Making Masculine Cards More Doable!

A handmade masculine fishing-themed card featuring stamped and watercolored lures on newsprint with plaid paper layers, inky grunge edges, and twine accents. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

Do you struggle with masculine cards, especially for birthdays and Father’s Day? I’ve got a fun JAM Sesh video for you today that mixes guy-friendly pattern papers and a fantastic anglers stamp set from Unity Stamp Company. With some vintage grunge, simple coloring, and layered die cuts, this card is perfect for the fisherman in your life.

A handmade masculine fishing-themed card featuring stamped and watercolored lures on newsprint with plaid paper layers, inky grunge edges, and twine accents. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are short videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. These quick ideas do not require much explanation, but seeing them in action can be the perfect inspiration you need for your next project. Watch it on YouTube.


Featured Unity Supplies

Reel Great Guy
Reel Great Guy

USC | OTH
Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies
Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies

USC
Scallops & Rectangles dies
Scallops & Rectangles dies

USC
Guilded Harvest Plaid
Guilded Harvest Plaid

USC
Rustic Whispers {paper}
Rustic Whispers {paper}

USC
Calico Country {paper}
Calico Country {paper}

USC

Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.


Reel-y Great Day

A handmade masculine fishing-themed card featuring stamped and watercolored lures on newsprint with plaid paper layers, inky grunge edges, and twine accents. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

This card came together with a mix of pattern paper and a touch of rugged charm. I used the fishing lure stamp on a printed newsprint background, then added loose Copic coloring for a soft, watercolor vibe. The plaid and inky layers pull in those masculine tones, while a bit of twine finishes the whole thing off without overthinking it. Keeping it simple and a little rustic really makes the theme shine.

Copic Colors: Y13, Y15; YR14; G24; YG13, YG17 BG01, BG05; N1, N3, N4

A handmade masculine fishing-themed card featuring stamped and watercolored lures on newsprint with plaid paper layers, inky grunge edges, and twine accents. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

What Makes This Card Special:

  • A Card for My Dad: These lures instantly reminded me of my dad and his tackle box, making this design feel personal and thoughtful.
  • That Vintage Masculine Vibe: The deckle paper edges, muted tones, and old-school newsprint add just the right amount of ruggedness.
  • Pattern Paper That Works: I love how the plaid softens the grunge while still keeping it guy-friendly. It’s bold without being loud.
  • Color Without Perfection: The coloring is loose and simple, just enough to highlight the details, but still feels natural and easygoing.
  • Built for Layers: deckle edges, stacked die cuts, and a tucked-in sentiment make this layout feel finished without needing a lot of embellishments.
A handmade masculine fishing-themed card featuring stamped and watercolored lures on newsprint with plaid paper layers, inky grunge edges, and twine accents. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

Creative Tips & Techniques:

  • Keep Coloring Simple: I used just a few Copic colors with little shading. It’s an easy and approachable way to add color. Perfect for beginners or when you want a relaxed, effortless look.
  • Stamp on Pattern Paper: Stamping directly onto pattern paper instantly gives your image a textured, layered feel. It’s especially great for creating that vintage or aged effect.
  • Add Grunge with Ink Smooshing: Lightly smoosh ink onto the layers. For some, I then spritz with water and dabbed away lighter spots. It creates a distressed look that pairs perfectly with masculine themes.
  • Layer with Mixed Dies: Combine different shaped dies for your layers—like stitched rectangles, deckle frames, or tag-style dies—to build dimension and visual interest without a lot of bulk.
  • Choose Masculine-Friendly Patterns: Plaids and newsprint are go-to choices, but you could also try woodgrain, denim textures, maps, or subtle geometrics for a similar effect.
  • Use Neutral or Earthy Color Palettes: Stick to colors like browns, olives, muted blues, and deep greens to keep the card feeling grounded and guy-friendly.

I hope this inspires your next guy card and makes masculine designs feel a bit more doable. Mixing paper patterns with a stamp theme your guy loves is such an easy formula for a standout card.

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.

Reel Great Guy
Reel Great Guy

USC | OTH
Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies
Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies

USC
Scallops & Rectangles dies
Scallops & Rectangles dies

USC
Guilded Harvest Plaid
Guilded Harvest Plaid

USC
Rustic Whispers {paper}
Rustic Whispers {paper}

USC
Calico Country {paper}
Calico Country {paper}

USC
Neenah Desert Storm 80lb
Neenah Desert Storm 80lb

AMZ
Tuxedo Black
Tuxedo Black

SBC | OTH
Vintage Photo
Vintage Photo

SBC
Broken China
Broken China

SBC
Brown String
Brown String

AMZ

Most Used Tools

MISTI - Original
MISTI – Original

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original - Black
MISTI – Original – Black

SB
MISTI - Mini
MISTI – Mini

SB | SSS
White Glass Mat
White Glass Mat

SB | OTH | AMZ
Foam Roll Combo Pack
Foam Roll Combo Pack

SB
Foam Roll - 2 Inch
Foam Roll – 2 Inch

SB
Stamping Tool
Stamping Tool

SB
Grip Mat 6x6
Grip Mat 6×6

SB
Media Mat Mini
Media Mat Mini

SB | SSS
Mini Stencil Mat**
Mini Stencil Mat**

SB
Multi-Use Mat
Multi-Use Mat

SB
Cutter Bee Scissors
Cutter Bee Scissors

SB | SSS
Reverse Tweezers
Reverse Tweezers

SB
Glossy Accents
Glossy Accents

SB
Glue Bottle
Glue Bottle

SB
Connect Glue
Connect Glue

SB
Blending Brushes
Blending Brushes

AMZ
Mini Blending Brushes
Mini Blending Brushes

AMZ
Finger Blending Brushes
Finger Blending Brushes

AMZ
Jewel Picker
Jewel Picker

AMZ
Rhinestone Pencil
Rhinestone Pencil

AMZ
Post It Note Tape
Post It Note Tape

AMZ
ATG Adhesive Tape
ATG Adhesive Tape

AMZ
Big Shot
Big Shot

SB
Mini Trimmer
Mini Trimmer

SB
White Pen
White Pen

AMZ
White Gel Pens
White Gel Pens

SB | AMZ | EH
Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive
Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive

AMZ
T rulers
T rulers

AMZ
1.5
1.5″ block

SB | OTH
MISTI Corners
MISTI Corners

SBC | AMZ
Ink Off {stamp cleaner}
Ink Off {stamp cleaner}

USC | AMZ
A handmade masculine fishing-themed card featuring stamped and watercolored lures on newsprint with plaid paper layers, inky grunge edges, and twine accents. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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