Making Masculine Cards More Doable!

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.


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 USC | OTH |
![]() Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies USC |
![]() Scallops & Rectangles dies USC |
![]() Guilded Harvest Plaid USC |
![]() Rustic Whispers {paper} USC |
![]() 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

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

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.

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 USC | OTH |
![]() Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies USC |
![]() Scallops & Rectangles dies USC |
![]() Guilded Harvest Plaid USC |
![]() Rustic Whispers {paper} USC |
![]() Calico Country {paper} USC |
![]() Neenah Desert Storm 80lb AMZ |
![]() Tuxedo Black SBC | OTH |
![]() Vintage Photo SBC |
![]() Broken China SBC |
![]() Brown String AMZ |
Most Used Tools
![]() MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
![]() MISTI – Original – Black SB |
![]() MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
![]() White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
![]() Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
![]() Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
![]() Stamping Tool SB |
![]() Grip Mat 6×6 SB |
![]() Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
![]() Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
![]() Multi-Use Mat SB |
![]() Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
![]() Reverse Tweezers SB |
![]() Glossy Accents SB |
![]() Glue Bottle SB |
![]() Connect Glue SB |
![]() Blending Brushes AMZ |
![]() Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
![]() Finger Blending Brushes AMZ |
![]() Jewel Picker AMZ |
![]() Rhinestone Pencil AMZ |
![]() Post It Note Tape AMZ |
![]() ATG Adhesive Tape AMZ |
![]() Big Shot SB |
![]() Mini Trimmer SB |
![]() White Pen AMZ |
![]() White Gel Pens SB | AMZ | EH |
![]() Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive AMZ |
![]() T rulers AMZ |
![]() 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
![]() MISTI Corners SBC | AMZ |
![]() Ink Off {stamp cleaner} USC | AMZ |

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