Sometimes using text as the main design of a card can be just as effective as an image. In this Father's Day card, the text itself becomes the focal point, and takes up most of the space on the card. Embellishments are kept to a minimum; in this case, a few star-shaped brads were used to add a bit of sparkle to the card. Letters cut from metallic cardstock and embossed with stars also add bling without being too fancy for a man's card. A textured background in bright colors fills up the otherwise empty space surrounding the text.

Below are the materials and instructions for making this card, although the design is quite versatile and you can experiment with different fonts, colors, and backgrounds – for instance, substituting patterned paper for embossed cardstock.

This card has also been designed such that you can opt for a simple, yet still attractive card; a slightly more colorful version; or an all-out, all-star card with star-spangled letters.

You will need:

* Black cardstock for the base
* Lime green cardstock
* Yellow cardstock
* Metallic red cardstock
* Metallic blue cardstock
* Star-shaped brads
* Alphabet cutouts to be used as templates*
* Embossing folders and embossing machine**
* White glue
* Scissors
* Craft knife and cutting mat, or paper trimmer
* Ruler
* Pencil

*These can be ready-to-use alpha stickers or die cuts, or the letters can be stamped, stenciled, computer-generated, or hand-lettered, then traced onto cardstock and cut out.

**Our sample uses the "Stars" embossing die from QuikKutz's GooseBumpz line, and "Sprig" from Lifestyle Crafts' GooseBumpz series.

Instructions:

Measure, mark and cut a piece of black cardstock that's 8-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches, and fold it in half. Measure, mark, and cut a piece of yellow cardstock that is slightly smaller than the card front, and another piece from the green cardstock. Emboss both pieces of cardstock with the "Sprig" embossing folder. Set them aside.

Trace and cut out letters from the metallic blue cardstock to spell "DAD". Glue these onto the bottom right corner of the yellow cardstock. Use the craft knife to make tiny slits in the letters all the way through to the yellow cardstock, and attach the star brads to the letters, so that the prongs are at the back of the yellow cardstock. Glue the yellow cardstock to the front of the card. Cut another piece of yellow cardstock to fit the inside of the card and attach it with glue. At this point you have made a simple Father's Day card that can already be used.



To make the more colorful version, cut across the green cardstock at an angle, and adhere the upper piece to the yellow cardstock.



To make the all-star card, trace and cut out letters from the metallic red cardstock to spell "ALL STAR". Emboss each of the letters with the "Stars" embossing die. Arrange and glue the letters to the green cardstock, using the photo as a guide. Your card is now ready to be signed, sealed, and delivered to your All-Star Dad! Happy Father's Day!