Easy Layered Bicycle Alternative Card Idea – April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit – Stampin’ Up!

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

This card has such a soft relaxing feel with the beach bicycle image, layered textures, and subtle torn paper detail. I love how simple this design is while still having lots of dimension and interest.

The combination of soft blues, woodgrain texture, and watercolor imagery makes this card feel calm and peaceful—perfect for encouragement or friendship cards.

About This Card

For this design, I focused on:

●     Soft layered textures

●     A simple torn paper technique

●     Clean scenic elements

●     Creating dimension without adding bulk

The bicycle image is definitely the star of this card and gives it such a fun lakeside retreat vibe!

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

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

[167920]

Cloud Cover 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165621]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

Gray Granite 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146983]

Gray Granite Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154886]

Versamark Pad

[102283]

Embossing Additions Tool Kit

[159971]

Basics Wow! Embossing Powder

[165679]

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

[129053]

Add All to Cart

 

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Measurements

Cloud Cover Cardbase – 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"

Basic White – scrap

Waterside Retreat DSP – Bike

Gray Granite – 1/2" strip

White Woodgrain Cardbase* – 3” x 4-1/4"

Dark Blue Rectangle* – 3” x 3-3/4"

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Splatter on Cardbase
To give your cardbase a little texture, splatter a gray ink. I used Gray Granite Dark Blend Marker.

2. Stamp
On the White Woodgrain piece stamp the Cattail image in Peaceful Pine ink on the left and right sides about 1-1/2" from the bottom. Use second generation stamping to give a lighter color and depth.

You may also want to stamp a smaller image in the center to go between the two bike tires. If you do, use a trash piece of cardstock to mask the bottom of the White Woodgrain so you don’t stamp on it.

3. Add the Torn Layer
Tear both 3” edges of the Dark Blue Rectangle and attach behind the White Woodgrain piece with dimensionals. If it does not fit, with about 1/4" showing on the left & right sides, you can cut the Dark Blue Rectangle down the center and attach each side separately.

Add this to the center of the cardbase.

4. Add the Bicycle Scene
Since I have already used the Bike Die Cut from the kit, I fussy cut one from the coordinating Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper. Add it near the stamped Cattails with dimensionals.

Stamp on scrap piece of Basic White Cardstock more Cattails in Peaceful Pine ink. Create a grouping of three and use second generation stamping to get depth. Fussy cut out and add with dimensionals over the bike tire on the left side.

5. Add the Sentiment
Make sure to use an Embossing Buddy on the Gray Granite strip, to get a nice clean finished look before stamping.

Stamp the sentiment in the center of the Gray Granite strip using VersaMark. Apply White Embossing Powder, remove excess. Heat until shiny.

Flag the ends and place below the Bike with dimensionals.

6. Add Finishing Touches
Finish with 3 Stone Embellishments from the kit.

 

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Why I Love This Card

This card is a great reminder that simple designs can still feel beautiful and detailed.

I especially love:

●     The soft layered textures

●     The subtle torn paper edge

●     The peaceful coastal color palette

●     The clean scenic layout

This design would work perfectly for:

●     Encouragement cards

●     Friendship cards

●     Retirement cards

●     Masculine cards

●     Thank you cards

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Video Tutorial

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

●     How to use torn paper techniques in cardmaking

●     Tips for layering scenic elements

●     Easy ways to stretch your Paper Pumpkin supplies into more 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