A "GQ" Father's Day

Between an overnight field trip with my 5th Grade GT Students and an overnight trip to help my daughter pack-up her college dorm room, I was on the road for 4 days.  It was exhausting!  However, I was able to visit a couple of my favorite art stores during the weekend.  We don't have any art stores in Del Rio, so it was a real treat.  Since the stores were in a college town, I was able to get some great end of the school year deals.  It was so much fun!  Sadly, I was not able to use any of my finds in the card I made today.

The Play Date Cafe's Challenge PDCC130 features a soft color blend by Donna Bowman, which includes a grey, a pink, and a blue-grey shade.  The first thing I thought of was Christian Dior, because he loved pink and grey.  Then, when I was watching the news, I noticed a newscaster wearing an interesting patterned necktie.  That was it!  Since Stampendous Impressions' May Challenge is to make a gift type project, I decided to make a card with an inner-pocket for my Father-in-law using the PDCC color blend.


I began by making an origami tie from a sheet of paper with a gray print.  It's basically a kite base with a few extra folds to form the upper knot and side folds to narrow it down.  There are various patterns and videos on-line.  For the shirt, I used a white note card base.  I measured an inch down from the top and lightly drew a line with a pencil.  Then, I made about an inch cut on each side on the pencil line.  I cut the inch spine and trimmed the rest of the inch strip off the top of the back panel.  I folded the tabs that were formed down to simulate a shirt collar.  Using a grey Prismacolor pencil and a quilters ruler, I drew the pinstripe pattern on my shirt front and collar.  I added some stitching lines to the collar for added interest and some blue shading in the inner section.  I glued down my tie and collar.  Next, I made a tie-tack with a pink button and a half pearl.  I also made a miniature gift tag with a piece of kraft card stock and a scrap of thread.   I wrote the word "Dad" using a blue-grey calligraphy pen.  I outlined and dotted the tag with a pink line marker.


My next step was to work on the inside of the card.  I used the left over paper from the tie to make a pocket using a Paper Pizazz Susan's Office Envelopes template.  I attached it to the left panel.  Next, I folded a 5"x7" piece of kraft paper into 3 panels and cut the upper corners to simulate the miniature tag in the front.  I glued a piece of twine to it and outlined it in pink.  (I'll have my two daughters and wife use a panel each to write their own personal greetings.  I'll also use the pocket to include a gift card.)  On the right panel, I wrote "Happy Father's Day" using the same blue-grey calligraphy pen and dotted the letters with the pink.  I also drew lines and dots around the perimeter of the back panel.


Hopefully my father-in-law will enjoy this card as much as I did making it.  Art is so relaxing to me!  I love to read your comments, so please let me know what you think.  I'd also love to increase my number of followers, so don't be shy.  Blessings!

Comments

Jinny Newlin said…
This is such a fun creation, Arnoldo! LOVE how you're not afraid to use so many different mediums, and every project is always a stunner! Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at The Play Date Cafe!
Amazing! I think you have a winner here!
Borqna said…
Bravo, Arnoldo!
I am delighted with your card! I also think that you are the winner of this challenge!
I've seen cards in the shape of a shirt and tie, but yours is really amazing! Very much liked the combination of colors. The interior of the card is very interesting and original.
Thank you very much for your explanations the making the card.
All this features make your project perfect.
I continue to follow with interest your blog and to learn from you.
Donna B. said…
I love how creative and fun this card is Arnoldo!! Your execution is perfect! He will love this card. Thanks for joining us this week at The Play Date Cafe!
A said…
wspaniaƂa praca!! uwielbiam ten krawat :)
What a fun and unique creation, Arnoldo! I like the attention to detail, as in fine men's clothing, such as the 'stitching' around the seams. Hope your FIL enjoys it; how could he not?

Thanks a bunch for joining us at The Cafe this week (and for leaving some love at my own little blog)!
Winnie said…
So awesome. Glad I became a follower. I love your work. That is a great card. The stripes are so precise! I thought it was patterned paper. I love the design on the tie. This will be a keepsake for sure. The hand lettering is special as I know the handwritten notes will be.
WOW! This card is totally clever--love that you made these colors into a Father's Day card! LOVE the design--LOVE!!!! THANKS so much for joining in the fun and playing along with us over at the PDCC:)
Patrice said…
What a great Father's Day card - I'd love for you to link up with me at 52 Card Pickup this week!!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/05/52-card-pickup-week-19.html
Tenia Nelson said…
I just LOVE this Arnoldo!!! Thanks for playing in the Stampendous! May challenge!!!
Wow, what a creative gift card holder. Love your tie. Thanks for entering your card in this month's Stmpendous Challenge.