Summer card ideas are just more fun when there is bright color, pool day cuteness, and a whole lot of sunshine involved. I used the Soak Up the Sun June My Monthly Hero by Hero Arts to create three cards with sunny ink blended backgrounds, playful die cut details, and easy summer vibes.
Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are quick videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. Watch it on YouTube.
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Floating with Poolside Vibes
I love the whole idea of soaking up the sun in the pool. Summertime is the best, and this little scene feels like a reminder to slow down and just float. I die cut the pool pieces from the background layers to save waste, then popped them up in the center of the openings to hide the evidence.
Gina K Designs Ink Colors: Ocean Mist {pool}, Turquoise Sea {sentiment}
The pool waves were created with the layering stencil and just one ink color. That is the fun little trick here. Each stencil layer adds more color over the last one, so the water gets its own depth and shadow without needing a pile of inks. Add the floaty girl, the beach ball, and those pool toys, and suddenly she is living her best summer life.
Inky Summer Sunshine
This one is all about that fun summery blend. I used Distress Oxide inks for a smooth, sunshine blend, then added the pool stencil detail into the corner. I love that little detail instead of a solid blue. A few white platters finished it off.
Distress Oxide Inks: Dried Marigold, Worn Lipstick, Tumbled Glass
I tore the panel and tucked a bit of vellum behind it for a soft, wave-like layer. It helps ground the sentiment in a fun way that fits the summer feel of the card. The layered sentiment and tiny flip flops finish it off. Those flip flops are ridiculously cute, don’t you think?
Birthday Girl Summer Style
This girl just had to be the star of a card. I used another summery ink blend for the background with white splatters, and it made the perfect backdrop for our birthday girl. She has her drink, her big hat, and she is ready to enjoy the day.
Distress Oxide Inks: Dried Marigold, Worn Lipstick
I moved the bow from the hat to her hair so it looks tied off to the side. That left the center of the hat open for the birthday sentiment, and I love how it makes the sentiment feel like part of the design. I love how this all came together for one fabulous summer birthday card.
These summer card ideas were so much fun to make, and I love how each one has its own sunny personality. The lovely ink blends, pool stencil details, and playful die cuts all work together without making the cards feel complicated.
I hope this gives you a few ideas for bringing that summer feeling to your own cards too. A bright background, a simple focal point, and one cute little detail can go a long way.
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media. I would be thrilled to see it and leave you some love.
Supplies
Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Most Used Tools
 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
 Big Shot SB |
 Black Stamping Tool SB |
 Blending Brushes AMZ |
Blending Brushes Large AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Medium AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Mini AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Small AMZ |
 Connect Glue SB |
 Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
 Die Cut Envelope AMZ |
 Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
 Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
 Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ |
 Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
 Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
 Mini Trimmer SB |
 MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original – Black SB |
 MISTI Corners SB | AMZ |
 Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
 Post It Note Tape AMZ |
 Reverse Tweezers SB |
 Sticky Mat SB |
 Triangle Trays AMZ |
 White Gel Pens SB | AMZ |
 White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
 Adhesive Roll SBC |
