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.

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

Stylish Shapes Dies

[159183]

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[120953]

Peaceful Pine 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[167691]

Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

[161665]

Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[161674]

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

[155475]

Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder

[165559]

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

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.

 

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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.

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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

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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