GDP562 Sketch Challenge: Cutest Crew Birthday Card

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There’s just something about puppies that makes a birthday card instantly more cheerful! 🐾💕

For this week’s Global Design Project sketch challenge, I had so much fun creating this bright and playful birthday card featuring the adorable puppies from the Cutest Crew Bundle.

I kept the layout fairly simple so those cute little faces could take centre stage, then added a few details to give the card some extra texture and personality. A little linen thread, some texture in the background (Sunflower 3D embossing folder on the Golden Glow strips and the pre-order Softly Woven 3D embossing folder for the background), and those pretty Crisp Cantaloupe In Color butterflies were just the finishing touches this card needed. 🦋

I love how a sketch challenge can take you in a direction you might not have chosen on your own. Starting with the sketch gave me a great jumping-off point, and then it was just a matter of playing with the colours and elements until everything came together.

The result is a fun, happy birthday card that would be perfect for any dog lover — or really anyone who could use a little puppy-powered cheer!

This project was created for Global Design Project #GDP562, a sketch challenge that is always a great source of card-making inspiration. If you enjoy card sketches, be sure to check out the challenge and see how other crafters interpreted it.

✂️Supplies Used:


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Thanks for stopping by and checking out my GDP card! I hope these cheerful puppies bring a little smile to your day. 🐾💕


Christmas Crafting with Stitched Season DSP | Case the Catalog Challenge

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I am officially in full Christmas crafting mode! 🎄 With autumn Christmas fairs on the horizon, I’ve been pulling out my Christmas Designer Series Paper and looking for ways to create cards that are festive, eye-catching—and don’t take forever to make.

This card was created for this week’s Stampin’ Through the Catalog Challenge, and I had so much fun putting it together.

For this design, I used A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper for almost all of the colour and pattern. I cut four rectangles (1-1/2″ X 2-1/4″ each) for the background and then used the third-smallest Everyday Arches Die to cut the little bird from a different DSP piece as the focal piece.

No stamping or colouring involved. Just a bit of die cutting, layering and embellishing!

The card base got some extra texture from the Textured Tree Rings 3D Embossing Folder, which adds just the right amount of interest without competing with all those pretty patterns.

And then there’s that Happy Christmas sentiment! ❤️

I used the new Magical Christmas Hot Foil Die with red hot foil and the reverse plate. I LOVE how bold and shiny it is—and how quickly hot foiling can take a card from simple to special.

The Magical Christmas Hot Foil Die is part of the upcoming September–December collection. Customers will be able to order it beginning in September, but if you’re someone who just can’t wait to get your hands on the new products, you can join my Stampin’ Up! team today and take advantage of the demonstrator preorder.

That means you can choose all the preorder products you want and start creating before the new catalogue even goes live. If you’ve ever thought about joining my team, this is a pretty fun time to do it!

I’m really enjoying being in full Christmas mode already. There is something very satisfying about getting a head start on those Christmas fair projects—and this card is a perfect example of why I love Designer Series Paper so much.

🛒 Want to recreate this card?
Head to my online store or contact me today to grab your supplies.

✨ Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used:

(*PLUS – the Magical Christmas Hot Foil Die, Red hot foil and the Reverse plate – available Sept 2026 or now when you sign up to join my team)


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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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HSS #485 | Unbridled Beauty Sketch Challenge

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge was a veratile layout! I found myself using the Unbridled Beauty set again to create this rustic card.

The center panel is stamped in Early espresso to create a full country scene. Then coloured with Stampin’ Blends.

I layered it onto a torn piece of Early Espresso cardstock and then onto the Country Woods DSP.

I tied a piece of twine around the whole layer before adhering to the Basic Beige card base.

My final piece was an embossed sentiment on the DSP – that in hindsight would have been easier if I had done it before gluing all the layers. Live and learn!

This card is actually part of a card class to go that I offering in my PDF shop. You can click below to grab it. I am not currently offering in person classes due to a move and home reno – I’ll be back in April or May.

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.


Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – March Sketch 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 great sketch challenge. I used the brand new Flowers Fair stamp and the Simple Alphabet stamp set to create this fresh spring card!

This card is mostly stamped with the newOnline Exclusive Flowers Fair stamp – some colour on colour, others stamped in Smoky Slate and coloured with Stampin’ Blends. The sentiment is the new Online Exclusive Simple Alphabet embossed in gold. For full details see the printable Recipe Card below.

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.


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

Mar 2026 C2C hop cardDownload

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HSS #483 | Unbridled Beauty Inspiration Challenge

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge was a beautiful hues of blue! I was tempted to play with flowers – but I was playing with the Unbridled Beauty Bundle which worked beautifully with the wood grain and the blues and greys.

I started with a Night of Navy card base, then added a layer of Country Woods 12X12 DSP bordered with some Basic Grey. The card base was stamped with the horseshoe in Night of Navy Ink. The sentiment was also stamped in Night of Navy.

I stamped the horse in Basic Grey and coloured the horse with Smoky Slate Blends.

This card is actually part of a card class to go that I offering in my PDF shop. You can click below to grab it. I am not currently offering in person classes due to a move and home reno – I’ll be back in April or May.

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.


HSS #482 | Wooly Friends Sketch Challenge

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge was so fun! Used the Wooly Friends Punch Bundle to create this playful card.

I started with a Calypso Coral card base, then added a layer of sunshine from the Beach Boardwalk 12X12 DSP. The Baker’s Twine was coloured with Calypso Coral Blends.

I stamped the sheep in Memento Black and coloured the wool with a hint of Cloud Cover and the bows with Summer Splash.

This card was quick to create, but oh so cute.

I’d love to see what you can do with this fun sketch. Share your creations using the hashtag #HSS482.

A few other reminders:

🎉 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.
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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.


HSS #479 | Nature Walk Thank You Card + Nature Walk Mega Stamp Camp

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The first Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge of 2026 is here, and I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the year than with the timeless elegance of the Nature Walk Suite from Stampin’ Up! 💙🌿

For HSS #479, I created a clean and layered thank you card that highlights the soft, organic beauty of this suite. The Nature Walk Designer Series Paper and Natural Hues 12X12 Textured Specialty Paper adds subtle texture and warmth, while the coordinating leaf die cut brings gentle movement and balance to the design. I kept the colour palette calm and classic, letting the details shine without overwhelming the layout.

This card design is perfect for everyday gratitude cards, sympathy cards, or even thinking-of-you projects. Simple layouts like this are wonderful to keep on hand—and the Nature Walk Suite makes it easy to create something beautiful every time.


Be sure to check out the card recipe so you can easily recreate this project in your own craft room.

🌿 Nature Walk Mega Stamp Camp – Featured Suite
If you love this suite, you’ll be happy to know that the Nature Walk Suite is the featured suite in my upcoming Nature Walk Mega Stamp Camp, hosted with four other talented Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.

When you join the stamp camp, you’ll receive:

  • Multiple exclusive card designs featuring the Nature Walk Suite
  • Video tutorials you can watch anytime
  • Inspiration from five different demonstrator styles
  • A creative event you can enjoy from home, on your own schedule

👉 Register here:
https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/nature-walk-mega-stamp-camp

🎉 Bonus Days Are Coming – Starting January 6!
This is also the perfect time to shop because Stampin’ Up! Bonus Days start January 6 and run through February 2!

Here’s how it works:

  • Spend $60 CAD and earn a $6 CAD coupon
  • There’s no limit to how many coupons you can earn
  • Save your coupons and redeem them February 3–28

And don’t forget—every order also earns Stampin’ Rewards, so you’re getting rewarded twice! Bonus Days are a great time to grab the Nature Walk Suite, supplies for the stamp camp, or to stock up on crafting essentials.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to play along with Hand Stamped Sentiments and take advantage of both the Nature Walk Mega Stamp Camp and Bonus Days while they’re here.

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RSVP now for the January 17th class

JOIN me online EVERY Monday for card making fun. Or find the replays on You Tube. The class below aired Jan 5th – watch the replay and contact me to get your card class kit.

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

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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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RSVP now for the October 25th class

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👉 https://payhip.com/StampinWithLeahCardCardClassestoGo

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HSS Sketch Challenge – Gingerbreadman Bundle

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I’m so excited to share my project for this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge #473. For this card, I featured the Gingerbreadman Bundle from Stampin’ Up! to create a whimsical holiday design.

This card is full of sweet details:

  • A gingerbreadman, heat embossed in white on Pecan Pie cardstock.
  • A bold red banner stamped with “Season’s Eatings”.
  • Bright, cheerful die cut gumdrops.
  • Candy stripes from the Turtle-y Cute DSP for extra festive fun.

This project combines playful colors with holiday cheer and is a perfect way to spread smiles this season!

Here’s a full list of supplies used as well as a printable card recipe.


HSS473 card recipeDownload

This cheerful card is perfect for holiday giving—and so much fun to create!

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
Live outside of Canada? You still have time to register!

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

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