Stunning Waterside Retreat Scene Emerges from a 5 1/2″ Pop-Up Card

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One of my favorite things about interactive cards is the surprise waiting inside. Today’s project features a gorgeous waterside retreat scene that unfolds from a 5½” square pop-up card. By combining layered die cuts, scenic imagery, embossing, and soft coastal colors, this card creates an impressive dimensional display that is sure to delight any recipient.

Using products from the Relaxing Waterside Collection, this project combines waves, shoreline textures, playful seagulls, and scenic elements to build a peaceful waterfront retreat that literally pops to life when opened.

Card Measurements

Card Base (Basic White)

11″ x 5½”
Score at 5½”
Create “tongue” by cutting 1″ from middle crease (see video)

Inside Base (Basic White)

9″ x 5″
Score at 4½”

Card Front

Basic White Layer: 5½” x 5½”
Balmy Blue Layer: 5¼” x 5¼” – Emboss with the LOVELY STRIPES 3D Embossing Folder
Layer cut-outs from the DSP to embellish the front using the ANCHOR TRINKET

Band for Back Mechanism (Basic White)

2″ x 5½” (I cut this down to 1″ and it works fine)

Pop-Up Mechanism (Basic White)

2¾” x 4½”
Score at:
- 1″
- 2″
- 3″
- 4″

Rolling Waves Pieces (Basic White)

Base Layer: 5½” x 3¾”
Two additional pieces:
- 5½” x 3″
- 5½” x 3″

These pieces are used for layering the die-cut wave elements and building depth within the scene.

Ink Colors Used

Balmy Blue
Lost Lagoon
Azure Afternoon
Crumb Cake
Barely Blush

These colors create the soft sky, water, shoreline, and subtle details that bring the waterside scene to life. Please refer to my video for the coloring technique with using stamps with the STAMP/STAMP OFF technique as well as using the BLENDING BRUSHES.

Cardstock Colors Used

Basic White
Pool Party
Calypso Coral
Melon Mambo
Granny Apple Green
Azure Afternoon

The colorful cardstock accents were used for die-cut details, chairs, shoreline elements, and scene embellishments.

Building the Scene

The magic of this card comes from the layered wave pieces combined with the pop-up mechanism hidden inside the card. As the card opens, the waterside retreat scene rises into view, creating dimension and movement.

The Rolling Waves dies create realistic shoreline layers while the Friendly Seagulls stamp set adds playful personality to the scene. The Lovely Stripes 3D Embossing Folder provides subtle texture that complements the coastal theme without overwhelming the focal point.

By varying the height of the layers and strategically placing die cuts throughout the scene, you can create the illusion of depth and distance, making the finished project feel like a miniature waterfront landscape.

Creative Tips

Blend Balmy Blue and Azure Afternoon for realistic water and sky effects.
Use Crumb Cake for sandy shoreline accents.
Add dimensionals between wave layers for additional depth.
Experiment with different cardstock colors to create sunrise, sunset, or tropical waterfront scenes.
I used the SUNRISE SAILING and UNDER THE MOON sets to demonstrate the range you can achieve when you use some of your retired products.

Perfect For

Birthday Cards
Retirement Cards
Father’s Day
Masculine Cards
Thinking of You Cards
Encouragement Cards
Vacation-Themed Greetings

Shop the Supplies

Ready to recreate this beautiful pop-up card? Visit my online store BELOW to purchase the products used in today’s project and explore even more creative possibilities with the Relaxing Waterside Collection.

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