Throwback Thursday – Baby Steps

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It’s been a little while with a busy September – but I am back and it’s time for another Throwback Thursday. This week, I couldn’t resist pulling out one of my favorite retired wooden block stamps: Baby Steps! These sweet elephants are timeless, and they pair perfectly with today’s Peach Pie Designer Series Paper, matching ribbon, and a few gems for a subtle sparkle.

The sentiment panel is cut using the Peace on Earth Dies, which adds just the right touch of elegance to this playful design. I love how the pop of color and texture make this card feel fresh while still celebrating a bit of Stampin’ Up! history.

Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, a milestone, or any happy occasion — this card brings a smile every time.

🧡 What’s your favorite retired stamp set that you still reach for? Let me know in the comments below!

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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!

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Dino-Mite Fun for HSS472 + GDP514!

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This week I combined the sketch from Global Design Project #514 with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge #472. The colour combo of Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger, and Pretty Peacock was perfect for creating a playful fall card with a cheerful twist.

This card features the Darling Dinos bundle. I used masking to create the layered field of flowers behind the dino, giving extra depth and dimension. Paired with the embossed sunflower background and a bold sentiment banner, this layout came together beautifully and stayed true to the sketch.

This card makes me smile—it’s bright, fun, and perfect for a birthday surprise!

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


HSS472CCDownload

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Global Design Project #513 – Autumn Colour Challenge Card

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This week I had the honour of being invited as the Guest Designer for the Global Design Project Challenge (#GDP513)! The challenge features a warm and inviting colour palette that instantly made me think of crisp fall days and colourful leaves. I reached for the Amber Autumn Bundle, the Gathering Together 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper, and a mix of rich Stampin’ Blends to create this cozy seasonal card.

The Global Design Project #513 challenge focused on three stunning colours: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie. These earthy tones are perfect for fall cardmaking, especially when combined with warm textures and layered leaves.

Card Details & How-To

✨ Stamping & Colouring

  • I used the Amber Autumn stamp set to create my focal image.
  • The pumpkins and leaves were coloured with Cajun Craze and Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends.
  • To achieve a softer Crushed Curry look, I blended Dark Daffodil Delight with Dark Darling Duckling.

🍂 Die-Cut Leaves

  • On a piece of Basic White cardstock, I blended Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie inks using Blending Brushes.
  • Once dry, I die cut the leaves using the coordinating dies from the Amber Autumn Bundle.
  • This gave the leaves a gorgeous mottled, realistic look.

🖤 Designer Series Paper & Accents

I finished the design with a sprinkling of Cajun Craze & Gold Dots for a little extra texture and shine.

The background features the Gathering Together 12” x 12” DSP, which tied the colours together beautifully.

Here’s a full list of the supplies used.


Shop Here

If you love fall-inspired cards, don’t forget to save this idea to your Pinterest boards for inspiration later.

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Throwback Thursday | Mountain Air Meets GDP512

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This week’s Throwback Thursday takes me back to one of my all-time favourite bundles—Mountain Air. Though retired, this set still holds a special place on my shelf, and I couldn’t resist bringing it out for the Global Design Project GDP512 challenge. I paired it with current papers and textures for a fresh twist that feels timeless.

✨Card Details:

  • Stamp Set: Retired Mountain Air Bundle
  • DSP: Need for Tweed 12×12
  • Cardstock: Secret Sea Two-Tone and Basic Beige
  • Extras: Linen Thread, Adhesive Sheets (for the tree die)

How To Make This Card:

  1. Base: Start with a standard card base in Basic Beige.
  2. Layer 1: Emboss the 4″ X 5-1/4″ Secret Sea Two-Tone cardstock with the Need for Tweed 3D Embossing Folder.
  3. Layer 2: Add a 3″ X 4-1/4″ piece of Need for Tweed DSP slightly to the embossed panel.
  4. Focal Panel: Stamp the mountains in Pretty Peacock and the tree line in Secret Sea Ink onto Basic Beige. Add the sentiment “You are seriously the best” in Secret Sea Ink.
  5. Die-Cuts: Cut the tall pine tree from the Mountain Air dies in Secret Sea cardstock and adhere to the focal panel.
  6. Finishing Touches: Wrap Linen Thread around the bottom, tie a bow, and adhere all the layers to the card base with Dimensionals.

This design is a mix of rugged and refined—perfect for outdoor lovers or simply letting someone know how much they mean to you.

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Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #471 – Creating with Love & Courage

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The Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge #471 brings cozy fall vibes—plaid blankets, crisp leaves, and glowing light. I was especially drawn to the sunflower image, which I carried into my card design using the new Love & Courage Stamp Set.

This stamp set is available beginning September 3rd in the Stampin’ Up! September–December Mini Catalogue. It includes heartfelt phrases like “Support, strength, heart, faith, resolve, fight, hope, courage, survivor, believe” as well as a beautiful sunflower and ribbon image. These sentiments are designed to help us create meaningful cards of encouragement, gratitude, and solidarity.

Even more powerful, Stampin’ Up! donates $4 from every purchase of this set to breast cancer organizations in the country where you order. It’s a way for crafters around the world to come together and make a difference through creativity.

For my project, I chose to adapt the ribbon from pink to gold in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in September. Gold symbolizes courage, hope, and love—perfect qualities to share with families who are walking this difficult journey.

🌻 Whether your cardmaking supports breast cancer awareness, childhood cancer awareness, or another cause dear to your heart, the Love & Courage Stamp Set is a meaningful addition to your craft collection.

👉 You can purchase this set starting September 3rd through my Stampin’ Up! online store.

Want to Stamp With Me?

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RSVP now for the September 13th class
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Join me live every Wednesday at 9am ( or catch the replay). Here is last week’s replay – you can still get this class until midnight tonight (Tuesday September 2nd, 2025).

See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/27/coffee-cards-august-2025-replay/

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Throwback Thursday: Festive Christmas Truck Card

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It’s time for another Throwback Thursday card idea, and this week I’m reaching for a favorite retired set—the Trucking Along stamp set and coordinating Truck Builder Punch. I couldn’t resist pairing this cheerful little truck with the current Nests of Winter 12×12 Designer Series Paper for a rustic, woodgrain background.

I finished the card with a few sparkling rhinestones, and of course, that bold red truck carrying a Christmas tree sets the perfect festive mood. This card is the kind you’ll want to recreate for holiday greetings, gift tags, or even a scrapbook layout.

✨ Why you’ll love this card:

  • Combines a beloved retired Stampin’ Up! set with current designer paper
  • Perfect DIY handmade Christmas card inspiration
  • Quick layers and a simple punch make assembly easy
  • The bright red truck adds timeless festive charm

I was inspired to pull this set out because of a new Stampin’ Up! kit coming September 3rd—it features a similar holiday vibe, and I can’t wait to share it with you! 🎄

👉 Be sure to pop back after the long weekend to see the exciting new Kits Collection, fresh Online Exclusives, and the brand-new September–December Mini Catalogue. There’s so much festive inspiration coming your way!

Before the month is over though – make sure to stock up on your favourite in-colors. The In Color Sale ends Aug 31st! Items include all the usual ink, ribbono, cardstock, but it also has kits, DSP packs and more. You’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class

Looking for even 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.

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Stampin’ Up! Product Update

Heads-up: Stampin’ Up! is phasing out red rubber stamps and markers and introducing refreshed packaging as part of ongoing improvements. Contact me for more details.

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Throwback Thursday: Elegant Wedding Card with Word Play

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I love a classic white-on-white wedding card—and this one delivers gorgeous texture with timeless typography. For today’s Throwback Thursday, I paired the retired Word Play stamp set with the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder, a circle from Spotlight on Nature dies, and White 1/4″ Ribbon. It’s headed to a late-August wedding next weekend!

Measurements

  • Card base: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″
  • Embossed layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Inside panel (optional): 4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Ribbon: ~14″ to tie a bow
  • Sentiment: largest/second-largest Spotlight on Nature circle

Step-by-Step

  1. Die-cut the circle. Use a ridged circle from Spotlight on Nature.
  2. Stamp the sentiment. Ink “happy I do day” (Word Play) in Memento Black and stamp centered on the circle. Let dry.
  3. Emboss the layer. Lightly mist the 4″ x 5-1/4″ panel with water, place in the Sunflower 3D folder, and run through the machine for a deep impression.
  4. Add ribbon. Wrap White 1/4″ Ribbon around the lower third of the card and tie a side bow (or tie a separate bow and attach with a Glue Dot).
  5. Mount the panel. Adhere the embossed layer to the card base with Liquid Glue.
  6. Place the sentiment. Pop the stamped circle over the ribbon using Dimensionals.
  7. Finish the inside. Add the optional white panel for a clean writing surface; stamp a coordinating sentiment if desired.

Why it Works

All-white layers keep the focus on dimension and detail—the sunflower centers, petal veining, and ridged circle edge. The crisp black sentiment provides elegant contrast without competing with the texture.

Supplies (except for the retired Word Play stamp set):


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

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RSVP now for the Sept 13th class

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

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Stampin’ Up! Product Update

Heads-up: Stampin’ Up! is phasing out red rubber stamps and markers and introducing refreshed packaging as part of ongoing improvements. Contact me for more details.

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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.

🛒 Want to recreate this card? Click here to shop all supplies in my Canadian online store! Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


SHOP NOW

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Join me live every Wednesday at 9am ( or catch the replay). Here is last week’s replay – you can still get this class until midnight tonight (Tuesday August 19th, 2025).

https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/13/coneflower-celebrations-card-class-to-go-replay-kit-pdf-available/

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GDP510 Sketch Challenge with Textured Notes

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This week’s GDP510 sketch challenge had me reaching for one of my current favourites – the Textured Notes bundle. I love how versatile this bundle is, and sketch challenges are always such a fun way to spark creativity.

For this design, I kept things clean and simple with a limited colour palette: Petal Pink and Secret Sea. The soft background paired perfectly with the bold leafy details. The bordered rectangle dies in this bundle are truly a standout – they add instant texture and dimension without overwhelming the design.

A few embellishments and a simple linen thread bow finish the look, keeping the sketch at the heart of the design.

How to Make This Card

  1. Start with a Secret Sea card base.
  2. Cut a Basic White panel using the largest Textured Notes Dies and stamp the textured circle image twice in Petal Pink for a soft background.
  3. Stamp the leafy branch image in 2nd generation Secret Sea ink, layering it over the circles.
  4. On a scrap piece of cardstock, stamp a third textured circle in Petal Pink Ink, fussy cut and adhere using Dimensionals.
  5. Stamp the larger leaves in full strength Secret Sea Ink, fussy cut and adhere them with Liquid Glue to the Petal Pink circle only.
  6. Stamp the sentiment in Versamark on Secret Sea cardstock, emboss in white, and use the Textured Notes dies to cut the long rectangle. Attach with Dimensionals.
  7. Tie a bow with Linen Thread and adhere just under the sentiment.
  8. Finish with a few Petal Pink embellishments from the Muted Palette Dots for a subtle touch of shine.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


And there you have it – a simple but elegant take on this week’s GDP510 sketch!

👉 Want to save this project? Download my printable recipe card

GDP 510 Textured NotesDownload

The Secret Sea Ink, cardstock and Muted Palette Dots are all on sale this month!! Make sure to grab all the In Color items during this sale – you can find ALL the products on the In Color Sale Special page ( or click the image below).

Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/13/coneflower-celebrations-card-class-to-go-replay-kit-pdf-available/
SHOP HERE!

Looking for even 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.

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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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