masculine cards - nataliegramleystamps

swirled designs z fold card in 2 colors

by nataliegramleystamps | Mar 20, 2026 | card samples, color theory, die cutting, masculine cards, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

This simple birthday card starts with the fun Online Exclusive Swirled Designs bundle! This bundle comes with 10 geometric dies with ovals, diamonds, flowers and stars perfect for birthday and all occasions cards!

Measurements:
BASE: Strawberry Slush or Cloud Cover CS:
5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored at 2 1/8″, 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

Using the Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad, stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment on the lower center and then the lines image randomly on one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers around the sentiment.

Die cut the large and smaller starts from the Swirled Designs die set from the 2025-2027 In Colors DSP pack.

Using the silicone mat, I transfer my multipurpose glue into a fine tip bottle for easier application onto thin dies like these. If you are interested in this non Stampin’ Up! product – text me for the link!

Apply glue to the large star and adhere to the stamped layer.

Adhere the smaller stamps strategically around the larger star die.

Stamp the lines image in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer and then the smaller star clusters in the matching ink for your cardstock color in each of the diagonal corners.

Score the base at 2 1/8″ and 4 1/4″, fold into a Z fold fun fold card.

Adhere to the inside of the card.

Place glue 1/4″ away from the edges of the front flap of the z-fold card base and adhere the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ paper that has the die cut on it.

Adhere some embellishments to the card and it is complete! This is one of the cards we will be making this coming Monday for my Studio Stamp-a-Stack! Register and come make cards with us – this group is a lot of fun!

What is a Stamp-a-stack? Come and make as many cards as you like – pay as you leave – count up the cards you got done and pay! $2.50 per card and make one of each or two or more of the ones you like or need!

Come get creative and create some artwork of your very own Monday, March 23rd starting at 1pm – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Here is a masculine version of this z-fold just by changing out the colors!

Product List

Swirled Designs Bundle (English)

[167311]

$42.25

Swirled Designs Photopolymer Stamp Set

[167030]

$19.00

With You In Mind Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[164747]

$20.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

2025–2027 In Color™ 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[165300]

$12.50

Strawberry Slush 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165625]

$14.00

Cloud Cover 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165621]

$14.00

Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad

[165286]

$9.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$8.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Blending Brushes Storage

[160519]

$16.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Water Painters

[168253]

$13.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Swirled Designs Dies

[167032]

$28.00

Sparkle Dot Essentials

[166991]

$8.00

← using the new stampin' positioner tool more color mondays - bubble bath, pretty in pink and secret sea →

more color mondays – crumb cake, balmy blue and summer splash sneak peak

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 9, 2026 | card samples, card swap, die cutting, fun fold, In Colors, masculine cards, my favorites, online exclusives, stampin' tools, techniques

When I saw this stamp set in the Online Exclusives pre-order release I knew I would love it – I am a water baby and love the waves and the lake that I live on! So this set was perfect. These are coming in the new Online Exclusive product release in March – so this is a sneak peak!

This card is a center flap fun fold and so super easy but I LOVE the effect!

Measurements:
BASE: Crumb Cake CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at
5 1/2″ and cut from the score line down the
front from 1″ from either side.
Balmy Blue CS: 2 1/4″ x 4 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ length scraps for die cuts
2″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for the umbrella die cuts
DSP: 1 1/2″ wide scraps for beach towel

I stamped the water image on the Balmy Blue CS layer by stamping off first on my grid paper and then multiple times on the Balmy Blue to add motion and texture.

I used Balmy Blue ink and a blending brush on a scrap of 4 1/4″ wide Basic White CS.

I layered Summer Splash ink over the Balmy Blue blended area to add layers of color to the wave die.

I die cut the foam die out of Basic White CS and the wave area out of the blended Basic White colored cardstock.

I adhered the White foam to the blended area.

I adhered those wave pieces to the Balmy Blue stamped layer.

I cut the Crumb Cake base at 1″ from each side of the front of the card of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ cardstock base from the score line at the top of the card to the opening on the front section only.

I cut the wave layers to 4 1/4″ inches wide and then at 1″ from each side to create three piece.

I stamped the sand image on the three front panels of the card front in Crumb Cake ink just above where the waves will be adhered.

I adhered the three wave layers to the bottom of the card front panels.

I adhered the two side panels down to the back panel of the card.

I stamped the starfish on each corner in Crumb Cake ink and Happy Birthday sentiment in the middle in Summer Splash ink and adhered it to the middle in between the two wave panels.

I cut a 1 1/2″ piece from the Splash of Sparkles DSP and cut fringe on it end for the beach towel and saved a thin strip for the front sentiment.

I die cut the umbrella solid image in Basic White CS and the striped umbrella in Summer Splash and Basic White and alternately adhered the bands to the solid umbrella.

I adhered both to the middle front panel hanging off both sides being careful to only glue the center portions.

I stamped the sentiment on a thin strip of DSP and added it to the front.

I popped up the umbrella on Stampin’ Dimensionals on the left side only and therefore popped up the sentiment on the left side and glued it directly to the umbrella on the right side to make up the height differential.

Using the Stampin’ Blends alcohol marker Summer Splash Dark I colored five Iridescent Pearl embellishments for the card.

I adhered the pearls to the card front.

I adhered two clusters on the outside panels so you can see the pearls when the card is open and closed!

I love this simple fun fold and I LOVE this new stamp set.

Try this new stamp set when available or play with the ones you already own and create something today to warm up your day – one stamp at a time!

These stamps and dies will be released in the new Online exclusives release in March they are currently only available to demonstrators and in the starter kit so they will not be listed in the photo links below!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146982]

$14.00

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[120953]

$14.00

Splash Of Sparkles 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

[167200]

$16.50

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

[147105]

$9.00

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

[147116]

$9.00

Summer Splash Classic Stampin Pad

[163809]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Summer Splash Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[163826]

$11.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels

[158987]

$7.50

← layers of beauty - lovely color combination gift card slider fun fold →

more color mondays – pecan pie, mossy meadow and granny apple green

by nataliegramleystamps | Dec 22, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, masculine cards, more color mondays, new catalog, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays Color Challenge made me think of a masculine nature card and there is a upcoming suite in the new January to April 2026 mini catalog that fit the bill perfectly!

The new Nature’s Walk Suite is gorgeous with a great stamp set and coordinating dies but also TWO fabulous new coordinating papers and I didn’t even use those for this card! But I will make something soon to SNEAK PEAK some of the other products in this suite!

Measurements:
BASE: Mossy Meadow CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
Granny Apple Green CS: 2″ x 4″, scrap for
sentiment
Pecan Pie CS: scraps for dies and under
sentiment

Building layers applies to many things in this project – not only physical layers but layers of color depth as in the first thing I did for this card. Instead of just die cutting the leaves die from a colored cardstock I blended color on one of the Basic White layers with Granny Apple Green and Mossy Meadow inks. Then I sprayed the layer with water to color lift and create some texture! Then I die cut multiple leaves to use on the card using every inch of the pretty paper I created even if it was only a leaf or two from the die!

I stamped the smaller leaf image in Granny Apple Green in opposite corners of the other Basic White layer. Then I stamped the speckled lines image in Mossy Meadow ink around the outside of the layer.

I blended Granny Apple Green around the edges and mounted it to the inside of the card base.

I stamped a sentiment on the upper center of the layer in Mossy Meadow ink from the Nature’s Symphony stamp set.

Then I started building the layers.

I added two log dies in Pecan Pie cardstock to the lower portion of the card front and started placing leaves around the card.

I stamped the two stamps from the inside layer of the card on a 2″ x 4″ Granny Apple Green layer and blended a little color on the edges, I added two strips for the sentiment and popped it up on Stampin’ Dimensionals over the Pecan Pie dies.

I added more leaf layers around the card and the sentiment.

I adhered five Shades of Green Hexagons around the card for some color coordinated embellishments!

I also stamped the speckled lines image in Mossy Meadow (truthfully I wish I had done this first as a background to add more depth under where the leaves are but I hopefully will think of that next time LOL!

I decided to add two more leaves to balance the sentiment piece on the left side.

I added some linen thread under the sentiment piece for a little more texture!

Remember when building layers you can always add if you feel it needs a little more “something” – that’s what building layers is all about – depth and texture!

Try to make a card building layers for that depth and texture – now go and create some art of your very own – one stamp – one layer at a time!

***Reminder this is a SNEAK PEAK from the upcoming January to April 2026 catalog available to customers January 6th so the photo links below will not have any sneak peak items listed.***

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

$14.00

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[133676]

$14.00

Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161717]

$14.00

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

[147095]

$9.00

Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad

[147111]

$9.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Linen Thread

[104199]

$5.00

Shades Of Green Hexagons

[165233]

$8.00

← demonstrator swap card ideas sneak peak - nature walk suite card →

more color mondays – real red, timid tiger and old olive sketch #103

by nataliegramleystamps | May 26, 2025 | card samples, card sketches, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, embossing folders, In Colors, masculine cards, more color mondays, online exclusives, stamps ink paper

Time really does pass by so quickly! Today I am on the road celebrating my baby’s 21st birthday and settling him into the New England area for a summer internship – it seems like just yesterday I was in labor with my last child!! Today’s More Color Monday’s color challenge features the new 6″ x 6″ Regals Designer Series Paper in Real Red and Old Olive and Timid Tiger.

This is a simple sketch combining colors that are on opposite ends of the color wheel close to a triadic combo using the Celebratory Sips Suite of products from the last Online Exclusives release.

Measurements:
Old Olive CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
DSP: 3/4″ x 5 1/2″and scraps for fussy cutting
Timid Tiger CS: 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ and scrap for
sentiment

The Celebratory Sips Suite comes with a very cool mini embossing folder combo pack
GLASS & GARDENS EMBOSSING FOLDER
– 2 embossing folders
– 3-3/8″ x 6-1/4″ (8.6 x 15.9 cm)
– Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (sold separately)
– Compatible with the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (sold separately)

I used the Glass embossing folder image on the Timid Tiger cardstock.

I adhered the Regals 6″ x 6″ designer series paper in Real Red striped pattern on the edges of the card front leaving about 1/8″ from the edges.
I adhered the Timid Tiger embossed layer to the middle on top of the Designer Series paper.

I stamped the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer in Timid Tiger ink the Let’s Celebrate image in triplicate down the center of the layer and added a orange slice in the bottom corner.
Adhere this layer to the inside of the card.

I fussy cut a couple of cocktail images from the Celebratory Sips DSP and added the taller one directly to the Timid Tiger embossed layer and popped up the smaller cocktail glass to one side of the taller glass.

Cut about 6 inches off the Timid Tiger ribbon and fold in half and adhere to the left hand side of the fussy cut cocktail glasses images.

Stamp the sentiment Cheers in Timid Tiger ink and cut an angle at the end of the word, pop the sentiment piece up on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere over the ribbon.

Then I added 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls to finish off the coordinated look!

Try this card layout with your stash and see what you can create – one stamp at a time!
Enjoy your time as it goes fast – hug your little ones they grow up and tower over you quickly!!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Celebratory Sips Suite Collection (English)

[165600]

$78.75

Cheers & Sips Bundle (English)

[165594]

$41.25

Cheers & Sips Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[165588]

$19.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100702]

$11.50

Timid Tiger 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165626]

$14.00

Celebratory Sips 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[165586]

$12.50

Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[165304]

$12.50

Timid Tiger Classic Stampin' Pad

[165278]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$130.00

Cheers & Sips Dies

[165593]

$27.00

Glass & Gardens Embossing Folders

[165597]

$9.00

2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls

[165192]

$8.50

Timid Tiger 3/8" (1 Cm) Faux Linen Ribbon

[165275]

$8.00

← floral in bloom criss cross card tent-fold stepper card →

april guy swap

by nataliegramleystamps | May 21, 2025 | card samples, card swap, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, masculine cards, new catalog, retiring products, stamps ink paper, techniques

I hear from customers that the card ideas they struggle with the most are for guy or masculine cards! At least once a year our demonstrator swap group – shares masculine card ideas as it is one of the most requested types of designs!

Last month we did a card swap for the guys and these are the cards we all came up with!

My first sample swap card is from Lori V and she did a black and white Criss Cross fun fold card featuring the One More Year stamp set (#164777) that is still available on the Last Chance List.

My second swap card features the Layering Leaves stamp set which was on the Last Chance list and is now sold out and the Bough Punch (#157711) which is currently on the Last Chance list but is unavailable but they are asking interested customers to sign up for notification once the punch comes back in stock!
This swap card by Marie W. uses the Mini Corrugated 3D embossing folder on Black cardstock and the Layering Leaves stamped in Old Olive and punched out and popped up on Dimensionals through a window cut out in th embossed layer – so clever!

Carrollann A cased a Rachel Tessman card from Stamp Your Art out .com for this Storybook Moments suite card using the Timeless plaid DSP. The lovely frame die cut on the card front came from the Storybook Friends Dies (#164674) and the Timeless Plaid DSP (#164678) make for a lovely guy themed card!

This next swap card designed by Judith P features the Bistro Burger bundle which are still available on the Last Chance list and discounted!

#163648
BISTRO BURGER CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
Last Chance Item
BISTRO BURGER CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
discounted price $18.40
original price $23.00

#163649
Last Chance Item
BISTRO BURGER DIES
discount price $16.80
original price $28.00

This waterfall card featuring the Wooded Acres stamp set was desined by Jeanna T.

#165451
WOODED ACRES PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
price $17.00

Carol S’s swap card used Simple Birthday, The Right words and Textured Notes stamp sets.
It also features the Exposed Brick 3D embossing folder and the Timeless plaid DSP for a great masculine Birthday card!

This next swap card features a fun surprise pop up feature on the inside of the card and uses the Country Woods DSP and the Simple Birthday large format single stamp by Lyn L.

Kathi D’s swap card comes in a coordinating envelope using the Textured Notes bundle and the Woven Textures DSP as a lovely neutral background for a fabulous guy card vibe!

Andrea U’s swap card features another Last Chance stamp set called Beside Me that is deep discounted! There is a special origami pop out surprise on the inside of the card when you open it up!

#160780
Last Chance Item
BESIDE ME CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
Sale Price $13.00 Original Price $26.00

My last swap card is from our swap hostess and one of my uplines in the company – Denise W.
This card conveys simple elegance with the Country Woods DSP and The Right Words sentiment set on the Modern Oval punch!

I hope these guy cards inspired you and gave you a bunch of ideas for the next card you need to make for those special men in your life! No go out and design a guy card for someone special – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie