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


Festive Friday with Humble Home

For this week’s Festive Friday project, I’m spotlighting the Humble Home stamp set from Stampin’ Up!—a true gem on the Last Chance list. While the coordinating punch has retired, this stamp set is still an adorable must-have for creating handmade Christmas cards that radiate warmth and nostalgia.

I paired the sweet gingerbread-style house image with Regal Distressed Patterns 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper, letting the deep red and gold grid pattern set the stage for a cozy, festive feel. The house is stamped in Early Espresso Ink and coloured in Pecan Pie directly on a circle from the Spotlight on Nature dies.

The sentiment “Merry Christmas” was stamped beneath the image in Cherry Cobbler Ink, while “From our house to yours” is stamped directly on the Crumb Cake card base in Early Espresso Ink for an extra heartfelt touch. A scattering of gold sequins adds just the right amount of holiday sparkle.

Cardmaking Tips:

  • When working with distressed patterned paper, let it peek through as part of your design—it adds texture without needing extra layers.
  • Gold sequins are a quick way to elevate a simple card without overpowering the stamped image.

This clean and classic design is perfect for mass-producing your Christmas cards—and since Humble Home is retiring soon, you’ll want to grab it before it’s gone!

🛒 Want to recreate this card?
Head to my online store to grab your supplies or click on the supplies listed below:

Product List

📦 Want to create more with me? Join my online Card Class to Go this week and receive all the pre-cut supplies and tutorials to make some beautiful coneflower cards!

You can also find me in person ( In Port Coquitlam, BC)

Other great stampin opportunities are coming soon – and these ones have passed – but you can access the replays:

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.
  • 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.

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

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!
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 PinterestYouTube, 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: 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


Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go – Replay + Kit & PDF available

This week’s Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go is now available for you to watch at your own pace! These bright, nature-inspired designs are perfect for late summer and early fall celebrations—from birthdays to thank you cards.

Watch the Replay Here:

💌 Why You’ll Love These Cards:

✔️ Fresh floral designs perfect for multiple occasions
✔️ Gorgeous Pressed Flower Motifs for extra texture and elegance
✔️ Quick to assemble yet visually stunning
✔️ Easy to adapt with other papers and embellishments you own

Here are the 4 beautiful cards:

🛍 Get the Card Kit FREE:
Place a $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my Stampin’ Up! store between Aug 13–19, 2025, and I’ll send you the full kit to create all four cards.
👉 Shop Here

📄 PDF Tutorial Only:
Prefer to use your own supplies? Grab the detailed step-by-step PDF tutorial here:
👉 Get the PDF

Here are the supplies you’ll want to have at home:


Want to stamp with me some more?

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

See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

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!
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 PinterestYouTube, 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 🙂


Festive Friday with Jolly Holly

This week’s Festive Friday card was inspired by my August Card Class to Go featuring the Jolly Holly Bundle. I decided to create an extra card using this gorgeous set and its coordinating hybrid embossing folder.

✂️ How I Made This Card:

  • I started with a Pretty Peacock card base and ran a layer through the Jolly Holly Hybrid Embossing Folder (witht he die inserted).
  • To make the holly leaves pop, I gently dragged my Craft White Ink Pad across the raised areas—this creates such beautiful contrast and texture.
  • I then adhered the embossed panel to the card base, but here’s the trick—Dimensionals went only behind the cut-out leaves. This gives them a little lift, making the whole design more dimensional and eye-catching. Make sure to grab any small edge leaves that may fall away and add them in place with Dimensionals as well. If needed, use a Mini Glue Dot or other flat adhesive to hold the corners down to the card base.
  • The sentiment is stamped in Pretty Peacock ink on a stitched rectangle (from the Jolly Holly bundle), accented with an embossed-and-die-cut holly cluster.
  • To create the holly bundle, I fully cut out a piece of holly from another hybrid embossed sheet of Basic White cardstock. Then I coloured the berries and coated them in clear embossing powder. Next I used a blending brush to add Pretty Peacock Ink to the leaves.
  • I finished off the card with a few Iridescent Foil Gems for a touch of holiday sparkle.

This design is simple yet elegant, perfect for making multiples as part of your Christmas card stash.

Tip: The drag-ink technique works best with pigment ink pads like Craft White, as they give you bold coverage and time to blend if desired.

🛒 Want to recreate this card?
Head to my online store to grab your supplies or click on the supplies listed below:


📦 Want to create more with the Jolly Holly Bundle? Join my Card Class to Go this month and receive all the pre-cut supplies and tutorials to make even more festive cards!

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.
  • 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.

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

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!
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 PinterestYouTube, 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: 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


Jolly Holly Card Class to Go – August 2025

My latest Card Class to Go is now available—and it’s a merry one! I’m featuring the Jolly Holly Bundle, an adorable Online Exclusive stamp and die set from Stampin’ Up! Paired with the luxe Regal Distressed Patterns 12×12 Specialty Paper, this class is all about holiday sparkle and cheer.

❄️ Whether you missed the Live or just want to craft along at your own pace, the Replay is now available on YouTube:

💖 Why You’ll Love These Cards:

✔️ Classic Christmas icons with a playful twist
✔️ Textured backgrounds using the Regal Distressed paper for wow-factor
✔️ Easy-to-follow layouts that look polished but come together quickly
✔️ Great for mass-producing holiday cards
✔️ Designs that pair beautifully with your existing holiday supplies

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced stamper, you’ll find this class both inspiring and achievable!

Here are the 4 unique cards:

This last card was inspired by the Global Design Project (GDP508) Case the Designer Challenge – so fun!

📦 How to Get the Card Kit
Receive the full card kit (supplies for 4 cards) FREE with your $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my online store between August 6–12, 2025.
👉 Shop here

📥 Prefer just the tutorial?
Grab the PDF right here in my online shop:
👉 https://payhip.com/b/wDz9l

Here are the supplies you’ll want to have at home:


Want to stamp with me some more?

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

See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

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!
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 PinterestYouTube, 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 🙂


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.