Monday, May 16, 2011

Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge: Masculine

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Good morning, my friends!

Well, here we are again…another fun Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge!  This time—something a little bit tricky—(for me, anyway!)—masculine projects…

It’s just really tough not to put oodles of bows, lace, ribbon, buttons & glitter on a project…know what I mean?!  But a challenge must be answered, so here we go!

First up…a fun, retro card using a few different products from Crafty Secrets:

DSC03237_edited-1 {did you notice that the two buttons kinda look like car headlights?!…at least that’s what I was going for…!}

I LOVE this images from the “Vintage Photos” Creative Scraps—so cute!  And a wonderful black & white check print for my background from Crafty Secrets’ up & coming new “Vintage Paper Patterns” CD…

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I used the speedometer and “Still Cruisin” stamps from the “Car Classics” set…

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The “Road to Happiness” stamp from the “Car Classics” set is great—looks like a license plate!   And the black diamond border is from Crafty Secrets’ “Favorite Fellas” stamp set…

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My husband let me know that “man cards” DO NOT have ribbon on them…but it just needed a little something more…this doesn’t REALLY count as ribbon, right?  I mean, it’s not a bow or anything!

Even though this is a masculine challenge, this card was just so retro, I couldn’t resist adding a BIT of Stickles to it…sorry!  We’ll say it’s chrome—how about that?!

Next up:

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We’re heading down the country road for a little farm fun!  Don’t you just love all these fabulously farmy images?!  These are all from Crafty Secrets’ “Farm Fresh” Creative Scraps—love them!

DSC03251_edited-1 {Does twine really count as ribbon?}

The chicken wire stamp used on in the background on Kraft cardstock is from Crafty Secrets’ “Farm Chicks” stamp set, and that wonderfully vintage red & white print paper is also from the soon-to-be-available “Vintage Paper Patterns” CD…

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I just HAD to put at least one button on this card…and as I searched through my big vintage button bowl, I came across this wonderfully old & rusted metal button…what better place to use this than on a masculine-ish farm card?!

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And nothing says “masculine” more than a fabulously old,  vintage truck!  (Except for the fact that a truck exactly like this is my daughter Sarah’s dream car!)

Now, since we’re talking masculine, how about a recipe that’s GUARANTEED to make a man happy? (and everyone else, too!)

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AMAZING BANANA BREAD

{I ALWAYS double this recipe—just do it!}

1/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)

1/2 cup sour cream

2-1/4 cups flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup walnuts (if desired—my family doesn’t desire!)

1/2 bag white chocolate chips

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In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light & fluffy.  Add eggs, beating well.

Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream.  Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.  Stir into banana mixture just until moistened.  Fold in nuts and white chocolate chips.

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Transfer to a greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. (mine always needs at least 5 additional minutes).  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Makes 1 loaf of the most delicious banana bread ever…enjoy!

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Well, there you have it!  Hope you will stop by and visit all the talented ladies on the Crafty Secrets Design Team listed below—I KNOW they will have so much to share with you today that will inspire you!

Vicki Chrisman--Team Leader

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Linda Duke

Michele Kovack

Melissa Phillips

Julie Campbell—me!

 Heartwarming Vintage Blog

Crafty Secrets

See you soon with something new…

Julie

31 comments:

  1. It sounds amazing! I was caught when you said to double it...."Just do it!"

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  2. Love love these cards, you did a fabulous job, thank you for sharing the recipe I enjoy trying new things and for the most part so does my family!

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  3. Cute and fun cards as always Julie! The bread looks so yummy!!

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  4. Hi
    Fabulous images and love all the touches you add to your cards.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  5. I LOVE YOUR RIBBONED MAN CARD! lol

    It can be a challenge sometimes to make something that is NOT feminine, but you did a perfect job here! Thanks for sharing!

    And your gorgeous blog background is totally inspiring! I love love love the happy cheery colours!

    ciao bella



    CREATIVE CARMELINA

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  6. Terrific cards, and thank you for the recipe-can't wait to try it--have a wonderful week!

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  7. I love them..the blue and black is so pretty together! Love this recipe too, thanks foe sharing it! ;D

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  8. You did it so well on this masculin craft dear Julie!!! and oh, so delicious banana bread!!!
    hugs my dear

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  9. Great job pulling off the masculine look in these awesome cards! Thanks for the yummy banana bread too!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  10. Julie, I just copied the recipe, I am going to try it out on my family! And your masculine projects are just so vintagie and wonderfully done!

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  11. Super job Julie! Both cards are fantastic. and the banana bread... oh.. why cant you live next door. lol

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  12. Love your manly cards, especially the Still Cruisin' one... just makes me smile!

    Have a great week!

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  13. Miss Julie, I have been searching for a vintage radio and this is spot on. Very nice job. Love that button. Perfect...Smiles..Renee

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  14. Oh my goodness your cards are beautiful...you must have oodles of them. You should sell them! And for that banana bread...pure joy my sweet friend.
    Thanks for all your lovely comments you leave on my blog...what a dear friend you are. xoxox hugs

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  15. You are such a busy girl, dear Julie! Both of your cards are gorgeous. It's certainly chrome you have added to the first card :-).
    I can very well understand your daughter. The truck is so pretty and I would love to have one too. Maybe not in red but in soft pink, LOL. It would be the perfect flea market car for me and I could take home lots of treasures ... :-).
    Have a great Tuesday!
    Hugs to you,
    Julia

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  16. WOW, Julie, These are positively amazing cards!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  17. Great fun cards. Both are so unique and you did great with all the embellishments and your choice of papers is awesome. Gosh, I could put on a few lbs. with all the goodies your gals are sharing. DH favorite is Banana Bread and Birthday Boy will get to try this out. Thanks

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  18. Wonderful fun cards and thanks for the banana bread recipe too. That looks so yummy. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. I always look forward to seeing what you have in store for us on your blog. Just amazing cards....I love the blue and black one. (And I think the ribbon is OK...it's not really a bow, after all!) And I'm going to try the banana bread. Yummmy!

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  20. Great cards. That banana bread looks yummy. I'm going to have your recipe a try..

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  21. You are SO talented! I particularly love the Just Cruising adornment! The banana bread looks wonderful - I love the idea of white choc chips - yum
    Have a great day
    Mary

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  22. Such a nice job, dear Julie. I thought masculine would be boring but I guess not. My favorite is the first one. I just love the colors. The banana bread looks so wonderful!
    Hugs,
    Suz

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  23. Oh, it's always so intimidating to see so many kind words. What difference could mine really make? That's what I think to myself. But then I say, wait, no one shall stop me from bestowing words of kindness whenever I want! And so I shall. I really like your masculine cards, even if they have ribbon. And what's really cool about the first one is that it kind of looks like a neat retro radio! The buttons look like little knobs that are just begging to be turned. Lovely job! And of course, that banana bread is making my mouth water. That is one of my food requests for when I'm home. Keep the beauties comin! Love you!

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  24. What great lay outs for the Masculine challenge! I love your color combination of the "Just Crusin' and yes I can see the head light-buttons! Clever girl!
    Thanks too, for your banana bread recipe. Never heard of putting white chocolates in BB but sounds yummy!!
    Have a great Wednesday my friend.
    Mollydiane

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  25. So sorry to be late to wish you and your husband a happy anniversary!
    I've been in a tail spin lately with a lot going on. Then I'll be headed south on Thursday. Blogging will be sporadic. But then again, there could be a lull in the schedule and so I'll try to catch up with my dear friends.
    Take care!!!
    Hugs,
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  26. These two newest cards are just wonderful Julie. I would even go so far as to say amazing! You are such a talent! Am loving that delicious looking banana bread as well!! I think I just gained ten pounds in the most wonderful way! Love you loads! xxoo

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  27. Loved both of your cards....wonderful artwork! I especially loved the aqua (my happy color) colored one....road to happiness....what a awesome direction to be travelling, right? TFS. God bless ya~

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  28. I really like the retro look of your cards, and all of the details you add are just the perfect touch. A recipe for bread to boot you go girl!!

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  29. just love the masculine layouts featured here! Gotta love the vintage ones, colors are vibrant in this project! I just LOVE it!!

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