Stampin' Up! Relaxing Waterside Card for Let's Craft and Create

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?

Create this card using Relaxing Waterside by Stampin' Up! Debbie Mageed at Secrets to Stamping

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 case 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!