My family is filled with car guys, who enjoy discussing motors and gears in depth when out driving, at dinner, or watching tv (you get the picture) . So I was so thrilled to see gear thinlit dies in Stampin Up’s Classic Garage Set in time for my husband’s birthday. The set includes stamp images of a classic car, tool box and fuel can which will be useful for so many masculine birthday cards. But what stopped me in my tracks were the gear dies. Yes this would be lovely paired with the classic auto for a traditional card but the minimalist in me can’t wait to try a modern card with shiny silver gears, One google search later I took my inspiration for this card from CraftyKylie.com on Pinterest. Lovely job Kylie.
I wanted a sleek modern card so the Cardstock was paired down to a gray and black color combination. The gears definitely look modern in silver foil paper (See A). These were first cut with the foil side against the cutting edge producing a clean image. However when I tried to make a slightly different image by reversing the die so the cutting edge was against the paper backing the image was too rough. Any ideas on how to reverse the die cut edge with good results? Well, I will definitly try that again because I like the slightly different pattern (See B) 
You probably recognize the tan cut up grocery bag under my work. When I forget my plastic sacks at the grocery store this is my way of re-using their bags.
The Card goes together quick and easy, I spent some time adjusting the silver gears on the left side of the Cardstock but then all that’s left is embossing the greeting in silver . My first try I used black ink instead of versa mark with the silver embossing powder and a fullers earth pad (my mistake but it was right next to the embossing powders at the big box store) instead of the anti static embossing buddy to stop stray embossing powder and the results are underwhelming. Did I mention I just bought my heat tool? But thanks to Brenda Keenan over at http://www.keenankreations.com/ I now know the right way.
Finally, once I had all my tools in place the card was finished in 15 minutes. At the last minute I switched gears, literally (see C below). Here is my birthday card, hope this encourages you on your next project.
Be encouranged! 