I’ve been having so much fun creating with the brand new Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin kits now that they are finally available here in Australia — and last month’s Lakeside Retreat kit was such a beautiful first introduction!
While the kit includes everything you need to create the projects exactly as designed, one of my favourite things about Paper Pumpkin is stretching the supplies even further and creating alternative projects. Today I’m sharing two cards I created using elements from the kit along with the exclusive Wonderful Scenes Add-On Dies that were available to subscribers.

These projects have a soft outdoorsy feel with layered textures, natural twine and scenic imagery that made them so much fun to put together.

Coastal Bike Birthday Card

Handmade birthday card created as an alternative project using the Stampin’ Up! Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit, featuring a pastel lakeside scene with a bicycle, rustic wood frame, gold butterflies, layered florals, and a “Happy Birthday” sentiment.

For my first alternative card, I wanted to lean into the peaceful lakeside/coastal feel of the kit. I used one of the scenic background pieces featuring soft ocean tones and grasses, then added the adorable bicycle element for a relaxed beachside vibe.

To finish the card, I layered:

the woodgrain frame die cut
soft blue floral die cuts
gold butterflies
linen thread details
and a simple birthday sentiment

I love how soft and calming the finished project feels while still having lots of texture and detail.

Angled close-up of a handmade birthday card made with the Stampin’ Up! Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit, showcasing layered woodgrain frames, soft blue flowers, gold butterfly embellishments, twine details, and a lakeside bicycle scene.

Inside view of a handmade card created with the Stampin’ Up! Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit, featuring stamped reeds, flying birds, soft ink splatter details, and plenty of space for a handwritten message.

Rustic Outdoor Masculine Card

Handmade masculine card created as an alternative project using the Stampin’ Up! Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit, featuring layered fishing and cabin elements, crossed paddles, rustic textures, plaid patterns, and the sentiment “Older. Wiser. Better.”

My second card has a more rustic masculine feel and uses some of the gorgeous outdoor imagery from the kit.
I layered together:

the fishing and cabin elements
scenic lake imagery
plaid patterned paper
distressed textures
and lots of linen thread for dimension

The sentiment “Older. Wiser. Better.” worked perfectly for this outdoors-inspired birthday card and really highlights how versatile the kit can be for masculine projects too.

Close-up of a rustic handmade card made with the Stampin’ Up! Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit, featuring fishing-themed embellishments, cabin imagery, layered circles, natural twine, and textured watercolour-style backgrounds.

Inside view of a handmade masculine card created with the Stampin’ Up! Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit, featuring simple stamped reeds, flying birds, soft splatter effects, and a clean white writing panel.

Want More Alternative Ideas?

If you’d love even more ways to use your Lakeside Retreat kit, I’ve teamed up to offer a special tutorial bundle featuring:

✨ 12 alternative projects
✨ Step-by-step video tutorials
✨ Creative ways to stretch your kit supplies

You can purchase the tutorial here:
Beyond Paper Pumpkin May 2026 Tutorial

OR receive it FREE when you:

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope these alternative projects inspire you to look at your kits in new and creative ways.

SHOP WITH ME & GET A FREE GIFT & TUTORIAL

PLEASE NOTE: Regardless of when you are viewing this post, this is automatically updated so the information and links listed here are current.

Shop with me in September 2026 to receive a FREE gift, tutorial and handmade card from me to thank you for your order.

Don’t live in Australia but still want to purchase the tutorial? You can purchase it through my tutorial store for $22AUD for instant PDF download. CLICK HERE to purchase .

HAPPENING NOW

The brand new September Global Creative Project tutorial is now out. Earn for free from me for placing an order in my online store or head to my tutorial store and purchase the PDF tutorial.
New Creativity Kits have been released in my online store. Head here to check them out.
Our new Product of the Month promotion is now in full swing. Get an exclusive product for just $9 when you spend over $125 in my online store. Learn more about this new program here.

creativity advent calendar

Beginning this month you can get prepared for some creative fun with the release of the brand new Stampin’ Up! Advent Calendar. Available to order now for $173 which includes 12 days of surprises with anything from embellishments, exclusive dies, paper, colouring tools, cards & envelopes & more + includes an exclusive stamp set! Don’t like surprises? You can get a peek at what is waiting for you inside by heading over to the Stampin’ Up! blog. If you would like to order one click here.

VIRTUAL CARD RETREAT

It is back for another year & I am so excited!
Come and join in on the Stampin’ Up! Virtual Card Retreat & get access to these fun products + fifteen exclusive classes where you will learn lots of techniques, tips & ideas + access to an exclusive Facebook group with PDF’s and video replays. Click here to find out more.

upcoming events + KITS

I have so much fun at The Stamping Lounge which is run by myself, Maheswari Rajaguru and Rochelle Laird-Smith.
We not only have a monthly membership full of amazing content but we also run regular classes.
The Elegant Leaves Monthly Class is coming up on the 10th of October.
Also coming up in October and open for registration now is our All Wrapped Up Virtual Retreat! This is a virtual event and open worldwide Click here to find out more.
Click the images or links to find out more and enrol OR sign up to The Stamping Lounge membership to get access to monthly classes and more which are included in the membership (retreats are sold separately)

New Paper Pumpkin Kit coming in October – subscribe by the 10th of October to receive the Noel Greetings Kit
PLUS – subscribe to Paper Pumpkin with me and get TWO alternative PDF tutorials with a total of 20 tutorials for projects using this kit. Click here to subscribe with me.

SKETCH BOX EDITION #1

We have a brand new product at The Stamping Lounge and you won’t want to miss this one. Get your sketch box complete with 52 sketch cards that include measurements and crafting tips! This is a tool you need in your crafting tool box that you can use again and again. Available now and shipping internationally. Get yours here.

extra supplies for paper pumpkin alternatives

Product List

Wonderful Scenes Dies (English) [168665] $23.00	Linen Thread [104199] $8.75	Gold Foil Sheets [132622] $8.75	Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] $30.00	Pecan Pie 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock [166688] $17.50
Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad [167679] $25.00	Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [161665] $19.25	Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [153118] $15.75	Misty Moonlight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [153108] $19.25	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $17.50