HSS496 Colour Challenge – Secret Sea, Cajun Craze & Pool Party

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It’s time for another Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge, and this week we’re playing with a gorgeous colour combination! For HSS496, the challenge colours are Secret Sea, Cajun Craze and Pool Party.

I decided to turn these colours into a Christmas card, using the beautiful Woodland Wishes with Winter Dreams Specialty Designer Series Paper as my starting point.

This particular sheet of DSP made creating with the challenge colours easy! The Secret Sea and white flocked snowflake pattern gives the card a beautiful wintery background, while the Pool Party and Cajun Craze bring in the pops of colour from the challenge.

I love the contrast between the deep Secret Sea background and the crisp white snowflakes. It creates such a pretty snowy scene without needing a lot of additional embellishment.

For my focal point, I used the adorable fox from the Woodland Wishes collection. I coloured him with Wink of Stella dipped in Cajun Craze ink, which gives the fox a little sparkle and coordinates beautifully with the Cajun Craze element on the card.

I added two stitched Cajun Craze banners (from the Nested Essentials dies) behind the fox and a Pool Party sentiment strip across the centre. A few Pool Party embellishments (from the Painted Patch Adhesive-backed Dots) and some linen thread finish everything off.

One of the things I enjoy about colour challenges is that they can push me to use colours together that I might not automatically reach for.

Secret Sea + Cajun Craze + Pool Party turned out to be such a fun combination for a Christmas card!

The flocked DSP does a lot of the work here, so I was able to keep the rest of the design fairly simple. Sometimes a beautiful piece of Designer Series Paper really is all you need to create a card that makes an impact.

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Now it’s your turn! Take a look at the HSS496 colour combination and see what you can create with Secret Sea, Cajun Craze and Pool Party.

I’d love to see what you make with these colours!

Be sure to check out the other Hand Stamped Sentiments creations for more inspiration, and if you create a project using this week’s colours, I hope you’ll share it with us.


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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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!

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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!

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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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HSS469 Colour Challenge- Cheers to Blackberry Season!

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #469 features a beautiful combo of:
🟣 Blackberry Bliss
🟪 Fresh Freesia
🩵 Pool Party

This palette immediately reminded me of the juicy blackberries I picked earlier this week — so of course, I had to add a few to the glasses on this card! The Cheers & Sips stamp set and Celebratory Sips DSP were the perfect pairing for this berry-inspired design.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

Card Base: Pool Party cardstock, A2 size (5½” x 4¼”).

Embossed Layer: Fresh Freesia panel (4″ x 5¼”). Emboss using the Glass & Gardens Embossing Folder (tile pattern) for a patio-inspired backdrop.

Arch Focal Point: Die cut stitched arches from Everyday Details Dies (4th and 5th largest) in Blackberry Bliss and Basic White.

Adhere with liquid glue.

Drinks & Details: Die cut two drink glasses from the Celebratory Sips DSP. Use the texturing die on the taller glass. Add stamped blackberry clusters (because why not bring the garden to the glass?) Arrange and adhere with Dimensionals over the arch panel.

Sentiment Label: Stamp “Cheers” in Blackberry Bliss on Pool Party cardstock. Die cut using Beautiful Butterflies Dies label.

Final Touches: Stamp “Let’s Celebrate!” on the arch. Scatter a few Starburst Sequins for some bubbly sparkle. Tuck in more blackberries for flavour and fun! To create the blackberries I stamped them in B;ackberry Bliss Ink and used a blending pen to add Blackberry Bliss Ink to the insides, then die cut.

💡 TIP: Heat emboss the drinks for a glassy look or add Wink of Stella to the berries for extra juice-inspired shine!

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Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #466 – Cheers & Sips Colour Challenge

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Hello crafty friends!
I’m so excited to share this cheerful creation for this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge #466, featuring the fun trio:

I used the Cheers & Sips stamp set and dies—perfect for summer celebrations, patio parties, or just spreading sunshine in an envelope!

🍹 Design Details:

  • Stamp Set & Dies: Cheers & Sips bundle
  • Designer Series Paper: Celebratory Sips DSP (fussy cut the drink from the DSP)
  • Cardstock Colours: Strawberry Slush base, accent layer in Coastal Cabana
  • Embossing Folder: Glass & Gardens (adds perfect subtle texture behind the drinks)
  • Sentiment Label: Stylish Shapes Dies
  • Embellishments: 2025–2027 In Color Flat Pearls (in Strawberry Slush)

💡 Tips & Tricks:

🎨 DSP Hack:
I coloured right on the Cloud Cover umbrella print from the DSP using a Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blend—it helped balance the colour challenge beautifully and brought new life to a neutral element!

🖌️ Embossing Tip:
Use the Glass & Gardens Embossing Folder to add just the right amount of elegant texture—perfect for grounding bold images like these sassy summer sips.

✨ Colour Balance:
Keep bright combos cohesive by repeating each colour in multiple places—like background layers, embellishments, and accents—without overwhelming the eye.

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


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This card is sweet, sassy, and so fun to make! I’d love for you to play along with HSS466—come join the challenge here: Hand Stamped Sentiments blog

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Until next time,


HSS #463 Colour Challenge – Happy Hibiscus Card Featuring Fresh Freesia, Summer Splash & Soft Sea Foam

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Hello friends!

It’s time for a fresh new colour challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments, and this one has me dreaming of tropical blooms and sunny skies! For HSS Challenge #463, we’re playing with a gorgeous palette of Fresh Freesia, Summer Splash, and Soft Sea Foam — and I couldn’t resist pulling out the Happy Hibiscus Bundle for this one. 💜💦💚

Here’s my design for the challenge:

I started with a bold Summer Splash card base to make those florals pop, then added a panel of white cardstock cut with the Textured Notes Dies for that subtle stitched border. The hibiscus flowers are stamped in Fresh Freesia and layered with coordinating die cuts for added dimension.

I used Soft Sea Foam for the die-cut leaves — they give the card a nice balance without overpowering the blooms. And how sweet are those little white accent flowers with Holographic Resin Dots for some sparkle? They’re the perfect finishing touch!

This card came together so easily thanks to the Happy Hibiscus stamp set and dies — it’s quickly becoming one of my favourites for summer crafting. The mix of bold florals and delicate details is just right for cards that celebrate life’s special moments.

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


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Thanks for stopping by! Let me know what you think of this week’s project, and if you’re creating with Fresh Freesia, Summer Splash, and Soft Sea Foam — I’d love to see what you come up with! Tag me on social @StampinWithLeah. 💬


Everyday Details Card | HSS Colour Challenge #460

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This week, I participated in the Hand Stamped Sentiments #460 Colour Challenge, featuring Pecan Pie, Summer Splash, and Pretty Peacock. These rich, bold hues inspired me to create this elegant “Everyday Details” card using the Textured Notes dies to add some special textures to the layers.

Here’s the card I created:

Project Details:

I started with a Pretty Peacock card base and layered it with a tone-on-tone stamped and die cut background for added texture. The detailed nest was stamped in Memento Black, then coloured with Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends, paired beautifully with Summer Splash eggs and Pretty Peacock leaves. The Textured Notes dies added depth, and by double-cutting, I turned the original rectangle shape into a square for added versatility. A Basic White layer embossed with the Soft Waves embossing folder creates even more dimension, while the finishing touches—rhinestones and a white and silver bow—add a bit of shimmer and elegance.

This card is perfect for special occasions – like the arrival of a new baby. Be sure to check out the Hand Stamped Sentiments blog for more colour challenge inspiration and to share your own creation!

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$15.75
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$18.00
Everyday Details Cling Stamp Set (English)
$33.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
$11.00
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad
$12.25
Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack
$15.00
Summer Splash Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack
$15.00
Pretty Peacock Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack
$15.00
Textured Notes Dies
$43.00
Soft Waves 3 D Embossing Folder
$15.00
Silver & White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Sheer Ribbon
$12.25
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
$8.25
Paper Snips
$16.50
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$8.25
Stampin' Dimensionals
$6.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
$177.00
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