Global Design Project #560 | Balloon Celebration Card

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I love a good sketch, so this week’s Global Design Project #560 CASE the Designer Challenge was right up my alley!

For this challenge, we were given a beautiful card by Charlet Mallett to CASE. Rather than copying all of the details, I grabbed the sketch and used the layout as my starting point—my favourite way to design a card!

I wanted my version to feel bright, happy and summery, so I pulled out the Balloon Festoon and Exciting Times stamp sets along with the colourful Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper.

The striped Designer Series Paper was the perfect choice for this card. I love how the vertical stripes create a fun background while still leaving plenty of room for the balloons and greeting to stand out.

For the focal point, I stamped and layered three colourful balloons and added the balloon strings underneath. The large circle behind the balloons helps bring all of the elements together and gives the balloons a place to “float.”

I also added a little texture with the coordinating ribbon tied across the card and finished it with a few colourful embellishments. The “Let’s celebrate” greeting was the perfect sentiment for this cheerful design.

One of my favourite things about CASE challenges is seeing how a card can evolve when you take the layout from someone else’s design and then make it your own. The original card may be the inspiration, but the colours, products and little details can completely change the finished project.

This would make such a fun birthday card, celebration card or party card—and the bright colours make it perfect for summer celebrations!

I hope you’ll check out the original card by Charlet and see how the Global Design Project Design Team interpreted the challenge. Then grab the sketch, put your own spin on it and join the challenge #GDP560!

✂️Supplies Used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
Beautiful Ordinary Life 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167553 ]
[167553]
Balloon Festoon Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167602 ]
[167602]
Exciting Times Bundle (English) [ 167881 ]
[167881]
Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165286 ]
[165286]
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147052 ]
[147052]
Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161666 ]
[161666]
Basic Black Hybrid Stampin' Pad [ 166648 ]
[166648]
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
Array Of Dots [ 167559 ]
[167559]
Garden Green 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Chevron Ribbon [ 167212 ]
[167212]
Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]
[110755]
Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ]
[104430]
Detail Scissors [ 170902 ]
[170902]
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
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Global Design Project #558 | Woodland Wishes Christmas Card

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This week, I’m excited to share my card for the Global Design Project #558 Sketch Challenge! I always enjoy sketch challenges because they provide a great starting point while still leaving plenty of room for creativity.

For my card, I stayed true to the sketch by creating four square panels and filling each one with an adorable woodland scene using the Woodland Wishes stamp set. Each little critter brings its own personality to the card—from the curious hedgehog and graceful deer to the sweet fox and friendly bear.

To add interest without overwhelming the design, I embossed the Basic White card base with the festive Swirls of Magic embossing folder. The subtle texture creates the perfect whimsical backdrop while allowing the stamped images to remain the focal point.

I coloured all of the images with Stampin’ Blends and layered each panel onto Old Olive cardstock to help define the layout from the sketch. A bold Real Red sentiment banner stretches across the centre, tying all four panels together while adding the perfect pop of Christmas colour. I finished the card with a few rhinestones for just a touch of sparkle.

One of my favourite things about sketch challenges is seeing how everyone interprets the same design differently. It’s amazing how a simple sketch can inspire so many unique creations!

I hope you’ll visit the Global Design Project to see all of the Design Team inspiration and then join us by creating your own version of this week’s sketch. I can’t wait to see what you make!

✂️Supplies Used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]Basic White 8 1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock [159229]Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]Basic White 8 1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [166780]Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 100702 ]Old Olive 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [100702]Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 102482 ]Real Red 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [102482]Woodland Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 168243 ]Woodland Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [168243]
Basic Black Hybrid Stampin' Pad [ 166648 ]Basic Black Hybrid Stampin’ Pad [166648]Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]Versamark Pad [102283]Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ]Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [165679]Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [129053]Embossing Additions Tool Kit [ 159971 ]Embossing Additions Tool Kit [159971]
Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 167682 ]Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167682]Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154882 ]Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154882]Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161674 ]Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [161674]Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154881 ]Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154881]Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154892 ]Old Olive Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154892]
Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154899 ]Real Red Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154899]Darling Duckling Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 165288 ]Darling Duckling Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [165288]Rhinestone Basic Jewels [ 144220 ]Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220]Swirls Of Magic Embossing Folder [ 168179 ]Swirls Of Magic Embossing Folder [168179]Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]
Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ]Stampin’ Dimensionals [104430]Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]Paper Trimmer [ 152392 ]Paper Trimmer [152392]Basic White Medium Envelopes [ 159236 ]Basic White Medium Envelopes [159236]
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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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Rainbow Tulips for GDP #542 – Sketch Challenge

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This week I’m playing along with Global Design Project #542, and it’s a fun sketch challenge! I love using sketches because they take the guesswork out of designing a layout while still leaving plenty of room to get creative.

For my card, I kept things clean and simple, letting a row of colourful flowers do all the work.

The flowers and sentiment come from the Woolly Friends Stamp Set. I stamped a neat row of blooms across the top of the card and coloured them in a cheerful rainbow of Stampin’ Blends. The bright colours instantly bring the card to life and perfectly match the sentiment “Sending Flowers & Sunshine.”

To follow the sketch, I added a sentiment banner across the card front and wrapped a bit of gold and white baker’s twine around the layer for a soft, handmade touch. A few Iridescent Foil Gems finish it off with just a little shine. Both of these items are on the Last Chance list – so grab them asap.

The flowers were coloured using Stampin’ Blends in:

  • Strawberry Slush
  • Poppy Parade
  • Timid Tiger
  • Peach Pie
  • Daffodil Delight
  • Summer Splash
  • Azure Afternoon
  • Fresh Freesia
  • Petunia Pop

The leaves were coloured with Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends.

I layered the stamped image onto a sunny piece of Beach Boardwalk DSP and then onto a Coastal Cabana card base to keep the card light and simple.

Sketch challenges are such a great way to spark creativity, and this one was especially fun to interpret!

Be sure to check out the beautiful inspiration from the Global Design Project designers, and consider joining the challenge yourself, use the hashtag #GDP542.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Global Design Project #GDP528 | CASE the Designer Card with Feathered Fun

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I’m excited to share my card for Global Design Project Challenge #GDP528, featuring the theme CASE the Designer. This project originally appeared on the Global Design Project FB page, and I’m happy to finally share it here on Stampin’ With Leah for my creative community.

For this handmade card, I used the Feathered Fun stamp set by Stampin’ Up!, stamping the image in Secret Sea ink for a bold yet calming base. I then brought the design to life using Azure Afternoon, Summer Splash, Lemon Lolly, and Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends. These colours work beautifully together and add depth while keeping the card soft and heartfelt.

One of my favourite details is how the birds naturally form a heart shape, making this card perfect for a thinking of you, encouragement, or sympathy card. To finish the design, I added a few Pearls of Beauty, giving the card just the right touch of elegant sparkle without overwhelming the clean layout.

CASE-ing (Copy And Selectively Edit) is one of my favourite ways to create handmade cards. Whether you’re inspired by a layout, colour palette, or overall style, CASE-ing is a fantastic way to spark creativity and make a design your own.

Be sure to visit the Global Design Project to see all the beautiful CASE the Designer ideas from the design team and join the challenge yourself. I’d love to know — what part of a card do you usually CASE first?

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


GDP 528Download

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💌 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

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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.

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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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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.


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