'Tie'-rific Card Tutorial!!

Hello all! Summer is drawing to a close (haven't decided if I'm devastated or thrilled yet....) and I have been looking back on my projects! Wait what? Summer projects? Who has ever heard of a such a thing? Come on, it's me. Of course I have summer projects! And since I had projects, you get tutorials!! And tutorials, and more tutorials. You're welcome! :)

I crafted my fingers off making cards for the first few weeks of the break (188 cards, not to shabby) and I LOVED this one!

Isn't it darling? I always have problems making enough 'guy' cards. There is just something difficult about making a cute manly card--I can't be the only one with that problem! Oh I am? Sigh. Anyways....

This card is cute and I can make dozens of them and not feel bored. There are so many variations of it that I feel comfortable giving them out all the time! Imagine that. So without further ado!

You will need: a paper cutter, scissors, card stock (for the base, any color), paper for the tie (I recommend a patterned paper that matches your base), pen (optional, see step 6), the tie template from here, and the words printout from here (optional, see step 6).  

1. Ok, the first thing you need to do is create your base. Cut a 8.5 x 11 inch card stock sheet in half with your paper cutter (this gives you a straighter cleaner edge).  You will end up with two 8.5 x 5.5 sheets. Fold them in half (5.5 inch end to 5.5 inch end) and Tada! You now have two fantastic card bases. 
2. Then print out the tie template and cut it out. You can print it out on a regular sheet of paper and then use the template to trace the ties or you can print the ties directly onto your patterned paper. You choose! If you print directly onto you patterned paper go to step 3. If not,  trace trace the tie template onto the paper you chose. Go slow, especially if you have a toddler helper! Otherwise you will have lines EVERYWHERE. Believe me. 
3. Now cut out your ties that you either printed or traced onto your patterned paper. This step is very vital :)
4. In order to create the collar look on your base you have to cut it. Don't panic! It will look good--I promise. Put the two corners together to determine the middle of your base. I put in a small crease  so I know where to cut. After you have found the middle cut down the middle about an inch to and inch and a quarter. I wouldn't cut further than that, otherwise your tie will stick off the edge! Fold the edges you cut down and create the collar. I leave the collar like this (you can see the back of the card) or you can add some paper on the inside of the card to create a 'shirt'. Totally up to you. 
5. Determine how you want your tie to look (straight, tilted, etc) and glue it on!
6. Add words and you are done! You can either write the words yourself (I prefer to do this) or print out the sayings I typed up and use those. 

There a million variations of this card! You can use so many different patterns for the ties--even textured paper! Cut the collars differently, tilt the ties (sloppy look), use different saying, etc. So many cute things to do! I would love to see your card, post below along with any questions! Have fun crafting!

Peace and blessings,