Today I’m sharing my fourth alternative card idea using the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit – Lakeside Retreat!
This card is all about simple layering and clean design. I love how the watercolor blues paired with the fishing elements create such a calm lakeside feel while still keeping the card masculine and easy to recreate.
Sometimes the simplest designs really let
the beautiful kit artwork shine!
About This Card
For this design, I focused on:
●
Clean layered rectangles
●
Soft watercolor textures
●
Masculine outdoor elements
●
A quick and easy layout anyone can
recreate
The layered strips give this card depth
without making it complicated, and the baker’s twine adds the perfect rustic
finishing touch.
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Supplies
![Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166815s.jpg "Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]")
![Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/159229s.jpg "Basic White 8 1/2\" X 11\" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]")
![Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/155475s.jpg "Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]")
![Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/161665s.jpg "Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ]")
![Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161674 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/161674s.jpg "Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161674 ]")
![Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/147114s.jpg "Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ]")
———————— 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 – 5-1/2" x
8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"
Vanilla Twine – 10"
Envelope* – 1-3/4" x 4-1/4"
Dark Blue Rectangle* – 2-1/2" x
3-3/4"
Blue Stripe Cardbase* – 2” x 4-1/4"
Orange Label*
Oar & Life Vest Die Cuts*
Card Assembly Instructions
1. Cardbase
Splatter ink over the front of the cardbase. I used Dark Pecan Pie Blend Marker.
Stamp the Flying Birds image in Pecan Pie
ink in the top right corner.
Layer the Blue Stripe piece behind the Envelope piece with about 1/8" showing on top and bottom.
Add to the center of the Blue Rectangle piece with dimensionals. You
should have about 1/4" on top and bottom with 1/4" overhang on the
left & right sides.
Attach to the center of the cardbase.
Create a Faux Bow with 10” of Vanilla Baker’s Twine to the left of center.
Stamp your greeting in Early Espresso ink to the right on the Orange Label. Attach over the Faux Bow with dimensionals.
Add one Oar & Lifevest with
dimensionals to the left of the greeting over the label & faux bow.
Why I Love This Card
I love how easy this card is to recreate
while still looking polished and detailed.
The layered watercolor pieces paired with
the outdoor images make this card perfect for:
●
Masculine birthdays
●
Father’s Day
●
Thank you cards
●
Encouragement cards
●
Retirement cards
This is also a great design for using
leftover kit pieces because the layout works with almost any focal image or
sentiment.
Video Tutorial
Be sure to watch my YouTube tutorial
where I’ll show you:
●
How to create balanced layered
card designs
●
Tips for simple masculine cards
●
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