I actually really enjoy the process of making "Best Wishes" or "Farewell" cards. Although I don't think these are really "stock-able" and here's why:
What floats my boat with these kind of cards is tailoring them to the person who is leaving. I really like the card to reflect that we (I usually create them in behalf of the team) are paying attention to the person and enjoyed who they really are. I think that expresses best that they will be missed. So it does take some time to give a card a theme related to the recipient. I like that process.
This card was for one of my co-workers who is passionate about fashion in many ways. He enjoys photography, organizing fashion shows, dating models (well who doesn't I guess), and also dressing up the "business casual" look every day. So my challenge is figuring out how to get a card to reflect that - especially for a GUY (masculine cards are always harder for me)!?
I decided to use Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman paper since it had so much of the professional male look and feel...although it does lean toward the golfer. I pulled out a background sheet with a nice pattern, then a strip of shoes (since he wears the most beautiful shoes every day - very unusual on our laid back team). I found a tall camera from Curtain Call to represent the photography. Then, in order to enhance the inside of the card, and to give everyone on the team plenty of room to sign their greeting, I wall papered the inside with Tim Holtz kraft paper which had designer patterns and a model. Being sure to ink all the edges because the whole thing seemed to have a vintage feel to it. Finally to ensure that extra layer of masculinity, I also added some wood & metal elements (instead of the typical ribbon or glitter I normally use). (I can't resist a bit of shine and sparkle, so in this case the frame has a bit of chocolate glimmer mist - it's an addiction! - LOL)
P.S. On the accents: I find that guys also like interactive or moving elements, so the C is attached with a brad, so he can fidget with it - it moves. The car was an after thought, but what guy doesn't like cars, and the key is just a re-entry point in case he wants to come back - our door is open to him!
My only problem was that I couldn't find the perfect stamp for what I wanted to say. (I made a personal note to get some stamps that work for "Best Wishes" or "Farewell" - LOL) So using MDS2 I typed my message for the front frame with Vintage Verses and printed it out on the Graphic 45 paper. I was careful to use the nick name that the team gave him for that extra touch of personalization.
I think it turned out great, and what is more, it was SUPER FUN to work on.
Enjoy!
Date: Saturday, February 23, 2013 GMT Views: 720
Favorited:9
Registered: July 20, 2007 Location: Fergus, Ontario Posts: 36063
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 @ 5:16 AM
You did good girl! This gorgeous vintage card is so personal and the eye just keeps flowing from one element to the other. The colours are perfect, the strip of shoes is too! I love the camera image and the ticket with the car as well as the addition of the key. It's altogether fabulous!
Registered: July 12, 2005 Location: Shakopee, MN Posts: 3889
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 @ 6:14 AM
What a special parting gift for your coworker. He will love it, and I'm sure it will find a special place of honor somewhere in his home. Nicely done. TFS
------------------------------ Linda
I'm the "other" sister....
Registered: March 31, 2008 Location: Eastlake, OH Posts: 3014
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 @ 6:16 AM
What a fabulous masculine card! I love all the elements you chose tailored for this individual! The sentiment on designer paper was the perfect way to incorporate it! This is so innovative and unique! Love it.
Registered: April 14, 2009 Location: in my own little PINK sparkly world Posts: 11503
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 @ 6:18 AM
oh my...this is wonderful...love all the elements...they would be really fussy if not for the monochromatic scheme...they blend so nice...very unique...
Registered: June 14, 2009 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 8322
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 @ 6:36 AM
Wow, there is so much going on with this stunning card! You seem to have taylored (ha!) it perfectly to your departing co-worker. I think I like the shoes the best. Oh, and the camera.
I understand how you feel about making a card all about the person receiving it. I use my stash a lot, but have a few friends and my daughter for whom I make very personal cards. It is a lot of fun.
