Relax & Create with Scenic Coast Beauty

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I am back from my Stamping Retreat – what a beautiful and fun weekend… I’ll be sharing from our retreat in upcoming posts. One of stamping sessions featured the Waterside Retreat and the Scenic Coast bundles that are in the upcoming catalog!

For today’s card, I wanted that stunning sunset to peek through and become the focal point, so I layered the Dotted Circles Embossing Folder over the card front and die cut the center opening to frame that glowing sun image. I just love how the embossed circles add movement and texture, almost like bubbles or sea spray dancing across the card. It’s such a fun and easy way to add interest to your projects, and because this embossing folder is currently on the Last Chance List, you may want to scoop it up soon if it’s been on your wish list. It’s one of those versatile folders that works beautifully for so many styles of cards.

To carry that peaceful shoreline feeling even further, I added the Adirondack chair from the Waterside Retreat Bundle, and I think it steals the show! Doesn’t it just invite you to sit down and stay awhile? The die-cut details in this bundle have such a relaxed, lakeside feel and pair beautifully with the Scenic Coast paper. I tucked the chair slightly over the die-cut opening to create depth and dimension, then added a simple “Relax” greeting to tie it all together. Sometimes a card doesn’t need lots of layers or complicated techniques—just thoughtfully chosen elements working together to tell a story.

What I especially love about this layout is how easily it could be adapted with other scenic papers or dies you already own. Try changing the sentiment, switching the chair color, or using this same window technique with florals, winter scenes, or even scrapbook pages. It’s a wonderful reminder that designer paper can be more than a background—it can be the inspiration for the whole project.

If this card has inspired you, I’d encourage you to take another look at your designer papers and let them shine! And if the Dotted Circles Embossing Folder or Waterside Retreat Bundle have caught your eye, be sure to grab them while they’re available—especially those Last Chance favorites.

I’d love to hear… does this card make you dream of the beach, or a peaceful lakeside retreat? Let me know in the comments. You’ll find some product details in the links below, the others will be available when the catalog goes LIVE on May 5th.

And as always, thank you for stopping by Linda’s Stampin’ Escape, where we’re always shining the light on creativity.

Happy Retirement … Masculine Card

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Today I’m going to share a simple card you can easily recreate for your loved ones that are heading into retirement.  It seems to be that time of year!  We know all to well that this is the time of year Stampin’ Up! retires stamp sets and accessories to make room for the new!

My card is geared more towards a man, but I know of few women who are avid outdoors “women” so it would be perfect for them too.

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I began with the “Wetlands” stamp set.  I use this stamp set a lot … the greetings alone are worth the price, and I love, love, love, that wheat!  And, well the birds … what can I say “they’re perfect”.  I wanted the goose to stand out so I framed it using the “Ovals Collection” framelits.

And … what works better for an outdoor card than the “Woodgrain” embossing folder!  To make this pop even more, I brayered Crumb Cake Ink over the Crumb Cake cardstock!  You actually brayer after the cardstock is embossed.  It’s a simple technique and really makes the embossing stand out, and give it a real two-tone appearance.

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The goose was stamped with the StazOn™ ink and colored with the use of the Blender pens and Crumb Cake and Old Olive ink pads!  Easy 🙂

For my greeting, I chose the “Happy Retirement” for “Tiny Tiny Wishes” … I’m so happy that did not retire!  It has so many occasions and it pairs perfectly with the “Word Window” and “Modern Label” punches.

If you are ready for retirement… I wish you a happy one!

Thank you for dropping by today and …

Have an awesome weekend!

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