Minimal Layers, Maximum Impact | April 2026 Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Alternative Idea

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

This card features one of the beautiful scenic images from the kit and really lets the artwork shine. I love the soft beach colors, layered textures, and simple design. Sometimes the easiest cards end up being some of my favorites!

This card would be perfect for:

●      Encouragement

●      Friendship

●      Masculine cards

●      Retirement

●      Thinking of you

For this design, I focused on:

●      Letting the scenic artwork be the focal point

●      Simple layering techniques

●      Soft neutral textures

●      Creating depth without adding too much bulk

The distressed Crumb Cake layer behind the beach panel adds just enough texture while keeping the card clean and relaxing.

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146988]

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

[120953]

Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad

[147102]

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

[147114]

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

[155475]

Add All to Cart

 

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• Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199] —— https://bit.ly/3IjEq4d

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• Paper Snips [103579] —— https://bit.ly/3ulT6tV

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• 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

Soft Sea Foam Cardbase – 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"

Crumb Cake – 3-5/8" x 3-5/8"

Vanilla Twine – 10"

Lakeside Scene*

Brown Label*

 

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Stamp Design on Cardbase
Using the Rope Line Image and Soft Sea Foam Ink stamp a repetitive vertical pattern across the front of the Soft Sea Foam Cardbase. You can leave the top-middle area unstamped if you want since we will be coving it up with the Lakeside Scene.

2.Add the Lakeside Scene
Distress the edges of the Crumb Cake piece and adhere it slightly angled behind the Lakeside Scene piece.

Add it to the middle area of the cardbase.

3. Greeting & Embellishments

Stamp your choice of greeting in Early Espresso ink on the Brown Label. Add to the bottom-left area of the Lakeside Scene piece with dimensionals.

 

Create a Faux Bow with 10” of Vanilla Twine and tuck under the greeting on the right side.

Add 2-3 Stone Embellishments along the bottom of the grasses in the Lakeside Scene piece.

 

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Why I Love This Card

This card is a great example of how beautiful simple layering can be.

My favorite details are:

●      The peaceful beach scenery

●      The soft watercolor look

●      The torn kraft texture

●      The clean simple layout

Sometimes all you need is:
 ✔ A beautiful focal image
 ✔ A little texture
 ✔ A simple sentiment

And you have a stunning handmade card!

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Video Tutorial

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

●      Easy layering tips for scenic cards

●      How to use torn paper for texture

●      Ways to stretch your Paper Pumpkin supplies into even more card ideas

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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