This Just Because Card with the Peaceful Pier Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up!® is the kind of project that proves handmade cards don’t need a special occasion. Sometimes the most meaningful cards are the ones you send “just because.” No birthday, no holiday, no milestone — just a heartfelt reminder that someone matters to you. With today’s card, you’ll see how easy it is to create a simple, thoughtful design that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to send.
For this project, I reached for the Peaceful Pier Stamp Set, a favorite for its quiet, scenic imagery. The pier stretching over calm water is a versatile focal point that can work for so many occasions: sympathy, encouragement, thank you, or in this case, “just because.” By pairing it with a bold yet soothing color palette — Calypso Coral, Misty Moonlight, and Early Espresso — the card feels both fresh and grounded. It’s a combination that’s eye-catching without being overwhelming, and it brings the pier scene to life beautifully.
The card starts with a Calypso Coral base, a warm and inviting color that immediately sets the tone. On top, I layered a warm brown woodgrain panel to add contrast and a sense of rustic texture. The focal image of the pier is stamped in Early Espresso onto a die-cut rectangle using the Textured Notes Dies with the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. I love how the strong lines of the pier stand out against the subtle background, creating a sense of perspective that pulls your eye right into the scene.
For the sentiment, I kept it simple: Just Because. Stamped onto a smaller rectangle with a weathered, wood-look effect, it complements the outdoor theme of the card perfectly. To finish, I tied a small strip of Misty Moonlight ribbon into a knot and added it to the sentiment panel. That tiny touch of fabric brings in a pop of color and texture that ties everything together without complicating the design.
This card is a great example of how a handmade card can be both quick and impactful. The Peaceful Pier Stamp Set and Textured Notes Dies do most of the work for you — no need for fancy techniques or complicated tools. Just good stamping, coordinated colors, and a simple layout that lets the images shine.
And here’s the best part: this design is endlessly versatile. You can swap out the sentiment for Thinking of You, Happy Birthday, or Thank You and suddenly you’ve got a card for a completely different occasion. Change the colors, and you can create a softer, more neutral version. That’s the power of having a stamp set that’s this flexible — it grows with your creativity.
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If you’re a beginner, this card is a confidence booster. I labeled it a Worker Bee card in the Card Recipe because I used the Dies on the pretty papers, but you can simply cut those with your Paper Trimmer and they will look great. It shows how easy it is to make something polished with just a handful of supplies. If you’re a more experienced crafter and have a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, it’s a great “quick win” project when you want to make something beautiful without spending hours at your craft table.
At the end of the day, the real magic is in the message. A “just because” card doesn’t need a reason, but it always has an impact. It’s a reminder that handmade cards aren’t just about ink and paper — they’re about connection, kindness, and letting someone know they matter.
So the next time you feel inspired to create, reach for your Peaceful Pier Stamp Set and give this project a try. Then pop it in the mail to someone special, just because. If you’ve been stuck trying to design a card for the men in your life, give this one a try. It’s bold, it’s clever, and it’s sure to make someone feel appreciated—with a handmade twist.
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Thanks for stopping by for today’s card tutorial! My goal is to help you make quick & easy greeting cards for all occasions. If you’d like more detailed directions on how to make this card, feel free to email me. I hope you’ll join me again for more card-making ideas!
All-Occasion Card for the Guys in Your Life
Cardstock Measurements
- Calypso Coral Cardstock: 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"
- Basic White Cardstock: 4" x 5-1/4"
- Country Woods Designer Paper: 3" x 4-1/2" dark wood pattern; for die-cutting
- Country Woods Designer Paper: 1" x 2-1/2" light wood pattern; for die-cutting
- Beautiful Bokeh Designer Paper: 2-1/2" x 4" Calypso Coral; for die-cutting
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Fold the Calypso Coral cardstock in half at the 4-1/4" score line to create your card base.
- Adhere the Basic White cardstock inside the card.
- Run the 3" x 4-1/2" piece of dark wood Country Woods Designer Paper through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine and die-cut using the 2-3/4" x 4-1/4" Textured Notes Die. Set aside.
- Run the 1" x 2-1/2" piece of light wood Country Woods Designer Paper through the Cut & Emboss machine and die-cut using the 3/4" x 2-1/4" Textured Notes Die. Stamp the sentiment towards the right side of the die-cut using Early Espresso ink. Tie the Misty Moonlight ribbon around the left side and tie into a knot. Set aside.l
- Run the Calypso Coral Beautiful Bokeh Designer Paper through the Cut & Emboss Machine and die-cut using the 2-1/4" x 3-3/4" Textured Notes Die. Stamp the pier onto the die-cut paper using the Early Espresso ink pad. (See sample for placement.)
- Adhere the Beautiful Bokeh paper to the dark wood Country Woods paper and then adhere to the front of the card as shown in the sample.
- Add the sentiment die-cut to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals to finish. (See sample for placement.)
Skill Level
Worker Bee projects are designed for the crafter who has a bit more time and enjoys creating a handmade card that features a technique or tool. In many cases, a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine is required for die-cutting and/or embossing.
