Throwback Thursday: A Barely Blush Candy Cane Christmas Card

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I’ve been trying to find just the right card for this beautiful greenery print from the Stitched Season Designer Series Paper. I love the little white flowers and all those leafy sprigs, and I wanted to leave enough of the paper showing to really enjoy them. Then I pulled out my long-retired Sweet Candy Canes Bundle and stamped a candy cane in Barely Blush. Add a little pink ribbon and there it was. A little retro, A LOT festive!

I used the current Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder on the Barely Blush background. The woven texture reminds me of a little plaid, which feels right at home with those candy cane stripes. A thin Secret Sea mat frames the greenery paper and picks up the darker sprigs in the print.

I tucked a couple of die-cut sprigs behind the candy cane and set it slightly off to one side of the white stitched circle. That left just enough room for “Christmas Cheer” and a few little sparkly snowflakes. I think the ribbon tied right around the candy cane might be my favourite detail!

If you still have the Sweet Candy Canes Bundle tucked away, give it a try in pink. And if you’ve had your eye on the Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, it’s on the Last Chance list. I’m so glad I finally found a card for this side of it!

Shop Stampin’ Up! with me in Canada

Supplies Used to Create This Card

Here’s a closer look at the products I used for today’s card.


Don’t have the retired Sweet Candy Canes Bundle? No problem! Try substituting any pink element – like a Christmas tree, stocking, or Poinsettia and your favourite sentiment stamped in Secret Sea.

More Ways to Get Crafty with Me!

Love making handmade cards? I’d love to have you join me for one of my online cardmaking classes or workshops!

Explore my upcoming classes and workshops:
https://stampinwithleah.ca/current-class-offerings/

And if you’d like more cardmaking inspiration, tutorials, Stampin’ Up! news, and class announcements delivered to your inbox, I’d love to welcome you to my email community!

Join my Stampin’ With Leah Newsletter:
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Love Paper Crafting? Join the Ink Pad Pals!

Did you know you can enjoy Stampin’ Up! products at a discount when you join my Ink Pad Pals team?

Whether you love crafting for yourself or dream of sharing your creativity with others, there’s a place for you on our friendly Canadian team!

You’ll enjoy demonstrator discounts, creative inspiration, team gatherings, and a supportive community of fellow crafters.

💕 Learn More About Joining the Ink Pad Pals

Let’s Chat!

Do you have a retired stamp set or bundle that you still love using? I’d love to hear which one is your favourite!


Stampin’ With Leah
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, Canada

A Festive Cheer Christmas Card in Petal Pink, Real Red and Peaceful Pine | GDP #573 Replay

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Hi stampers!

I shared this Festive Cheer Christmas card for Global Design Project #573, and on Wednesday night I made it again live so you could see how it comes together. If you saw the finished card in my challenge post and wanted to make one, you can stamp along with me in the replay below.

This week’s colours are Petal Pink, Real Red and Peaceful Pine. I love what that bit of pink does here. It softens the red and green, and the card still feels like Christmas.

Watch the replay and stamp along

I used the Stampin’ Up! Festive Cheer Bundle to make this card. Grab your supplies and make it with me, or pull out a Christmas set you already have and give these three colours a try. I’d love to see what you come up with!

If you enjoy cardmaking tutorials, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel! I go LIVE every Wednesday at 7 PM Pacific with more handmade card inspiration.

Products Featured

Want to recreate this card or try some of these techniques yourself? Below you’ll find the Stampin’ Up! products I used, with clickable links to make shopping easy!


Shop With Me

Festive Cheer Card Class registration closes November 12

If you’ve been meaning to sign up for my Festive Cheer Card Class, Thursday, November 12 is the last day! We’ll get together online on Saturday, November 28 at 9 a.m. Pacific. I’ve got four Christmas card designs for you, and we’ll make two of each. That’s eight cards ready to send!

Join me for Festive Cheer Card Class

Come say hi Friday night!

I’ll be back on Facebook and YouTube on Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. Pacific for my Scalloped Christmas Cheer Online Workshop. I have three cards to share with you, so if you’re around Friday evening, come keep me company while I stamp!

Watch live on YouTube Friday

🎁 A Little Thank-You Gift!

When you place a qualifying $65+ Stampin’ Up! order with me, you’ll receive this month’s Crafty Collaborations PDF Tutorial Bundle as my thank-you gift! It’s filled with creative projects and inspiration to keep you crafting.

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for the crafty people on your list? Be sure to explore the 2026 Stampin’ Up! Gift Guide!

Let’s Keep Crafting Together!

I love sharing handmade card ideas, creative techniques and inspiration with fellow paper crafters.

If you’d like to enjoy cardmaking alongside a supportive community, I’d also love to welcome you to my Ink Pad Pals Stampin’ Up! team!

Learn More about Joining

Text graphic with the phrase 'Happy Stampin'!' in a stylish font and the name 'Leah' below, set against a pink watercolor background.


Logo for 'Stampin With Leah' featuring a colorful bird illustration on a pink watercolor background, with the tagline 'A Place for Creative Inspiration'.

Retro Christmas Ornament Card | HSS501 Inspiration Challenge

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Who says Christmas cards have to be red and green? Sometimes it’s fun to step away from traditional holiday colours and try something a little unexpected!

This week, I’m playing along with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge #HSS501, and I couldn’t resist giving my Christmas card a fun, retro twist!

A Little Retro Christmas Cheer!

The inspiration board features beautiful Christmas greenery, ornaments, soft colours and touches of sparkle. I was especially drawn to the hanging ornaments, which immediately made me think of those colourful vintage Christmas decorations.

To capture that retro feeling, I chose Flirty Flamingo, Coastal Cabana and gold, with just a dash of black to make everything pop!

I love how these colours work together. The Flirty Flamingo polka-dot background gives the card a playful, vintage feel, while the Coastal Cabana ornament adds a bright pop of colour. The gold ornament brings just the right amount of Christmas sparkle.

And those little black bows? They’re one of my favourite details! They tie everything together beautifully without taking away from the colourful ornaments.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used

You’ll find my complete supply list below, with clickable links to shop the products.


SHOP HERE

Join the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge!

Now it’s your turn to get creative!

Our HSS501 Inspiration Challenge is full of wonderful Christmas ideas. Whether you’re inspired by the ornaments, greenery, colours or festive details, we’d love to see what you create.

Head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the design team has created and share your own project.

You don’t need to recreate the inspiration board exactly. Just choose something that catches your eye and make it your own!

Challenge #HSS501 runs November 10–23, 2026.

More Christmas Cardmaking Fun — Join My Festive Cheer Class!

Love making handmade Christmas cards? I’d love to have you join me for my Festive Cheer Christmas Card Class on Saturday, November 28 at 9 AM Pacific!

We’ll create 8 beautiful Christmas cards (4 designs, 2 of each), and you’ll receive a prepared cardmaking kit and step-by-step instructions so you can craft along with me from home.

The class is $55 CAD, with the Festive Cheer Bundle available as an optional add-on.

Registration closes Thursday, November 12, so there’s just a little time left to reserve your spot!

Visit my Current & Upcoming Classes page for all the details.

I’d love to craft with you!

And if you enjoy sharing ideas and crafting with others, you’re always welcome to ask me about joining my Ink Pad Pals Stampin’ Up! team!

Learn more about my Ink Pad Pals team and the current Starter Kit offer.

I’d love to have you join my crafty community! Sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah newsletter for card-making ideas, tutorials, upcoming online events, and the latest Stampin’ Up! news.

Join My Crafty Newsletter!

What’s your favourite non-traditional Christmas colour combination? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!


Throwback Thursday: A Hot Foiled Buffalo Check Christmas Card

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Welcome to another Throwback Thursday at Stampin’ With Leah! This week, I’m mixing some beautiful new Stampin’ Up! products with an old favourite to create a Christmas card full of shine and sparkle!

I love finding new ways to use my retired crafting supplies, and today’s card is a perfect example!

A Little Christmas Magic with Hot Foiling

The star of this card is definitely that gorgeous red buffalo check background! I used the new Buffalo Check Hot Foil Die with red foil to create a shiny, festive pattern on Basic White cardstock.

I layered the foiled panel onto Basic Black cardstock before attaching it to a Basic White card base. That thin black border really makes the red foil pop!

For my Throwback Thursday element, I reached for the retired Christmas Labels Bundle. It’s still one of my favourites! The decorative details around the label are so pretty, and I love how they contrast with the bold background.

I heat embossed the Christmas greeting in white on Basic Black cardstock, creating a crisp, striking focal point.

To finish the card, I added the sweet Adhesive-Backed Christmas Berries. Those little berries and leaves are the perfect festive finishing touch!

Mixing Retired and New Stampin’ Up! Products

One of my favourite things about cardmaking is discovering new ways to use products I already own.

The Christmas Labels Bundle may be retired, but it works beautifully with newer products. And if you don’t have this particular bundle, another decorative label die and Christmas greeting would work just as well!

Cardmaking Tip: When using a bold background like buffalo check, choose a high-contrast sentiment panel. White heat embossing on black cardstock helps your greeting stand out without competing with the background.

Want to Try Hot Foiling?

If you’ve been curious about hot foiling, this card is a wonderful example of the beautiful metallic shine you can add to your handmade cards!

✨ The Stampin’ Up! Hot Foil System is expected to be back in stock the week of November 9!

And there’s an extra reason to be excited! Stampin’ Up! is offering a FREE Metallic Magic class with a qualifying Hot Foil System purchase through January 4, 2027.

It’s a great opportunity to learn a new technique and create beautiful projects with your new supplies.

I’ll be sharing updates when the system becomes available again, so be sure to follow along or join my newsletter!

Shop Stampin’ Up! Canada:
https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

Supplies Used to Create This Card

Here’s a closer look at the products I used for today’s card.


Don’t have the retired Christmas Labels Bundle? No problem! Try substituting another decorative label die and your favourite Christmas sentiment.

More Ways to Get Crafty with Me!

Love making handmade cards? I’d love to have you join me for one of my online cardmaking classes or workshops!

Explore my upcoming classes and workshops:
https://stampinwithleah.ca/current-class-offerings/

And if you’d like more cardmaking inspiration, tutorials, Stampin’ Up! news, and class announcements delivered to your inbox, I’d love to welcome you to my email community!

Join my Stampin’ With Leah Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/f353b425ffee/newsletter

Love Paper Crafting? Join the Ink Pad Pals!

Did you know you can enjoy Stampin’ Up! products at a discount when you join my Ink Pad Pals team?

Whether you love crafting for yourself or dream of sharing your creativity with others, there’s a place for you on our friendly Canadian team!

You’ll enjoy demonstrator discounts, creative inspiration, team gatherings, and a supportive community of fellow crafters.

💕 Learn More About Joining the Ink Pad Pals

Let’s Chat!

Do you have a retired stamp set or bundle that you still love using? I’d love to hear which one is your favourite!


Stampin’ With Leah
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, Canada

Funky Chunky Handmade Card | Stampin’ Up! Online Exclusives & GDP572

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Have you seen the new Funky Chunky Bundle from Stampin’ Up!? This fun new Online Exclusive is perfect for creating bold, colourful handmade cards, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you!

For this week’s Global Design Project #GDP572, we were challenged to CASE a card by the talented Mikaela Titheridge. CASE stands for Copy and Selectively Edit, and it’s a wonderful way to find inspiration while putting your own creative spin on a design.

I used this challenge as an opportunity to play with some brand-new Stampin’ Up! products!

A Bold Handmade Card with Funky Chunky

For my card, I combined the Funky Chunky Bundle with some of the beautiful 2026–2028 In Colors. The new Herringbone Embossing Folder adds fabulous texture, while a black hot-foiled sentiment provides a striking finishing touch. I also incorporated coordinating Designer Series Paper and In Color Dots to bring everything together. I love how these different elements work together to create a card that’s full of personality!

Watch the Cardmaking Replay

I featured this card during my Wednesday evening Facebook and YouTube LIVE, sharing how I put the design together and offering some tips along the way.

Watch the replay below!

If you enjoy cardmaking tutorials, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel! I go LIVE every Wednesday at 7 PM Pacific with more handmade card inspiration.

Products Featured

Want to recreate this card or try some of these techniques yourself? Below you’ll find the Stampin’ Up! products I used, with clickable links to make shopping easy!


Shop With Me

Join the Global Design Project Challenge!

🎨 Feeling inspired? We’d love for you to play along with us at the Global Design Project!

This week’s #GDP572 CASE Challenge is all about taking inspiration from a featured card and making it your own. You can CASE the layout, colours, elements or anything else that sparks your creativity!

As a member of the Global Design Project Design Team, I love seeing all the wonderful projects everyone shares!

👉 Visit the Global Design Project to see this week’s challenge and join the fun!

Don’t forget to use #GDP572 when sharing your creation on social media!

Join Us for the Funky Chunky Cardmaking Event!

🎉 Love these new products? Join me, Ange McKay and Lori Willcox on November 22 for a fun virtual cardmaking event featuring 9 fabulous cards, 3 presenters and lots of creative inspiration!

Tonight’s GDP572 card isn’t one of the event projects — it’s just a little sneak peek at the products we’ll be using!

🇨🇦 Canadian Cardmaking Kit — $85 CAD
Includes a goodie bag, 9 Make ‘n Take kits, PDF tutorials and videos. Register by November 8!

🌎 PDF & Video Option — $35 CAD
Perfect for crafting with your own supplies! Register by November 21.

👉 Click here to register for the Funky Chunky Cardmaking Event!

🎁 A Little Thank-You Gift!

When you place a qualifying $65+ Stampin’ Up! order with me, you’ll receive this month’s Crafty Collaborations PDF Tutorial Bundle as my thank-you gift! It’s filled with creative projects and inspiration to keep you crafting.

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for the crafty people on your list? Be sure to explore the 2026 Stampin’ Up! Gift Guide!

Let’s Keep Crafting Together!

I love sharing handmade card ideas, creative techniques and inspiration with fellow paper crafters.

If you’d like to enjoy cardmaking alongside a supportive community, I’d also love to welcome you to my Ink Pad Pals Stampin’ Up! team!

Learn More about Joining

Text graphic with the phrase 'Happy Stampin'!' in a stylish font and the name 'Leah' below, set against a pink watercolor background.


Logo for 'Stampin With Leah' featuring a colorful bird illustration on a pink watercolor background, with the tagline 'A Place for Creative Inspiration'.

Let’s Get Funky! A Day of Cardmaking Fun! 🎉

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Three demonstrators, nine cards, and a whole lot of crafty fun!

I’m so excited to invite you to something a little different! I’m teaming up with two incredibly talented demonstrator friends, Ange McKay and Lori Lee, for our Funky Chunky Cardmaking Event!

We’re planning a fabulous day of creativity, inspiration, and crafting together—all from the comfort of your own home.

Join Us for a Day of Cardmaking Fun!

📅 Sunday, November 22, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time (including breaks)
📍 Live in our exclusive private Facebook group

Together, we’ll be sharing nine fabulous card projects—three from each demonstrator!

You’ll be able to craft along with us live, ask questions, and enjoy a fun day with other cardmakers.

Can’t join us for the entire day? No worries! All nine video presentations will be recorded so you can watch, rewatch, and create at your own pace.

What’s Included in Your $85 CAD Package?

You’ll receive everything you need to create nine beautiful cards, including:

  • 9 Make ‘n Take kits with pre-cut cardstock, envelopes, and die-cut pieces as outlined in the event details
  • Two sets of Sweetly Sentimental hot-foiled sentiments
  • 2026–2028 In Color™ Painted Patterns 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper
  • Hydrangea Hue 1/4″ Bordered Ribbon
  • 2026–2028 In Color™ Dots
  • 9 live and recorded video tutorials
  • 9 written tutorials in a printable PDF
  • Access to our exclusive private Facebook group

💕 Just $85 CAD, including shipping and applicable taxes anywhere in Canada!

You’ll need your own inks, adhesives, paper trimmer, and die-cutting machine. We’ll send you a complete supply list ahead of time.

Don’t Have the Funky Chunky Bundle or the Inks?

We’ve got you covered!

Don’t have the Funky Chunky Florals Bundle? Add the stamp set and coordinating dies for just $63.75 CAD.

Missing a few ink colours? You can also add Basic Black and/or any of the 2026–2028 In Color™ ink pads: Barely Blush, Crisp Cantaloupe, Golden Glow, Hydrangea Hue, and Peaceful Pine.

💕 A little bonus from us: NO SHIPPING OR TAXES on these add-ons!

Ready to Join the Fun?

Registration and payment deadline: November 8, 2026

We’ll be ordering products beginning November 3, and your Make ‘n Take packages will be mailed by November 13. While we can’t guarantee postal delivery times, you’ll have access to the recordings if your kit arrives after the event.

Local pickup is also available in Port Coquitlam, BC.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE FUNKY CHUNKY CARDMAKING EVENT!

Crafting Outside Canada? You Can Join Us Too!

Our PDF Tutorial & Video Access option is $35 CAD for crafters outside Canada.

You’ll receive all nine written tutorials, access to the video presentations, and an invitation to our exclusive Facebook group.

International registration deadline: November 21, 2026.

Register here and select the PDF & Video option!

I can’t wait to spend the day crafting with you! Whether you’re joining us live or watching the replays later, it’s going to be a fun-filled day of cardmaking and creativity.

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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An Autumn Twist on Greenery | Global Design Project #GDP571

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Hello, crafty friends!

Who says greenery has to be green? 🍁

This week’s Global Design Project #GDP571 challenge is all about greenery, and I decided to give it a colourful autumn twist!

Using the Harvest Hues Mix & Match Ephemera Pack, the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder, vellum and a little gold hot foiling, I created a handmade card full of autumn colour and texture.

Handmade autumn card featuring embossed white foliage, colourful Harvest Hues leaves, vellum circle and gold-foiled celebrate sentiment using Stampin' Up! products.

How I Made This Autumn Card

I started with a Secret Sea card base and added a Basic White layer embossed with the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder.

I absolutely love the texture this embossing folder creates! The leafy design makes a beautiful background without taking attention away from the focal point.

Next, I added a tag featuring colourful autumn foliage, along with coordinating leaves from the Harvest Hues Mix & Match Ephemera Pack.

To soften the patterned background, I layered a vellum circle over the tag. I love using vellum this way because it allows the beautiful pattern underneath to show through while giving the sentiment a place to shine.

And speaking of shine, the finishing touch was a gold-foiled “celebrate!” sentiment created with Classic Greetings. A little ribbon and linen thread completed the design.

Watch the Video Replay

Want to see how this card came together?

In this week’s video, I’m sharing how I created the card, including a demonstration of the hot foiling technique!

Products Featured

Want to recreate this card or try some of these techniques yourself? Below you’ll find the Stampin’ Up! products I used, with clickable links to make shopping easy!


Shop With Me

Product availability may vary.

Join the Global Design Project Challenge!

I hope my card inspires you to look at greenery in a different way! Whether you prefer fresh spring greens, colourful autumn leaves or festive winter foliage, there are so many creative possibilities.

Be sure to check out the other beautiful projects shared for Global Design Project #GDP571.

Love creating handmade cards? 💕

Join my newsletter for cardmaking inspiration, tutorials, creative tips and news about upcoming classes, delivered right to your inbox!

💌 Join My Creative Community!

You can also join me every Wednesday at 7 PM Pacific on Facebook and YouTube for more cardmaking inspiration!

🎁 A Little Thank-You Gift!

When you place a qualifying $65+ Stampin’ Up! order with me, you’ll receive this month’s Crafty Collaborations PDF Tutorial Bundle as my thank-you gift! It’s filled with creative projects and inspiration to keep you crafting.

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for the crafty people on your list? Be sure to explore the 2026 Stampin’ Up! Gift Guide!

💕 Thinking About Joining Stampin’ Up!?

Whether you’d like to enjoy the demonstrator discount, connect with other crafters or build your own creative business, I’d love to welcome you to my Ink Pad Pals team!

Discover the Benefits of Joining My Team

October Joining Bonus! Join by October 31, 2026, and receive an additional $70 in Stampin’ Rewards as part of the current starter kit promotion!

Join My Team Today!

Text graphic with the phrase 'Happy Stampin'!' in a stylish font and the name 'Leah' below, set against a pink watercolor background.


Logo for 'Stampin With Leah' featuring a colorful bird illustration on a pink watercolor background, with the tagline 'A Place for Creative Inspiration'.

Christmas Card Ideas with A Stitched Season DSP & Scalloped Christmas Cheer

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Hello Crafty Friends!

It’s time for another Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge, and this one is extra special! We’re celebrating our 500th challenge!

For HSS #500, we have a fun sketch challenge, and I decided to get a little more Christmas card making done! I used the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper and the Scalloped Christmas Cheer Bundle from Stampin’ Up!® to create this festive card.

I love how the traditional Christmas colours work together on this one!

A Christmas Card Using the HSS #500 Sketch

One of my favourite things about sketch challenges is that they give you a starting point while still leaving lots of room to be creative.

How I Made This Christmas Card

For this card, I followed the basic layout of the sketch, using two coordinating patterns from the A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper.

The red patterned paper creates the vertical panel, while the holly design makes a lovely background. I added dark Secret Sea cardstock mats to help separate the patterns and give the card a little more definition.

For the centre of the card, I used a scalloped frame with a piece of embossed white cardstock tucked behind it. I love the extra texture this adds without making the card too busy!

The Making Spirits Bright greeting from the Scalloped Christmas Cheer Bundle takes centre stage, with a little stamped holly and some red embellishments to finish everything off.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love adding texture to my cards!

For this design, I used Swirls of Magic embossing folder on the Basic White layer and Softly Woven embossing folder on the Peaceful Pine cardstock layer. These little details add interest while allowing the patterned paper and greeting to remain the focus.

It’s also a great reminder that you don’t need a complicated layout to make a beautiful handmade Christmas card. A fun sketch, coordinating papers, and a few finishing touches can go a long way!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used

I used the A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper for the coordinating Christmas patterns and the Scalloped Christmas Cheer Bundle for the greeting, scalloped frame, and stamped holly accents. I also added embossed cardstock for texture and a few red embellishments to finish the card.

You’ll find my complete supply list below, with clickable links to shop the products.


SHOP HERE

Join the Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge!

Now it’s your turn!

We would love to have you join us for this special 500th challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

You can use the sketch to create any kind of card you like. Turn it, flip it, change the shapes, or keep it just as it is. That’s the fun of a sketch challenge!

Be sure to visit the Hand Stamped Sentiments blog to see what the rest of the Design Team has created and share your own project with us.

Challenge #500 runs from October 27 to November 9, 2026.

Love Stampin’ Up!? Why Not Join the Fun?

Did you know that you can enjoy a Stampin’ Up! discount on your favourite crafting supplies when you join as a demonstrator?

Whether you’re interested in saving on your own crafting supplies, sharing your creativity with others, or building a business, there’s a place for you on my Ink Pad Pals team!

We have monthly online team meetings, creative inspiration, fun challenges, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other crafters.

I’d love to tell you more about joining!

Learn more about my Ink Pad Pals team and the current Starter Kit offer.

Looking for More Stampin’ Up! Card Making Inspiration?

I love sharing handmade card ideas, stamping techniques, and creative ways to use Stampin’ Up! products.

Whether you’re brand new to card making or have been stamping for years, I hope you’ll find something here to inspire your next project!

Let’s Keep Creating Together!

Love handmade cards and creative inspiration?

I’d love to have you join my crafty community! Sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah newsletter for card-making ideas, tutorials, upcoming online events, and the latest Stampin’ Up! news.

Join My Crafty Newsletter!

Thanks so much for stopping by today


A Little Retro Christmas Cheer with Festive Cheer | GDP570

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There’s something about retro Christmas decorations that makes me smile! I love the playful patterns and cheerful colours, and that’s exactly the look I was going for with this week’s Global Design Project #GDP570.

For my card, I pulled out the Festive Cheer stamp set from Stampin’ Up! and had some fun creating a whimsical Christmas card with a slightly vintage feel.

A Fun Twist on Christmas Colours

While I love traditional Christmas colours, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a little!

For this card, I chose four Stampin’ Up! colours: Coastal Cabana , Granny Apple Green, Poppy Parade , Smoky Slate.

I love how these colours work together! The combination gives the card a fun, retro Christmas feel without straying too far from the traditional holiday palette.

The whimsical ornaments really steal the show, with their mix of stripes, polka dots, and festive details. A little sparkle adds just the right finishing touch!

Watch the Festive Cheer Cardmaking Tutorial

I shared this card during my regular Wednesday evening crafting time. This week’s video was pre-recorded because of a family commitment, but I still wanted to share a little creative inspiration with you!

In the video, I’ll walk you through how I created the card so you can follow along or use the ideas to inspire your own Christmas creations.

🎥 Watch the video replay below!

Join the Global Design Project Challenge

This card was inspired by Global Design Project Challenge #GDP570.

I always enjoy participating in these challenges because they encourage me to try new ideas, experiment with different products, and sometimes step outside my usual creative comfort zone.

If you’re looking for a little cardmaking inspiration, be sure to visit the Global Design Project to see what the other designers and participants have created!

Ready to Create Some Christmas Cheer?

If the Festive Cheer stamp set has caught your eye, I’d love to help you get started with your own handmade Christmas cards!

You can shop for your favourite Stampin’ Up! supplies through my online store.

✂️Supplies Used:


Shop With Me

✂️ A Little Extra Crafting Excitement — 3-Day Die Sale!

Speaking of creative possibilities, Stampin’ Up! has a special offer happening right now!

From October 21–23, 2026, you can save 15% on select dies and die cutting tools!

If you’ve had a die set on your wish list, this might be the perfect time to treat yourself. Dies are one of my favourite tools for adding beautiful details, layers, and dimension to handmade cards.

A few things to know:

  • The sale runs for just three days, October 21–23.
  • The 15% discount applies to select dies and die cutting tools, while supplies last.
  • The Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine is not included.
  • You can see all qualifying products in the online store.

🛍️ Shop the 3-Day Die Sale

Don’t wait too long to check out your wish list — the sale ends Friday, October 23!

When you place a $65+ order with me I will also send you this fabulous 19 project PDF Tutorial . This bundle is filled with inspiration and is a FREE gift from me to say thanks for your order!

And if you’re looking for Christmas gift inspiration for the crafty people on your list, don’t forget to check out the 2026 Stampin’ Up! Gift Guide!

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

A colorful welcome box featuring the word 'WELCOME' in multiple languages including 'BIENVENUE', 'WILLKOMMEN', and 'WELKOM', with a light pink background and playful circles.

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. PLUS from Oct 6-31 you get an ADDITIONAL $70 Stampin’ Rewards!!! What a fantastic BONUS!

The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • Save 15%+ 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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Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to have a little fun with your Christmas colours and create something that makes you smile.

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October 2026 Noel Greetings Paper Pumpkin – Alternates & FREE Tutorial!

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Hello, crafty friends!

The October Noel Greetings Paper Pumpkin Kit has arrived, and I’ve been having some fun creating with it!

I went LIVE to open the box, put the projects together, and of course, create an alternate card! One of my favourite things about Paper Pumpkin is seeing what else I can make with all those fun supplies.

Watch the Noel Greetings LIVE Replay!

If you missed my LIVE, you can catch the replay below! I shared everything included in the kit, created the projects, and made an alternate card too!

A Little More Paper Pumpkin Inspiration!

Of course, I couldn’t stop at just one alternate card!

After the LIVE, I had another idea and created one more Christmas card using pieces from the kit and a few extra supplies from my craft room.

I loved how it turned out, so I decided to put together a FREE PDF tutorial with all the measurements and step-by-step instructions!

And I’d love to share it with you!

🎁 GET MY FREE NOEL GREETINGS TUTORIAL

Simply sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah emails, and you’ll be taken directly to your free tutorial!

Already on my email list? Keep an eye on your inbox! I’ll be sharing the tutorial with my subscribers too.

I Have ONE Extra Noel Greetings Kit!

Did you miss out on October’s Paper Pumpkin kit?

I have ONE extra Noel Greetings kit available!

I can ship it anywhere in Canada, or if you’re local to me in Port Coquitlam, we can arrange pickup.

If you’d like it, just send me a message! First come, first served!

Don’t Miss November’s Paper Pumpkin!

If you love a little creative surprise delivered to your door, Paper Pumpkin is a great way to enjoy some crafting time!

Each month features a new kit with everything you need to create the projects.

And when you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin through me, you’ll also receive my monthly Paper Pumpkin PDF tutorial, filled with alternate project ideas and extra inspiration to help you get even more out of your kit!

Subscribe by November 10 to receive the November kit!

📦 Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin here:
Paper Pumpkin Subscription

Coming in November:

NOVEMBER: TAGS OF JOY
Subscribe October 11–November 10
Elevate your Christmas gifting with handcrafted tags adorned in eye-catching gold foil.
• Makes 12 tags: 4 each of 3 designs
• Precut tags and paper pieces
• Green twine
• Coordinating colours: Cherry Cobbler (Premium Stampin’ Spot), Crushed Curry, gold, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Real Red

Gleaming gold foil on every tag!

Layered Tags Dies Add-On (Item 168663| $18.00)
Don’t forget the coordinating add-on dies! The Layered Tags Dies work perfectly with this month’s Noel Greetings Kit, plus the upcoming November and December kits.

📌 Refill Kits:
Around the 24th of each month, Stampin’ Up! often releases refill kits (while supplies last). Grab yours here: https://www.stampinup.ca/categories/subscriptions/paper-pumpkin/refills-past-kits-add-ons?demoid=2189587

👉 Watch the replay, subscribe today, and get ready for all the beautiful crafting Paper Pumpkin brings each month!

A Couple of October Reminders!

⭐ October Product of the Month – Shining Stars Dies

You can add these beautiful dies to a qualifying $100 CAD order for just $7 CAD, while supplies last!

✂️ October Starter Kit Special

Thinking about joining Stampin’ Up!? For just $135 CAD, you’ll receive a $170 CAD coupon code PLUS $70 CAD in Stampin’ Rewards!

It’s a great time to join my Ink Pad Pals team, whether you’re interested in the demonstrator discount or thinking about starting a creative business.

This special offer ends October 31!

🛍️ Shop Stampin’ Up!:
https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope these alternate projects inspire you to get a little more creative with your Paper Pumpkin kits!

Looking for some more fun stamping experiences in person or online? Check out my calendar of events (scroll down on the page to see events) or contact me to book your own card class.

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!
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