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
Beachy Retirement Card Supply List
Faded Jeans Distress Oxide Ink
Clear Stamp & Die of the Month
Large Die of the Month – Spellbinders DOML
Salvaged Patina Distress Oxide Ink
Teal Topaz Cardstock
Mustard Seed Distress Oxide
Glimmer of the Month – Spellbinders
Gold Hot Foil – Spellbinders
Portabella Cardstock
Sunkissed Cardstock
Snowdrift Cardstock
Indigo Cardstock
Bearly Art Glue
Spellbinders Foam Squares
Tape Runner – Spellbinders
Glimmer Hot Foil System
Glue Press
Platinum 6 Die-cutting Machine
Altenew Scoring Board
Teflon Bone Folder
Reverse Tweezers
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.