Tag Archives: Relaxing Waterside Bundle

Catch of the Day: A Waterside Retreat Fun Fold

Posted in Birthday, HANDMADE CARDS, Man Cards by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

I’m so excited to share this fun fold with you today, and as promised, I’m including all the measurements and instructions so you can recreate it yourself! One of my favorite things about paper crafting is taking beautiful Designer Series Paper and turning it into something a little unexpected. Today’s card does exactly that with the gorgeous Waterside Retreat Suite Collection and a fun Horizontal Faux Step Fold.

Escape to a quiet moment on the shore with the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection. This suite captures the breezy simplicity of a lakeside getaway with serene images of lounge chairs, sailboats, books, and peaceful waters. The coordinating Designer Series Paper, detailed dies, and charming embellishments work together to create projects that feel calm, relaxing, and beautifully inviting. For today’s card, I let the Designer Series Paper take center stage and paired it with this unique fold to create a scene that practically splashes with personality!

Let’s begin with the card base. I used Misty Moonlight cardstock, cutting the base to 8½” x 5½”. Along the 8½” side, score at 3″, 6″, and 7¼”. Turn the cardstock so the smallest section is closest to you. Adhere a piece of Designer Series Paper (Wood Grain) measuring 5¼” x 1″ to that front section. Skip the center section, and then add a second piece of the water-patterned Designer Series Paper measuring 5¼” x 2¾” between the second and third score lines. Once those pieces are in place, set the base aside while we create the front step panel.

For the front panel, cut another piece of Misty Moonlight cardstock to 6″ x 3″ and score on the 6″ side at 4½”. I wanted the fish to really stand out, so instead of using another Designer Series Paper pattern, I chose a piece of vellum embossed with the Wave Embossing Folder, cut to 4″ x 2¾”, and adhered it to the front. The soft texture gives the appearance of moving water without distracting from the focal images.

The fish themselves were simply fussy-cut from one of the sheets included in the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper pack. I attached them with Stampin’ Dimensionals, allowing them to float above the background for added dimension. To finish the scene, I scattered several Clear Dewdrop Embellishments, which create the perfect “bubble” effect. I absolutely love how those little details bring the card to life!

Once your front panel is complete, attach it to the step section of the card. I placed mine slightly toward the left side, but centering it would work beautifully as well. That’s the fun of this fold—you can customize the placement to suit your style.

For the greeting, I stamped my sentiment in Misty Moonlight ink onto Basic White cardstock. Using a circle from the Stylish Shapes Dies, I selected one that matched the curve of the sentiment and simply trimmed away the excess to create the unique shape you see on the card. It adds just the right finishing touch without covering up too much of the beautiful paper.

To complete the card, I added a 5¼” x 3⅔” piece of Basic White cardstock to the back, giving plenty of room for a handwritten message and birthday wishes. Here’s a tip: Before attaching the back panel, write your message first, or if it’s already attached, use a felt tip pen as it will glide over the area where you attached the back of the panel.

I hope you’ll give this Horizontal Faux Step Fun Fold a try. It’s a wonderful way to showcase beautiful Designer Series Paper, and with those playful fish swimming across the front, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives it. Until next time, enjoy your creative escape and happy stamping!

Linda 💙
Shining the Light on Creativity 🐟🌊🏖️

Hail, Hail… The Gang’s All Here! A Wild Bunch Birthday Fun Fold

Posted in Birthday, Fun Folds, HANDMADE CARDS, Product of the Month by

Happy Friday, Stampin’ Friends!

We’ve reached the grand finale of my Wild Bunch series, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with all the critters together on one card! 🐌🐄🐧🐨 If you’ve been following along this week, you’ve already met each of these adorable friends individually. But apparently, once I set out a chair from the Waterside Retreat Collection, everyone decided they wanted a seat at the party!

Today’s fun fold combines two of my favorite collections. The sweet animals from the Wild Bunch Stamp Set take center stage, while the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper and Relaxing Waterside Dies provide the perfect backdrop. I added colorful little banners to the “step” portion of the card for a festive touch, and then placed my chair front and center. Before I knew it, those playful critters started hopping on! I especially love the penguin perched on the arm of the chair—he looks perfectly content sitting there and enjoying the celebration.

Throughout the week I’ve shared several coloring techniques, and all of those ideas came together on today’s card. From watercolor pencils to soft shading with Stampin’ Blends and markers, these little friends have been such a joy to bring to life.

This card has an extra special purpose, too. It’s headed to my great-grandson, who is turning three! He absolutely loves animals, so I know the cows and that curious little penguin are going to make him giggle. Nothing makes my heart happier than creating something handmade for someone I love.

Since it’s Friday, I couldn’t resist adding a fun fold to the mix! I’m skipping the measurements and instructions today, but don’t worry—stop back tomorrow because I’ll be featuring this “Faux Step” Fun Fold with the Waterside Retreat Collection, complete with dimensions and step-by-step instructions.

Until then, I hope these adorable Wild Bunch friends have brought a smile to your face all week long. Happy Friday, and remember… creativity is always more fun when the whole gang is here!

Masculine Cards Made EASY with Simple Layouts!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Man Cards by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

If you’re looking for card ideas that are simple to create yet packed with personality, today’s video is filled with inspiration you’ll love! I’m sharing fun and easy layouts featuring the beautiful Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper along with the Perennial Postage Dies — a combination that makes creating eye-catching cards quick, creative, and enjoyable.

Even though today’s projects lean toward masculine and summer-themed cards, the real beauty of these layouts is their flexibility. Change the paper, greetings, or embellishments and these same ideas could easily become Christmas cards, baby shower cards, birthday greetings, retirement cards, thank you cards, and so much more!

Be sure to watch the video tutorial where I’ll walk you through the designs, share helpful tips, and show you how these layouts come together so effortlessly.

🎥 Click here to watch the video tutorial on YouTube!

For the first card, I began with a die-cut background created using the Perennial Postage Dies. A simple quarter sheet of the Waterside Retreat Designer Paper creates the perfect backdrop and instantly sets the scene for the card. To add dimension and interest, I fussy cut the adorable life jackets from another sheet of designer paper and used them as the focal point.

The soft patterns and layered details make this card feel relaxed and coastal without being overly complicated. To finish the design, I stamped a simple “Happy Father’s Day” greeting in the upper right-hand corner, helping balance the layout while keeping the overall design clean and masculine.

The second card also highlights the versatility of the designer paper with more fussy cut elements. This time, I used the Perennial Postage Dies to frame and spotlight four individual images, instantly drawing your eye to the focal pieces.

The layered postage-style dies really help organize the layout while adding texture and visual interest. Underneath the greeting, I added a pair of die-cut oars for an extra touch of detail and charm that ties beautifully into the waterside theme.

One of my favorite things about both of these cards is how adaptable they are. Imagine these same layouts with snowflakes and Christmas paper, soft florals for spring, baby-themed prints for showers, or bright birthday patterns. Once you have a great layout, the possibilities truly become endless!

The Waterside Retreat Designer Paper is perfect for creating relaxed, masculine, and outdoorsy cards, while the Perennial Postage Dies add structure, layering, and that extra “finished” look to your projects. Together, they create a versatile combination you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

I hope today’s projects inspire you to look at your designer paper in new ways and encourage you to try fussy cutting some of those beautiful printed images. Sometimes the simplest layouts become the cards people remember most!

Happy Stamping! 💙
Linda
Linda’s Stampin’ Escape – Shining the Light on Creativity

Join me tonight LIVE on my Facebook page for more cardmaking fun …. CLICK HERE then be sure to Follow my Stamping Community page!!

A Lakeside Escape… You’re Going to Love This Easy Card!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Man Cards, RETIRING, Thinking of You / Hello Friend by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

There’s something so peaceful about a quiet moment by the water… and today’s card captures that feeling beautifully using the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection featuring the Relaxing Waterside Bundle. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a lakeside getaway—where the breeze is soft, the water gently rolls in, and time seems to slow down—this suite brings that experience right into your craft room.

The Waterside Retreat Suite is filled with everything you need to create calming, scenic cards with ease. From the sun-drenched Designer Series Paper to the detailed stamps and coordinating dies, each piece works together effortlessly. You’ll find images of lounge chairs, sailboats, books, and more—perfect for creating those serene, storybook moments. And let’s not forget the charming little anchor embellishments that add just the right finishing touch!

Today’s card really lets the Designer Series Paper shine. The soft shoreline scene sets the stage, creating a tranquil background that instantly draws you in. I added one of my absolute favorite dies from this suite—the Adirondack chair—and placed it front and center. Doesn’t it just invite you to sit down, relax, and take in the view? The added texture and dimension of the die really bring the whole scene to life, while still keeping the card simple and easy to recreate.

This is one of those designs that looks detailed and impressive, yet comes together quickly—perfect for when you want to create something beautiful without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re making a card for a friend, a retirement, or simply to send a little calm and encouragement, this suite makes it so easy to tell a story through your crafting.

If you’re ready to bring a little lakeside calm into your stamping, the Waterside Retreat Suite is one you’ll definitely want to add to your collection. It’s perfect for creating those peaceful, heartfelt cards that your friends and family will treasure. It’s in the NEW Catalog and will be available on Tuesday, May 5th … get ready!

Thank you so much for stopping by today… I always love sharing a little creative escape with you!

Happy Stamping,
Linda 💙

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Escape to Serenity with the Waterside Retreat Suite

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Escape to a quiet moment on the shore with the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection. This beautiful new suite, arriving in the upcoming catalog this May, captures the breezy simplicity of a lakeside getaway. With serene imagery of lounge chairs, open books, sailboats, gentle waters, and peaceful shoreline scenes, it invites us to slow down and create cards that bring comfort, encouragement, and heartfelt connection.

Today, I’m delighted to share a handmade card inspired by this tranquil collection. My card highlights the stunning designer paper, which beautifully depicts a misty lakeside dock scene, instantly setting a peaceful and reflective tone. To enhance the sense of movement and life, I added delicate bird dies soaring across the sky, bringing dimension and a touch of nature to the card. The sentiment, created using the Prayers & Promises stamp set, offers a message of comfort and healing: “May you feel God’s care and healing as you recover.” This makes the card especially meaningful for sending encouragement during times when a gentle reminder of care is needed.

The calming colors and serene imagery of the Waterside Retreat Suite make it perfect for sympathy, thinking-of-you, masculine, encouragement cards or lakeside fun. Its versatility ensures it will quickly become a favorite for creating heartfelt projects that resonate with both the sender and the recipient.

Adding to the excitement, this suite coordinates beautifully with this month’s Paper Pumpkin kit, titled Lakeside Retreat. The kit includes exclusive designs and elements that complement the suite, allowing you to expand your creative possibilities and enjoy perfectly coordinated projects.

🚨 Important Reminder: Today is the final day to subscribe to receive this special Paper Pumpkin kit! If you love the peaceful lakeside theme, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to add these coordinating elements to your crafting collection. Subscribing ensures that this exclusive kit is delivered right to your door, ready to inspire your next creative escape.

As you look ahead to the new catalog release in May, be sure to add the Waterside Retreat Suite to your wish list. Its tranquil charm and versatility make it a timeless addition to any crafter’s collection.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope this card inspires you to take a moment for yourself and enjoy the peaceful creativity that stamping brings. Be sure to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin before the day ends, and get ready to create your own lakeside escape!

Happy Stamping!
Linda