks for (once again) inspiring me... your cards are awesome :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well I'd say it screams classy dude. Wonderful, wonderful card. So glad you're doing this - it gives me hope that I can stretch my wings too. I'll take you up on your challenge as soon as we get home this afternoon. Looking to you and Mary's week of posts with eagerness.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I struggle, as many do, to create dude cards. You did a great job. Should be an exciting week!! can't wait.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like that card and I think it looks gorge with the simple brown button. All chocolatey! Mmm... Chocolate... Teehee. x

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is a fabulous card!! I love it! I have a hard time with kraft so I cannot wait to see what you guys have in store for us!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love kraft - what a fun idea! Nice card, too -- and it would be fun to do in a range of button/sentiment colors for a nice little set, no? Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so excited, since Kraft and CAS are 2 of my favorite design elements. I can't wait to see what this week holds.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow, Susan, this is genius. What a clean, good-looking, but still masculine card. I'm always lamenting not having men stamp supplies --- and then you show us a card I don't need a single extra thing for. And it's a beauty. I think even a man would look at this and say "Oh! Nice!" Thanks for a new look for dude cards! And I love ideas for using kraft CS!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I LOVE Kraft...I'm so looking forward to this week...double the Krafty inspiration!!

    Love this dude card, the different textures, string and button!!
    Such a shame close to cocoa is retiring :(

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this card! (ok, I love all your cards), but I LOVE all the texture that is in this one. And I always struggle making cards for my guys. Thanks for the inspiration. Can't wait to see the rest.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my word, this is simply amazing. All your cards are amazing, this one is just so fresh. Love all the details.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love kraft as well and look forward to catching up with what you do with it. When I first saw your card I thought a red button would be nice as well (maybe this is because I have way too many red buttons?!). Might just take you up on the challenge to have a go at it tommorrow if I get the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  14. You chose the perfect combo of textured stamps to make this really rustic. I love kraft and like what you did with it.

    Btw... today on my blog I posted a card using my most hated color, since you were brave enough to make one with your "fairy vomit".

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm always looking for ways to make guy cards that are CAS instead of vintage. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love the twine and button! So very nice and masculine--something we all need inspiration for. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great job! I love kraft cs but ALWAYS have a hard time with masculine cards. I'm looking forward to what you and Mary Dawn come up with!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sponged and distressed yes, but it looks elegant to me :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very nice guy card - and I think it would look good in dark greens/blues to make a little set.
    Thanks for the inspiration

    ReplyDelete
  20. love your idea and am going to try a variation this very day! kraft is my "go to" color anyway along with pti ocean tides. thanks for a chance to win and inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great kraft card, Susan. I'm going to stalk your blog this week...gotta see how you handle something so outta the box!
    Diane
    PS...I dare you to use a kraft card base!

    ReplyDelete
  22. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    An entire week of kraft creations!! I can hardly stand it.

    Love today's card - so many options. Ugh I wish I weren't leaving for work in ten minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Terri (blindstamper)April 19, 2010 at 8:42 AM

    My biggest thought is...wonder how many versions she'll get with a dark-color button? Probably lots and lots! Nice job...very impressed with distressing on a CAS card...and so great for men!

    ReplyDelete
  24. So not you, but so you. KWIM? You should keep the screen background stamp. Just sayin'.

    ReplyDelete
  25. You two are gonna kill me this week. I love this stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Well you certainly don't look like a pretender to me!! Sheesh Susan, this is beautiful in all it's masculine goodness!! You never fail to amaze! This sounds like it is going to be a fun week!! Can't wait. Now I'm off to mexico ... I hear it's pink or something :-) Oh yeah, and holy moly on the prize ... count me in 10 times :-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh I really like it!! I love the use of the background stamps!!

    Thanks so much for sharing!
    ~KristinaH

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love kraft, especially the way you used it. Can't wait to see the rest of your kraft kreations!

    ReplyDelete
  29. this will be a fun week. And I think you're right.... this card would also look great with a pop of navy.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love kraft cardstock and can't wait to see what both of you come up with. I like how each of your squares uses a different stamp.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I struggle with masculine cards -- this is great inspiration! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oooo, love it. Kraft week! I'm just beginning to get into the swing of kraft and so I'm really looking forward to inspiration from my CAS guru. Hev:)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oooh, I love me some kraft! Good to see you embracing it! :D

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oooo! This is going to be a fun week!

    ReplyDelete
  35. This would make a great card for a guy! Will definitely be using this idea.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What an awesome card for a man!! Something I think most of us have a hard time with. I might have to use this idea in the future. :0)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I think it looks great the way it is. It is always good to stretch oneself, is it not :<)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great dude card! LOVE the jute and button too! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I learn something every day by looking at your blog. The "Dude" card has wonderful texture.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I agree with what Francie said - so not you but so you! This is an awesome masculine card! I love Kraft - this is going to be a fun week!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow. It looks like you can just reach out and touch those different textures--they look so real. Nice man card for sure.

    Donna H.
    2realtors@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh, you've made the ultimate DUDE card, Susan! Fabulous! I can't wait to see what the rest of this week brings! Thanks for the chance for an awesome prize as well - I need that corner chomper, and a first purchase from PTI. THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oops - previous comment should not be "anonymous" -
    Iriseyes

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am loving those background stamps! I collect them myself and am often at a loss as to how to use them. But you did a fine job; I'll have to remember this for later (ha!).

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm starting to love kraft way more now!! This is a great card. can't wait to see what else you have come up with for the rest of the week.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Kraft paper is such a natural way to decorate cards. Love that you are using it!

    ReplyDelete
  47. The texture on this is fantastic. It makes me want to run my hands along the squares.

    It's great to see you experimenting and expanding your creativeness!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wow, what a great masculine!! I really love the whole look of it.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love all the texture stamped onto those four little squares of paper. Amazing! The twine and button are the perfect finishing touch.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh no, I wouldn't change a single thing about this card. You hit ultimate perfection EVERY time, and have nailed the trick of not having to second-guess yourself. Sure, different colored button and twine we would ALL do, but you know better and do what the rest of us wouldn't even think to try.

    I don't own a single background stamp and have ALWAYS wondered why anyone would. Now I can't wait to get the set you used. I don't own a single sheet of craft either.

    Just when I worry you might run out of ideas, you take a whole brand new road. SUCH fun.

    Thank you, and Pink Mexico too, whose site I've been enjoying. she is ALSO an enabler!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. What a great, simple masculine card! I think it should appeal to a broad range of ages too.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Wow, this is an incredible guy card! Great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. The card looks great and I really like the background stamps you used on the browns.

    ReplyDelete
  54. JUST LOVE IT.....you are now the rustic kraft queen.

    ReplyDelete
  55. What a great guy card. I love the layout.

    Diane M

    ReplyDelete
  56. Perhaps you feel stretched out, but the end result is a fabulous card. I will be making a version of this for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Very nice! And you are right, I think some dark red would look fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  58. OMG Susan this is so unlike anything I have seen you create before. I certainly acknowledge that you really are pushing your boundaries in a big way. Boy oh boy have you made one hell of a dude card (I struggle using the word dude if you get my meaning Susan .. but it is so right!)
    Now have I got enough bg stamps to try this with maybe a red button and twine?
    TFS

    ReplyDelete
  59. I'm not a great fan of Kraft either but your card has changed my mind.
    I said to myself "Wow, that's so COOL!"
    I know I just dated myself, but who cares.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Wow, it is so hard for me to come up with masculine cards and this one sure speaks "male" Think I am going to love this Kraft week.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Kraft makes me happy and I LOVE all of the texture stamped on this rustic charming card!

    Andrea McCulley
    prayalways421@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Great dude card!! I sat down last night to make a dude card and nothing happened :(
    Still your usual elegant style even though you felt stretched!! Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  63. You sponged??? AND distressed??? And made a perfect guy card! :D I am awaiting my first ever order of kraft cs, so this is going to be a great week for inspiration. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Kraft. Love it. Can't craft without it!

    ReplyDelete
  65. love the patterns in each of the squares! love the distressing, too! great card!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Male cards are difficult for me to make, not only because they are male, but because I don't get much practice at them, having so few male relatives. {sigh}

    I do really like this card, could be done in blues, greens, and blacks as well for a male recipient, but I understand the challenge. Can't wait to see what else you make this week. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. I'll be looking at this one for a long time for every little detail. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  68. I think you got the "dude" part down pat. Very masculine but still very clean and simple. Very fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Sponging and distressing and kraft - oh my! I use kraft a LOT with just about every color family. But, I had not thought about all brown - I love it!

    By the way, Susan, I saw that Ghostbusters was on TV this weekend and watched it again after your post about total protonic reversal.... lots of laughs!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Wow, this card is so awesome! Great masculine card, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  71. This is a perfect guy card. Why does it take us so long to figure out masculine cards? I see you are easing into the kraft card stock. Little by little it will grow on you.

    ReplyDelete
  72. This is what I call gutsy......love this and I understand how difficult it is to get out of your comfort zone. Great jobQ

    ReplyDelete
  73. WoW, I love this! A fabulous "Dreaded Man Card!" I wish I thought of this ... it's awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love this card...heck I love all your cards. Your blog is one I check on every morning. :) Your blog has the perfect name...Simplicity because that is why your cards are so appealing.

    ReplyDelete
  75. What a fantastic card!!! Love your brown distressed squares! Can't wait to see what you and Mary Dawn do the rest of the week :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Great card!! You used two of my favorite cardstocks on this one. Simply wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Love the distressed Kraft idea and love all of your ideas. Mistresspage

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love kraft. I tend to use PTI kraft paper with SU soft suede ink. Works for me. And I love it with white. Can't wait to see what this week holds. I'd sure love to win the prize!!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. This does scream Dude! but in a very classy way. So many elements going on and you must know by now how much I love elements-lol! It's the little things that count, right? Well, you hit the nail on the head with this one, Chickie :)

    ReplyDelete
  80. OMG - I JUST bought some kraft AND Close to Cocoa cardstock and one of the very first stamp sets I ever purchased was a used Bitty Backgrounds. I am so totally going to use your design and make a retirement card for out CFO. Thanks once again for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Wow, so NOT what I expected from you - I can hear you stretching from here - just don't snap! Love the Kraft inspiration and great ways to use those background stamps.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Love this card! Can't wait to see what other "krafty" things you have to share this week!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Kraft is my favorite! I'm so excited SU is introducing it as a color (under another name) so that we can get ink and other accessories in "kraft" color. Woo hoo. Lovely card!

    ReplyDelete
  84. This is great! I can't wait to see more of your kraft projects!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Very excited. Feeling inspired to use more kraft card. And this card rocks!

    ReplyDelete
  86. i LOVE kraft paper, and i LOVE this card. keep up the good work. thanks for sharing and your generosity. we love you!!
    marty ferraro

    ReplyDelete
  87. This is a great guy card! Your posts this week should be helpful to me, because I do not like kraft much--give me white any day!--but I'm sure I'm going to like what YOU do with kraft.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I love this card. I see so many people using Kraft but I'm never quite sure how to make it work. Thanks for the inspiration. I'm looking forward to this week.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I use too much kraft! Now you're enabling me to use more! Love the card. Wish I could see it up close and personal.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Love this! I can see how you have stretched to create this piece and it is fabulous! Can't wait to see what else you can do with kraft! I know you aren't into coloring so much, but I think coloring on kraft looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  91. This is fantastic!! I LOVE what you've done with this!

    ReplyDelete
  92. I really like this card! Very inspiring to create something and make it my own. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Your cards help me to work towards "simplicity". This one is a great inspiration with the use of Kraft, and the masculine feel. I am impressed with the use of the background stamps. I know that I need to make use of those stamps much more. Thanks for sharing. Your work really impresses me and I definitely understand about working out of your comfort zone.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I just found your website via Splitcoast Stampers all because I saw this card and LOVED it. I know subscribe and can't wait to see more!

    Jackie
    Platte City, MO

    ReplyDelete
  95. I always seem to use kraft as a neutral card base, rather than a design element on a white card. Thanks for the inspiration...love your card!! Susan G.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Great idea to use those background stamps - love this card!

    ReplyDelete
  97. I'm just putting the finishing touches on my first-ever Kraft cs card. This has been a stretch for me, too, but I'm happy with the result.

    I really love the look of all your different background images on your card. Great job!

    ~ Rita

    ReplyDelete
  98. Lovin all that texture. Great manly card!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I love this card. I am into the western look and this is right up my alley. Thanks for all the great cards. I look for your post first thing when I open my email.
    Lady, You've got style!!
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love this combo of bg stamps! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Looking forward to many Kraft inspirations!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Susan....Love that Kraft! You go girl!

    ReplyDelete
  103. One of the reasons that I follow your blog, is the simplicity of your work - kinda works with your blog name. Anyways, I know that creating this card was out of your comfort zone, but I have to say, that I just love it! I need to make a birthday card for a friend, who is a man, and I can search no more! This is a card, I will CASE. TFS

    ReplyDelete
  104. Very dude-like texture! Do you have sore creative muscles after all that stretching?? :)

    ReplyDelete
  105. Absolutely perfect ~ love the mix of textures on one card!

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love Kraft, and your creation is a perfect fit with the theme. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  107. What a lovely way to use those background stamps! Perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Great card! Love using all those background stamps in small doses. Quite dude-iful!

    ReplyDelete
  109. What a great CAS card!!! I love it! Kraft is a great color, happy to see you enjoying it! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  110. Love the idea of Kraft week. I think it's a great color but have trouble coming up with ideas to create with it. I have no doubt that your cards will be a wonderful source of inspiration for me this week.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Oh my - can't WAIT to see what you girls do tomorrow! I absolutely LOVE this card! Great job! (and I adore PTI buttons!)

    ReplyDelete
  112. I love the different background stamps all paired up like this. And the kraft with all the white space around it: perfect guy card for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  113. linda patti tpatti@windstream.netApril 20, 2010 at 10:48 AM

    you hit it on the nail, lol... great dude card! thanks for the inspiration

    ReplyDelete
  114. You have done a good job of using kraft on a simple card. I always enjoy seeing what you do every day!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Great card! Love your use of background stamps. Mine sit lonely on a shelf, hardly ever used. This will inspire me to ink them up!

    ReplyDelete
  116. This is such a fun card. I love how manly it is. Just awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  117. I love kraft paper and this card is fabulous and very manly. I love it. thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  118. yes this is a masculine card and its obvious how difficult it must have been. you are very inspiring and the simplicity make the card easy to mail.
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  119. Great guy card, Susan! I must remember this combo when I get stuck!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Love it!!! Must remember that kraft is our friend..:)

    Lauralee
    talascam@rogers.com

    ReplyDelete
  121. i absolutely need to get some kraft ASAP! this is soooo nice and dude-y

    ReplyDelete
  122. Before I even read your post I had to jump over here and comment - that card is AWESOME. I've been lovin' kraft for a while, but it was starting to get a little boring. Not anymore! I can't wait to see what comes next!

    ReplyDelete
  123. Kraft for a week -- good idea
    Dude -- definitely good idea
    Clean card on Monday? -- yes
    Simple? -- not so sure. Sounds more complicated than simple, but I like it!

    ReplyDelete
  124. Wow... too cool, Dude! This could be for a Dude-ette too!

    ReplyDelete
  125. this is absolutely stunning! i am in love with your simple style. i ALWAYS need male card ideas. this one is the bomb.

    ReplyDelete
  126. This is so cool! I love kraft! And this one screams dude to me, too! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  127. DUUUUUUUDE! What a rad card! teehee, I couldn't resist trying to sound like Bill and Ted. I like this one; I like it alot! :)

    ReplyDelete
  128. Love the "manly" card! I like the different textures. This one's a winner!

    ReplyDelete
  129. Your blog is hilarious. I always get a chuckle when reading. And, your cards always make me envious of your talent.

    ReplyDelete
  130. I saw this card first in the SCS gallery and I was a little surprised it was yours considering the distressing. I do love how the texture of the squares contrasts with all that beautiful white space. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  131. Love your gift of humor or humour as we spell it in Canada...great card!

    ReplyDelete
  132. This is great! LOVE the rugged look!

    ReplyDelete
  133. Fun masculine card. Simple but visually interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  134. Wow! I love the simplicity and masculine feel to this card. Your simple designs are very refreshing! I just discovered your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Beautiful card (as usual)! I really liked the design. I think I will be casing it soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  136. I love, love , love this card!

    ReplyDelete
  137. This card turned out great! Fantastic job!

    ReplyDelete
  138. Love the texture on this one! Neat!
    DeniseB

    ReplyDelete
  139. The most creative use of background stamps. Oh my! Nice masculine card.

    ReplyDelete
  140. This is just wonderful. Need to get out my very neglected background stamps. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Wow, this is awesome! Very manly - one they'd put on their desk and not in the drawer! HA!

    ReplyDelete
  142. WOW!!!! I am floored. I am loving those textures. Loving. I am going in search of a crackle stamp right now! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  143. Oh, love the different stamped textures on the kraft squares! Great masculine b-day card!

    ReplyDelete
  144. Wow! I really love how simple your cards are. This is a great masculine card!

    ReplyDelete