Retro Christmas Ornament Card | HSS501 Inspiration Challenge

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Who says Christmas cards have to be red and green? Sometimes it’s fun to step away from traditional holiday colours and try something a little unexpected!

This week, I’m playing along with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge #HSS501, and I couldn’t resist giving my Christmas card a fun, retro twist!

A Little Retro Christmas Cheer!

The inspiration board features beautiful Christmas greenery, ornaments, soft colours and touches of sparkle. I was especially drawn to the hanging ornaments, which immediately made me think of those colourful vintage Christmas decorations.

To capture that retro feeling, I chose Flirty Flamingo, Coastal Cabana and gold, with just a dash of black to make everything pop!

I love how these colours work together. The Flirty Flamingo polka-dot background gives the card a playful, vintage feel, while the Coastal Cabana ornament adds a bright pop of colour. The gold ornament brings just the right amount of Christmas sparkle.

And those little black bows? They’re one of my favourite details! They tie everything together beautifully without taking away from the colourful ornaments.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used

You’ll find my complete supply list below, with clickable links to shop the products.


SHOP HERE

Join the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge!

Now it’s your turn to get creative!

Our HSS501 Inspiration Challenge is full of wonderful Christmas ideas. Whether you’re inspired by the ornaments, greenery, colours or festive details, we’d love to see what you create.

Head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the design team has created and share your own project.

You don’t need to recreate the inspiration board exactly. Just choose something that catches your eye and make it your own!

Challenge #HSS501 runs November 10–23, 2026.

More Christmas Cardmaking Fun — Join My Festive Cheer Class!

Love making handmade Christmas cards? I’d love to have you join me for my Festive Cheer Christmas Card Class on Saturday, November 28 at 9 AM Pacific!

We’ll create 8 beautiful Christmas cards (4 designs, 2 of each), and you’ll receive a prepared cardmaking kit and step-by-step instructions so you can craft along with me from home.

The class is $55 CAD, with the Festive Cheer Bundle available as an optional add-on.

Registration closes Thursday, November 12, so there’s just a little time left to reserve your spot!

Visit my Current & Upcoming Classes page for all the details.

I’d love to craft with you!

And if you enjoy sharing ideas and crafting with others, you’re always welcome to ask me about joining my Ink Pad Pals Stampin’ Up! team!

Learn more about my Ink Pad Pals team and the current Starter Kit offer.

I’d love to have you join my crafty community! Sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah newsletter for card-making ideas, tutorials, upcoming online events, and the latest Stampin’ Up! news.

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What’s your favourite non-traditional Christmas colour combination? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!


Christmas Card Ideas with A Stitched Season DSP & Scalloped Christmas Cheer

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Hello Crafty Friends!

It’s time for another Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge, and this one is extra special! We’re celebrating our 500th challenge!

For HSS #500, we have a fun sketch challenge, and I decided to get a little more Christmas card making done! I used the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper and the Scalloped Christmas Cheer Bundle from Stampin’ Up!® to create this festive card.

I love how the traditional Christmas colours work together on this one!

A Christmas Card Using the HSS #500 Sketch

One of my favourite things about sketch challenges is that they give you a starting point while still leaving lots of room to be creative.

How I Made This Christmas Card

For this card, I followed the basic layout of the sketch, using two coordinating patterns from the A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper.

The red patterned paper creates the vertical panel, while the holly design makes a lovely background. I added dark Secret Sea cardstock mats to help separate the patterns and give the card a little more definition.

For the centre of the card, I used a scalloped frame with a piece of embossed white cardstock tucked behind it. I love the extra texture this adds without making the card too busy!

The Making Spirits Bright greeting from the Scalloped Christmas Cheer Bundle takes centre stage, with a little stamped holly and some red embellishments to finish everything off.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love adding texture to my cards!

For this design, I used Swirls of Magic embossing folder on the Basic White layer and Softly Woven embossing folder on the Peaceful Pine cardstock layer. These little details add interest while allowing the patterned paper and greeting to remain the focus.

It’s also a great reminder that you don’t need a complicated layout to make a beautiful handmade Christmas card. A fun sketch, coordinating papers, and a few finishing touches can go a long way!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used

I used the A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper for the coordinating Christmas patterns and the Scalloped Christmas Cheer Bundle for the greeting, scalloped frame, and stamped holly accents. I also added embossed cardstock for texture and a few red embellishments to finish the card.

You’ll find my complete supply list below, with clickable links to shop the products.


SHOP HERE

Join the Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge!

Now it’s your turn!

We would love to have you join us for this special 500th challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

You can use the sketch to create any kind of card you like. Turn it, flip it, change the shapes, or keep it just as it is. That’s the fun of a sketch challenge!

Be sure to visit the Hand Stamped Sentiments blog to see what the rest of the Design Team has created and share your own project with us.

Challenge #500 runs from October 27 to November 9, 2026.

Love Stampin’ Up!? Why Not Join the Fun?

Did you know that you can enjoy a Stampin’ Up! discount on your favourite crafting supplies when you join as a demonstrator?

Whether you’re interested in saving on your own crafting supplies, sharing your creativity with others, or building a business, there’s a place for you on my Ink Pad Pals team!

We have monthly online team meetings, creative inspiration, fun challenges, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other crafters.

I’d love to tell you more about joining!

Learn more about my Ink Pad Pals team and the current Starter Kit offer.

Looking for More Stampin’ Up! Card Making Inspiration?

I love sharing handmade card ideas, stamping techniques, and creative ways to use Stampin’ Up! products.

Whether you’re brand new to card making or have been stamping for years, I hope you’ll find something here to inspire your next project!

Let’s Keep Creating Together!

Love handmade cards and creative inspiration?

I’d love to have you join my crafty community! Sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah newsletter for card-making ideas, tutorials, upcoming online events, and the latest Stampin’ Up! news.

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Thanks so much for stopping by today


HSS #499 – A Colourful Birthday Card with Botanical Expressions

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It’s time for another challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this time we’re playing with colour!

For HSS Colour Challenge #499, we’re using Timid Tiger, Cajun Craze and Misty Moonlight. I love how these three colours work together! The warm oranges really pop against the beautiful blue.

For my card, I used the Botanical Expressions Die to create a bold leafy border. I cut the leaves in our three challenge colours, fussy cutting to mix and matchthem against the Basic White background. I love how the negative space allows the design to shine without making the card feel too busy.

I finished the card with a birthday greeting from Phrases and Frames, a double Linen Thread bow and a few Cajun Craze embellishments. Simple details that bring everything together!

One of my favourite things about colour challenges is that they encourage me to try combinations I might not normally choose. And this one was such a fun surprise!

Now it’s your turn!

I’d love to see what you create with Timid Tiger, Cajun Craze and Misty Moonlight. Head over to the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge Blog to see what the rest of the Design Team has created and share your own project.

Want to Make 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.

PLUS right now you get even more perks!! An extra $70 Stampin’ Rewards!!!

  • Save 15%+ 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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HSS498 – An Autumn Inspiration Challenge

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It’s time for another challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we have a gorgeous Inspiration Challenge for HSS498!

There was SO much to love in this inspiration board — pumpkins, sunflowers, falling leaves and all those warm autumn colours. I decided to pull out the rich oranges, yellows, greens and natural tones for my card.

For my focal point, I used the Harvest Hues Mix & Match Ephemera. I love having these little pieces on hand when I want to create without pulling out a whole collection of stamps and dies. The leafy wreath gave me all the autumn colour I wanted and made such an easy focal point.

I paired it with a warm neutral background and added lots of texture with the beautiful Sunflower 3D embossing folder. I love how the tone-on-tone embossing adds interest without competing with the wreath.

A simple sentiment, a few little pops of orange and that gorgeous metallic bow finished everything off.

I think my favourite thing about an inspiration challenge is that there really is no “right” way to interpret it. You might be drawn to the pumpkins, the sunflowers, the little squirrel, the colours — or something completely different!

Be sure to head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created for HSS498, and then I hope you’ll play along with us. I’d love to see what catches your eye in this week’s inspiration!

Woodland Wishes Card Class To Go

I’m so excited to be offering a Woodland Wishes Card Class To Go! It’s been a little while since I’ve offered one of my Card Classes To Go, and I’m very happy to be getting back into the swing of things.

For $55, you’ll receive the supplies to create a beautiful collection of cards along with the class instructions, and we’ll craft together during my live class. You’ll just need to provide your own colouring tools, inks and adhesives.

The registration deadline is October 5th, so don’t wait too long if you’d like to join me!

REGISTER HERE: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/woodland-wishes-online-card-class

Want to Make This Card?

Shop the links below or head to my shop. You can also scroll down for a printable set of instructions so you can recreate this card yourself.


HSS 498Download
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!


GDP566 Sketch Challenge – Autumn Birthday Wishes

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Two of my favourite things came together for this week’s Global Design Project challenge — a sketch challenge and autumn!

For #GDP566, I reached for the September Product of the Month DSP. I’ve been loving this paper for my September birthday cards. The warm autumn colours are so pretty, and I especially love how the metallic leaf pattern adds a little extra something without making the card feel too busy.

I followed the GDP sketch fairly closely, layering the patterned paper over a Secret Sea card base and adding the lighter panel for my sentiment.

The flowers were fussy cut from another sheet of the POM DSP – the perfect way to carry the colours through the card. I love how they frame the sentiment without covering up too much of that gorgeous DSP!

For the greeting, I used a sentiment from Exciting Times, then finished everything off with a few 2025–2027 In Colour Flat Pearls.

Simple layers, beautiful autumn colours and a sketch to get me started — definitely my kind of card!

And if you’ve been thinking about joining this week’s Global Design Project challenge, you still have one day left to play along! I’d love to see what you create for #GDP566.

✂️Supplies Used:


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

A colorful welcome box featuring the word 'WELCOME' in multiple languages including 'BIENVENUE', 'WILLKOMMEN', and 'WELKOM', with a light pink background and playful circles.

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 15%+ 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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HSS497 Sketch Challenge – Holly Jolly Christmas Card

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It’s time for another challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we have a fabulous sketch challenge for you!

I love working with sketches because they give you a starting point without telling you exactly what your finished card needs to look like. You can follow them quite closely, flip them, change the shapes or simply use them as inspiration.

For HSS497, I stayed fairly true to the original layout, but filled those circles with some festive Christmas favourites!

I pulled out the Holly Jolly Branches Bundle for this card — a bundle I have been having so much fun creating with lately!

Be sure to head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created with this week’s sketch. Then pull out your favourite supplies and play along with HSS497 — I’d love to see what you create!

If you love the Holly Jolly Branches Bundle too, it is also the featured bundle for my upcoming Holly Jolly Branches MEGA Stamp Camp, happening October 3 & 4!

We’ll be creating 10 Make ’n Take projects, with live video tutorials, printable PDF tutorials, a bonus tutorial and more. And don’t worry if you can’t join us live — the videos will be recorded so you can watch whenever it works for you.

See all the Holly Jolly Branches MEGA Stamp Camp details & register here

Want to Make This Card?

Shop the links below or head to my shop. You can also scroll down for a printable set of instructions so you can recreate this card yourself.


HSS497Download
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!


GDP562 Sketch Challenge: Cutest Crew Birthday Card

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There’s just something about puppies that makes a birthday card instantly more cheerful! 🐾💕

For this week’s Global Design Project sketch challenge, I had so much fun creating this bright and playful birthday card featuring the adorable puppies from the Cutest Crew Bundle.

I kept the layout fairly simple so those cute little faces could take centre stage, then added a few details to give the card some extra texture and personality. A little linen thread, some texture in the background (Sunflower 3D embossing folder on the Golden Glow strips and the pre-order Softly Woven 3D embossing folder for the background), and those pretty Crisp Cantaloupe In Color butterflies were just the finishing touches this card needed. 🦋

I love how a sketch challenge can take you in a direction you might not have chosen on your own. Starting with the sketch gave me a great jumping-off point, and then it was just a matter of playing with the colours and elements until everything came together.

The result is a fun, happy birthday card that would be perfect for any dog lover — or really anyone who could use a little puppy-powered cheer!

This project was created for Global Design Project #GDP562, a sketch challenge that is always a great source of card-making inspiration. If you enjoy card sketches, be sure to check out the challenge and see how other crafters interpreted it.

✂️Supplies Used:


Shop With Me

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 15%+ 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!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my GDP card! I hope these cheerful puppies bring a little smile to your day. 🐾💕


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]
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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.


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.


Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – March Sketch Challenge!

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Welcome back to another Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop! Each month, our creative team from across Canada shares projects based on a fun challenge—this time we’re creating using a great sketch challenge. I used the brand new Flowers Fair stamp and the Simple Alphabet stamp set to create this fresh spring card!

This card is mostly stamped with the newOnline Exclusive Flowers Fair stamp – some colour on colour, others stamped in Smoky Slate and coloured with Stampin’ Blends. The sentiment is the new Online Exclusive Simple Alphabet embossed in gold. For full details see the printable Recipe Card below.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Coast to Coast Creators team—there’s so much inspiration waiting for you!
Click the link below to continue the hop and see what everyone else created for this month’s sketch challenge.


Want to make this card?

You can! I have a full list of supplies below and a printable recipe card.

🛒 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 instructions:

Mar 2026 C2C hop cardDownload

When you place an order with me, you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase, a $65 order with get you the Crafty Collaborators PDF Tutorial and a $100 order qualifies you to purcahse the Product of the Month ( for just $5) and I will send you a 12 card Creative vault Tutorial featuring project made with the Product of the Month too!

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