Just Dreamin' Stamps

Friday, May 15, 2026

A Sweet Escape for Dad!

Sometimes a card just takes you somewhere. This Father's Day design does exactly that — a lazy summer afternoon, the kind of small-town ice cream shop Dad always seemed to know about, and that feeling that the day is entirely yours. That's the mood the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper brings every single time.

This card is built on a base of Waterside Retreat DSP, its weathered wood-plank pattern giving the whole design that relaxed, coastal-retreat quality. A top panel of the same DSP sits centered on the card, backed with layers of Misty Moonlight and Gray Granite cardstock — the navy depth of Misty Moonlight frames the watercolor scene beautifully while the Gray Granite adds just the right amount of grounding warmth underneath.

The centerpiece is a gorgeous watercolor vignette from the DSP itself: a charming ice cream shop facade, complete with a striped awning, hanging sign, and terracotta planters spilling with greenery. The loose, sun-drenched brushwork feels effortless and nostalgic — like a page torn from a summer sketchbook.

Tucked into the lower-right corner, the sentiment label reads Happy Father's Day in a bold, classic hand. It's stamped from the Relaxing Waterside stamp set in Misty Moonlight ink, giving it a soft navy tone that ties back to the mat layers perfectly. The label is backed by a coordinating panel cut from the Waterside Retreat DSP, adding another layer of cohesion to the design.

The finishing touch? A scatter of Pool Party Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots — three little pops of color that add dimension and a playful, handcrafted feel without competing with the illustration. They're understated but they do so much work, drawing the eye around the card and softening the geometry of all those layered panels.

This is the kind of card a dad will actually keep. It's thoughtful, beautifully composed, and tells a story before a single word is read.

Have you crafted with the Waterside Retreat collection yet? I'd love to see what you've made — drop a photo in the comments below, or tag me on social. Happy crafting!

Check out the links below, to see all of the exciting things happening with Stampin' Up!

From now until May 31, 2026 when you join as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you’ll get our new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit!

Or if you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, we’ve got you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 USD worth of products to your Starter Kit.

You’ll also enjoy all the perks that come with being a demonstrator, like a 20–25% product discount, early access to the latest products and catalogs, the opportunity to earn a modest commission, the chance to attend incredible training and crafting events, and so much more.

Click here to Join my Team!

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May Product of the Month

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Click here for more information or to purchase the retreat

Click here for Last Chance Products

Click here to view the new May - August 2026 Catalog

Join the Fun!

If you love paper crafting and are looking for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'd love to help! Shop through my Online Store to earn Stampin' Rewards for free and discounted products.

And if you're as passionate about crafting as I am, why not join my Stampin' Up! team? As a demonstrator, you'll get early access to the newest products and catalogs, enjoy exclusive discounts, earn a commission, and become part of an amazing global crafting community.

If this sounds exciting to you, let's chat!

Happy crafting! ✂️💖

tams# 98621

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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Waterside Retreat Father's Day Card #3

Father's Day always gives me an excuse to reach for my most rugged, outdoorsy supplies — and this year, the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper absolutely stole the show. That gorgeous plaid background paired with a watercolor lakeside scene? It practically makes the card for you.

The plaid from the Waterside Retreat DSP went on top as the main background, and I pulled a coordinating panel of the lake and cabin scene to mat in Mossy Meadow and layer over center.

The fun part — and honestly the part that took the most patience — was the fussy cutting. I carefully cut the life vest and the crossed oars directly from the Waterside Retreat DSP, following every edge. The DSP has such rich illustrated detail that those elements look almost three-dimensional once they're popped up with dimensionals over the scene. The vest sits on the right, the oars lean casually on the left, and a little spotted trout peeks up from the water between them.

Fussy cutting tip

Use small, sharp detail scissors and a paper piercer to get into tight corners on the oar handles. Take your time — the more cleanly you cut, the more realistic the layered effect will look.

The sentiment — "Happy Father's Day" — from the Relaxing Waterside stamp is stamped in Mossy Meadow ink on white, then matted on Mossy Meadow cardstock for a clean, framed finish in the lower right corner. It keeps the eye moving through the whole scene before landing on the greeting.

This card comes together quickly once you've done the fussy cutting, and it has that handmade wow factor that dads who love fishing, boating, or cabin life are going to absolutely love. Simple layers, rich texture, and all that gorgeous paper doing the heavy lifting.

Check out the links below, to see all of the exciting things happening with Stampin' Up!

From now until May 31, 2026 when you join as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you’ll get our new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit!

Or if you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, we’ve got you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 USD worth of products to your Starter Kit.

Click here to Join my Team!

Click here for more information or to purchase the class!

May Product of the Month

Click here for more information!

Click here for more information or to purchase the retreat

Click here for Last Chance Products

Click here to view the new May - August 2026 Catalog

Join the Fun!

If you love paper crafting and are looking for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'd love to help! Shop through my Online Store to earn Stampin' Rewards for free and discounted products.

If this sounds exciting to you, let's chat!

Happy crafting! ✂️💖

tams# 98562

Product List

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Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Waterside Retreat Father's Day card #2

Masculine cards can sometimes feel like a challenge, but this design came together so naturally thanks to the beautiful textures and imagery in the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper.

The rich, weathered woodgrain background, from the Country Woods DSP, immediately sets the tone—rugged, outdoorsy, and perfect for a Father’s Day theme. It reminds me of an old dock or a well-loved fishing boat, adding just the right amount of character before you even start layering.

For the focal point, I used images from the Waterside Retreat DSP, creating a simple collage that tells a quiet story of time spent on the water. The fisherman scene brings warmth and contrast against the cool blue background, while still keeping that rustic feel. I love how this color choice gives the card a slightly vintage look.

To complement the main image, I added a few smaller elements—an anchor with rope detail and a vintage-style fish label. These layered pieces add interest without overwhelming the design, and they help reinforce that nautical, outdoors theme.

The sentiment, “Happy Father’s Day,” is stamped in Cajun Craze and kept clean and understated, allowing the imagery to remain the star of the card.

Don't forget the inside of the card. The sentiment from the Scalloped Blooms stamp set is stamped in Cajun Craze. The seagulls finish off the card, adding dimension and a light, whimsical touch. They’re the perfect little detail to make the design feel complete.

This is a great example of how combining strong patterned paper with simple stamping can create a meaningful, masculine card. It’s perfect for dads who love fishing, boating, or just being out on the water.

Check out the links below, to see all of the exciting things happening with Stampin' Up!

From now until May 31, 2026 when you join as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you’ll get our new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit!

Or if you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, we’ve got you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 USD worth of products to your Starter Kit.

Click here to Join my Team!

Click here for more information or to purchase the class!

May Product of the Month

Click here for more information!

Click here for more information or to purchase the retreat

Click here for Last Chance Products

Click here to view the new May - August 2026 Catalog

Join the Fun!

If you love paper crafting and are looking for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'd love to help! Shop through my Online Store to earn Stampin' Rewards for free and discounted products.

If this sounds exciting to you, let's chat!

Happy crafting! ✂️💖

tams# 98561

Product List

Relaxing Waterside Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167922]