Hi, Stampers!
Fun in the sun doesn’t always mean sandy beaches and flip-flops!
A new Let’s Craft and Create Challenge starts today, and our optional theme is “Fun in the Sun” (or, as always, Anything Goes).
As I looked through my stash, I was surprised to discover I have almost nothing that fits a summer fun theme! I guess that’s something I’ll have to rectify, isn’t it?

Since I was a little short on traditional summer images, I decided to go with something I see everywhere this time of year—people out enjoying bicycle rides. And where’s the perfect destination after a leisurely ride? The water, of course! Whether it’s a pond, lake, river, or the ocean, there’s just something so relaxing about taking in a beautiful waterfront view.
I have to admit, if I had a scene like this waiting for me at the end of my ride, I’d probably forget all about the exercise it took to get there! I can just picture someone stopping to soak in the peaceful surroundings before hopping back on their bike.
This card came together so easily using the Relaxing Waterside stamp set and the coordinating Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper. The gorgeous scenic backgrounds are already created for you, making it simple to build a beautiful card with minimal effort. Sometimes the paper does most of the work—and I’m perfectly happy to let it!
What says “summer” to you? Does this peaceful scene make you want to hop on a bike or simply sit and enjoy the view? I’d love to hear your favorite warm-weather activity in the comments!
We can’t wait to see your idea of “fun in the sun.” Check out the gallery and jump in—it’s more fun with you there!

My Secrets!
Let’s start with the card base…
- Firstly, this card started with cardstock, cut to 11 x 4-1/4 and scored at 5-1/2.
- After that, to add a rustic look, I cut the Country Woods designer paper to 5-3/8 x 4-1/8 and added it to the card base.
And now, the fun part!
- I used the Perennial Postage die to layer white cardstock underneath the lovely Waterside Retreat scenic paper. Once that was done, I popped it up with dimensionals onto the card base.
- The Waterside Retreat paper has an entire sheet dedicated to bicycles. I really don’t need that many but thought fussy cutting one out would be nice for my little “fun in the sun” scene. Once I finished that, I adhered it to the card.
- Then, I stamped the American beachgrass twice in Pecan Pie ink and cut them out with the coordinating die. I glued them to the card on either side of the bike to hide the sides that didn’t really go with the scene.
- I stamped the little flying birds (retired Mountain Air stamp set) onto the scene to add that little touch of life.
- I couldn’t decide what sentiment to add or where to add it! So, that will wait or maybe not at all. What do you think?
- The inside of the card just has a matching panel that I usually add to any card. I will wait to add any sentiment later. I just don’t have a clue where this card will be going yet!
I hope to share my card with these challenges:
- 613 Avenue Create
- Classic Design
- Crafty Catz
- Ellibelle’s Corner
- Love Those Pretty Papers
- Pammie’s Inky Pinkies Challenges
- Paper Rocks Scissors
- The Paper Funday

So, what do you think of my card today? I love hearing from you!
Please leave a comment if you have any questions or comments about my project today.
If you enjoyed my project today, please be sure to…
- Firstly, visit my Gallery and Fun Fold Gallery for lots of ideas, and…
- Enter the Creative Creases Challenge HERE with any fun fold card!
- Also, follow me on Pinterest and Instagram
- You can see My Secret Sale HERE

![Relaxing Waterside Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167922 ] Relaxing Waterside Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167922 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167922s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Relaxing Waterside Bundle (English) [ 167928 ] Relaxing Waterside Bundle (English) [ 167928 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167928s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Relaxing Waterside Dies [ 167927 ] Relaxing Waterside Dies [ 167927 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167927s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Waterside Retreat 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167920 ] Waterside Retreat 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167920 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167920s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163393 ] Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163393 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163393s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ] Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/161665s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ] Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/147114s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Perennial Postage Dies [ 162607 ] Perennial Postage Dies [ 162607 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/162607s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)

It looks so relaxing in your scene that I want to go there! Here’s hoping your birthday and 4th were both great!
Pinned! I LOVE it!!
Love this wonderful tranquil scene.
Thank you for joining us at 613 Avenue Create Challenge! Jane S (DT) Paper, Pencils & Pretty Things xxx
A peaceful, beautiful and relaxing scene! Thanks so much for joining our challenge at Love Those Pretty Papers!
Diane LTPP Co-Owner
This is definitely a Summer Fun scene, Thanks for joining us at The Paper Funday Challenge, and inspiring us with your lovely design.
Donna xx
The Paper Funday Challenge
The Pick 3 Challenge
The Inspiration Station Challenge
The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge
I love your card design! I am anxious to create more cards with this paper, etc.!😍
I like what you did on the card, very cute.
This is gorgeous!!! Thanks so much for participating in our PAPER ROCKS SCISSORS challenge!!! I appreciate that you play along and I enjoy visiting your blog!! Have a happy crafty day!! Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper
Absolutely gorgeous Debbie. Thanks so much for playing along with The Paper Funday Challenge.
Great design to show. Thank you for joining the 613 Avenue Create.
Hope to see you again in our new challenge as well 🙂
Majda DT
Beautiful ethereal waterside scene, very tranquil and peaceful. Thanks so much for sharing with this month’s “I Spy” challenge
Pauline xx
Another amazing seaside creation, very beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing again at “I spy with my little eye” challenge!
Pretty calming scene. Thanks for sharing over at Crafty Catz