The Watercooler Gang has another great challenge this week. This one is a clean and simple “masculine” card from Jean. Here’s her inspiration photo.

I have trouble with Clean & Simple cards. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s all that blank space, just aching to be sponged, stamped, or ripped. But I ignored my trepidation and made a card, and sent it to our admin. I didn’t like it much, but it was an entry, right? And then dear, dear Susan e-mailed me. “Your card really does look fine, but if you don’t like it the way it is (and she knew I didn’t), try this…” I think I have said those same words to her when she made a vintage card! Anyway – I took Susan’s suggestions, and this is what happened.

How brilliant is Susan? The best thing about this card is that you can use it for anyone. This one, obviously, is for a wonderful man – probably my dad. (Mom – don’t show him the card if you read the blog to him.) But you can easily change the sentiment to say, “to an amazing woman,” or “to my good friend,” “to my darling,” or “to you.” And best of all – the stamp set, “Happy Birthday, Everyone” is free!  It’s a hostess set that you can earn with Stampin’ Rewards with a $150 minimum order or workshop. The wood-mount version is less than $15, so you can add something else to your rewards as well! (Maybe the sequins.)

I stamped some stars in Cajun Craze using the Be the Star set, but it still seemed a little less festive than I wanted. So I covered some of the stars with some Metallics Sequins.  And how much do you love the Fine-Tip Glue Pen? It makes adding sequins and other tiny objects so simple. (More on that later.) I really like the Cajun Craze/Early Espresso/Sahara Sand combination, too.

Give the challenge a shot! After you create your project (it doesn’t have to be a card!), post it on your blog or a public forum (like splitcoaststampers.com), then link to the challenge blog. Easy!

Now – to clear up a few things. My dad can read very well, but he’s tech resistant. He could use a computer, tablet, or iPhone with no problem, because he’s brilliant, but, well, why should he? He’s gone this long and been quite successful without them, right? My mother, on the other hand, is a tech junkie. She has an iPhone, a computer, a laptop, a Kindle, a Kindle Fire, and probably more. The woman has ripped her computer open to add memory. She has even taught me a few things – without acting smug because she knows more than I do.  She refuses to bow to technology. She is its master. So if any of her kids or grandkids post something fun anywhere (yeah, she’s on social media), she reads it to Dad, who is happy to let her be the tech expert. The “Texpert” if you will. It’s kind of the same relationship Mike & I have, except we go back and forth over who’s more savvy. I think right now we’re tied.

The other thing is about the Fine-Tip Glue Pen (FTGP). Tonight was our demonstrator meeting. We talked about a few things – the upcoming Sale-a-bration, the Occasions catalog (thanks, Sandy, for bringing your new toys!! My order arrived after I left for the meeting.), and other demonstrator concerns. Then we had a “shoebox tag swap.” We each brought materials to make gift tags – and they were all amazing. I’ll post them soon. Carol’s tag used the tree from Cheer All Year. Where the Christmas ornaments go on the tree, we added punched card stock. The FTGP made this so easy! You’re going to love it – and the other tags as well!

So – back to the challenge. Get your thinking cap on and create that CAS man card.

Thanks for stopping by Stamping with Buffy. Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday, Everyone Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 139958

Price: $9.00

Happy Birthday, Everyone Wood-Mount Stamp Set – 139171

Price: $12.00

Be The Star Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 135734

Price: $21.00

Be The Star Wood-Mount Stamp Set – 135731

Price: $29.00

Metallics Sequin Assortment – 138390

Price: $5.00

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