Creating a handmade beach-themed (beachy) retirement card is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation for someone embarking on their next big adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned card maker, a beach lover, or a family member looking to add a personal touch, this guide will walk you through the steps to craft the perfect card.
Beachy Materials You’ll Need
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Step-by-Step Beachy Instructions
Step 1: Create the Card Base
1.1 Choose Your Cardstock: Select a sturdy piece of cardstock for your card base. We’re using a neutral color like white or cream works well. I find that Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Solar White makes a perfect card base.
1.2 Cut and Fold: Cut the cardstock to your desired card size, typically 5×7 inches. Fold it in half to create the card base.
Go to the How To Make a Card Base Guide for more details.
Step 2: Make Your Own Beachy Patterned Paper
2.1 Select Your Paper: Pick a white piece of cardstock.
2.2 Cut to Size: Trim the paper to A2 size (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″) for now.
2.3 Choose Your Beachy Stamps: Select beach-themed stamps that fit your design vision. I’m Spellbinders June 2024 Clear Stamp set, Paradise Resort.
2.4 Ink and Stamp: Ink up your stamps and press them firmly onto the patterned paper. Place them strategically to create a balanced design. I use three different colors, (mustard seed, salvaged patina, and faded jeans) with three different stamps and then vary them as I stamp.
2.5 Trim the Paper: Once the ink is dry, trim the patterned paper to 4″ x 5 1/4″.
2.6 Adhere the Paper: Use a tape runner to attach the patterned paper centered on the card base.
Step 3: Beachy Hot Foil Sentiments
3.1 Prepare Your Sentiment: Select a hot foil sentiment that fits the theme (e.g., “Hello Friend, and “May you enjoy your retirement to the fullest”).
3.2 Apply Foil: Use a hot foil machine to apply the sentiment to your card. For tips on high quality foiling you should read Hot Foiling, A Guide For Cardmakers.
Step 4: Add Die-Cuts
4.1 Die-Cut Your Shapes: Use your die-cut machine to do your die-cutting as follows: chair frames cut from dune cardstock, outside sling stripes from teal topaz, and the center sling stripe from sunkissed. And finally, die-cut the sentiments with their coordinating dies.
4.2 Assemble, Arrange and Adhere: Put the chairs together and fasten the sentiments to the shadows using liquid glue. Then, arrange the die-cuts on your card, then use liquid glue and foam squares to secure them in place.
Step 5: Add Beachy Retirement Final Touches
5.1 Inspect: Review your card to ensure all elements are securely attached and the design looks cohesive.
Final Beachy Notes
And there you have it—a beautiful, beachy retirement card sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. We hope this guide has inspired you to get creative and make something special.
Ready to take your card-making to the next level? Join our online community of card makers for more tips, inspiration, and exclusive tutorials. Happy crafting!
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Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #BeachyRetirementCard. We can’t wait to see what you create!
This card and more celebrate Spellbinders newest club kits. You can see more cards created with them at Spellbinders’ June 2024 Club Kits.