Create This Beachy Birthday Card with Paper Pumpkin with the April 2026 Lakeside Retreat Kit

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

This card has such a fun coastal summer vibe with the striped background, soft scenic image, and adorable ice cream shop focal point. I love how simple this design is while still feeling bright, layered, and cheerful.

This card would be perfect for:

●      Summer birthdays

●      Beach lovers

●      Vacation-themed cards

●      Friendship cards

●      Simple everyday greetings

For this design, I focused on:

●      Using the scenic artwork as the main focal point

●      Adding a bold striped background for contrast

●      Keeping the embellishments simple

●      Creating a fresh coastal feel with soft blues and peach tones

The watercolor-style scene paired with the striped paper reminds me of a relaxing beach boardwalk in the summer.

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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

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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

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

Waterside Retreat 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[167920]

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[153081]

Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146985]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

[161665]

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

[155475]

Add All to Cart

 

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

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

Measurements

Cardbase – 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” score at 4-1/4”

Misty Moonlight Cardbase – 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"

Waterside Retreat DSP – Ice Cream Shop

Basic White – 3-1/8" x 4-1/8"

Petal Pink – 1-1/2" Circle

White Twine – 20"

Blue & White Stripe Cardbase* – 4” x 5-1/2"

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Add Pattern to Cardbase
Attach the Blue & White Stripe piece to the center of the cardbase with even borders on the left & right sides.

2. Scenic Panel
Cut out the Ice Cream Shop Scene from the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper and layer on top of the Basic White piece.

Distress the edges and add to the center of the cardbase with dimensionals.

3. Add the Sentiment
Stamp your greeting in Pecan Pie on a 1-1/2" Petal Pink Circle.

 

Add a Double Faux Bow with 20” of White Baker’s Twine to the back and attach to the left side of the Ice Cream Shop Scene with dimensionals.

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Why I Love This Card

This card feels:
 ✔ Bright
 ✔ Relaxing
 ✔ Coastal
 ✔ Easy to recreate

My favorite part is the combination of:

●      Soft watercolor scenery

●      Bold striped background

●      Minimal embellishing

The layout is clean and simple, but the layered textures still make it feel finished and polished.

This is also a fantastic design for using up leftover scenic panels from your kit.

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Video Tutorial

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

●      How to create easy scenic cards

●      Tips for layering patterned paper

●      Simple ways to add texture with thread

●      How to stretch your Paper Pumpkin kit supplies into more alternative cards

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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