Throwback Thursday: A Peaceful Sympathy Card with Embossing & Blending

Leave a comment March 13, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

There’s something truly special about handmade cards—they can express what words sometimes cannot. Today, I’m sharing a Throwback Thursday project featuring a heartfelt sympathy card that I created using a mix of retired and current Stampin’ Up! products.

This card design is simple yet elegant, combining soft ink blending, embossed textures, and a touch of shimmer to create a peaceful, wintry scene.

Card Details & Techniques:

To create this look, I started by die-cutting a stitched circle from Pool Party cardstock and ink-blending it with Night of Navy ink. The trees from the Peaceful Evergreens set were stamped in a full strength Night of Navy Ink to create depth. To add an extra wow factor, I heat-embossed the sentiment in white embossing powder—a simple technique that always makes a card feel extra special.

The background is embossed with the Painted Trees 3D Embossing Folder, adding subtle dimension without overpowering the design. A bow made from the Night of Navy & Gold Glittered Ribbon ties it all together, adding a hint of shimmer.

Why I Love This Card

This card reminds me of the beauty in simplicity. Sometimes, when we don’t know what to say, a handmade card speaks for us. The peaceful blues and soft textures make this a perfect sympathy or thinking-of-you card.

Products Used:
Here is a full list of the supplies I used (minus the Peaceful Evergreens Stamp Set (Retired) – you could always use another tree set and a more generic With sympathy sentiment to create your own version of this card):

Product List

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Versamark Pad $13.00	Night Of Navy & Gold 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Glittered Ribbon $12.25
Rhinestone Basic Jewels $8.25	Painted Trees 3 D Embossing Folder $15.00	Stylish Shapes Dies $41.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00
Take Your Pick $16.50	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Small Blending Brushes $20.00	Simply Shammy $12.25	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $90.00

Add All to Cart

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Let’s Chat!

Do you have a favorite retired Stampin’ Up! stamp set that you still love to use? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about it!

Want to see more? Check out my upcoming Card Classes!

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

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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!
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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 🙂

Create a Fun Fold Dinosaur Card with Stampin’ Up!’s Darling Dinos! 🦖🎈

Leave a comment March 12, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

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:

Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Darling Dinos Bundle (English) $55.75	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $11.00	Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Shaded Spruce Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Pretty In Pink Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00
Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker $4.25	Pack Your Bags Twine Three Pack $9.75	Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots $12.25	Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder $15.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00
Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00	Take Your Pick $16.50	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Simply Shammy $12.25	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $90.00

Add All to Cart

SHOP NOW

March 2025 Online Exclusives PDF

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:

Online Exclusives – march 2025 Download

Order Now

Bonus Gift! 🎁

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.

Register here – next class Apr12th, 2025!

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to help!Shop & Connect

Shop My Online Store Here
View Current Catalogs Here
Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin Here
Follow Me on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook

Thank you for crafting with me—I can’t wait to see what you create! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and follow this blog for more inspiration.

Birthday Sunshine & Rainbows for GDP487!

Leave a comment March 10, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

I’m so excited to share my latest creation for this week’s Global Design Project Challenge (#GDP487)! The theme this week is Sunshine & Rainbows ☀️🌈☂️, and I had so much fun bringing this cheerful inspiration to life in my card.

Here’s the card I created:

The Design

I wanted to capture the bright and happy vibes of sunshine and rainbows, so I used the Happiest Day stamp set along with a blend of bold and vibrant colours! The left panel features a rainbow of stars, which I created by stamping the star image repeatedly and blending the colours seamlessly with Blending Brushes.

Here’s the colour lineup I used to create this beautiful gradient:
🎨 Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Peach Pie, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Coastal Cabana, Azure Afternoon, Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia, and Berry Burst!

To add some extra sparkle, I incorporated a strip of Pastel Ombre Glimmer Paper and some Iridescent Faceted Gems. The sentiment, ‘Wishing You the Happiest Birthday,’ is heat embossed in white on a Coastal Cabana circle, die-cut from the Spotlight on Nature Dies. And of course, I couldn’t resist adding a popped-up dragonfly from the Happiest Day set—a little extra whimsy to finish it off!

Why I Love This Layout

One of my favourite things about this design is its versatility! By simply changing the colours or sentiment, this layout could work for so many different occasions—think thank you cards, baby showers, or even encouragement notes. The blended background technique is a fantastic way to make any card pop with colour!

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock $15.50	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Pastel Ombre Glimmer 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper $16.50	Happiest Day Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $28.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $11.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Peach Pie Classic Stampin Pad $12.25	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25
Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Versamark Pad $13.00	Basics Wow! Embossing Powder $29.00
Embossing Additions Tool Kit $37.00	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) $44.00	Iridescent Faceted Gems $11.75	Small Blending Brushes $20.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00
Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00	Take Your Pick $16.50	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Simply Shammy $12.25	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $90.00	Spotlight On Nature Dies $48.00

Add All to Cart

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What Do You Think?

Do you love rainbow-themed cards as much as I do? What’s your go-to colour combo for happy, cheerful designs? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️💬

Upcoming Card Classes

Looking for more crafting fun? Join my April Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

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

Save 20%+ 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.

Join now!

Join Now!

Thanks for stopping by, and happy stamping! 💛✨

Festive Friday Week 9 – Elegant Holiday & Winter Wedding Cards

Leave a comment March 7, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Welcome back to another Festive Friday, where I share a brand-new holiday card idea every week! This time, I’m featuring not one, but two elegant card designs—both perfect for Christmas, winter celebrations, and even winter weddings! ❄️✨

Timeless Plaid Meets Last Chance Deals!

Both cards feature the Timeless Plaid Designer Series Paper on a Pebbled Path cardstock layer. This neutral plaid pattern is a must-have for classic and cozy designs! I also used the Christmas Labels stamp set & coordinating dies, which are currently on the Last Chance list—and here’s a fun tip: purchasing them separately is actually a better deal than the bundle right now! So if you’ve had your eye on these, now is the time to grab them.

Two Color Variations – Which One is Your Favorite?

I had so much fun creating two different versions of this design. While both cards share the same layout and embellishments, the color palettes give them completely different vibes!

❤️ Classic Cherry Cobbler – This version has a traditional holiday feel with Cherry Cobbler cardstock & ribbon paired with a Thick Basic White card base. The sentiment is heat embossed in white, making it pop beautifully against the Pebbled Path label.

💜 Regal Blackberry Bliss – For a more luxurious and unique look, I created this card with Blackberry Bliss cardstock & ribbon (which is also on the Last Chance list!). The sentiment is heat embossed in gold, adding a rich and elegant finish.

Both cards are adorned with Antique Pearls, which add just the right amount of shine and sophistication.

Shop the Supplies Before They’re Gone!

Since some of these items are on the Last Chance list, they won’t be around for long. Grab them before they sell out! Click below to shop directly.

Here’s what I used to create this card:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock $15.50	Pebbled Path 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Timeless Plaid 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00	Christmas Labels Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $33.00
Christmas Labels Dies $39.00	Versamark Pad $13.00	Metallics Wow! Embossing Powder $29.00	Basics Wow! Embossing Powder $29.00	Cherry Cobbler & Gold 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Satin Ribbon $11.00	Blackberry Bliss & Gold 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Textured Ribbon $13.75
Antique Pearls $11.75	Embossing Additions Tool Kit $37.00	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) $44.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00
Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $90.00	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Take Your Pick $16.50	Simply Shammy $12.25

Add All to Cart

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Beyond Christmas – Perfect for Winter Weddings!

I love that this sentiment isn’t strictly Christmas-themed! While these make gorgeous holiday cards, they would also be stunning for a winter wedding, anniversary, or even a special thank-you card. The classic fonts and elegant label design make them super versatile.

I’d love to hear what you think! Which version is your favorite – Cherry Cobbler ❤️ or Blackberry Bliss 💜? Let me know in the comments!

Don’t forget to pin this idea for later and follow along for more Festive Friday inspiration each week! 🎄✨

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to Thanks for hopping by! Make sure to pin this post for future reference and share it with your crafty friends.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 🙂

Throwback Thursday: A Little Dragonfly Love!

Leave a comment March 6, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

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):

Product List

Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Beautiful Bokeh 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00	Beautiful Butterflies Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $33.00	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $11.00	Basics Wow! Embossing Powder $29.00	Embossing Additions Tool Kit $37.00	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) $44.00	Iridescent Faceted Gems $11.75	Black Stampin' Dimensionals Combo Pack $8.50
Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $90.00	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Take Your Pick $16.50	Simply Shammy $12.25

Add All to Cart

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**What’s In Your Forever Stash?**

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!

RSVP now for the March 15th class or April 12th class

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

Save 20%+ 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.

Join Now!

March Card Class To Go – Kiss of Texture!

Leave a comment March 5, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Are you ready to add beautiful texture to your handmade cards? My latest Card Class to Go features the Kiss of Texture stamp set, an incredible Online Exclusive that makes it easy to create layered, textured designs with just ink and stamps—no extra tools required!

How It Works: When you place an order of $60 or more (before tax & shipping) in my online store using host code – 6HQ62V46, you’ll receive the Kiss of Texture Card Class to Go Kit and PDF instructions absolutely FREE! This kit includes pre-cut cardstock, embossed layers, ribbon bits, and embellishments to create six stunning cards (two each of three designs). You will need your own stamps, ink and adhesives at home.

✨ Bonus Gift! Place an order of $75+, and you’ll also receive a pack of Antique Pearls embellishments as my thank-you gift!

📅 Order Deadline: March 11th, 2025
📦 Kits ship by: March 15th, 2025

SHOP NOW

Watch the Replay!

Missed the live class? Watch the replay here:

In the video I mentioned a Door Prize Draw , you can enter now until Friday (March 7th, 2025) in the evening (PT)! Good Luck!

Card Designs in This Class:

🌸 Floral Elegance Card – A lovely mix of Bubble Bath and Pebbled Path, this design highlights how texture stamps can add depth to floral elements.

🌸 Textured Circles Card – A playful combination of Bubble Bath, Pretty in Pink soft layered circles on a Pebbled Path card base and a touch of Pretty in Pink ribbon.

💙 Soft & Subtle Texture Card – Featuring a pastel rainbow of Flirty Flamingo, Lemon Lolly, Balmy Blue, and Fresh Freesia textured with Pebbled Path, this card showcases the “kissing” technique beautifully for a soft, layered look.

Note: Pebbled Path is an In Color that will retire this year! These colors often sell out fast, so don’t wait to grab yours!

Supplies You’ll Need:

If you’d like to recreate these cards exactly as shown, here are the key supplies used:

Kiss Of Texture Cling Stamp Set $36.00	Sketched Butterflies Cling Stamp Set (English) $36.00	Bubble Bath Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Pebbled Path Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Pretty In Pink Classic Stampin Pad $12.25	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25
Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Mini Glue Dots $10.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Paper Snips $16.50

Add All to Cart

Although you will receive the pieces of cardstock, embossed pieces, embellishments and die cut pieces that you need to create the 6 cards- but you may want to order some of the items below to create even more cards at home:

Pebbled Path 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Textured Notes Dies $43.00	Stylish Shapes Dies $41.00	Fern 3 D Embossing Folder $13.75
Timber 3 D Embossing Folder $13.75	Antique Pearls $11.75	Pretty In Pink 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon $10.25	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00

Add All to Cart

March 2025 Online Exclusives PDF

Exciting news! Stampin’ Up! has just released a 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:

Online Exclusives – march 2025 Download

Order Now

Don’t live in Canada? You can still get the tutorial for this class from my Crafting Class Tutorials To Go section of my blog. You’ll find this tutorial and many others there for purchase.

Bonus Gift! 🎁

When you place a $65+ order, you’ll also receive the 30+-project March Crafty Collaborations Tutorial PDF as an extra gift! 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 (today is the last day to register!!)
Ink Pad Pals Team: Join my team for exclusive perks, discounts, and a supportive crafting community.

Register here – next class Mar 15th, 2025!

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to help!Shop & Connect

Shop My Online Store Here
View Current Catalogs Here
Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin Here
Follow Me on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook

Thank you for crafting with me—I can’t wait to see what you create! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and follow this blog for more inspiration.

Hand Stamped Sentiments 458: Sketch Challenge with Birthday Celebration Bundle

Leave a comment March 4, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

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? 😊🎉

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:

Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Pretty In Pink 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Wildflower Birthday 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English) $29.25
Birthday Celebration Bundle (English) $56.50	Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Gold & Silver 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Trim Combo Pack $12.25	Tinsel Gems Four Pack $11.00	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00

Add All to Cart

Join the Challenge!

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!

Birthday Celebration Card Class – Register by Wednesday!

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

👉 Spots are limited! Register today to secure your kit.

Special Offers and Upcoming Events

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!

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

Save 20%+ 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.

Join now!

Join Now!

Stay Connected

Want to stay in the loop for all upcoming events, sales, and inspiration?

Follow me on social media: linktr.ee/stampinwithleah
Sign up for my email list: https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter
Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!

Birthday Fun for #GDP486 – A Sweet Sketch Challenge!

Leave a comment March 3, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

This week’s Global Design Project (#GDP486) is a sketch challenge, and I couldn’t wait to play along! 🎉 Sketch challenges are one of my favorite ways to spark creativity because they provide a great starting point while still allowing for endless design possibilities.

For this card, I used the Birthday Celebrations Bundle to create a fun, festive birthday card with soft pastel tones, delicate details, and a touch of shimmer. Let’s take a closer look!

Here’s the card I created:

Card Details & Design Inspiration

I started by die-cutting a Basic White circle using the Stylish Shapes Dies as my focal point. To add a fun, dimensional element, I placed a ready-to-use die-cut cupcake with a birthday candle from the Wildflower Birthday DSP pack right in the center. The circle was attached with Stampin’ Dimensionals for extra depth.

For the background, I layered a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock, a soft striped pattern from the Wildflower Birthday DSP, and a strip of Gold Foil to bring in some shimmer.

The “Happy Birthday” sentiment was created using 2nd generation Blueberry Bushel Ink, giving it a soft yet balanced look while keeping the design festive! 🎂💖

To complete the card, I added a few Pretty in Pink die-cut flowers with Iridescent Foil Gem centers, along with a gold heat-embossed banner, creating the perfect blend of playfulness and elegance. This layout is so versatile—you could easily switch up the colors and stamps for different occasions!

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:

Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Pretty In Pink 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Gold Foil Sheets $7.00	Wildflower Birthday 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English) $29.25
Birthday Celebration Bundle (English) $56.50	Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Versamark Pad $13.00	Embossing Additions Tool Kit $37.00	Metallics Wow! Embossing Powder $29.00	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) $44.00
Iridescent Foil Gems $11.00	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Mini Glue Dots $10.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Paper Snips $16.50

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Join My Birthday Celebrations Card Class! 🎈

Want to make more beautiful birthday cards like this? Join my upcoming Birthday Celebrations Card Class on March 29th! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this class will teach you fun techniques while you create handmade birthday cards perfect for any celebration!

📅 Date: March 29, 2025
📍 Location: Online
🎟️ Register by: March 5th

✨ Sign up today and let’s craft together! https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/birthday-celebration-card-class

Play Along with GDP486!

If you love sketch challenges, I encourage you to play along with this week’s Global Design Project! Get creative, share your design, and most importantly—have fun crafting!

👇 Would you send this card to someone special? How would you use this sketch? Let me know in the comments!

Special Offers and Upcoming Events

When you place an order and 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!

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

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Happy crafting, and I can’t wait to see your creations! 💕

Exciting Changes to Stampin’ Rewards – Earn More Starting April 15!

Leave a comment March 1, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Big news, crafty friends! 🎉 Stampin’ Up! is making rewards simpler and fairer—and I couldn’t be more excited to share the details with you!

Starting April 15, you’ll earn 10% back in rewards on every order of $25CAD or more! That means more free goodies just for shopping your favorite Stampin’ Up! products.

How Do the New Stampin’ Rewards Work?

It’s easy! Here’s what you need to do:

✨ Step 1: Create an Online Account

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to set up an account to track and redeem your rewards.
➡️ Click here to create your account now!

🌟 Step 2: Opt In to the New Rewards Program

To start earning rewards, you must opt in to the new system. If you don’t opt in right away, don’t worry—you can join later! However, past purchases won’t be backdated for rewards, so opt in ASAP!

🛍 Step 3: Shop & Earn!

Every order of $25 or more will automatically earn 10% in rewards. Your rewards will be added to your account and saved for future use.

🎁 Step 4: Spend or Save Your Rewards

You can redeem your rewards on your next order, or save them for something special (like a Starter Kit!). The best part? Your rewards stay with you whether you’re a demonstrator or not!

What If I Prefer Not to Shop Online?

No problem! I can still place your order for you. During a trial period, I’ll keep track of these rewards and offer redemption opportunities once a quarter.

📅 These exciting changes start April 15, so don’t wait! Set up your account and opt in today to start earning on your next order.

Have questions? I’d love to help! Comment below, send me a message, or email me at leahdixon41@gmail.com.

Let’s get crafting (and earning)! 💕

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Festive Friday Week 8 – A Classic Christmas with More Wishes & Take a Bow DSP

Leave a comment February 28, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Welcome back to Festive Friday! This week’s card brings classic Christmas charm with bold typography and festive holly details. I used the More Wishes Stamp Set, Take a Bow 6×6 DSP, and the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder to create a clean and modern holiday design. ❄️❤️

Let’s take a closer look at this week’s festive creation! 🎄

The Card Design

This design is all about layers, texture, and festive details! The sentiment is fussy cut and placed at an angle, adding a dynamic touch to the layout. The holly leaves were carefully trimmed from the Take a Bow DSP, bringing in a natural element that ties everything together. Layered patterned paper creates a fun backdrop, and the crisp border of the Nested Essentials Die with rounded corners frames the sentiment beautifully. The Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-backed Berries add the perfect sparkle, making the holly come to life with a festive shimmer.

Card Highlights:

Fussy-cut sentiment angled for a playful layout
Holly elements hand-cut from DSP for a coordinated embellishment
Layered DSP panels add depth and contrast
Embossed background for subtle texture
Nested Essentials Die with rounded corners for a polished frame
Sparkling adhesive-backed berries for a festive finishing touch

Supplies Used

Here’s what I used to create this card:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock $15.50	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Take A Bow 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00	More Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $34.00	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Nested Essentials Dies $47.00
Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder $15.00	Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive Backed Berries $12.25	Paper Snips $16.50	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Mini Glue Dots $10.00
Take Your Pick $16.50	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Card Base: Cut Basic White cardstock to 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, score at 4-1/4”, and fold.
Emboss the Background: Use the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder on a 4″ X 5-1/4″ Basic White panel for a subtle textured backdrop. Adher the panel to the card base with Liquid Glue.
Layer the DSP: Cut two panels of Take a Bow 6×6 DSP at 2-3/4″ X 4″, adhere them to the card front slightly offset for dimension.
Stamp the Sentiment: Ink the MERRY image from the More Wishes stamp set in Real Red and stamp onto the top left corner of the 2nd largest rounded rectangle from the Nested Essential Dies. Then stamp the christmas image on a scrap paper in Real Red Ink, fussy cut and adhere to the die-cut panel using Mini Glue Dots. Adhere this panel to the center left of the card front using Dimensionals.
Fussy Cut the Holly: Trim holly leaves from the Take a Bow DSP and adhere near the sentiment.
Embellish: Add Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-backed Berries to the holly leaves for the perfect finishing touch.

Why I Love This Design

This card is bright, fun, and festive! The Take a Bow DSP brings in cheerful holiday patterns, while the embossed background adds elegant texture. The fussy-cut holly and berries provide a special handmade touch that makes this design feel extra merry! 🎄✨

Don’t Miss Out – Today is the Last Day of Sale-a-bration!

🚨 Act now! Today is the FINAL DAY of Sale-a-bration! Don’t miss your chance to earn FREE exclusive products with your purchase or take advantage of the amazing Starter Kit special to join my team! More details are below.

📌 Shop now or sign up before it’s too late!

Are you crafting your Christmas cards yet? Don’t wait until the holiday rush—start now and enjoy the process!

📌 Pin this post for inspiration & share it with your crafty friends!

See you next week for another Festive Friday creation! 🎄✨

SHOP NOW

A perk to ordering with me in the month of February is that with any order over $75cdn, you will receive a FREE SAB item and I am emailing out an amazing 37 project Tutorial Bundle. Just use the host code below. As a member of my team you get free access to this Tutorial Bundle.

Let’s Craft Together!

I’d love for you to join one of my in-person card classes:

March 15, 2025

These classes are perfect for all skill levels and are a great way to learn new techniques, try out Stampin’ Up! products, and connect with other cardmakers. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register early!

Also, don’t forget to sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah Newsletter to get all the details on upcoming events, promotions, and creative tips. You won’t want to miss out!

Live in Canada, don’t have a demonstrator? Contact me to get a catalogue or find out why right now is a great time to join my team.

You can see all the benefits of joining my team (the Ink Pad Pals) by clicking the image below. Right now there are even more perks to joining during Sale-a-bration!