Designing for a teenage boy is at the top of my list of difficult projects. I don't want the result to be too young, too old or too feminine. This week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge is Anything But a Card (PPA26). I thought it was ideal timing to jazz up a Silver Skinny Tin for a teenage boy who is recovering from a nasty illness and hospitalization. A gift card is tucked inside, held firmly in place with Mini Glue Dots.
STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:
Free inspiration is everywhere. I used a page from a CB2 home furnishings catalog for my color palette.- Alphabet Simple Bigz Dies (a Stampin' Up! exclusive) crop classic lower case letters in chipboard and textured Old Olive card stock. They layer for a perfect fit.
- The circle (also from Alphabet Simple) converted the "a" to the chipboard "@" sign. A very hip touch suggested by my daughter Caroline. At 16, she's the expert on "hip".
- The remaining Old Olive circle from the ring around the "a" is used to back the sentiment.
- I think the Whimsical Words Sale-A-Bration stamp set (available free with a $50 product order), offers a "spot on" sentiment for this occasion.
A Real Red Button from Playground Designer Buttons provides a subtle pop of color. I LIKE the fact that it doesn't match the rest of the project. - Don't recognize the button? Shhhhh, it's flipped over. He'll never know there's a flower on the other side.
Love the Silver Skinny Tin? These tins are budget-friendly at $.99 each. However, they are only available with on-line orders from the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack.
To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamp Set: Whimsical Words (118386 Wood-Mount, 119119 Clear-Mount Sale-A-Bration)
Paper: Only Orange Textured (108698, Assorted Bold Brights), Yo Yo Yellow Textured (108698, Assorted Bold Brights), Basic Black Textured (108693, Assorted Neutrals), Old Olive Textured (108697, Assorted Earth Elements)
Ink: Jet Black Stazon (101406)
Cool Tools: Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Stampin' Up! Alphabet Simple Letters (115960), Star Punch (109045), Large Star Punch (110710), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004)
The Perfect Touch: Playground Designer Series Button (116313), On Board Long Board Sheets (114320, (6) 5 3/4" x 13 3/4" sheets), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Silver Skinny Tin (108333)
This packs a real “wow” factor! Love it!
I keep it simple and just put the gift card inside. However, it would be very cool lined with designer paper . . . you could tuck in a gift card, too! Hugs, M
Hi Lorijane: Most of my magazines are free catalogs. Usually home furnishings or women’s fashions. I, too, am a sucker for good packaging. My most unusual inspiration is probably rugs . . . the patterns and geometry can be so unique. Hugs, M
Great project. It is just right for a teen boy.
I think you nailed it! Perfect!!
Thanks for all your inspiration, Mary!
Great idea! Perfect colours for a boy!
This is too perfect for a teenager, Mary! I love the colors you used and the composition is terrific. Very cute, without being girly! XO
Terrific project Mary, I love the button!!! It was a perfect addition and the first thing I saw. Hugs,
This is awesome! Love the colors…thanks for sharing!
Great idea Mary! I am also presently struggling with a gift idea for my nephew who is turning 16 this weekend! Masculine and 3D are TOUGH!! But this tin idea is great!!
Thank you for coming up with something for boys. With a household of boys this is something that I would be on the look out for.
Mary – I love the color combination….. 😉
I do like the circle around the ‘A’ it looks funky.
Veronica
The circle around the “a”, the colors and the flipped button are my favorites!
The circle around the “a”, the colors and the flipped button are my favorites!
Good morning Mary!
Your sources for inspiration are so varied. Do you subscribe to many magazines or just grab one from the news stand that commands your attention? Any favorites? My son is a graphic designer so I am always drawn to package design and textiles. What has been your most “unusual” inspiration? Stamp On! lorijane
Tell Caroline she’s a GENIUS with her @ sign! Love the colors! Maybe I should dive into my tote full of skinny tins and actually make something with them?
I love looking at the CB2 catalog online!!
Fun colors and fun way to put that circle around the “a”.
What a great way to present a gift card for a teenage boy! Love the hip, contemporary design and the great colors! Very cool!
I love the fact as well that the red button stands alone! Those chipboard letters really pop!
What does the inside look like? Did you decorate it too? Or only place the gift card inside? Thank you for the idea! I bought a bunch of these tins for something special, but haven’t used them yet.
Very nice Mary! Perfect for a teenage boy. Glad to see you got the Simple Alphabet. I know you had been thinking about that for awhile. Enjoy your day!