Sailing into Another Year: Creating Nautical Birthday Cards with Watercolor Backgrounds

By | July 8, 2025

Hello my Stampin’ Friends!

Make sophisticated handmade cards to send congratulations or words of encouragement—or simply say hello—with the Sunrise Sailing Bundle. Create the effect of a sailboat in motion using waves and ripples, then add clouds and seagulls to complete the ocean scene. The beautiful pieces work individually or all together for a variety of textured and layered designs.

Sunrise Sailing
Make sophisticated handmade cards to send congratulations or words of encouragement—or simply say hello—with the Sunrise Sailing Bundle. Create the effect of a sailboat in motion using waves and ripples, then add clouds and seagulls to complete the ocean scene. The beautiful pieces work individually or all together for a variety of textured and layered designs.

This beautiful handmade birthday card features a peaceful sailing scene that captures the calm of being out on the water. The sailboat sits gracefully on gentle blue waves, with its white sails catching an imaginary breeze. Above, seagulls soar through a stunning sunset sky that blends from soft purple to warm pink and orange hues.

The card’s watercolor background (Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper) creates a dreamy, artistic feel that makes it special and personal. The large orange sun sits perfectly behind the boat, giving the whole scene a warm, glowing look. The simple “Happy Birthday” message (Something Fancy Stamp Set and Dies) is clean and easy to read, letting the beautiful artwork speak for itself.

This nautical-themed card would be perfect for anyone who loves the ocean, sailing, or peaceful water scenes. The handcrafted quality shows thought and care went into making it, which makes birthday wishes feel extra meaningful. It’s the kind of card that someone would want to keep and display because it’s both a greeting and a small piece of art.

The inside of this handmade card features a simple watercolor stripe that matches the sunset colors from the front, giving plenty of clean space for writing a birthday message. The envelope flap uses the same beautiful DSP, creating a coordinated set that shows attention to detail and makes the whole gift feel extra thoughtful and professional.

Thank you for visiting my blog!  I  hope today’s card design inspires your own Stampin’ Up! projects. And, don’t forget to check out my Card Gallery for ideas using your favorite Stampin’ Up! products. Your support means the world to me. If you need any supplies or have questions, I’m here as your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator – just email me or call me.

Happy stamping, and let’s keep crafting together!

Card Measurements:

Front of Card:

  • Card Base: Basic White Thick Cardstock (11″ x 4 1/4″). Fold in have with a Bone Folder for a sharp crease.
  • Layer #1: Misty Moonlight Cardstock (5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″)
  • Layer #2: Thoughtful Journey 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Papr
  • Layer #3: Sailboat – Basic White Thick Cardstock (3 1/2″ x 3″) before die cutting
  • Layer #4: Sentiment: Basic White Thick Cardstock: (2 3/4″ x 3/4″) before die cutting

Inside of Card:

  • Layer #1: Basic White Cardstock (5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″)
  • Layer #2: Thought Journey Designer Series Paper (5 3/8″ x 3/8″). I cut a strip off from the DSP after embossing the waves for the front of the card.

Envelope:

  • Flap: Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper (6″ x 2 1/2″)

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