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.
I love when a sketch challenge comes together easily, and this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge is one of those! The layout was perfect for showing off the Terrific Toadstools bundle—a current set that’s just right for fall cards. 🍂
Gray Granite card base (5-1/2″ × 8-1/2″, score at 4-1/4″).
Add a large Country Woods DSP panel (4″ × 5-1/4″) in the Basic Beige design.
Layer a second coordinating DSP rectangle (2-5/8″ X 4-7/8″”) onto a Gray Granite CS (2-3/4″ x 5″) and then to the left side of the cardfront.
Leafy backdrop
On Basic Beige (2-1/4″ × 3-1/2″, matted with a Petal Pink CS – 2-3/8″ X 3-5/8″), stamp greenery in 2nd-generation Old Olive to keep it light and layered.
Mushrooms (Terrific Toadstools)
Caps: stamp in 2nd-generation Calypso Coral and 2nd-generation Early Espresso.
Stems: stamp in full-strength Gray Granite.
Use a sponge dauber with Memento Black to softly ink the edges for depth.
Fussy cut and pop up with Dimensionals.
Sentiment & assembly
Stamp a sentiment using Memento Black Ink on a slim strip (1/2″ X 1-1/2″) and adhere beside the focal panel.
Finishing touches
Sprinkle Muted Palette Dots to balance the corners and add a soft sheen.
Join me live every Wednesday at 9am ( or catch the replay). Here is last week’s replay – you can still get this class until midnight tonight (Tuesday August 19th, 2025).
Today’s card is a sweet birthday throwback featuring one of my all-time favourite retired stamp sets—Adorable Owls—brought to life with some fun new products!
This owl is celebrating in style with:
The vibrant Wildflower Birthday 12×12 DSP
Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon (currently on the Last Chance list—grab it while you can!)
A textured base using the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder
A sprinkle of sparkle with Starburst Sequins
🎨 How to Make This Card:
Start with a Thick Basic White card base.
Emboss a 4″ x 5-¼” Basic White panel with the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder and adhere it to your base.
Cut 2 angled rectangles from the Wildflower Birthday DSP and layer them slightly askew for interest.
Wrap the Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon across the layers and tie a bow on the left side.
Die cut a stitched circle (Pool Party cardstock or similar) and pop it up with Dimensionals.
Stamp the owl from Adorable Owls, colour with Stampin’ Blends, fussy cut, and adhere.
Stamp a birthday sentiment and die-cut or banner cut it, then adhere with Dimensionals.
Add a few Starburst Sequins for a pop of sparkle.
🧡 This card is bright, happy, and full of texture—perfect for any birthday celebration. While the Adorable Owls are retired, the layout and product mix can work with so many images you already have in your stash.
This week, I took on the Global Design Project Challenge #GDP496 by CASE-ing the designer with a fun twist: using one layout to create three unique cards – each with a different stamp set, but all showcasing the Celebratory Sips DSP and Holographic Foil Resin Dots!
This kind of layout challenge is my favourite way to spark creativity. It keeps design decisions simple while allowing for endless variation. Here’s a closer look at each card:
🍹 Cheers & Sips Card
Bright, summery, and refreshing! I paired cocktail images from the Cheers & Sips bundle with Soft Sea Foam cardstock and Old Olive DSP. The embossed panel adds just the right texture.
🐷 Party Piggy Card
How fun is this little pig?! The Party Piggy stamp set brings such whimsy to the same layout. I swapped in a cheerful orange stripe for a party-perfect look.
🦋 Beautiful Butterflies Card
This third card has a completely different vibe – rich Secret Sea and sweet Strawberry Slush and Petunia Pop butterflies from Beautiful Butterflies make this one elegant and eye-catching. Same layout, totally different feel!
All three cards use the same: ✔️ Celebratory Sips DSP ✔️ Holographic Foil Resin Dots ✔️ Layout from GDP496
Let patterned paper guide your colours – it makes mixing sets easy!
Pick one layout and play with different stamps for quick cardmaking.
Use dimensional layers to make simple layouts pop.
Repeat your embellishments for a cohesive collection of cards.
Don’t Miss These:
🎨 Celebratory Sips Stamp Camp Create even more with this gorgeous DSP! This is the paper featured on today’s cards, and it’s part of my Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp! Join now. You’ll get a fun-filled day of tutorials, project kits, and inspiration using this suite. 👉 Check out the details and sign up here!
Which card is your favourite? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube so you never miss a project.
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 🙂
This week’s Facebook/You Tube Live was full of underwater charm as I featured the Last Chance Ocean Friends bundle in a fun thank-you card inspired by the Global Design Project Challenge #491 – the theme is Ocean! 🌊
Here’s the card I created:
Watch the full replay here:
🌟 Card Details:
This bright and cheerful design combines 2024–2026 In Colors with a few old favourites to create a layered, sea-inspired look. Here’s what I used:
Stamp Set & Dies: Ocean Friends Bundle (Retiring – Last Chance!)
Colours:
Card Base: Summer Splash
Coral: Petunia Pop
Crabs: Azure Afternoon (2-step stamping)
Sea Stars: Peach Pie
Background Arch: Night of Navy (leftover from a previous card – love when scraps come in handy!)
Sentiment: “Thanks so much” stamped in Night of Navy
Extra touches: Bubble stamps and seaweed add that fun ocean floor feel!
This card would be perfect to thank someone for a beach day, a seafood dinner invite, or just to brighten someone’s day with a smile.
🧼 Tip of the Day:
The 2-step stamping technique works beautifully with solid images like these crabs – it gives the critters more personality and dimension!
I go LIVE every Wednesday at 9am Pacific over on Facebook, sharing new ideas, challenges, and techniques using current Stampin’ Up! products. Can’t join live? 👉 Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a replay!
Upcoming Card Classes
Looking for more crafting fun? Join myApril Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!
Thanks for visiting the blog today! Drop a comment if you loved this ocean-themed card, and don’t forget to pin it or share it with a crafty friend. Until next week –
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 🙂
This week’s Global Design Project colour challenge (#GDP489) inspired me to create a birthday card with the soft, pastel hues of Bubble Bath, Soft Sea Foam, and Lemon Lolly. These delicate colours are perfect for a celebratory and cheerful design.
Here’s the card I created:
I started with the Textured Notes Dies, using the eyelet die to create a custom mask. With a blending brush and Bubble Bath Ink, I blended a soft background onto the die-cut base for a lovely textured look.
For the floral accents, I swiped Soft Sea Foam Cardstock with Soft Sea Foam Ink and repeated the process with Lemon Lolly Ink on Lemon Lolly Cardstock. These inked layers were used to cut the smaller accent pieces for the flowers and leaves, while the bases were die-cut from uninked cardstock to create contrast. The flowers were assembled with Liquid Glue and then attached to the card front with Dimensionals, and the leaves glued together, then they were tucked under with Mini Glue Dots for a layered effect.
The sentiment took center stage with a die-cut “wishing” from Soft Sea Foam Cardstock backed with adhesive sheets. To complete the sentiment, I stamped “you the happiest birthday” onto Bubble Bath Cardstock using Versamark Ink, then heat embossed it with white embossing powder for a clean elegant look. This was die-cut with the label die from the Delightful Wishes Bundle and adhered with Mini Dimensionals.
Finally, I added a sprinkle of Bubble Bath Rainbow Adhesive-Backed Dots for a polished and celebratory finish. This birthday card showcases the dreamy pastel palette beautifully and is perfect for sharing warm wishes!
Looking for more crafting fun? Join myApril Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!
I’d love to hear what you think about this card or see your creations inspired by #GDP489. Let’s celebrate creativity together!
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 🙂
In today’s 1 Layout, 3 Cards episode, I showcased how a single card sketch can inspire three distinct designs. This month, I used the sketch from page 22 of the Annual Catalogue and had so much fun bringing it to life with different themes!
Here’s a closer look at the three cards I created:
✨ Lemon Lime Twist Birthday Card – I paired the One More Year stamp set with a Pastel Ombre Glimmer Paper banner for a pop of shimmer. The background is fully stamped with a repeating birthday sentiment for a bold and festive look! Watch the replay for tips on stamping the sentiment and colouring the Antique Pearls.
✨ Storybook Easter Card – A sweet, vintage-style card featuring the Storybook Moments DSP critters and a sentiment from Storybook Friends. The soft plaid background adds the perfect cozy touch for spring!
✨ Striped Birthday Card – This one has a softer, more elegant feel with the Painted Stripes background stamp (stamped in Boho Blue, which is retiring soon!). The floral elements come from the Delightful Wishes bundle, stamped in Flirty Flamingo and Granny Apple Green.
All three cards include: 🎀 A banner die-cut from the largest Nested Essentials banner 🎀 Coordinating Baker’s Twine from the Three Color Pack 🎀 Finished with Antique Pearls
💡 If you missed the Live, you can watch the replay here:
I’ve linked all the supplies used in these cards below. Click the images to shop and add them to your cart! You will also find a printable copy of the templates from the Annual Catalogue.
Looking for some other fun stamping experiences in person or online? If you are local to Port Coquitlam, join me in person for Coffee and Cards or contact me to book your own card class. You can always check out my calendar of events at my website.
Which card is your favorite this month? Let me know in the comments! 💕
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 🙂
Who’s ready for a DINO-mite birthday card? 🦕💖 This bright and cheerful card features the Darling Dinos Bundle and some brand-new Online Exclusives from Stampin’ Up! such as the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder and the Pack Your Bags Three Pack Twine. Plus, I used a unique popped up panel layout to make it extra special! Keep reading for all the details and a video for step-by-step instructions!
Card Details & Supplies
Here’s a closer look at the products I used to bring this card to life:
✅ Darling Dinos Bundle – The cutest dino stamps and coordinating dies! ✅ Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder – Adds amazing texture to the background. ✅ Pack Your Bags Twine – A perfect finishing touch. ✅ Rainbow Adhesive Back Dots – Because every card needs a little embellishing! ✅ Stampin’ Blends in Granny Apple Green/Shaded Spruce, Azure Afternoon/Fresh Freesia, and Pretty in Pink/Calypso Coral for smooth blending!
Fun Popped Up Panel Layout: A Unique Twist!
This isn’t your typical card—here’s how I created the popped up panel effect:
📏 Card Base: Start with a 4-1/4” x 11” piece of cardstock, scored at 5-1/2”. ✂️ Modify the Front Panel: Cut the front panel in half at 2-3/4” and turn it sideways to create the pop-up effect! 🌟 Decorate & Assemble: Layer your stamped & die-cut dinos, add textured details with the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder, and finish with twine and embellishments!
💡 Pro Tip: This layout is a great way to add dimension and interest while still fitting in a standard envelope!
Watch the Tutorial! 🎥
Want to see exactly how I made this card? Watch my Facebook Live replay where I walk you through all the steps!
📌 Love this design? Be sure to check out my blog for more inspiration and get my class tutorials! → StampinWithLeah.ca
Supplies You’ll Need:
If you’d like to recreate this card exactly as shown, here are the supplies used:
Some of the supplies used on this card are part of the new collection of Online Exclusive products for March 2025, and I have a special PDF guide showcasing all the latest must-have crafting goodies! Grab it here:
When you place a $65+ order, you’ll receive the 30+-project March Crafty Collaborations Tutorial PDF as an extra gift from me! This is an amazing resource full of creative inspiration from many talented demonstrators. Want to stay updated on all my events and classes? Subscribe to my newsletter!
Join Me for More Stamping Fun
Looking for more ways to craft? Here’s how you can connect with me:
In-Person Events: If you’re local to Port Coquitlam, join me for Coffee and Cards or book your own card class.
Online Events: Birthday Celebrations Card Class (you can still register – although packages may arrive late)
Ink Pad Pals Team: Join my team for exclusive perks, discounts, and a supportive crafting community.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you might already know—I have a thing for dragonflies. 🖤 My kitchen cabinet handles? Dragonflies. My door knocker? Yep, also a dragonfly! So it’s no surprise that my craft stash has its fair share of dragonfly-themed stamps and dies, too!
For this Throwback Thursday, I couldn’t resist bringing back an old favorite: the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits from way back in the day. These dies are long retired, but I just can’t let them go—and after making this card, I’m so glad I didn’t!
Blending Old & New
I love pairing retired products with brand-new ones, and this card is the perfect mix of past and present. Here’s what I used:
✨ Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits – A true classic! I die-cut the dragonflies in Basic Black and popped them up with Black Dimensionals for extra depth.
✨ Beautiful Butterflies Stamp Set – This lovely set was a Sale-A-Bration freebie last month, and it pairs so well with my dragonflies!
✨ Beautiful Bokeh DSP – The dreamy, soft background adds the perfect touch of color.
✨ Berry Burst Card Base & Black Trim – A bold, striking contrast to make the design pop.
✨ Iridescent Faceted Gems – Because every card needs a little sparkle, right?
✨ Clear Embossing Powder Over the Sentiment – I stamped my sentiment in Basic Black, then added clear embossing powder to give it a raised, shiny finish. It’s a small detail, but it really makes the sentiment stand out!
Here is a full list of the supplies I used (minus the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits – you could always use the Beautiful Butterfly Dies to create a butterfly version of this card):
I love bringing out my retired favorites, and this card is proof that oldies can still be goodies! Do you have a Stampin’ Up! set you’ll never part with? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s in your forever stash!
Want to see more? Check out my upcoming Card Classes!
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 🙂
This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments, we’re excited to bring you a sketch challenge! Challenge #458 is all about creativity and interpretation, and I’m using the Birthday Celebration Bundle along with the Wildflower Birthday Designer Series Paper (DSP) to bring this sketch to life.
Here’s the Sketch for This Week’s Challenge:
Here’s the card I created:
A Closer Look at My Card Design
For this festive birthday card, I followed the sketch layout and added my own creative twist using the Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Birthday DSP. Here are the details:
Card Base: I started with a Blueberry Bushel cardstock base, which complements the floral tones in the DSP beautifully.
Layered Elements: The background is a vibrant piece of Wildflower Birthday DSP, with a Pool Party banner added horizontally across the card and Pretty In Pink die cut flowers on the sentiment label.
Banner Detail: The banner was textured using the brand-new Online Exclusive Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder, adding beautiful dimension to the design.
Focal Point: The “Make a Wish” sentiment from the Birthday Celebration stamp set is stamped in Blueberry Bushel ink on a stitched square die-cut. The square was created by double cutting the large banner from the Birthday Celebration dies.
Embellishments: Behind the sentiment, I added a bow made with Gold Trim, giving the card an elegant touch. To complete the look, I accented the card with Blueberry Bushel gems from the Tinsel Gem 4-Pack for extra sparkle.
I hope this inspires you to get crafty and play along with this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge. Let me know in the comments – how will you interpret this sketch? 😊🎉
Now it’s your turn! Use this week’s sketch as inspiration, create your own project, and share it with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments. Don’t forget to check out the amazing designs from the rest of the team!
Want to make even more birthday cards? Join my Birthday Celebration Card Class, where we’ll craft six gorgeous birthday designs using the Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Birthday DSP.
📅 Class Date: March 29, 2025 ⏳ Registration Deadline:Wednesday! 🎨 Includes: Pre-cut supplies, embellishments, and step-by-step instructions 📍 Location: Virtual – on a private FB page
When you use my host code (6HQ62V46) this month, I’ll send you a link to an exclusive 30+ Project Tutorial Bundle as a thank-you!
Upcoming Card Classes
Looking for more crafting fun? Join my March Card Class or April Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!