Get the most creative mileage out of your supplies, and this project is a perfect example of batching and versatility! I created one gorgeous, edgy mixed media panel with Gears & Textures and then cut it in half to make two distinct masculine cards. It’s my favourite kind of crafting session – the ones where I make a complete mess and end up with something unexpectedly beautiful!
Creating That Edgy Industrial Meets Organic Look
This is where the magic happened! The background has so much depth thanks to several layers of easy techniques:
The Base Layer: I started by applying metallic rub-ons, to my cardstock. This instantly gives a worn, aged, and slightly industrial shimmer.
Wet Ink Packaging: Next, I used the packaging technique (where you smoosh ink onto a plastic or glass surface and spritz with water) to add wet splatters of Coastal Cabana and Pecan Pie inks, letting them blend and dry.
Stenciling with Dies: My favourite trick! I die-cut a large cog from the Gears & Textures and used it as a stencil, blending ink over the die-cut to create a perfectly crisp shadow of the gear directly on the background.
Final Details: Once dry, I used the various distressed and geometric stamps from the Gears & Textures Stamp Set to add more texture and detail.
My favourite technique here: Using the die-cut cog as a stencil to stamp the texture directly onto the background. It adds so much dimension!
Was my craft table a disaster? Absolutely. Was it worth it? 100% yes.
The background I created had so much richness and depth that I couldn’t choose just one way to use it. So I didn’t! I cut it in half and made TWO completely different cards.
Same Background, Different Personalities
This is what I love about versatile products. The Gears & Textures stamp set gives you this industrial, mechanical vibe – perfect for masculine cards. But pair it with unexpected elements, and you get totally different results.
TIP
When working with busy mixed media backgrounds, vary your textures — stamping, stencilling, die-cutting — but keep your colour palette tight. This stops the design from feeling chaotic and helps every layer feel intentional.
Thank Industrial Leaf Card softens the industrial feel with golden leaves from the Nature’s Symphony Bundle. It’s like nature reclaiming machinery – beautiful, unexpected, and surprisingly elegant. “Thank You” is the perfect sentiment for this one. This mixing of hard (gears) and soft (leaves) is a brilliant way to add interest and texture.
To A Great Guy goes full steampunk with layered black gears and mechanical elements. “To a Great Guy” fits the bold, confident aesthetic. This is the card for someone who appreciates industrial design or has a more masculine taste.
The Real Secret:
Want to know why I love making masculine cards this way? Because I can use techniques I enjoy (mixed media, layering, metallics) without worrying about making something “too pretty.” The gears, textures, and moody colours keep everything grounded in that masculine aesthetic.
Plus, metallic rub-ons are basically magic. They add shimmer and dimension with zero effort.
Both products are from the new Mini Catalogue and work beautifully on their own OR together (like I did here). The Nature’s Symphony Bundle isn’t just for nature lovers – as you can see, it plays well with industrial themes too!
Remember: Spend $125+ this month = Product of the Month for $9! + the Creative Bonus & you would have also earned $12.50 in Stampin’ Rewards
It’s time for one of our favourite promotions—BONUS DAYS!
Because do you know what’s a great deal? Getting rewarded for all the crafting supplies you’re already going to buy!
When you shop between Tue 6 Jan and Mon 2 Feb and spend $90 AUD, you will earn a $9 AUD coupon!
Make sure you save all your coupons because you can redeem them (and we mean ALL of them) between Tue 3 and Sat 28 Feb.
And don’t forget—each purchase earns you Stampin’ Rewards, so that’s even more value for money!
Watch it come together
What We’re Loving
If you love experimenting with your supplies and trying new ideas, make sure you’re on my email list — I share inspiration, sketches and colour combos.
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Til next time, see you soon & keep creating!
Maz
aMAZing Creations 
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