Dino-Mite Fun for HSS472 + GDP514!

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.


Want to Stamp With Me?

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Global Design Project #513 – Autumn Colour Challenge Card

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.


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


📹 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!

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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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Throwback Thursday | Mountain Air Meets GDP512

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.

📹 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!

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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


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

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?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

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).

Looking for even more inspiration and 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.



Throwback Thursday: Festive Christmas Truck Card

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!

📹 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!

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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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.

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


Throwback Thursday: Elegant Wedding Card with Word Play

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!

📹 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!

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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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.

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


Hand Stamped Sentiments #470 – Sketch Challenge with Terrific Toadstools

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:



Want to Stamp With Me?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

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).

Looking for even more inspiration and 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.



GDP510 Sketch Challenge with Textured Notes

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

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!

📹 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!

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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


Throwback Thursday: Free as a Bird with Fresh In Colors

If you’ve been crafting with me for a while, you know Free as a Bird is one of my all-time favorite retired Stampin’ Up! stamp sets. This week, I dusted it off for Throwback Thursday and gave it a fresh twist with the 2025–2027 In Color Designer Series Paper, the 2025–2027 In Color Flat Pearls, and the crisp White ¼” Ribbon.

To bring it all together, I reached for the Spotlight on Nature Dies and created a pretty circular focal point for my sweet bluebirds. The color combo of Darling Duckling, Poppy Parade, and Pool Party comes straight from the Global Design Project #509 color challenge – and it’s perfect for a bright, happy friendship card.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Cut a Basic White card base (4 ¼” x 11”, scored at 5 ½”).
  • Cut a Darling Duckling DSP layer to 4” x 5 ¼”.
  • Add a 1 ¾” x 5 ¼” strip of Pool Party cardstock across the card front. Stamp the sentiment in Memento Black.
  • Tie a piece of White ¼” Ribbon and make a bow on the right hand side. Adhere this DSP/ribbon layer to the card base.
  • Die cut a circle from Basic White using the Spotlight on Nature Dies, adhere to the card front using Dimensionals.
  • Stamp the bird image from Free as a Bird in Memento Black on Basic White and color with Pool Party, Poppy Parade, and Darling Duckling Stampin’ Blends. I also used a little bit of light Crumb cake for the branch. Fussy cut.
  • Adhere the birds to the circle with a bit of glue in the center and Mini Dimensionals on the two branch ends.
  • Finish with Darling Duckling 2025–2027 In Color Flat Pearls for a cheerful touch.

Stampin’ Tip: If you don’t have the Free as a Bird stamp set, you can substitute any branch-and-bird image for a similar look – the key is in the color palette and layout.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


The DSP and dots are also 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!

📹 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!

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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – Aug 2025 Sketch Challenge

It’s time for another round of creative inspiration from talented Stampin’ Up!® demonstrators across Canada! Each month we share our unique take on a theme or challenge, and this time we’re working from a sketch challenge—a perfect way to spark creativity and help you try a fresh layout.

For my card, I reached for the Coneflower Celebrations bundle and combined it with the beautiful Country Woods 12×12 Designer Series Paper. I love the contrast of the bright, bold coneflower against the weathered, woodgrain background—it creates a rustic-yet-fresh summer vibe.

Card Details:

  • Base: Crumb Cake cardstock for a warm, neutral foundation.
  • DSP: Country Woods 12×12 DSP for the bottom panel and a coordinating textured strip.
  • Focal Image: Coneflower from Coneflower Celebrations, coloured in vibrant Strawberry Slush for a bold pop.
  • Sentiment: “Celebrating You!”—perfect for birthdays, achievements, or just because.
  • Accents: A soft splatter background, stitched edge details on the Everyday Arch, and Pressed Flower Motif embellishments for texture and interest.

Hop Along!

I hope my take on this sketch has inspired you! Be sure to check out the other amazing creations from my fellow Coast to Coast Creators by clicking the links below—you’re bound to find something that sparks your creativity.


Want to make this card?

You can! I have a full list of supplies below and a printable recipe card – or keep scrolling to find out more about my Coneflower Celebrations where you will make 4 other cards using the same materials!

🛒 Ready to shop the current supplies? Head to my store: https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587 or use the items links below:


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

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

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday – this week my card class to go features the Coneflower Celebrations Bundle as well – you can find me on You Tube and FB!

Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go, available from August 13–19, 2025. The class includes a video replay, PDF instructions, and options for a full kit or PDF-only version.
➡️ Click here for full details and to register

If you are local – join my in person card 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.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f1809c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter