Thursday, May 14, 2026

You’ll love this Relaxing Coastal Card Idea! An April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Alternative

Today I’m sharing my third alternative card idea using the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit – Lakeside Retreat!


This card has such a peaceful coastal feel with the watercolor sky, soft striped background, and adorable bicycle image. I love how relaxing and serene this design turned out!

The layered scene creates so much depth while still keeping the card simple and easy to recreate.

For this design, I wanted to create:

●      A soft lakeside/coastal scene

●      A relaxing layered landscape

●      A clean focal point with lots of texture

●      An easy card layout you can recreate with leftover kit pieces

The bicycle image adds such a fun touch and really gives this card that peaceful “ride along the beach” feeling.


Have You Joined the Paper Pumpkin Cut Club Yet?

If you love making alternatives each month and want exclusive perks, make sure you join my Paper Pumpkin Cut Club on YouTube! For only $4.99/month, members receive:

✨ Loyalty badges & custom emojis

✨ Early access to all my Paper Pumpkin alternative videos

✨ Member shout-outs

✨ The Exclusive Monthly Cutting Guide

✨ Members-only livestreams & behind-the-scenes sneak peeks

The Cutting Guide is one of the most requested resources I create—it shows exactly how to cut your cardbases/gift boxes to make all of my alternatives. Cut Club members get it EVERY MONTH.

You can join here → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/join

 


Want to Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin?

If you’re not already receiving Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time to join! My subscribers receive:

🎁 A FREE exclusive card kit designed by me each month

🎁 The Exclusive Monthly Cutting Guide

🎁 A monthly live crafting session

🎁 A multi-demonstrator PDF tutorial packed with 7–10 alternate ideas

🎁 And of course—my support, tips, and creative inspiration!

 Subscribe here and select me as your demonstrator (Chelsey Christensen–CO):

https://www.stampinup.com/products/paper-pumpkin-subscription/?demoid=2042902


Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]
[166815]
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]
[159229]
Gray Granite 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146983 ]
[146983]
Gray Granite Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154886 ]
[154886]
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 153118 ]
[153118]
Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]
[155475]
Add All to Cart

 

———————— My Favorite Supplies ————————

• Stampin' Seal+ [149699] —— https://bit.ly/3Ibz8YK

• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755] —— https://bit.ly/3IaGF9S

• Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] —— https://bit.ly/3ajQSo5

• Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] —— https://bit.ly/3IbzezA

• Mini Glue Dots [103683] $7.25 —— https://bit.ly/3anAcw3

• Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199] —— https://bit.ly/3IjEq4d

• Simply Shammy [147042] —— https://bit.ly/3bQH7hE

• Paper Snips [103579] —— https://bit.ly/3ulT6tV

• Take Your Pick [144107] —— https://bit.ly/3IeYxR9

• Bone Folder [102300] —— https://bit.ly/3uhErzZ

• Clear Block D [118485] —— https://bit.ly/3uuabSs

• Paper Trimmer [152392] —— https://bit.ly/3abvykH

• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] —— https://bit.ly/3ujz8zU


Measurements

Thick Basic White Cardbase – 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2" vertical

Gray Granite – 2-1/2" x 4-1/4"

Basic White – scraps

Gray Twine – 20"

Bike Die Cut*

Blue Sign with White Label*

Lakeside Scene (Sky) Cardbase* – 1-1/2" x 4-1/4"

White Woodgrain Cardbase* – 1-1/2" x 4-1/4"

Blue Stripe Cardbase* – 1-1/2" x 4-1/4"

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Splatter & Stamp
Splatter the three 1-1/2" x 4-1/4" strips from Kit Cardbases with Gray ink. I used the Gray Granite Dark Blend Marker.

Samp in the top right area of the Sky 1-1/2" x 4-1/4" piece the Flying Birds image in Gray Granite ink.

Stamp the Cattails in Peaceful Pine on the right and left sides of the White Woodgrain strip. Use second generation stamping to get a lighter color and add more depth.


2. Build the Background
Attach the Sky piece about 1/2" from the top of the cardbase.

Attach the Blue strip piece about 1/2" from the bottom of the cardbase.





3. Create the Center Piece
AttachTear both long edges of the 2-1/2" x 4-1/4" Gray Granite piece and place behind the White Woodgrain strip add to the center of the cardbase with dimensionals.

Add the Bike a little to the right in the middle of the White Woodgrain strip with dimensionals.




4. Add Bow & Greeting

To the left of the Bike attach a Faux Double Bow made from 20” of Gray Baker’s Twine.

On the White Label stamp your greeting in Misty Moonlight ink. I used “Thanks” the Decorative Line & “You Are An Inspiration”. To separate the longer greeting into two lines, use the edge of the ink pad to only ink up the areas you want to stamp. Make sure to clean the stamp well between stamping.

Add the greeting to the center of the Blue Sign (remove the two tabs). Add over the Faux Bow with dimensionals.


5. Finishing the Card
Stamp on the scrap Basic White piece three Cattail images in Peaceful Pine. Use second generation stamping for one. Fussy Cut out with a straight edge bottom. Add over the front tire of the Bike with dimensionals.

Add three small Stone Embellishments along the bottom of the White Woodgrain strip.

 

Why I Love This Card

This card feels calm, peaceful, and perfect for spring and summer cardmaking.

I love how the Lakeside Retreat Kit makes it easy to build beautiful scenic cards with very little extra effort. The watercolor artwork in this kit is absolutely gorgeous and does most of the work for you!

This would be perfect for:

●      Thank you cards

●      Encouragement cards

●      Masculine cards

●      Retirement cards

●      Friendship cards

Video Tutorial

Be sure to watch my YouTube tutorial where I’ll show you:

●      How I layered the scenic elements

●      Tips for creating depth with kit pieces

●      Easy ways to stretch your Paper Pumpkin supplies into even more cards

If this project inspires you to create something, I would love for you to tag me on social media using @creativechelsey | #creativechelsey or email me at chelsey@creativechelsey.com.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for even more Alternative Ideas you can make with the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit.

Have a creative day,
Chelsey

at No comments:

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Make This Rustic Outdoor Alternative Card with your April 2026 Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit from Stampin’ Up!

Today I’m sharing my second alternative card idea using the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit – Lakeside Retreat!


This card has such a fun rustic outdoor feel with the fishing elements, plaid pattern, and earthy color palette. I wanted this design to feel relaxed and masculine while still keeping the layered handmade look I love.

The combination of the soft watercolor images and the textured layers came together beautifully for this card!

About This Card

For this design, I focused on:

●      Creating a masculine outdoor-themed card

●      Layering patterns without overwhelming the design

●      Using the fishing elements as the focal point

●      Adding natural texture with twine and earthy colors

I especially love how the plaid pattern gives this card that cozy “lakeside cabin” feeling.


Have You Joined the Paper Pumpkin Cut Club Yet?

If you love making alternatives each month and want exclusive perks, make sure you join my Paper Pumpkin Cut Club on YouTube! For only $4.99/month, members receive:

✨ Loyalty badges & custom emojis

✨ Early access to all my Paper Pumpkin alternative videos

✨ Member shout-outs

✨ The Exclusive Monthly Cutting Guide

✨ Members-only livestreams & behind-the-scenes sneak peeks

The Cutting Guide is one of the most requested resources I create—it shows exactly how to cut your cardbases/gift boxes to make all of my alternatives. Cut Club members get it EVERY MONTH.

You can join here → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/join

 


Want to Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin?

If you’re not already receiving Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time to join! My subscribers receive:

🎁 A FREE exclusive card kit designed by me each month

🎁 The Exclusive Monthly Cutting Guide

🎁 A monthly live crafting session

🎁 A multi-demonstrator PDF tutorial packed with 7–10 alternate ideas

🎁 And of course—my support, tips, and creative inspiration!

 Subscribe here and select me as your demonstrator (Chelsey Christensen–CO):

https://www.stampinup.com/products/paper-pumpkin-subscription/?demoid=2042902



Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]
[166815]
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
Peaceful Pine 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 167691 ]
[167691]
Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ]
[161665]
Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161674 ]
[161674]
Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]
[155475]
Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder [ 165559 ]
[165559]
Add All to Cart

 

———————— My Favorite Supplies ————————

• Stampin' Seal+ [149699] —— https://bit.ly/3Ibz8YK

• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755] —— https://bit.ly/3IaGF9S

• Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] —— https://bit.ly/3ajQSo5

• Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] —— https://bit.ly/3IbzezA

• Mini Glue Dots [103683] $7.25 —— https://bit.ly/3anAcw3

• Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199] —— https://bit.ly/3IjEq4d

• Simply Shammy [147042] —— https://bit.ly/3bQH7hE

• Paper Snips [103579] —— https://bit.ly/3ulT6tV

• Take Your Pick [144107] —— https://bit.ly/3IeYxR9

• Bone Folder [102300] —— https://bit.ly/3uhErzZ

• Clear Block D [118485] —— https://bit.ly/3uuabSs

• Paper Trimmer [152392] —— https://bit.ly/3abvykH

• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] —— https://bit.ly/3ujz8zU


Measurements

Crumb Cake Cardbase – 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"

Peaceful Pine – 1/4" strip

Basic White – scrap

Crumb Cake Twine – 10"

Pecan Pie Circle*

Green Label*

Oar & Fish Die Cuts*

Green Plaid Cardbase – 2-3/4" x 4”

White Woodgrain Cardbase – 1-1/2" x 4”

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Splatter on the Cardbase
With a dark ink color, I used Dark Pecan Pie Blend Marker, splatter ink over the front of the cardbase.






2. Create the Background Layers
On the White Woodgrain strip stamp in Pecan Pie ink the Cattail image on the left side. Stamp twice without reinking - this is called Second Generation Stamping. Stamp a third time creating a third smaller image. Repeat on the right side. Add this about 1/2" from the top of the cardbase.

Add the Green Plaid piece just below the White Woodgrain piece.




3. Add the Accent Strip
If you would like, Emboss the Peaceful Pine strip with any embossing folder. I used the retired Mini Corrugated 3D Folder.

 

Adhere the strip across the seam between the two pattern pieces.




4. Create the Circle
Cut from the Center of the Large Pecan Pie circle die cut from the kit a 2-1/2" circle.

Stamp the 3 Flying Birds in Pecan Pie ink along the top of the circle.

Stamp on Basic White Cardstock three Cattails at different heights using second generation stamping for one of the images. Fussy Cut out.

Adhere the Cattails to the left edge of the circle. Cut the overhang either with scissors or using the same punch or die you used to cut the circle.


5. Add the Details to the Circle
Add the Oar Die Cut at a slight angle near the Cattails with dimensionals.

Stamp your greeting in Peaceful Pine ink on the Green Label. I used “Your Are a Lifesaver”. Add across the middle of the Circle with dimensionals overlapping the Oar.

Tuck the Fish below the greeting with dimensionals.



6. Add the Bow
Tie a bow with 10” of Crumb Cake Twine and slide under the Oar. Adhere with a glue dot.






7. Finish the Card
Attach the completed Circle & Elements to the center of the card with dimensionals. I placed the greeting near the Peaceful Pine embossed strip.

 

Why I Love This Card

Masculine cards can sometimes feel difficult to design, but this kit makes it so easy!

The earthy tones, watercolor imagery, and plaid patterns work perfectly together to create cards for dads, husbands, birthdays, Father’s Day, or anyone who loves the outdoors.

I also love how versatile these kit elements are—you can create rustic, elegant, or even more modern masculine designs depending on how you layer them.

Video Tutorial

Be sure to watch my YouTube tutorial where I’ll show you:

●      How I layered these rustic elements

●      Tips for balancing masculine card designs

●      Easy ways to stretch your Paper Pumpkin supplies

If this project inspires you to create something, I would love for you to tag me on social media using @creativechelsey | #creativechelsey or email me at chelsey@creativechelsey.com.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for even more Alternative Ideas you can make with the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit.

Have a creative day,
Chelsey

at No comments:
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