Simple Waterside Retreat Card Idea & Tutorial Bundle

Relax Card with the Relaxing Waterside Bundle by Stampin' Up! Laura Milligan

There’s something about lake days, Adirondack chairs, and a quiet cup of coffee that feels like a deep exhale for the soul. ☕🌊 Last week’s Facebook Live card captured all of those peaceful, tucked-away cabin vibes using the beautiful Waterside Retreat Suite Collection from Stampin’ Up!

For this card, I paired two of the gorgeous patterned papers from the suite to create a soft split-panel background that feels like rippling water meeting a peaceful lakeside map. The bold Adirondack chair instantly becomes the star of the show, while the tiny coffee cup and sailboat charm add the sweetest little finishing touches. And can we talk about that “Relax” sentiment? It feels less like a greeting and more like a tiny permission slip tucked into an envelope. 💙

If you missed the Facebook Live replay, be sure to catch it and see this card come together step-by-step. And if this suite has been sitting on your wish list, consider this your sign to grab it before those peaceful lake vibes sail away!

A Relaxing Card by Laura Milligan Using the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection by Stampin Up!

One of my favorite things about this suite is how effortlessly it creates masculine cards, retirement cards, encouragement cards, or even just a simple “thinking of you” design. The mix of nautical textures, calming blues, and rustic details makes every project feel like a weekend getaway without packing a suitcase.

This card was also featured during last week’s Facebook Live, where I shared layering tips, simple embellishment ideas, and how to mix coordinating Designer Series Papers without overwhelming your design. Sometimes the magic is simply letting beautiful paper do the heavy lifting.

Even more exciting… the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection is also the featured collection in this month’s TPC Tutorial Bundle! If you love creative inspiration, fresh card layouts, and seeing how different designers interpret the same suite, you are going to adore this month’s tutorials. Think of it like a cozy crafting retreat delivered right to your inbox. 🛶✨

TPC_RELAXING WATERSIDE_TUTORIAL_BUNDLE_GRAPHIC_MAY 2026

How to Get the May 2026 Relaxing Waterside Tutorial Bundle

You’ve got two easy options to get your hands on this tutorial:

Option 1: Earn It FREE
Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) with me, and you’ll receive the Relaxing Waterside Tutorial Bundle for FREE. (a link to the tutorial will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you place your order). 
• Available to U.S. residents only
• Orders must be placed through me

Click to shop online with me

Option 2: Purchase the Tutorial 
Not shopping right now or live outside the U.S.? No problem.
• Purchase the tutorial for $20
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Click to purchase the tutorial

This tutorial is perfect if you love fresh card ideas, thoughtful layouts, and projects that feel polished but totally doable.

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Silly Old Bear Suite Collection & My New Card Class!

Oh, Bother! A cute Winnie the Pooh Card with the Silly Old Bear Suite Collection

The sweetest things really do come in honey-colored packages.

I had so much fun creating this charming card during my latest Facebook Live using the adorable new Silly Old Bear Suite Collection from Stampin’ Up! This delightful suite, available beginning May 5, is filled with storybook sweetness, whimsical woodland friends, and the kind of nostalgic charm that makes your crafty heart do a little happy dance.

 

An Adorable Card by Laura Milligan Using the Silly Old Bear Suite Collection by Stampin Up!

For this card, I paired that lovable bear with warm, earthy tones and plenty of texture. The embossed background adds wonderful dimension, while the decorative frame creates the perfect little window for our hunny-loving friend. Add in the tiny buzzing bees, a touch of ribbon, and that classic jar of “hunny,” and you have a card that is equal parts cozy and cute.

Silly Old Bear Suite Collection

If you’re as smitten with this suite as I am, you’ll definitely want to join me for my upcoming Silly Old Bear Card Class, offered both in person and as a Class to Go! We’ll be creating beautiful projects featuring these darling images, sweet patterned papers, and all the charming details that make this collection so special. It’s a lovely way to celebrate friendship, creativity, and perhaps a little fondness for hunny too.

Mark your calendar for May 14 at 2:00 PM, and get ready for an afternoon of crafting fun. Whether you’ll be stamping alongside me in person or creating from the comfort of home, this class is sure to be filled with inspiration, creativity, and plenty of smiles.

Silly Old Bear card class in person or to go May 2026 Laura Milligan Id Rather Bee Stampin

Silly Old Bear Card Class! In Person or To-Go!

Join me for the Silly Old Bear Class— make a handful of the cutest cards featuring Winnie the Pooh & friends!
Class includes Pack of the Silly Old Bear DSP, linen thread and 2026-2028 In Color Dots, along with supplies to create the cards.
Purchase the entire suite and your class is FREE!  The suite includes both bundles, the DSP and the Hundred Acre Wood Embossing Folder.
In-person class is May 14, $38 – 2 PM at The Bee Spot.
Prefer class to go? $38 + $11 Shipping if Needed!
Early Bird: Register by May 4 and receive a pack of Dimensionals FREE!  Reg Registration Closes May 8!

 

TPC_RELAXING WATERSIDE_TUTORIAL_BUNDLE_GRAPHIC_MAY 2026

How to Get the May 2026 Relaxing Waterside Tutorial Bundle

You’ve got two easy options to get your hands on this tutorial:

Option 1: Earn It FREE
Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) with me, and you’ll receive the Relaxing Waterside Tutorial Bundle for FREE. (a link to the tutorial will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you place your order). 
• Available to U.S. residents only
• Orders must be placed through me

Click to shop online with me

Option 2: Purchase the Tutorial 
Not shopping right now or live outside the U.S.? No problem.
• Purchase the tutorial for $20
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Click to purchase the tutorial

This tutorial is perfect if you love fresh card ideas, thoughtful layouts, and projects that feel polished but totally doable.

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I’m Obsessed! Two Cards with the Dreamy Velvet Meadow Suite

Two Cards Created with the Velvet Meadow Suite Collection From Stampin UP - Laura Milligan

There are card designs that whisper… and then there are the ones that gently pull you closer to the table because you just need to see them up close. These two beauties fall firmly in that second category.

167917 Velvet Meadow Suite Collection

During my latest Facebook Live, I shared a little sneak peek of the upcoming Velvet Meadow Suite Collection (arriving May 5), and let me just say… I’m completely smitten. Not a casual crush. A full-on “I keep reaching over to touch it” situation. Because yes… the Velvet Paper is that good.  I dare you to not run your hands across it when you have it !!!  The velvet touches are just beautiful!!

Two Cards by Laura Milligan Using All a Flutter Bundle and Help Me Grow Bundle

A Little Texture, A Lot of Wow

Let’s start with the card on the left. This design is all about soft layers and quiet texture. The embossed background creates a subtle grid that feels structured, while those vellum layers soften everything like a gentle breeze through wildflowers. Add in those leafy die cuts and a simple “just because” sentiment, and you’ve got a card that feels calm, thoughtful, and beautifully put together.

But the real star? That velvet detail tucked into the layers. It doesn’t shout. It hums. And once you notice it, you can’t un-notice it.

A Just Because Card Created with the Velvet Meadow Suite Collection From Stampin UP - Laura Milligan

Sweet Florals with a Pop

Now the card on the right takes a slightly brighter path. The floral Designer Series Paper brings in cheerful color, while the layered shapes give it that playful, stacked look we all love. The soft pink ribbon adds just the right finishing touch—like tying a bow on a bouquet.

And those flowers? Stamped simply, but they stand tall and proud against that circle backdrop. It’s the kind of card that feels like a smile in paper form.

A Smile Card Created with the Velvet Meadow Suite Collection From Stampin UP - Laura Milligan

Let’s Talk About That Velvet Paper…

I need a moment here… because this paper deserves it.

167904 Velvet Meadow Specialty Designer Series Paper

It cuts beautifully. It layers like a dream. And when you run your fingers across it? It’s like cardstock decided to dress up for a special occasion. I’ve been adding it to everything lately—tiny accents, die cuts, even just little peeks behind layers—and it elevates every single project.

Obsessed might actually be an understatement.

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TPC SPRINGTIME SCENES TUTORIAL BUNDLE GRAPHIC APR 2026

How to Get the April 2026 Springtime Scenes Tutorial Bundle

You’ve got two easy options to get your hands on this tutorial:

Option 1: Earn It FREE
Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) with me, and you’ll receive the Filled with Sweetness Tutorial Bundle for FREE. (a link to the tutorial will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you place your order). 
• Available to U.S. residents only
• Orders must be placed through me

Click to shop online with me

Option 2: Purchase the Tutorial 
Not shopping right now or live outside the U.S.? No problem.
• Purchase the tutorial for $20
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Click to purchase the tutorial

This tutorial is perfect if you love fresh card ideas, thoughtful layouts, and projects that feel polished but totally doable.

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Shop Laura Milligan

 


Earn a Bee With Every $50 Purchase Laura Milligan Blog Posts by Email

Laura Milligan,
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The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of Laura Milligan as a Stampin’ Up!® Independent Demonstrator.  The use of and content of classes, services or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!
Images © Stampin’ Up!