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.

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[159229]

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

[146983]

Gray Granite Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154886]

Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad

[153118]

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

[155475]

Add All to Cart

 

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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.

 

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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

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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

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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