Simple Card Ideas with Waterside Retreat Collection

Life gets busy, and sometimes we all need a reminder to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment. That’s exactly what drew me to the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection! The charming chair, open book, and coffee cup instantly transport me to a quiet lakeside retreat where the only item on the agenda is relaxation.

For today’s card, I wanted to keep the design simple while showcasing the beautiful patterns in the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper. One of my favorite things about Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper is that both sides are gorgeous, and I hate choosing just one! So I found a way to feature two coordinating patterns on the same card.

I started with a Gray Granite cardstock base and cut a piece of Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper to 4″ x 5-1/2″. To show off both sides, I cut the paper at 2-1/4″ and flipped one section over. This allowed me to display both the striped pattern and the life jacket pattern together for a fun coastal-inspired background.

Next, I stamped the chair in Gray Granite ink on Basic White cardstock and added the book and coffee cup in Early Espresso ink. After die-cutting the images with the coordinating dies, I lightly distressed the chair using a Blending Brush and Gray Granite ink. This simple step gives the chair a weathered appearance that feels right at home on a dock or lakeside deck.

To create the focal layer, I die cut an arch from Gray Granite cardstock using the 5th-largest die from the Everyday Arches Dies. Before adhering the chair, I stamped two different grass images in Gray Granite ink behind where the chair would sit. The soft grasses help create depth and make the scene feel more natural.

The sentiment was stamped in Basic Gray ink near the top of the arch. I wrapped Linen Thread around the arch twice, tied a knot, and frayed the ends for a touch of rustic texture.

After popping the arch up with Stampin’ Dimensionals, I attached the chair and added the book and coffee cup, colored with Peaceful Pine and Light Pool Party Stampin’ Blends. To finish the card, I added a few Adhesive-Backed Metallic Gems for just the right amount of sparkle.

This card would be perfect for a birthday, retirement, Father’s Day, encouragement card, or simply sending a little note to someone who could use a relaxing escape.

You can get a tutorial for 11 more simple, yet cozy cards using the Waterside Retreat!! Spend $35 or more in my online store and receive the May 2026 Simple Suite Tutorial! There is a purchase option as well!!

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