💌 Bright & Happy Christmas Wishes – #GDP522 Card Sketch Challenge

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Card sketches are one of my favourite ways to kickstart creativity — and this week’s Global Design Project #GDP522 sketch was the perfect excuse to play with the Jolly Holly Bundle from Stampin’ Up!®.

For this cheerful holiday card, I went with a fun non-traditional colour combo:
🎨 Strawberry Slush, Granny Apple Green, Pool Party, and Coastal Cabana.

The background is embossed with holly leaves for a soft texture, and I added White & Gold Baker’s Twine for a touch of sparkle. The Strawberry Slush Gems finish the look perfectly — just the right pop of shimmer to balance the playful colours.

I love how this card turned out — bright, modern, and full of Christmas cheer! 🌿✨

Play Along!

Want to join the fun? Create your own project inspired by #GDP522 and share it on social media – facebook.com/GlobalDesignProject
👉 Don’t forget to tag @stampinwithleah and use #GDP522 so I can see your creations!

📌 Save this post for your next cardmaking session — or share it with a crafty friend who loves non-traditional Christmas cards!

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


GDP522Download

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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

Want to Stamp With Me?

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

Don’t live nearby? You can find many PDF Tutorials in my shop:
👉 https://payhip.com/StampinWithLeahCardCardClassestoGo

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GDP518 Sketch Challenge – Nests of Winter & Misty Moonlight Magic

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There’s something so elegant about a cool winter palette, and today’s card for the Global Design Project #518 Sketch Challenge captures that perfectly! I paired the Nests of Winter Designer Series Paper with Misty Moonlight, silver-edged ribbon, and rhinestones for a frosty, festive feel.

The sentiment from Jolly Holly was stamped in Misty Moonlight and layered on a Spotlight on Nature circle for the perfect focal point. This simple but striking design really lets the patterned paper and soft shimmer take center stage.

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


thesearemystamps.com_cards_print_gdp518Download

I love how the sketch challenge layout gave me the perfect framework to build a clean and elegant holiday card that’s quick to assemble but still full of detail.

👉 Check out all the amazing inspiration from the Global Design Project #518 Challenge here and try the sketch yourself!

💙 Tip: If you love this colour combo, stock up on Misty Moonlight cardstock and ink before the holidays—they’re perfect for winter crafting projects.

Want to Stamp With Me?

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

RSVP now for the October 25th class

Don’t live nearby? You can find many PDF Tutorials in my shop:
👉 https://payhip.com/StampinWithLeahCardCardClassestoGo

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There are two great ways to join right now and so many reasons to be a part of my Ink Pad Pals team!

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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

Want to Stamp With Me?

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

RSVP now for the October 11th class
See the details and register here!

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

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Global Design Project #513 – Autumn Colour Challenge Card

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This week I had the honour of being invited as the Guest Designer for the Global Design Project Challenge (#GDP513)! The challenge features a warm and inviting colour palette that instantly made me think of crisp fall days and colourful leaves. I reached for the Amber Autumn Bundle, the Gathering Together 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper, and a mix of rich Stampin’ Blends to create this cozy seasonal card.

The Global Design Project #513 challenge focused on three stunning colours: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie. These earthy tones are perfect for fall cardmaking, especially when combined with warm textures and layered leaves.

Card Details & How-To

✨ Stamping & Colouring

  • I used the Amber Autumn stamp set to create my focal image.
  • The pumpkins and leaves were coloured with Cajun Craze and Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends.
  • To achieve a softer Crushed Curry look, I blended Dark Daffodil Delight with Dark Darling Duckling.

🍂 Die-Cut Leaves

  • On a piece of Basic White cardstock, I blended Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie inks using Blending Brushes.
  • Once dry, I die cut the leaves using the coordinating dies from the Amber Autumn Bundle.
  • This gave the leaves a gorgeous mottled, realistic look.

🖤 Designer Series Paper & Accents

I finished the design with a sprinkling of Cajun Craze & Gold Dots for a little extra texture and shine.

The background features the Gathering Together 12” x 12” DSP, which tied the colours together beautifully.

Here’s a full list of the supplies used.


Shop Here

If you love fall-inspired cards, don’t forget to save this idea to your Pinterest boards for inspiration later.

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class
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Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

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GDP510 Sketch Challenge with Textured Notes

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This week’s GDP510 sketch challenge had me reaching for one of my current favourites – the Textured Notes bundle. I love how versatile this bundle is, and sketch challenges are always such a fun way to spark creativity.

For this design, I kept things clean and simple with a limited colour palette: Petal Pink and Secret Sea. The soft background paired perfectly with the bold leafy details. The bordered rectangle dies in this bundle are truly a standout – they add instant texture and dimension without overwhelming the design.

A few embellishments and a simple linen thread bow finish the look, keeping the sketch at the heart of the design.

How to Make This Card

  1. Start with a Secret Sea card base.
  2. Cut a Basic White panel using the largest Textured Notes Dies and stamp the textured circle image twice in Petal Pink for a soft background.
  3. Stamp the leafy branch image in 2nd generation Secret Sea ink, layering it over the circles.
  4. On a scrap piece of cardstock, stamp a third textured circle in Petal Pink Ink, fussy cut and adhere using Dimensionals.
  5. Stamp the larger leaves in full strength Secret Sea Ink, fussy cut and adhere them with Liquid Glue to the Petal Pink circle only.
  6. Stamp the sentiment in Versamark on Secret Sea cardstock, emboss in white, and use the Textured Notes dies to cut the long rectangle. Attach with Dimensionals.
  7. Tie a bow with Linen Thread and adhere just under the sentiment.
  8. Finish with a few Petal Pink embellishments from the Muted Palette Dots for a subtle touch of shine.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


And there you have it – a simple but elegant take on this week’s GDP510 sketch!

👉 Want to save this project? Download my printable recipe card

GDP 510 Textured NotesDownload

The Secret Sea Ink, cardstock and Muted Palette Dots are all on sale this month!! Make sure to grab all the In Color items during this sale – you can find ALL the products on the In Color Sale Special page ( or click the image below).

Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/13/coneflower-celebrations-card-class-to-go-replay-kit-pdf-available/
SHOP HERE!

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

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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Jolly Holly Card Class to Go – August 2025

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My latest Card Class to Go is now available—and it’s a merry one! I’m featuring the Jolly Holly Bundle, an adorable Online Exclusive stamp and die set from Stampin’ Up! Paired with the luxe Regal Distressed Patterns 12×12 Specialty Paper, this class is all about holiday sparkle and cheer.

❄️ Whether you missed the Live or just want to craft along at your own pace, the Replay is now available on YouTube:

💖 Why You’ll Love These Cards:

✔️ Classic Christmas icons with a playful twist
✔️ Textured backgrounds using the Regal Distressed paper for wow-factor
✔️ Easy-to-follow layouts that look polished but come together quickly
✔️ Great for mass-producing holiday cards
✔️ Designs that pair beautifully with your existing holiday supplies

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced stamper, you’ll find this class both inspiring and achievable!

Here are the 4 unique cards:

This last card was inspired by the Global Design Project (GDP508) Case the Designer Challenge – so fun!

📦 How to Get the Card Kit
Receive the full card kit (supplies for 4 cards) FREE with your $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my online store between August 6–12, 2025.
👉 Shop here

📥 Prefer just the tutorial?
Grab the PDF right here in my online shop:
👉 https://payhip.com/b/wDz9l

Here are the supplies you’ll want to have at home:


Place Your Order Here

Want to stamp with me some more?

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

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
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Christmas in July… on August 1st? Why not!

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This week’s Global Design Project Challenge #GDP507 is all about celebrating the holidays early. I decided to go modern and bold with my Festive Friday creation—featuring a black background, shining gold embossing, and the stunning Most Wonderful stamp set.

✂️ How I Made This Card:

  • Card Base: Thick Basic White
  • Background Panel: Basic Black cardstock stamped with Most Wonderful stamp set – all stamps mounted together
  • Heat Embossing: Versamark ink + Gold Embossing Powder
  • Sentiment: Memento Black on Thick Basic White using the Stylish Shapes dies
  • Ribbon: Gold Mesh Ribbon
  • Embellishments: Loose sequins adhered with liquid glue
  • Adhesive: Stampin’ Dimensionals and Multipurpose Liquid Glue

✨ Try this technique with your own stamp sets—mounting them all at once makes a bold, custom background that’s perfect for embossing!

🛒 Want to recreate this card?
Head to my online store to grab your supplies or click on the supplies listed below:


Shop Here

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? You can find me online and in person ( In Port Coquitlam, BC)

Register now for the Aug 16th class!
See the details and register here – there is still time to register from any where in the world! The event has happened – but I still have a kit available and you can access the replay videos.

GET YOUR KIT HERE!
See the details and register here.

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

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
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❤️ Thanks for crafting with me!
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a Festive Friday!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

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!

🛒 Ready to shop?
Click here to browse my Stampin’ Up! online store! or use the items links below:


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the July 26th class
SHOP HERE!

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

  • 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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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Cheers to Colour! | Global Design Project #GDP504 – CASE the Designer

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I’m so excited to play along with this week’s Global Design Project Challenge #GDP504 – a “CASE the Designer” featuring the incredibly talented Mikaela Titheridge. Her soft colour blending and layout were so inspiring, and I knew I wanted to echo that joyful background and layered look.

For my version, I went bold, bright, and fruity using the Cheers & Sips Bundle – the perfect pick for summer celebrations!

🖌 How I Created This Card:

1. The Background:
I started with a piece of Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper and painted three horizontal washes using these vibrant Stampin’ Up! colours:

  • Timid Tiger (top)
  • Strawberry Slush (middle)
  • Lemon Lime Twist (bottom)

I kept the strokes loose and organic for that fresh, summery look. Once dry, I cut the panel using the stitched rectangle from the Textured Notes Dies.

2. Embossed Gate Fold Base:
My card base is a gatefold design using Summer Splash cardstock. I embossed both front flaps using the gorgeous Glass & Gardens 3D Embossing Folder, which adds such an elegant texture to frame the bright centre panel.

3. Stamped & Coloured Elements:
Using the Cheers & Sips Bundle, I stamped the citrus, strawberry, and lime images in Calypso Coral, Secret Sea and Old Olive Inks and coloured them in with Stampin’ Blends (matching the watercolour stripes – Peach Pie for the citrus, Strawberry Slush for the strawberry and Granny Apple Green for the lime).

4. Sentiment & Finishing Touches:
The sentiment, “Cheers – Let’s Celebrate!”, is stamped in Secret Sea and die-cut with the banner from the Stylish Shapes Dies. For a final bit of sparkle, I added a few Holographic Resin Dots.

Want to create this at home? All the supplies I used are listed below – just click to shop!


💡 Why I Love This Card:

It’s bright, playful, and perfect for summer birthdays, BBQ invites, or just saying “cheers” to a friend. I love how the fruit and colours play together and how the embossed gatefold makes it extra special.

Shop Here

Join an upcoming class:
👉 stampinwithleah.ca

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

RSVP now for the July 26th class
July 2 – 9 – See details HERE (Tutorial only available beyond these dates)
See the details and register here! – The live videos have happened – but I still have a kit available and the replays are available to watch at your convenience!
See the details and register here
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Thanks for stopping by – and don’t forget to check out all the inspiring CASE entries over at the Global Design Project FB page!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂