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.

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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.

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Throwback Thursday: Revisiting the Nests of Christmas Paper Pumpkin Kit

I love revisiting my Paper Pumpkin kits, especially when they coordinate so perfectly with current products! This week, I pulled out the Nests of Christmas Paper Pumpkin kit from October 2024 and created three brand-new alternative cards using the coordinating Nests of Winter 12×12 DSP and the stunning Gold Striped Mesh Ribbon.

  • Die cut a Basic White and a Shaded Spruce Everyday Arch that can layer together. Glue them together and then glue to a Pool Party layer ( either a piece from the Paper Pumpkin kit or a 4″ X 5-1/4″ layer of Nests of Winter DSP).
  • Tie a piece of Gold Striped Mesh Ribbon around this layer and attach to a Thick Basic White card base.
  • Stamp the sentiment using Shaded Spruce Ink on one of the extra labels from the kit ( or cut your own with Stylish Shapes dies). Attach to the card front using Dimensionals.
  • Fussy cut a bird on a branch and an extra branch from the Nests of Winter DSP and glue to the card front ( tuck the ends under the sentiment label).
  • Embellish with Iridescent Foil Gems.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


🧵 BONUS: I have TWO full Nests of Christmas Paper Pumpkin kits available — directly from me (not Stampin’ Up!). These are $35 CAD each (+ shipping if needed). If you’re in Canada, contact me directly to arrange local pickup or mailing.

✨ You can also catch my original unboxing + 2 alternatives on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EOk43pdpPY&list=PLfZU8O6t1_SEy0Vv9A1Xf0ykL-5hp7djD&index=8

In addition to this sweet winter card, I created 3 other alternatives. Each of these uses bits from the Paper Pumpkin kit added on to a card stock base rather than creating the cards as intended. Let’s take a look at each of the new cards!

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/f18https://www.stampinup.ca?09c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


HSS469 Colour Challenge- Cheers to Blackberry Season!

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!

🛒 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:


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


Want to Stamp With Me?

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

We are in month 4 of the In Colour Club – but it’s not too late to join and get these fabulous colours!

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 – Adorable Owls Meet Wildflower Birthday DSP

Today’s card is a sweet birthday throwback featuring one of my all-time favourite retired stamp sets—Adorable Owls—brought to life with some fun new products!

This owl is celebrating in style with:

  • The vibrant Wildflower Birthday 12×12 DSP
  • Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon (currently on the Last Chance list—grab it while you can!)
  • A textured base using the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder
  • A sprinkle of sparkle with Starburst Sequins

🎨 How to Make This Card:

  1. Start with a Thick Basic White card base.
  2. Emboss a 4″ x 5-¼” Basic White panel with the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder and adhere it to your base.
  3. Cut 2 angled rectangles from the Wildflower Birthday DSP and layer them slightly askew for interest.
  4. Wrap the Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon across the layers and tie a bow on the left side.
  5. Die cut a stitched circle (Pool Party cardstock or similar) and pop it up with Dimensionals.
  6. Stamp the owl from Adorable Owls, colour with Stampin’ Blends, fussy cut, and adhere.
  7. Stamp a birthday sentiment and die-cut or banner cut it, then adhere with Dimensionals.
  8. Add a few Starburst Sequins for a pop of sparkle.

🧡 This card is bright, happy, and full of texture—perfect for any birthday celebration. While the Adorable Owls are retired, the layout and product mix can work with so many images you already have in your stash.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


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/f18https://www.stampinup.ca?09c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter


Festive Friday: Bright & Happy with Jolly Holly

Happy Festive Friday! Today’s holiday card was created using the brand new Jolly Holly Bundle (an Online Exclusive!) and the GDP506 sketch for layout inspiration. With custom-stamped floral accents, bold texture, and a rich traditional palette, this is a fun, cheerful addition to your Christmas card stash.

And don’t forget — Stampin’ Up!’s FREE Shipping ends TONIGHT (July 25 at 11:59pm MT). Stock up on Online Exclusives like Jolly Holly while you can!

💡 Leah’s Crafting Tips:

🖼 Create your own patterned paper!
The centre strip isn’t from DSP — I hand-stamped and coloured the florals and greenery from the Jolly Holly stamp set using Stampin’ Blends. It’s a beautiful way to customize your colour palette or match any project theme!

✂️ Modify your dies:
The sentiment label was created using the Textured Notes Dies, but I trimmed it with a double cut technique to make it narrower — perfect for this long sentiment while keeping those stitched details.

Here is a full Product List for today’s card:


🛍️ LAST DAY: Free Shipping on Orders $100+ CAD!

Today is your final chance to enjoy FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders at Stampin’ Up!
✔️ No code needed
✔️ Automatically applied at checkout
✔️ Ends July 25 at 11:59 PM (MT)

👉 Shop Online Exclusives like Jolly Holly now

    Looking for more ways to stamp with me? You can find me online and in person ( In Port Coquitlam, BC)

    See the details and register here – there is still time to register from any where in the world! The event has happened – but I still have a kit available and you can access the replay videos.

    GET YOUR KIT HERE!

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

    • Save 20%+ on your orders.
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    • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

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

    ❤️ Thanks for crafting with me!
    Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a Festive Friday!

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