Male Monochrome

 Whilst I have labelled this quick and easy card 'Male Monochrome' .... yes I know....very inventive...NOT !!!! ha ha....It's a pretty straight forward design that could easily be made for any occasion (what about getting ahead with Christmas cards ?) in any choice of papers and colours, and for all age groups.

I began with an A4 sheet of card, scored in half and trimmed to approximately 14.75 cms., or there abouts.  You just need it to look square as the rest of your work will be on mats and will be exact measurements.  I then cut a main square mat (metallic card) 5 5/8", on which to lay out the rest of my mats.  The black mats were  cut to 5 1/2" x 1 3/4" (x 3 panels), and the patterned panels were cut to 5 3/8" x 1 5/8" (x 3).  This allows a reduction of 1/16" of the mats and also 1/16" between the panels and the outer edges of the main mat, thus creating a balance.  I embellished the corners of the 3 panels with some card candi and cut two shaped mats for my focal point and to draw the card all together.  Sticking with the gold accent, I decided to edge my central mat with a chisel edged metallic marker.  It's only subtle, but I felt it added something.  Alternatively you could edge with an ink - neat or sponged on softly.

As this was a male themed card, and not all males like elaborate designs, fancy florals or cute pictures, I decided to keep it simple and stamp a quote on the panel.  A very simple but effective card, I'm sure you'll agree.  So what are you waiting for? ......Don't forget to email me some of your creations
Christine