Father’s Day cards!

This year I found the perfect papers to make cards for my Dad — and J’s Dad too! I’m so excited that I’m going to post them now instead of waiting until Sunday. (Dad, if you’re reading this then step away from the computer right now, ha ha!)

Okay, the rest of you can check them out!

When I spotted this Rocket Age paper from October Afternoon I let out a huge internal “GAH!” (Didn’t want to startle anyone.)

You see, my Dad used to take me to work with him when I was little. He was a computer operator back in the days of keypunch cards and computers the size of refridgerators. Have you heard of keypunch cards? I couldn’t get enough of them — maybe that’s where my love of paper began? The machines made a satisfying sound as they punched the cards, and I got to take as many home to play with as I wanted.

I ended up getting a degree in computer science and went to work at IBM, where they had keypunch cards to use as scrap paper in the supply cabinets. (They make great bookmarks! And are nice and thick for collage, too.)

This was all in the days when women didn’t “do” computers — there were only a handful of us in my whole graduating class. (Thanks to my Dad, I didn’t know that I wasn’t supposed to be a geeky computer nerd. Thanks, Dad! Although, you better not be reading this. :)

And then! Then I spotted another piece of October Afternoon paper from the 5 & Dime collection with a Dad, Mom, and a boy and a girl — perfect for J’s Dad! Yeah!

Just love it when cards come together!

Resources: Foil stars from the office supply store. Silver washi tape from MT, black and white polka dot tape by K & Co from their smash! line — love it so much! If you haven’t seen their video yet you gotta go check it out! Rocket Age papers and 5 & Dime by October Afternoon. I colored the family with Copic markers. The messages are all computer generated using marketing script and turn table fonts. I rubbed the edges of the family piece with tea dye distress ink by Ranger. Oh and! There’s silver glitter glue on the rocket. The kraft notecards are from Paper Source — love the bigger A7 size so more of the paper shows!

Have a geeky day,

21 Replies to “Father’s Day cards!”

  1. *ahem* Maybe your Dad and I are the same age? I learned computers before punch cards. Ask your Dad about the oily tape stuff.

    In college we wrote our programs on punch cards. We had an express machine (5 cards or less) and the other one. Carried the cards in huge boxes. Numbered the cards. Heaven forbid you dropped them!

    Okay, now that we’ve established I am OLD, yes, they do make great bookmarks. And cards. :)

    1. Leslie, you crack me up! I’ve heard tales about dropping cards — that does NOT sound like fun! :)

      And no way you’re the same age as my Dad — I mean, he’s OLD! Ha ha ha!!! (Actually he seems the same as ever to me except for a some more gray hairs. I want to be like him when I grow up!)

  2. Too fun!!! First, these cards are just FAB.
    2nd? My first exposure was also a computer with the cards!!!!
    And, I ended up getting a Minor in CSCI!!!

    xoxoo

    1. ANDI!!! No way, you got hooked by the cards too?!?! It *must* be a paper thing! :) Too cool on CSC! :)

  3. Totally fabulous cards, Lisa! Love them both!

  4. For my first exposure to programing @ UNM we had to use punch cards. They were on their way out, but we got to see how hard it was to code back then.

    Love your cards. I haven’t seen that new line of OA papers. They are awesome. Perfect for your dads.

  5. Fun stuff today, Lisa! Love stopping by here. . .always makes me smile! :)

  6. Oh my goodness, does this bring back memories! In my last year of college, I had a job doing something with those key-punch cards (can’t remember what). And yes, that computer was HUGE! What a fantastic idea, Lisa! Thanks for sharing these with us!

  7. Angie Tieman says:

    Love these cards! Love how you used those little star stickers too! As a teacher, I have tons of those, so I’ll have to copy you! Thanks!

  8. Wow! These are awesome looking, Lisa! I really do like that computer keypunch look!

  9. Great cards, great photos [obviously!] and a story so nicely threaded through. My kind of blog post!

    Can’t wait to get my hands on the Smash accessories too.

  10. Totally love the keypunched cards for background layering ;)
    Makes me wish I could buy some as ephemera!!! Great for using on guy cards.
    Speaking of which, I totally need that Rocket Age pad. You’ve completely reminded me to get my paws on it. My hubby is astronomy/ physics/ science mad, so your cards are totally inspiring!
    Rx

  11. barbara lassiter says:

    Just a note! None of those who worked with computers in college are really old. When I was in college, there were no computers. Now! That’s old! Love your cards and the use of the computer paper! Another thought. My Dad is 98…now that’s old and I’m not! LOL We are so thankful his is still with us and in good health for his age.

  12. super cool Dad’s Day cards, Lisa! i seriously didn’t know what keypunch cards are and had to ask hubby. =) love love the retro look and fab designs.

  13. i totally remember seeing those key punch cards! your 2 father’s day cards are wonderful! i have some ‘vintage’ time cards….when i say some, i mean a ton of them! i know if anyone can come up with something fun to do with those, it would be you! i would love to send you some if you’d like! LMK :)

    1. Oh awesome Ivy! I’ll email you! :)

  14. Ah, Lisa – I had to have that Rocket Age paper pack because my hubby’s best lifetime friend is into comics. I plan to make his birthday card with it. You did so good here! I, too, carried punch cards around college…..we are all showing our age here! Would love to get my hands on some of those cards – they were so great for so many things! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

  15. Love this post…Your Dad sounds super FAB:) Great use of the foil stars…reminds me of my elementary school days…love that.

  16. Lisa, wonderful, fun post and wonderful cards! I’m sure your dad and FIL will love them!

  17. Your cards are splediferous! I am coveting my rocket age punch cardstock and don’t think I can bring myself to cut into it, lol! Thanks for the inspiration as always :)

  18. Love your cards. Just found your blog today through the summer card class. It’s nice to meet a fellow crafter in Texas. :)

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