Harvest Birthday Wishes | GDP563 Themed Challenge

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Sometimes the best cards come together when you have to work with what you’ve got!

This week’s Global Design Project #GDP563 challenge has a harvest and garden theme, which was perfect inspiration for a fall card. The only problem? Most of my stamps are still packed away while we renovate!

So I turned to one of my favourite resources for a quick and easy seasonal card: Designer Series Paper.

For this card, I used the August Product of the Month — Glow of Harvest 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper. The shimmer in this paper is absolutely gorgeous, and I knew those little pumpkins were just begging to be fussy cut!

I paired the pumpkins with the simple Addressed to You stamp set. I love the fun oval outline and that pretty scripty birthday sentiment. Sometimes you really don’t need a lot of stamping to create a card that has plenty of personality.

And because I loved last week’s GDP sketch so much, I couldn’t resist using that sketch again as the starting point for this card. I think the layout works perfectly with the pumpkins and lets that beautiful shimmer take centre stage.

I also added a few subtle stamped flowers in the background to give the card a little extra interest without taking away from the focal point.

I hope this harvest-inspired birthday card gives you a little inspiration to look at your Designer Series Paper in a new way — especially when your stamp collection happens to be packed in boxes! 😉

✂️Supplies Used:


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Thanks for stopping by, and don’t forget to check out the other Global Design Project #GDP563 creations for even more harvest and garden-inspired cardmaking ideas.


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. 🐾💕


GDP561 Colour Challenge: A Soft and Pretty Christmas Card

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I’m playing along with this week’s Global Design Project colour challenge #GDP561, and I have to say… these colours are just gorgeous together!

This week’s colour combination is Hydrangea Hue, Soft Sea Foam and Peaceful Pine, and I thought they would make a beautiful, slightly unexpected Christmas colour palette.

I’m trying to get a head start on my Christmas cards, so I reached for the simple and lovely Hope Love & Joy Bundle to create this sweet Christmas card.

I started with a Hydrangea Hue card base, stamped with Hydrangea Hue snowflakes for a subtle background. I then added a torn strip of Soft Sea Foam cardstock across the middle, with a Basic White strip layered over top.

For the sentiment, I stamped the J and Y in Peaceful Pine, while the “O” is actually a Hydrangea Hue snowflake! I love finding little ways to make a simple card more interesting.

A bit of Peaceful Pine ribbon and the gorgeous Adhesive-Backed Snowflakes finished it off perfectly.

And speaking of those snowflakes… they are currently available through the Stampin’ Up! demonstrator preorder! If you’d love early access to new products and all sorts of fabulous preorder goodies, I’d love to have you join my team, Ink Pad Pals – see below for more details.

I hope this Global Design Project colour challenge inspires you to create your own project for #GDP561. Grab your crafting supplies and join the fun!

✂️Supplies Used:


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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!

Want to grab the supplies for this card? Shop the links below or head to my shop.


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Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – February Colour 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 Valentine’s inspired colour combo. I used the Hope Love and Joy bundle to create this fun card that can be sent any time of year – but especially this February!

For the background, I used the 2025-2027 In Color 6×6 DSP on a Flirty Flamingo cardbase. I embossed a piece of Bubble Bath cardstock with the Hearts of Love 3D embossing folder. and layered it onto a Strawberry Slush mat. The sentiment was stamped in Real Red Ink on a Textured Notes die ( these are on the Last Chance list!). All the hearts were die cut with the Hope Love Joy dies in Poppy Parade, Strawberry Slush, and Bubble Bath.

Finally I embellished the card with Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems (also on thelast chance list).

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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Feb 2026 C2C hop cardDownload

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I HAM So Proud of You – Global Design Project #GDP521

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I’m so excited to share my very first project as a new member of the Global Design Project Design Team! 🎉

This week’s challenge is a beautiful colour combination for #GDP521, and I couldn’t resist using the adorable Party Piggy bundle (on the Last Chance list 🐷). I paired it with the Beautiful Bokeh 6″x6″ Designer Series Paper and the Dotted Circle 3D Embossing Folder, each layered on Calypso Coral mats for a bright, playful look.

The sentiment, “I HAM so proud of you,” is heat embossed in white on a strip of Granny Apple Green cardstock, adding a crisp, bold contrast to the soft piggy tones. I finished the card with Traditional Sparkling Sequins and White & Gold Baker’s Twine for just the right touch of shimmer.

You can visit the Global Design Project on Facebook to see the rest of the team’s creations and join in this week’s colour challenge!
👉 facebook.com/GlobalDesignProject

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


GDP521Download

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Hand Stamped Sentiments #470 – Sketch Challenge with Terrific Toadstools

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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. 🍂

👉 See the DT projects and play along: Hand Stamped Sentiments

How to Make This Card

  1. Card base & mats
    • 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Finishing touches
    • Sprinkle Muted Palette Dots to balance the corners and add a soft sheen.

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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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Create your own summer-inspired card using this week’s trio at https://handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/. You’ll love where the colours take you!

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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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Want to join the creative fun? Check out and share your own take!

Until next time,


Encircled With Love Cards – GDP501 Colour Challenge

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During today’s Live, I shared a sweet and summery card design featuring the Encircled With Love stamp set! I used the GDP501 Colour Challenge trio of Timid Tiger, Petal Pink, and Lost Lagoon to create two cheerful versions of the same layout.

My original sample featured the “Thank You” sentiment from the stamp set, but during the live I swapped it for the sunny “Way to Go!” Both sentiments work beautifully in this layered circle design.

✨ Key Details:

  • DSP: 2025–2027 In Color 6×6 DSP
  • Ribbon: Last Chance Petal Pink Scalloped Ribbon
  • Bling: Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems
  • Colours: Timid Tiger, Petal Pink, Lost Lagoon

💡 Design tip: This layout is super adaptable – swap in any sentiment from the Encircled With Love set and you’ve got a card for any occasion!

📺 Watch the replay here:

🛠️ Here’s a Full List of Supplies Used:


Why I love this card:
This design is simple, elegant, and versatile—perfect for beginners but also great for mass-producing! A quick sentiment swap gives you a whole new card. My original version used the “Thank You” image, and I switched it up live with “Way to Go!” for a completely different vibe.

💡 TIP: Save cardstock by die-cutting the circle layers from the centre of the same Lost Lagoon panel used to mat your DSP! No one will ever know, and you’ll get more out of each sheet.

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