HSS495 Inspiration Challenge: Sunflower Birthday Card

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There’s something about sunflowers against a bright blue sky that just makes me happy! 🌻💙 For this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge (HSS495), I was inspired by the beautiful combination of sunny yellow sunflowers and that gorgeous pop of blue.

I decided to recreate that feeling on a handmade birthday card using the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Blends and a little bit of ink blending.

To create my background, I embossed Basic White cardstock with the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder. I coloured the debossed side of the flowers with Stampin’ Blends—Pecan Pie for the centres, Golden Glow and Darling Duckling for the petals, and Granny Apple Green for the leaves.

Then came the fun part! I dragged an Azure Afternoon ink pad across the entire piece, creating a beautiful blue background while allowing the colourful sunflowers to really pop.

I added a birthday sentiment from Exciting Times, stamped in Azure Afternoon, and finished the card with Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine and three Golden Glow 2026–2028 In Color Butterflies.

I love how cheerful and summery this card turned out! It definitely captures the feeling of a field of sunflowers under a beautiful blue sky. 🌻

I hope you’ll stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created, then join us with your own interpretation of this late summer inspiration board!

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


SHOP HERE

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

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • 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!


Global Design Project #560 | Balloon Celebration Card

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I love a good sketch, so this week’s Global Design Project #560 CASE the Designer Challenge was right up my alley!

For this challenge, we were given a beautiful card by Charlet Mallett to CASE. Rather than copying all of the details, I grabbed the sketch and used the layout as my starting point—my favourite way to design a card!

I wanted my version to feel bright, happy and summery, so I pulled out the Balloon Festoon and Exciting Times stamp sets along with the colourful Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper.

The striped Designer Series Paper was the perfect choice for this card. I love how the vertical stripes create a fun background while still leaving plenty of room for the balloons and greeting to stand out.

For the focal point, I stamped and layered three colourful balloons and added the balloon strings underneath. The large circle behind the balloons helps bring all of the elements together and gives the balloons a place to “float.”

I also added a little texture with the coordinating ribbon tied across the card and finished it with a few colourful embellishments. The “Let’s celebrate” greeting was the perfect sentiment for this cheerful design.

One of my favourite things about CASE challenges is seeing how a card can evolve when you take the layout from someone else’s design and then make it your own. The original card may be the inspiration, but the colours, products and little details can completely change the finished project.

This would make such a fun birthday card, celebration card or party card—and the bright colours make it perfect for summer celebrations!

I hope you’ll check out the original card by Charlet and see how the Global Design Project Design Team interpreted the challenge. Then grab the sketch, put your own spin on it and join the challenge #GDP560!

✂️Supplies Used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
Beautiful Ordinary Life 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167553 ]
[167553]
Balloon Festoon Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167602 ]
[167602]
Exciting Times Bundle (English) [ 167881 ]
[167881]
Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165286 ]
[165286]
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147052 ]
[147052]
Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161666 ]
[161666]
Basic Black Hybrid Stampin' Pad [ 166648 ]
[166648]
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
Array Of Dots [ 167559 ]
[167559]
Garden Green 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Chevron Ribbon [ 167212 ]
[167212]
Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]
[110755]
Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ]
[104430]
Detail Scissors [ 170902 ]
[170902]
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
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Want to stamp with me?

Make sure to sign up for my newletter (link below) to learn about upcoming classes. I am in the middle of moving right now – so no classes this summer. I can’t wait to host you all in my new studio once the move is complete.


7 Christmas Cards with Stitched Season

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I’ve been having so much fun playing with the Stitched Season Designer Series Paper and Stitched Stocking Dies! 🎄

I love Christmas products that have a cozy, handmade feel, and these products definitely fit the bill. The DSP has such fun patterns, and the stitched details in the dies add that extra bit of texture that makes a card feel special.

For these cards, I mixed and matched the Stitched Season DSP with the Stitched Stocking Dies, along with the coordinating stitched ribbon and adorable buttons. I also brought in sentiments from a few other stamp sets because I love combining products to create a look that is uniquely mine.

I especially enjoyed seeing how different the cards can look simply by changing the DSP, colours and arrangement. Some are more traditional, while others have a softer or more whimsical feel.

Here are all seven cards together!

A Stitched Season Suite Collection

If you love the products I’ve used on these cards, you’ll find them together in the A Stitched Season Suite Collection. The collection includes the Stitched Stocking Stamp Set, Stitched Stocking Dies, Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, Real Red 1/4″ Stitched Ribbon and Adhesive-Backed Mini Christmas Buttons.

The Stitched Stocking Dies make it easy to create fun stockings from the coordinating DSP, and I love that you can mix and match the patterns to create so many different looks.

The stitched ribbon and little buttons are the perfect finishing touches, adding just the right amount of texture and dimension.

And, as always, don’t feel like you need to stick to just the products from one collection. I used sentiments from other stamp sets on these cards, and mixing and matching is one of my favourite parts of creating with Stampin’ Up! products.

Which one is your favourite?

I’d love to know which of these seven Christmas cards is your favourite! 🎄❤️

Do you prefer traditional Christmas colours, or are you drawn to the softer and more unexpected colour combinations?

You can find the A Stitched Season Suite Collection in my online store: https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

Want to stamp with me?

Make sure to sign up for my newletter (link below) to learn about upcoming classes. I am in the middle of moving right now – so no classes in March. I can’t wait to host you all in my new studio once the move is complete.


Global Design Project #558 | Woodland Wishes Christmas Card

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This week, I’m excited to share my card for the Global Design Project #558 Sketch Challenge! I always enjoy sketch challenges because they provide a great starting point while still leaving plenty of room for creativity.

For my card, I stayed true to the sketch by creating four square panels and filling each one with an adorable woodland scene using the Woodland Wishes stamp set. Each little critter brings its own personality to the card—from the curious hedgehog and graceful deer to the sweet fox and friendly bear.

To add interest without overwhelming the design, I embossed the Basic White card base with the festive Swirls of Magic embossing folder. The subtle texture creates the perfect whimsical backdrop while allowing the stamped images to remain the focal point.

I coloured all of the images with Stampin’ Blends and layered each panel onto Old Olive cardstock to help define the layout from the sketch. A bold Real Red sentiment banner stretches across the centre, tying all four panels together while adding the perfect pop of Christmas colour. I finished the card with a few rhinestones for just a touch of sparkle.

One of my favourite things about sketch challenges is seeing how everyone interprets the same design differently. It’s amazing how a simple sketch can inspire so many unique creations!

I hope you’ll visit the Global Design Project to see all of the Design Team inspiration and then join us by creating your own version of this week’s sketch. I can’t wait to see what you make!

✂️Supplies Used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]Basic White 8 1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock [159229]Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]Basic White 8 1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [166780]Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 100702 ]Old Olive 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [100702]Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 102482 ]Real Red 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [102482]Woodland Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 168243 ]Woodland Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [168243]
Basic Black Hybrid Stampin' Pad [ 166648 ]Basic Black Hybrid Stampin’ Pad [166648]Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]Versamark Pad [102283]Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ]Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [165679]Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [129053]Embossing Additions Tool Kit [ 159971 ]Embossing Additions Tool Kit [159971]
Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 167682 ]Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167682]Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154882 ]Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154882]Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161674 ]Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [161674]Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154881 ]Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154881]Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154892 ]Old Olive Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154892]
Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154899 ]Real Red Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [154899]Darling Duckling Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 165288 ]Darling Duckling Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [165288]Rhinestone Basic Jewels [ 144220 ]Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220]Swirls Of Magic Embossing Folder [ 168179 ]Swirls Of Magic Embossing Folder [168179]Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]
Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ]Stampin’ Dimensionals [104430]Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]Paper Trimmer [ 152392 ]Paper Trimmer [152392]Basic White Medium Envelopes [ 159236 ]Basic White Medium Envelopes [159236]
Shop With Me

Want to stamp with me?

Make sure to sign up for my newletter (link below) to learn about upcoming classes. I am in the middle of moving right now – so no classes this summer. I can’t wait to host you all in my new studio once the move is complete.


Interactive Gift Card Holder with Lovely Arrangements | Stampin’ Up!

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This week’s challenge at Global Design Project is all about COLOUR—and it’s such a fresh and cheerful combo!

When I saw this colour palette, I immediately thought flowers! The beautiful blooms from the Lovely Arrangements stamp set were the perfect choice. I stamped the flowers in Smoky Slate and coloured the flowers in Flirty Flamingo, paired them with stamped off Coastal Cabana leaves, and added touches of Lemon Lolly in the flower centres to tie all three challenge colours together.

For the focal point, I layered the flowers over a vellum circle cut using one of the dies from the Spotlight on Nature Dies. I love how the detailed edge frames the floral arrangement while adding just the right amount of texture. The soft patterned panel (cut from the Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP) along the left side of the card provides a subtle backdrop without competing with the flowers, and a few Shimmering Dots add the perfect finishing touch.

The real surprise is inside!

This card opens to reveal a pop-out gift card holder, making it a beautiful way to give a gift card while still including space to write a personal message. I always love creating cards that are both pretty and practical, and this fold is sure to bring a smile when it’s opened. You can find all the dimensions and a how to video below.

The inspiration for this fun fold came from creativemomentsbyg.com . Once you know the fold, the possibilities are endless!

Card Details

I suggest using one colour of cardstock to create these 4 pieces. This will be the basic pop out card structure.

  • 5-1/2″ X 4-1/4″ mat
  • 8-1/2″ X 4-1/4″, scored at 4-1/4″ card
  • 6-1/4″ x 3-7/8″, scored at 3/4″ pop out piece
  • 4-3/4″ X 1-1/4″, scored at 1/4″ on each side, strip across the back of the card

Then you can use DSP and cardstock to decorate as desired. Here’s what I used to decorate this card:

  • 1-3/4″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP on the card front
  • 4″ x 1″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP on the card back
  • 4″ x4″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP on the inside
  • 3″ X 3-5/8″ piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life 12X12 DSP as the gift card/cash mat
  • 3″X3″ piece of vellum to cut a Spotlight on nature circle die
  • Scraps to stamp and die cut the flowers and leaves.
  • optional – 3″ X 3″ Basic White square for inside the card and scraps for more flowers and leaves.

Watch here to see how these pieces go together to create a very special gift/cash holder for someone in your life:

Here’s a full list of my supplies.


Shop Here

I hope this project inspires you to try this week’s colour combination or to create your own interactive card. Be sure to stop by the Global Design Project and check out all the amazing inspiration from the Design Team, then join us by sharing your own creation!

Want to stamp with me?

Make sure to sign up for my newletter (link below) to learn about upcoming classes. I am STILL in the middle of renovating right now – so no classes this summer. I can’t wait to host you all in my new studio once the move is complete.


HSS493 – A Sweet Birthday Card with Caring Animals

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It’s time for another fun challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we’re featuring a beautiful Colour Challenge HSS493!

When I first saw this colour combination, I immediately thought of creating something soft, sweet, and perfect for celebrating a birthday. The adorable lion from the Caring Animals stamp set seemed like the perfect choice!

I started with a Barely Blush card base and added lots of subtle texture using the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder. I love how embossing adds interest without competing with the focal image.

For the background strip, I used a piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper in Lost Lagoon, but I wanted to give it a little extra personality. I stamped the leafy images from the Caring Animals stamp set directly onto the DSP using Lost Lagoon ink for a subtle tone-on-tone effect. It’s a simple technique that adds depth and ties the background in beautifully with the embossed botanical theme.

To create a little extra dimension, I stamped the lion and sentiment in Lost Lagoon on my die-cut circle first, then stamped the lion again in Black Memento Ink on a separate piece of cardstock. After colouring and fussy cutting him, I popped him up with Stampin’ Dimensionals so he extends beyond the edge of the circle. It’s an easy technique that really helps the focal image stand out. To finish the focal point, I wove Linen Thread through the stitched openings around the Spotlight on Nature circle and tied a bow in the bottom left corner. I love the soft texture it adds and how it draws attention to the beautiful stitched detail of the die. To finish the card, I added a few gems for sparkle from the In Color 2026-2028 Dots.

One of my favourite things about colour challenges is seeing how everyone interprets the same palette in completely different ways. This combination felt soft and elegant while still being playful thanks to the adorable lion.

I hope you’ll stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created, then join us with your own interpretation of these beautiful colours. I can’t wait to see what you make!

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


SHOP HERE

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

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • 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!


HSS492 – A Bold Floral Birthday Card

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Hello, friends!

It feels so good to be back! If you’ve noticed I’ve been a little MIA lately, you’re absolutely right. Life has been wonderfully busy with home renovations and family commitments, which has meant my crafting (and blogging!) has taken a bit of a back seat. The good news is things are finally starting to settle down, and I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll have my craft room back up and running very soon. I can’t wait to get back to creating and sharing with you more regularly!

Today I’m excited to share my latest project for the Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge HSS492!

The inspiration board immediately caught my eye with its vibrant pinks, warm sunset oranges, bold black accents, and beautiful florals. Rather than recreate one specific image, I pulled inspiration from the overall colour palette and modern floral feel.

For my card, I blended Melon Mambo and Timid Tiger together using a Blending Brush to create a bold ombré background. I absolutely love how these two colours melt into each other—it reminds me of a gorgeous summer sunset!

To keep the focus on the colourful background, I heat embossed the label and birthday greeting from the Exciting Times stamp set in white. The crisp white sentiment really pops against those vibrant colours.

The finishing touch was adding the gorgeous black Floral Flight Accents. Their bold outline design creates such striking contrast and frames the sentiment beautifully without hiding too much of the blended background. A few 2026–2028 In Color Butterflies add just the right amount of sparkle and movement to complete the design.

One of my favourite things about inspiration challenges is that everyone sees something different. Whether it’s the colours, patterns, florals, or overall feeling of the inspiration board, it’s always amazing to see the variety of projects our design team creates.

I’d love to hear what inspires you most from this challenge board. Is it the tropical sunset, the bold black-and-white patterns, or those gorgeous bright florals?

Be sure to hop over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see the rest of the Design Team’s beautiful creations, and I hope you’ll play along with us this week!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and thank you for sticking with me while life has been a little hectic.

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


SHOP HERE

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

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • 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!


GDP #543 | Pattern Challenge

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This week’s challenge at Global Design Project is all about pattern—and it’s such a fun one to play with!

For my card, I started with the Forever Plaid Embossing Folder on Basic White cardstock to create a subtle but beautiful textured pattern. I then added bold Lemon Lime Twist stripes to bring in some bright, playful contrast.

To build my focal point, I cut a circle and created a scalloped edge for added interest and layering. The flowers from the Round of Hellos stamp set were stamped in Fresh Freesia, paired with Secret Sea leaves and Lemon Lime Twist centers to tie everything together.

I love how the mix of texture, colour, and repetition really highlights the theme this week!

✨ Be sure to join the challenge over at Global Design Project and share your patterned creations!

✂️ Card Details:

  • Stamp Set: Round of Hellos
  • Embossing Folder: Forever Plaid
  • Colours: Basic White, Lemon Lime Twist, Fresh Freesia, Secret Sea and Coastal Cabana

Want to stamp with me?

Make sure to sign up for my newletter (link below) to learn about upcoming classes. I am in the middle of moving right now – so no classes in April or May. I can’t wait to host you all in my new studio once the move is complete.


HSS486 – Zooming into Inspiration!

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It’s time for a new challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we have a fun Inspiration Board for HSS486!

From race cars and checkered flags to sports and action-packed scenes, this board is full of energy, movement, and bold colour—and that’s exactly what inspired my card.

I was immediately drawn to the race car and checkered flags, which led me straight to the Ready Set Go stamp set. I wanted to capture that fast-paced, high-energy feel, so I designed my card with strong diagonal layers to mimic speed and motion.

My base is Coastal Cabana, with blended panels to create a racetrack-style background. The repeated “ZOOM!” stamping adds to the sense of movement, while the angled design keeps your eye travelling across the card.

The race car is coloured in Timid Tiger and Poppy Parade—inspired by the bold, vibrant tones from the board. I popped it up for dimension and added a few enamel dots for a playful finishing touch.

🏁 Inspired by the board:

  • Checkered flags → stamped accents
  • Race car → focal image
  • Action/movement → diagonal layout & “ZOOM!” background
  • Bold colours → bright, high-contrast palette

This card would be perfect for anyone who loves cars, sports, or anything fast and fun!

Be sure to check out the full inspiration board and join us for the challenge—I’d love to see what inspires you!

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


SHOP HERE

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.

Join Now!

Be sure to visit the Hand Stamped Sentiments blog to see all the gorgeous inspiration from the design team—and then join us by creating your own project using this colour challenge.


Rainbow Tulips for GDP #542 – Sketch Challenge

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This week I’m playing along with Global Design Project #542, and it’s a fun sketch challenge! I love using sketches because they take the guesswork out of designing a layout while still leaving plenty of room to get creative.

For my card, I kept things clean and simple, letting a row of colourful flowers do all the work.

The flowers and sentiment come from the Woolly Friends Stamp Set. I stamped a neat row of blooms across the top of the card and coloured them in a cheerful rainbow of Stampin’ Blends. The bright colours instantly bring the card to life and perfectly match the sentiment “Sending Flowers & Sunshine.”

To follow the sketch, I added a sentiment banner across the card front and wrapped a bit of gold and white baker’s twine around the layer for a soft, handmade touch. A few Iridescent Foil Gems finish it off with just a little shine. Both of these items are on the Last Chance list – so grab them asap.

The flowers were coloured using Stampin’ Blends in:

  • Strawberry Slush
  • Poppy Parade
  • Timid Tiger
  • Peach Pie
  • Daffodil Delight
  • Summer Splash
  • Azure Afternoon
  • Fresh Freesia
  • Petunia Pop

The leaves were coloured with Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends.

I layered the stamped image onto a sunny piece of Beach Boardwalk DSP and then onto a Coastal Cabana card base to keep the card light and simple.

Sketch challenges are such a great way to spark creativity, and this one was especially fun to interpret!

Be sure to check out the beautiful inspiration from the Global Design Project designers, and consider joining the challenge yourself, use the hashtag #GDP542.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Want to stamp with me?

Make sure to sign up for my newletter (link below) to learn about upcoming classes. I am in the middle of moving right now – so no classes in April or May. I can’t wait to host you all in my new studio once the move is complete.