Lakeside Retreat Kit Alternative Card #8 made with the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin - Stampin' Up

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

This card has such a peaceful rustic feel with the scenic lake image, woodgrain background, and fishing-inspired elements. I love how this design combines outdoor textures with simple layering to create an easy masculine birthday card.

For this design, I focused on:

●      Highlighting the scenic lake image

●      Creating a rustic cabin feel with woodgrain patterns

●      Using simple layered embellishments

●      Keeping the layout clean and easy to recreate

The crossed paddles and fish elements add such a fun outdoorsy touch while still keeping the card simple.

 

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

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

[159229]

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

[167920]

Add All to Cart

 

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Measurements

Thick Basic White Cardbase – 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"

Waterside Retreat DSP – Lakeside Scene

Waterside Retreat DSP – 2 Oars & Fish

Rounded Corner Label*

White Woodgrain Cardbase* – 1-1/2" x 4-1/4" & 1” x 4-1/4"

Blue & White Stripe Cardbase* – 1/2" x 4-1/4"

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Add Texture to the Cardbase
Attach the 1” White Woodgrain strip to the top of the cardbase, edge to edge.

Add the 1-1/2" White Woodgrain strip to the bottom of the cardbase, edge to edge.

2. Add the Scenic Layer
Cut your choice of Lake Scene from Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper Pack. Cut it down to fit about 3-1/4" x 4-1/4".

Add the Blue & White Strip to the bottom of the Lake Scene.

3. Create the Sentiment Focal Point
Stamp your greeting in Peaceful Pine ink on the Rounded Corner Label. Attach with dimensionals to the center over the Blue & White Strip.

 

Fussy cut 2 Oars and 1 Fish from Waterside Retreat DSP. Add to the right of the greeting with dimensionals.

 

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Why I Love This Card

This card is:
 ✔ Easy to recreate
 ✔ Perfect for masculine cardmaking
 ✔ Great for stretching your kit supplies
 ✔ Full of rustic outdoor charm

My favorite part is the peaceful scenic image paired with the fishing elements. It creates such a calm lakeside feeling without needing lots of extra supplies.

I also love how versatile this layout is — you could easily swap the sentiment and use this design for:

●      Father’s Day

●      Thank You cards

●      Retirement

●      Encouragement cards

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Video Tutorial

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

●      How to layer scenic Paper Pumpkin elements

●      Tips for creating masculine cards

●      Easy ways to combine patterned papers and die-cuts

●      How to stretch your kit supplies into even more alternatives

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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