Hello there! I’m Colleen Beamish from @humorbean_cards, and I’m so excited to be sharing a set of clean and simple cards with you today. I love creating designs that are approachable and easy to recreate, and this project is a great example of how just a few supplies can make something truly special.
For these cards, I used the Beach Birds stamps and dies from Gina K. Designs, paired with patterned paper from my stash. The look is soft and beachy with pastel turquoise tones, and the birds and sentiments shine in crisp black ink. These designs are quick to put together, but still have plenty of charm and versatility—perfect for when you need a thoughtful card in a hurry.
Cards 1 & 2: Stamped Simplicity
Two of the cards I created followed this same clean approach: a panel of patterned paper layered on the card base with a bird image and sentiment stamped in crisp black ink.
To keep them from looking identical, I varied the orientation (one portrait, one landscape) and changed up the images and sentiments. Even with the same patterned paper, these little tweaks give each card its own personality while keeping the design cohesive.
Card 3: Die-Cut Dimension
This design adds a little lift! I stamped and die cut two of the birds, then popped them up on the card front with foam tape for instant dimension. That extra bit of shadow gives the card more depth while still keeping the overall look clean and simple.
Card 4: Peek-Through Technique
For this one, I tried a fun twist. Using the coordinating die, I cut a bird shape out of grid patterned paper, letting the bird hang slightly off the edge of the panel. I stamped the matching bird directly on the card base underneath, then adhered the patterned panel with foam tape. The peek-through effect is clean, simple, and a little unexpected.
What I love most about the Beach Birds set is how beautifully it works with minimal design. Just a touch of patterned paper, a stamped silhouette, and a meaningful sentiment can create something quick yet heartfelt. These cards would also make a lovely coordinated gift set for a friend.
Don’t forget—you can see the full process video on YouTube for a closer look at how each design came together.
Happy Crafting!
