It might be a bit ill-timed for me to share a “happy retirement” card… especially since I just returned to work this past week after a full year of retirement.
But honestly, I just needed an excuse to break out the new Sunset Coast Bundle – and that felt like reason enough. ♥
This bundle is part of a beautiful new suite in the May–August 2026 Catalog (going live on May 5!), and I couldn’t wait to start creating with it.
Here’s the card I made to share with you today:
My card started with a 3-3/5″ x 5″ piece of Secret Sea 12″ x 12″ Two-Tone Cardstock. I used a sanding block to add texture to the paper, which has a white core, and gently “roughed up” the edges by sanding from the center outward. I absolutely love the soft, distressed look this technique creates – it adds so much depth with very little effort.
Once I finished sanding, I cropped the lighthouse scene from the center of the panel and added three seagulls using the coordinating dies.
Here’s a look at the Sunset Coast Bundle, which deserves a prominent spot on your wish list from this new catalog:
The simple sentiment from the Sunset Coast stamp set was all I needed to complete the serene lighthouse scene.
To build out the layers, I mounted the Secret Sea panel over a Petal Pink and Basic Beige design from the Country Woods Designer Series Paper. This combination gives the card a subtle beachy feel, while also capturing that “red sky at night” warmth and calm.
Here’s a look at the colors and patterns in the Country Woods Designer Series Paper:
And here’s a look at the the paper and detailed die-cut from the Sunset Coast Bundle:
The speckled pattern in the Country Woods paper inspired the Petal Pink and Basic Beige frames around both the focal image and the Basic Beige sentiment banner, helping everything feel cohesive and grounded.
For a little added movement, I curled the right edge of the sentiment banner with my bone folder before attaching it with Mini Glue Dots.
To finish the card, I added a Secret Sea Flat Pearl from the 2025–2027 In Color Flat Pearls for just a touch of shine.
It’s simple, a little moody, and full of texture – everything I love in a card. ♥
Last Thoughts
The Sunset Coast Bundle really shines when paired with simple techniques like sanding and soft layering. If you love texture and subtle storytelling in your cards, this one is definitely worth adding to your wish list.
Products
Bundles: Sunset Coast Bundle Stamps: Sunset Coast Papers: Country Woods Designer Series Paper, Secret Sea 12″ x 12″ Two-Tone Cardstock, Petal Pink, Basic Beige, Secret Sea Inks: Secret Sea Accessories: Sunset Coast Dies, 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls (Secret Sea), Bone Folder, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by today!
Brian
Product Shares for the New Catalog
Stampin’ Up!’s new catalog launches May 5. There are so many great, new products in the new book, and I’m offering you product shares so you can have a little bit of everything. Papers, swatch books, ribbons, embellishments and more! To learn more, click on the image below: 
The last time to sign up is May 4 at noon. Don’t miss out! ♥
In Color Bundles – Order Today
I’ve shared a look at Stampin’ Up!’s new In Colors (they are glorious!) and am offering In Color Bundles to allow you to pick up all the goodies all at once at a discount. Does it get any better than that? To see my offering and sign up, click on the image below: 
New Product of the Month
When you place a $75 order (before shipping and taxes) in April, you can select the new Product of the Month for just $5. Here’s a look at this incredible die:
Last Chance Sale
The Last Chance listing includes MANY products at great discounts. Take a moment to check out the products included in this sale – it’s been very popular with my customers. To shop the Last Chance Sale, click on the image below:
Hi Brian
What an exceptional and amazing card!
You have captured a beautiful array of products and Hilighted a bundle I must add to my next order! Than you for sharing all the details!