GDP569 – A Handmade Anniversary Card with Botanical Expressions

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There’s something extra special about creating a handmade card for someone you love, especially when the timing couldn’t be better!

This week’s Global Design Project challenge is a colour challenge, and I decided to use it to create an anniversary card. Both my parents and my in-laws are celebrating their anniversaries this week, so I had the perfect reason to get creative!

For my card, I used the Botanical Expressions Dies to create the pretty floral details, paired with the Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder for a lovely textured background.

But one of my favourite parts of this card is actually on the inside!

I used a beautiful sentiment from the Phrases & Frames Stamp Set that celebrates the joys of today, the memories of yesterday and the hopes of tomorrow. Such a lovely message for an anniversary!

I love how this card came together, and how the challenge colours worked so beautifully for the design.

Watch the GDP569 Cardmaking Replay!

I created this card during my Wednesday Night LIVE, sharing the process and a few tips along the way.

If you missed joining me live, you can catch the replay below and create along with me!

If you enjoy a little creative inspiration, why not play along with this week’s Global Design Project colour challenge #GDP569?

It’s always fun to see how everyone interprets the same colours in completely different ways!

✂️Supplies Used:


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Looking for Christmas Gift Inspiration? 🎁

The NEW Stampin’ Up! 2026 Gift Guide is here!

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October Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – Autumn Colours & a Little Hot Foil Shine!

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Hello, crafty friends!

Welcome to the October Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop! This month, we’re celebrating autumn with a beautiful colour challenge featuring Golden Glow, Crushed Curry, Blackberry Bliss, Pecan Pie and Early Espresso.

I love these rich, warm colours together, and they were perfect for creating a pretty fall card with a little extra sparkle!

For my card, I started with a Blackberry Bliss card base and layered Golden Glow cardstock with Basic White.

I added three strips along the left side to bring in some extra colour and texture. The Crushed Curry strip is heat embossed with white leaves from the Nature’s Symphony set, the Blackberry Bliss strip is embossed with Fern and Flora 3D EF, and the Pecan Pie strip was crumpled and heat embossed with a texture element from Nature’s Symphony in gold to add a lovely bit of shine.

The leafy focal image is where I had the most fun! I hot foiled the Botanical Glow Hot Foil Die then used the challenge colours to create a mix of warm golden leaves ( Golden Glow blends), rich brown tones (Pecan Pie blends) and pops of Blackberry Bliss (blends). I love how the different colours bring the whole card together.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a little more sparkle! Some Golden Glow Ink splatter, a few Gold Dot embellishments and a double strand of Linen Thread tied into a bow finished everything off.

The Thinking of You sentiment ( in Early Espresso) keeps this card versatile, too. It’s always nice to have a few cards like this ready to send.

Keep Hopping Across Canada!

Now it’s time to see what the other talented Coast to Coast Creators have made with this gorgeous autumn colour combination!

I always enjoy seeing how differently we all interpret the same challenge. There’s so much inspiration to discover!


Want to make this card?

You can! I have a full list of supplies below.

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Have You Tried Hot Foiling Yet?

If you’ve been following along with my recent Facebook Lives, you’ll know I’ve been having lots of fun with the new hot foil machine!

Hot foiling is such a beautiful way to add shine and detail to your handmade cards. I especially love how it works with simple designs, adding something special without making a card feel too busy.

I’ve been sharing demonstrations, tips and project ideas in my recent videos, so if you’re curious about hot foiling, I’d love for you to check them out!

LINK TO HOT FOILING REPLAY

You can also join me live on Facebook every Wednesday at 7 PM Pacific for more cardmaking inspiration.

You can find tutorials in my Payhip Shop.

A Great Time to Join Stampin’ Up!

Speaking of hot foiling, have you seen the October Starter Kit offer?

This month, when you join Stampin’ Up!, you’ll receive a $170 CAD coupon code PLUS $70 CAD in Stampin’ Rewards to spend on products you love!

It’s a great opportunity to add something special to your craft room, like the hot foil machine, while enjoying all the benefits of being a demonstrator.

And remember, you don’t have to sell anything or run a business to join! You’re always welcome to join my Ink Pad Pals team simply to enjoy the discount and be part of our creative community.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
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Thank you for stopping by today! I hope this month’s colour challenge inspires you to pull out some autumn colours and get creative.

HSS #499 – A Colourful Birthday Card with Botanical Expressions

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It’s time for another challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this time we’re playing with colour!

For HSS Colour Challenge #499, we’re using Timid Tiger, Cajun Craze and Misty Moonlight. I love how these three colours work together! The warm oranges really pop against the beautiful blue.

For my card, I used the Botanical Expressions Die to create a bold leafy border. I cut the leaves in our three challenge colours, fussy cutting to mix and matchthem against the Basic White background. I love how the negative space allows the design to shine without making the card feel too busy.

I finished the card with a birthday greeting from Phrases and Frames, a double Linen Thread bow and a few Cajun Craze embellishments. Simple details that bring everything together!

One of my favourite things about colour challenges is that they encourage me to try combinations I might not normally choose. And this one was such a fun surprise!

Now it’s your turn!

I’d love to see what you create with Timid Tiger, Cajun Craze and Misty Moonlight. Head over to the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge Blog to see what the rest of the Design Team has created and share your own project.

Want to Make This Card?

Shop the links below or head to my shop.


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Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

PLUS right now you get even more perks!! An extra $70 Stampin’ Rewards!!!

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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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Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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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:

Here’s a full list of my supplies.


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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!

Want to grab the supplies for this card? Shop the links below or head to my shop.


SHOP HERE

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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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.


Want to make this card?

You can! I have a full list of supplies below and a printable recipe card.

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Here is a printable recipe card – with supplies and instrcutions:

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.
  • You can redeem Bonus Days coupon codes for month-to-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions and new prepaid subscriptions.
  • 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.

Want to Stamp More With Me?

Join my February Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the February 28th class

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).

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

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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).

Want to Stamp With Me?

Join my January Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the January 17th class

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
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  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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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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Join my November Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the November 8th class

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👉 https://payhip.com/StampinWithLeahCardCardClassestoGo

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

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  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

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