Throwback Thursday – Baby Steps

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It’s been a little while with a busy September – but I am back and it’s time for another Throwback Thursday. This week, I couldn’t resist pulling out one of my favorite retired wooden block stamps: Baby Steps! These sweet elephants are timeless, and they pair perfectly with today’s Peach Pie Designer Series Paper, matching ribbon, and a few gems for a subtle sparkle.

The sentiment panel is cut using the Peace on Earth Dies, which adds just the right touch of elegance to this playful design. I love how the pop of color and texture make this card feel fresh while still celebrating a bit of Stampin’ Up! history.

Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, a milestone, or any happy occasion — this card brings a smile every time.

🧡 What’s your favorite retired stamp set that you still reach for? Let me know in the comments below!

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Global Design Project #513 – Autumn Colour Challenge Card

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This week I had the honour of being invited as the Guest Designer for the Global Design Project Challenge (#GDP513)! The challenge features a warm and inviting colour palette that instantly made me think of crisp fall days and colourful leaves. I reached for the Amber Autumn Bundle, the Gathering Together 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper, and a mix of rich Stampin’ Blends to create this cozy seasonal card.

The Global Design Project #513 challenge focused on three stunning colours: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie. These earthy tones are perfect for fall cardmaking, especially when combined with warm textures and layered leaves.

Card Details & How-To

✨ Stamping & Colouring

  • I used the Amber Autumn stamp set to create my focal image.
  • The pumpkins and leaves were coloured with Cajun Craze and Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends.
  • To achieve a softer Crushed Curry look, I blended Dark Daffodil Delight with Dark Darling Duckling.

🍂 Die-Cut Leaves

  • On a piece of Basic White cardstock, I blended Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie inks using Blending Brushes.
  • Once dry, I die cut the leaves using the coordinating dies from the Amber Autumn Bundle.
  • This gave the leaves a gorgeous mottled, realistic look.

🖤 Designer Series Paper & Accents

I finished the design with a sprinkling of Cajun Craze & Gold Dots for a little extra texture and shine.

The background features the Gathering Together 12” x 12” DSP, which tied the colours together beautifully.

Here’s a full list of the supplies used.


Shop Here

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

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

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See the detials and register here.

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Throwback Thursday | Mountain Air Meets GDP512

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This week’s Throwback Thursday takes me back to one of my all-time favourite bundles—Mountain Air. Though retired, this set still holds a special place on my shelf, and I couldn’t resist bringing it out for the Global Design Project GDP512 challenge. I paired it with current papers and textures for a fresh twist that feels timeless.

✨Card Details:

  • Stamp Set: Retired Mountain Air Bundle
  • DSP: Need for Tweed 12×12
  • Cardstock: Secret Sea Two-Tone and Basic Beige
  • Extras: Linen Thread, Adhesive Sheets (for the tree die)

How To Make This Card:

  1. Base: Start with a standard card base in Basic Beige.
  2. Layer 1: Emboss the 4″ X 5-1/4″ Secret Sea Two-Tone cardstock with the Need for Tweed 3D Embossing Folder.
  3. Layer 2: Add a 3″ X 4-1/4″ piece of Need for Tweed DSP slightly to the embossed panel.
  4. Focal Panel: Stamp the mountains in Pretty Peacock and the tree line in Secret Sea Ink onto Basic Beige. Add the sentiment “You are seriously the best” in Secret Sea Ink.
  5. Die-Cuts: Cut the tall pine tree from the Mountain Air dies in Secret Sea cardstock and adhere to the focal panel.
  6. Finishing Touches: Wrap Linen Thread around the bottom, tie a bow, and adhere all the layers to the card base with Dimensionals.

This design is a mix of rugged and refined—perfect for outdoor lovers or simply letting someone know how much they mean to you.

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class
See the detials and register here.

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Throwback Thursday: Festive Christmas Truck Card

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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!

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th 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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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

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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!

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class

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

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  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

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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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GDP510 Sketch Challenge with Textured Notes

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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

GDP 510 Textured NotesDownload

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!

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/13/coneflower-celebrations-card-class-to-go-replay-kit-pdf-available/
SHOP 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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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Throwback Thursday: Free as a Bird with Fresh In Colors

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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!

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Sept 13th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/13/coneflower-celebrations-card-class-to-go-replay-kit-pdf-available/
SHOP 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.

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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Throwback Thursday: Revisiting the Nests of Christmas Paper Pumpkin Kit

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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!

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/08/06/jolly-holly-card-class-to-go-august-2025/
SHOP 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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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Throwback Thursday – Adorable Owls Meet Wildflower Birthday DSP

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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!

Shop Here

📹 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!

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/07/30/july-2025-coffee-cards-card-class-to-go/
SHOP 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.
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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Throwback Thursday: Cheerful Basket + July 2025 Paper Pumpkin = Summer Sweetness

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Happy Throwback Thursday!
This week I paired one of my favourite oldies—the retired Cheerful Basket stamp set—with the adorable elements from the July 2025 Paper Pumpkin kit. I’m truly obsessed with this month’s Paper Pumpkin… the sweet strawberries and uplifting sentiments just feel like summer. 🍓☀️

I used the basket image from Cheerful Basket and filled/ surrounded it with hand-cut strawberries and florals from the Paper Pumpkin kit. The colour palette is fresh and rustic, and I mounted everything on a Country Woods 12X12 DSP background for a cozy farmhouse feel.✂️ Project Details:

  • Stamp Sets: Cheerful Basket (retired), July 2025 Paper Pumpkin stamp set
  • Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic White
  • Paper: Country Woods 12 x 12 DSP
  • Ink Colours: Garden Green, Real Red, Early Espresso
  • Stampin’ Blends: Crumb Cake
  • Embellishments: Fussy-cut strawberries and blooms (from Paper Pumpkin stamp set), Strawberry Slush & Pretty In Pink Gems
  • Sentiment: “You fill my day with happiness” (from Cheerful Basket stamp set)

This design is great for any occasion that calls for a smile—from birthdays to just-because notes. And best of all, it’s a reminder to mix your older stamps with your latest kits for endless inspiration!

🛒 Ready to shop?
Click here to browse my Stampin’ Up! online store! or use the items links below:

Product List

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

🎉 Don’t Miss: FREE SHIPPING July 23–25!

✔ No code needed
✔ Applies to all qualifying orders
✔ Runs July 23–25, 2025
Now’s the perfect time to grab your wish list items or stock up on basics!

Shop Here

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the July 26th class
SHOP 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.

Join Now!

See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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