GDP561 Colour Challenge: A Soft and Pretty Christmas Card

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I’m playing along with this week’s Global Design Project colour challenge #GDP561, and I have to say… these colours are just gorgeous together!

This week’s colour combination is Hydrangea Hue, Soft Sea Foam and Peaceful Pine, and I thought they would make a beautiful, slightly unexpected Christmas colour palette.

I’m trying to get a head start on my Christmas cards, so I reached for the simple and lovely Hope Love & Joy Bundle to create this sweet Christmas card.

I started with a Hydrangea Hue card base, stamped with Hydrangea Hue snowflakes for a subtle background. I then added a torn strip of Soft Sea Foam cardstock across the middle, with a Basic White strip layered over top.

For the sentiment, I stamped the J and Y in Peaceful Pine, while the “O” is actually a Hydrangea Hue snowflake! I love finding little ways to make a simple card more interesting.

A bit of Peaceful Pine ribbon and the gorgeous Adhesive-Backed Snowflakes finished it off perfectly.

And speaking of those snowflakes… they are currently available through the Stampin’ Up! demonstrator preorder! If you’d love early access to new products and all sorts of fabulous preorder goodies, I’d love to have you join my team, Ink Pad Pals – see below for more details.

I hope this Global Design Project colour challenge inspires you to create your own project for #GDP561. Grab your crafting supplies and join the fun!

✂️Supplies Used:


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Interactive Gift Card Holder with Lovely Arrangements | Stampin’ Up!

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This week’s challenge at Global Design Project is all about COLOUR—and it’s such a fresh and cheerful combo!

When I saw this colour palette, I immediately thought flowers! The beautiful blooms from the Lovely Arrangements stamp set were the perfect choice. I stamped the flowers in Smoky Slate and coloured the flowers in Flirty Flamingo, paired them with stamped off Coastal Cabana leaves, and added touches of Lemon Lolly in the flower centres to tie all three challenge colours together.

For the focal point, I layered the flowers over a vellum circle cut using one of the dies from the Spotlight on Nature Dies. I love how the detailed edge frames the floral arrangement while adding just the right amount of texture. The soft patterned panel (cut from the Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP) along the left side of the card provides a subtle backdrop without competing with the flowers, and a few Shimmering Dots add the perfect finishing touch.

The real surprise is inside!

This card opens to reveal a pop-out gift card holder, making it a beautiful way to give a gift card while still including space to write a personal message. I always love creating cards that are both pretty and practical, and this fold is sure to bring a smile when it’s opened. You can find all the dimensions and a how to video below.

The inspiration for this fun fold came from creativemomentsbyg.com . Once you know the fold, the possibilities are endless!

Card Details

I suggest using one colour of cardstock to create these 4 pieces. This will be the basic pop out card structure.

  • 5-1/2″ X 4-1/4″ mat
  • 8-1/2″ X 4-1/4″, scored at 4-1/4″ card
  • 6-1/4″ x 3-7/8″, scored at 3/4″ pop out piece
  • 4-3/4″ X 1-1/4″, scored at 1/4″ on each side, strip across the back of the card

Then you can use DSP and cardstock to decorate as desired. Here’s what I used to decorate this card:

  • 1-3/4″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP on the card front
  • 4″ x 1″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP on the card back
  • 4″ x4″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP on the inside
  • 3″ X 3-5/8″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP as the gift card/cash mat
  • 3″X3″ piece of vellum to cut a Spotlight on nature circle die
  • Scraps to stamp and die cut the flowers and leaves.
  • optional – 3″ X 3″ Basic White square for inside the card and scraps for more flowers and leaves.

Watch here to see how these pieces go together to create a very special gift/cash holder for someone in your life:

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I hope this project inspires you to try this week’s colour combination or to create your own interactive card. Be sure to stop by the Global Design Project and check out all the amazing inspiration from the Design Team, then join us by sharing your own creation!

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HSS493 – A Sweet Birthday Card with Caring Animals

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It’s time for another fun challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we’re featuring a beautiful Colour Challenge HSS493!

When I first saw this colour combination, I immediately thought of creating something soft, sweet, and perfect for celebrating a birthday. The adorable lion from the Caring Animals stamp set seemed like the perfect choice!

I started with a Barely Blush card base and added lots of subtle texture using the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder. I love how embossing adds interest without competing with the focal image.

For the background strip, I used a piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper in Lost Lagoon, but I wanted to give it a little extra personality. I stamped the leafy images from the Caring Animals stamp set directly onto the DSP using Lost Lagoon ink for a subtle tone-on-tone effect. It’s a simple technique that adds depth and ties the background in beautifully with the embossed botanical theme.

To create a little extra dimension, I stamped the lion and sentiment in Lost Lagoon on my die-cut circle first, then stamped the lion again in Black Memento Ink on a separate piece of cardstock. After colouring and fussy cutting him, I popped him up with Stampin’ Dimensionals so he extends beyond the edge of the circle. It’s an easy technique that really helps the focal image stand out. To finish the focal point, I wove Linen Thread through the stitched openings around the Spotlight on Nature circle and tied a bow in the bottom left corner. I love the soft texture it adds and how it draws attention to the beautiful stitched detail of the die. To finish the card, I added a few gems for sparkle from the In Color 2026-2028 Dots.

One of my favourite things about colour challenges is seeing how everyone interprets the same palette in completely different ways. This combination felt soft and elegant while still being playful thanks to the adorable lion.

I hope you’ll stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created, then join us with your own interpretation of these beautiful colours. I can’t wait to see what you make!

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Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – February Colour Challenge!

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Welcome back to another Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop! Each month, our creative team from across Canada shares projects based on a fun challenge—this time we’re creating using a Valentine’s inspired colour combo. I used the Hope Love and Joy bundle to create this fun card that can be sent any time of year – but especially this February!

For the background, I used the 2025-2027 In Color 6×6 DSP on a Flirty Flamingo cardbase. I embossed a piece of Bubble Bath cardstock with the Hearts of Love 3D embossing folder. and layered it onto a Strawberry Slush mat. The sentiment was stamped in Real Red Ink on a Textured Notes die ( these are on the Last Chance list!). All the hearts were die cut with the Hope Love Joy dies in Poppy Parade, Strawberry Slush, and Bubble Bath.

Finally I embellished the card with Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems (also on thelast chance list).

Be sure to check out the rest of the Coast to Coast Creators team—there’s so much inspiration waiting for you!
Click the link below to continue the hop and see what everyone else created for this month’s sketch challenge.


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Feb 2026 C2C hop cardDownload

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HSS #481 | Encircle With Love colour challenge

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There’s something about a soft pink colour palette that instantly feels warm, cheerful, and full of heart—and this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge delivers exactly that! 💕

For HSS481, we’re playing with Strawberry Slush, Flirty Flamingo, and Bubble Bath, and I couldn’t resist leaning into a clean, layered design with subtle texture and a pop of sparkle.

I started with a Strawberry Slush card base, then added an embossed Basic White layer using the Hearts of Love 3D embossing folder for quiet texture without overwhelming the design. The focal panel features Celebratory Sips DSP creating movement and interest while keeping the look soft and cohesive.

A simple Bubble bath 1/4″ ribbon tie adds gentle detail, while the circular sentiment—popped up with Dimensionals—draws the eye and ties the whole card together. A few sparkly embellishments (Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems) finish it off with just the right amount of shine.

This colour trio is perfect for love cards, thinking-of-you cards, or happy mail just because. I hope it inspires you to give this week’s challenge a try!

🎉 Bonus Days – Time to Redeem! February 3–28, 2026

Here’s how it works:

  • There is no limit to the number of coupon codes you can redeem on an order during the redemption period. If you’re redeeming multiple codes, you must put a space between each code.
  • You cannot redeem them after February 28.
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  • Coupon codes will reduce the commissionable amount of an order.
  • Some restrictions apply. Coupons can’t be redeemed towards Starter Kits and you cannot use them on exchanges.

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JOIN me online EVERY Monday for card making fun. Or find the replays on You Tube. The class below aired Feb 2nd – watch the replay and contact me to get your card class kit (Feb 2-8, 2026).

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Be sure to visit the Hand Stamped Sentiments blog to see all the gorgeous inspiration from the design team—and then join us by creating your own project using this colour challenge.


Merry Christmas — Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge #HSS478

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Today I’m sharing my card for the Hand Stamped Sentiments HSS478 Colour Challenge, and it’s the perfect project if you’re still squeezing in a few last-minute Christmas cards! I wanted something quick, clean, and still absolutely stunning—and this bold “Merry Christmas” sentiment delivered exactly that.

I stamped the Merry Christmas image in Shaded Spruce onto Basic White cardstock, then layered it over a piece of Shaded Spruce cardstock and a full background of Need for Tweed 12″ x 12″ DSP for cozy winter texture. The frame comes from the Textured Notes Dies, and I tucked in a few delicate vellum leaves cut with the brand-new Nature’s Symphony Dies—coming in January! A sprinkle of Traditional Sparkling Sequins adds just the right amount of festive shine.

It’s getting late in the season, but if you need a card that’s fast and fabulous, this one is definitely the ticket.

This is my final HSS design team project for 2025, but I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be returning to the team again in 2026. Thank you for all the love and support this year—your encouragement means so much. 💚✨

Come join us for HSS478 and share what you create!

Need some supplies still – no problem – you can place an online order right now: https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

When you shop with me – you also get a bonus Tutorial with an order over $65 ( before rewards, shipping and taxes).

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I HAM So Proud of You – Global Design Project #GDP521

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I’m so excited to share my very first project as a new member of the Global Design Project Design Team! 🎉

This week’s challenge is a beautiful colour combination for #GDP521, and I couldn’t resist using the adorable Party Piggy bundle (on the Last Chance list 🐷). I paired it with the Beautiful Bokeh 6″x6″ Designer Series Paper and the Dotted Circle 3D Embossing Folder, each layered on Calypso Coral mats for a bright, playful look.

The sentiment, “I HAM so proud of you,” is heat embossed in white on a strip of Granny Apple Green cardstock, adding a crisp, bold contrast to the soft piggy tones. I finished the card with Traditional Sparkling Sequins and White & Gold Baker’s Twine for just the right touch of shimmer.

You can visit the Global Design Project on Facebook to see the rest of the team’s creations and join in this week’s colour challenge!
👉 facebook.com/GlobalDesignProject

If you’d like to recreate this look, here’s a full list of supplies used as well as a printable card recipe.


GDP521Download

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Merry & Bright for HSS Color Challenge #475

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge is a gorgeous one — featuring Cherry Cobbler, Secret Sea, and Pool Party. These colours come together beautifully for a rich, festive look that’s perfect for holiday cardmaking.

For my project, I pulled out the Merry Christmas stamp set — I just love that elegant, bold font! I paired it with the sweet poinsettia image from the Jolly Holly stamp set for a touch of classic Christmas charm.

The background layers showcase the Regal Distressed Designer Series Paper — that subtle pattern adds just the right amount of texture and warmth. To finish off the design, I tied on some Secret Sea ribbon for a soft pop of colour and shimmer.

A few stamped poinsettias and low profile sparkle dots complete the look for a simple yet stunning holiday greeting card.

If you haven’t yet, hop over to the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge Blog to see the rest of the design team’s creations — and play along with us this week!

Here’s a full list of supplies used as well as a printable card recipe.

Product List
HSS475 TutorialDownload

This cheerful card is perfect for holiday giving—and so much fun to create!

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Dino-Mite Fun for HSS472 + GDP514!

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This week I combined the sketch from Global Design Project #514 with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge #472. The colour combo of Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger, and Pretty Peacock was perfect for creating a playful fall card with a cheerful twist.

This card features the Darling Dinos bundle. I used masking to create the layered field of flowers behind the dino, giving extra depth and dimension. Paired with the embossed sunflower background and a bold sentiment banner, this layout came together beautifully and stayed true to the sketch.

This card makes me smile—it’s bright, fun, and perfect for a birthday surprise!

Here’s a full list of supplies used as well as a printable card recipe.


HSS472CCDownload

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Throwback Thursday: Frogs, Sass & GDP505 Colours

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It’s time for Throwback Thursday, and this week I had a giggle while crafting! The inspiration? The Global Design Project #505 Colour Challenge—featuring Strawberry Slush, Pretty Peacock, and Old Olive—and the hilariously snarky Birthday Banter stamp set (yes, it’s wood-mounted and still fabulous!).

This week’s card features:

  • A sentiment heat embossed in white on a Pretty Peacock cardstock.
  • Textured Soft Waves 3D Embossing Folder background for a playful feel
  • A pop of Strawberry Slush in the Faux Linen Ribbon, coordinating Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems, as well as Strawberry Slush Stampin’ Blends to colour the froggy lipstick. 🐸💄

The design uses two Stylish Shapes Dies circles: one for our glamorous froggy duo and another for the cheeky sentiment. The result? A card that’s equal parts silly and sweet—perfect for a birthday that celebrates survival with style.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Throwback:

  • That lipstick-wearing frog duo? Pure gold
  • Combines bold colour with nostalgic humour
  • Showcases how old stamps still have tons of personality
  • Great for friends with a wicked sense of humour!

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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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