Festive Friday Week 8 – A Classic Christmas with More Wishes & Take a Bow DSP

Leave a comment February 28, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Welcome back to Festive Friday! This week’s card brings classic Christmas charm with bold typography and festive holly details. I used the More Wishes Stamp Set, Take a Bow 6×6 DSP, and the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder to create a clean and modern holiday design. ❄️❤️

Let’s take a closer look at this week’s festive creation! 🎄

The Card Design

This design is all about layers, texture, and festive details! The sentiment is fussy cut and placed at an angle, adding a dynamic touch to the layout. The holly leaves were carefully trimmed from the Take a Bow DSP, bringing in a natural element that ties everything together. Layered patterned paper creates a fun backdrop, and the crisp border of the Nested Essentials Die with rounded corners frames the sentiment beautifully. The Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-backed Berries add the perfect sparkle, making the holly come to life with a festive shimmer.

Card Highlights:

Fussy-cut sentiment angled for a playful layout
Holly elements hand-cut from DSP for a coordinated embellishment
Layered DSP panels add depth and contrast
Embossed background for subtle texture
Nested Essentials Die with rounded corners for a polished frame
Sparkling adhesive-backed berries for a festive finishing touch

Supplies Used

Here’s what I used to create this card:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock $15.50	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Take A Bow 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00	More Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $34.00	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Nested Essentials Dies $47.00
Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder $15.00	Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive Backed Berries $12.25	Paper Snips $16.50	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Mini Glue Dots $10.00
Take Your Pick $16.50	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Card Base: Cut Basic White cardstock to 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, score at 4-1/4”, and fold.
Emboss the Background: Use the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder on a 4″ X 5-1/4″ Basic White panel for a subtle textured backdrop. Adher the panel to the card base with Liquid Glue.
Layer the DSP: Cut two panels of Take a Bow 6×6 DSP at 2-3/4″ X 4″, adhere them to the card front slightly offset for dimension.
Stamp the Sentiment: Ink the MERRY image from the More Wishes stamp set in Real Red and stamp onto the top left corner of the 2nd largest rounded rectangle from the Nested Essential Dies. Then stamp the christmas image on a scrap paper in Real Red Ink, fussy cut and adhere to the die-cut panel using Mini Glue Dots. Adhere this panel to the center left of the card front using Dimensionals.
Fussy Cut the Holly: Trim holly leaves from the Take a Bow DSP and adhere near the sentiment.
Embellish: Add Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-backed Berries to the holly leaves for the perfect finishing touch.

Why I Love This Design

This card is bright, fun, and festive! The Take a Bow DSP brings in cheerful holiday patterns, while the embossed background adds elegant texture. The fussy-cut holly and berries provide a special handmade touch that makes this design feel extra merry! 🎄✨

Don’t Miss Out – Today is the Last Day of Sale-a-bration!

🚨 Act now! Today is the FINAL DAY of Sale-a-bration! Don’t miss your chance to earn FREE exclusive products with your purchase or take advantage of the amazing Starter Kit special to join my team! More details are below.

📌 Shop now or sign up before it’s too late!

Are you crafting your Christmas cards yet? Don’t wait until the holiday rush—start now and enjoy the process!

📌 Pin this post for inspiration & share it with your crafty friends!

See you next week for another Festive Friday creation! 🎄✨

SHOP NOW

A perk to ordering with me in the month of February is that with any order over $75cdn, you will receive a FREE SAB item and I am emailing out an amazing 37 project Tutorial Bundle. Just use the host code below. As a member of my team you get free access to this Tutorial Bundle.

Let’s Craft Together!

I’d love for you to join one of my in-person card classes:

March 15, 2025

These classes are perfect for all skill levels and are a great way to learn new techniques, try out Stampin’ Up! products, and connect with other cardmakers. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register early!

Also, don’t forget to sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah Newsletter to get all the details on upcoming events, promotions, and creative tips. You won’t want to miss out!

Live in Canada, don’t have a demonstrator? Contact me to get a catalogue or find out why right now is a great time to join my team.

You can see all the benefits of joining my team (the Ink Pad Pals) by clicking the image below. Right now there are even more perks to joining during Sale-a-bration!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to Thanks for hopping by! Make sure to pin this post for future reference and share it with your crafty friends.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 Pinterest, YouTube, 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: Pet Sympathy Cards with a Mix of Old and New

Leave a comment February 27, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Losing a beloved pet is never easy. Whether it’s a loyal dog who’s been by your side for years or a sweet cat who loved curling up in your lap, pets truly are family. When a friend or loved one experiences that kind of loss, a handmade card can be a thoughtful way to show you care.

This week’s Throwback Thursday project is a heartfelt pet sympathy card featuring a mix of brand-new and retired products. I love pulling out old favorites and giving them new life alongside fresh supplies! Let’s take a closer look at how I created these soft and comforting designs.

A Blend of New and Retired Favorites

For these cards, I started with a Thick Basic White card base with a Petal Pink layer—such a warm and soothing colour. The background features the not-yet-released Textured Note Dies, adding a subtle frame that elevates the whole design. The gorgeous rainbow arch? That’s the Everyday Arches Dies (an Online Exclusive!), layered in Flirty Flamingo, Gold Foil, and Basic White to create a warm yet elegant look.

I tucked in some fluffy clouds using the Adventurous Sky Dies, stamped a small but meaningful sentiment from the Keeping Tabs Stamp Set, and added a sprinkle of Petal Pink Foiled Gems for just a touch of shine.

But here’s where the throwback element comes in—I reached for my retired cat and dog punches to create the sweet silhouettes at the base of the card. While these punches are no longer available, they were the perfect finishing touch, and if you have them in your stash, this is a great way to use them!

A Handmade Card That Brings Comfort

There’s something truly special about a handmade card during difficult times. While it can’t take away the loss, it lets someone know they’re not alone. Whether you use the same supplies or swap in similar ones from your craft collection, I hope this design inspires you to create and share a little kindness.

Want to make your own? Many of the products I used are available now in my online store (with the exception of the upcoming Textured Note Dies and the retired dog and cat punches—stay tuned for those!). You can shop the Everyday Arches Dies, Adventurous Sky Dies, Keeping Tabs Stamp Set, and more to create your own version of this heartfelt card.

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock $15.50	Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Gold Foil Sheets $7.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Basic Gray 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75
Keeping Tabs Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $26.00	Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Petal Pink & Pretty Peacock Foiled Gems $11.00	Everyday Arches Dies $40.00	Adventurous Sky Dies $45.00	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Take Your Pick $16.50	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00

Add All to Cart

Shop Here

I’d love to hear—do you enjoy using a mix of old and new in your crafting? Let me know in the comments! And if you decide to make a pet sympathy card, tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creations. 💕

Sale-A-Bration is Still On!

Did you know that Sale-A-Bration is happening now? You can earn free Stampin’ Up! products for every $75 CAD you spend until February 28th! It’s the perfect time to stock up on crafting essentials while getting amazing freebies. Don’t miss out on these exclusive rewards!

Special Offers and Upcoming Events

When you use my host code (NSTY47WP) this month, I’ll send you a link to an exclusive 37 Project Tutorial Bundle as a thank-you!

Upcoming Card Classes

Looking for more crafting fun? Join my March Card Class or April Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the March 15th class or April 12th class

Looking for 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.

During Sale-a-bration there are even more perks to joining.

Option 1 – Join our crafting community as a new demonstrator and you can get $165 CAD worth of products PLUS a choice of two Stampin’ Write Marker Assortments AND the Handmade Designs Cling Stamp Set, an exclusive stamp set designed to work with the markers. That’s a $294 CAD value all for just $135 CAD!
Option 2 – Join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration and get $165 CAD worth of product PLUS an additional $41 CAD worth of product of your choice when you join for $135 CAD. That’s a $206 CAD value!

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

Join now!

Join Now!

Stay Connected

Want to stay in the loop for all upcoming events, sales, and inspiration?

Join my newsletter here.
Follow me on social media: linktr.ee/stampinwithleah.

Live in Canada and don’t have a demonstrator? Contact me to get a catalog and find out why now is the perfect time to join my team!

Leave a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe to this blog for more crafty inspiration!

Happy crafting, and I can’t wait to see your creations! 💕

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 Pinterest, YouTube, 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 🙂

Join My Birthday Celebration Card Class! 🎉🎂

Leave a comment February 27, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Are you ready to craft some beautiful handmade birthday cards? My upcoming Birthday Celebration Card Class is the perfect way to create with the stunning Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Birthday DSP!

This virtual class is designed for all skill levels, and you’ll walk away with six unique birthday card designs you’ll love sharing with friends and family.

Class Details

📅 Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 9 AM PT (adjust for your time zone)
📍 Where: Private Facebook Group (Replay available on YouTube)
💲 Cost: $75 (includes a full class kit!)

What’s Included in Your Class Kit?

✨ 6 exclusive card designs
✨ Full pack of Gold & Silver 1/8” Trim Combo Pack
✨ Full pack of Iridescent Foil Gems
✨ Full pack of Wildflower Birthday 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper
✨ Step-by-step PDF tutorial with photos, measurements & supply list
✨ Live class experience + access to replays for crafting at your own pace

🔹 You’ll need to provide your own stamps, inks, and adhesives.

Bonus Offer – Save on the Birthday Celebration Bundle!

Want to create your cards exactly as designed? When you add the Birthday Celebration Bundle to your order, you’ll get it at catalogue price—no shipping or taxes! (I’ll place the order for you, and it will be direct shipped to you.)

Early Bird Bonus – Earn Free Sale-A-Bration Rewards!

Sale-A-Bration ends February 28, so don’t miss this extra perk! 🎉

➡️ If you order the Birthday Celebration Bundle, plus the trim, gems, and DSP before February 28, your total meets the $75 minimum, and you’ll earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration product!
➡️ Increase your order to $150 (before shipping/taxes), and you’ll get to choose two Sale-A-Bration items or one higher-level Sale-A-Bration product!

Make ’n Take Kits – Mailed to You!

Your Make ‘n Take package will be mailed by March 14, giving plenty of time for arrival before class. However, with the mail being unpredictable, there’s a small chance it could arrive after March 29—but don’t worry! You’ll have full access to the recordings so you can craft along whenever your kit arrives.

🏠 Local Pickup Available: If you’re near Port Coquitlam, BC, you can pick up your class package directly from me.

Register Now – Space is Limited!

Registration closes Wednesday, March 5 at noon, so don’t wait!

I can’t wait to craft with you! Let’s create some beautiful birthday cards together. 🎂💖

A perk to ordering with me (or signing up for this class ASAP) in the month of February is that with any order over $75cdn, you will receive a FREE SAB item and I am emailing out an amazing 37 project Tutorial Bundle. Just use the host code below. As a member of my team you get free access to this Tutorial Bundle.

Let’s Craft Together!

I’d love for you to join one of my in-person card classes:

March 15, 2025

Also, don’t forget to sign up for my Stampin’ With Leah Newsletter to get all the details on upcoming events, promotions, and creative tips. You won’t want to miss out!

Live in Canada, don’t have a demonstrator? Contact me to get a catalogue or find out why right now is a great time to join my team.

You can see all the benefits of joining my team (the Ink Pad Pals) by clicking the image below. Right now there are even more perks to joining during Sale-a-bration!

February 2025 – 1 Layout/ 3 Cards – Featuring Sale-A-Bration Products!

Leave a comment February 26, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Sale-A-Bration is ending in just 3 days (February 28th), and I had to showcase some of my favorite SAB items before they’re gone! I created three different cards using the same layout from page 22 of the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue—each one featuring a unique and fun Sale-A-Bration product. If you haven’t grabbed these goodies yet, now is the time!

Card #1: Heart Shaped Bundle

This elegant card highlights the Heart Shaped Bundle, stamped in Highland Heather Ink and accented with the Fresh Freesia Seam Binding Ribbon. I love how the delicate heart wreath creates a soft and pretty focal point. Perfect for sending a sweet note!

Card #2: Friendly Seagulls

For a more playful look, I used the Friendly Seagulls Stamp Set and paired it with soft ombré tones from the Ocean Friends 12X12 DSP. The background gives an ocean-inspired feel, and those little fish add the perfect whimsical touch!

Card #3: Fruit Salad DSP

This card is all about fresh and fruity vibes! Featuring the Fruit Salad 6×6 DSP, I fussy cut some of the fruit elements to create a vibrant, dimensional look. Such a fun and cheerful card!

Watch the Video Tutorial!

Want to see these cards come together step by step? Watch the video replay here:

Supplies Used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock $15.50	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Bubble Bath 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Friends Of The Ocean 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00
Fruit Salad 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00	Pastel Ombre Glimmer 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper $16.50	Greetings For All Mix & Match Ephemera Pack (English) $9.75	Heart Shaped Bundle (English) $44.00	Friendly Seagulls Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) $24.00	Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25
Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $11.00	Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Spotlight On Nature Dies $48.00
Soft Waves 3 D Embossing Folder $15.00	Stylish Shapes Dies $41.00	Fresh Freesia 3/8" (1 Cm) Seam Binding Ribbon $11.00	Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots $12.25	Baker's Twine Essentials Pack $15.00	Baker's Twine Three Color Pack $11.00
Sunny Day Iridescent Dots $11.00	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25	Mini Glue Dots $10.00	Paper Snips $16.50
Take Your Pick $16.50	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00

Add All to Cart

I’ve linked all the supplies used in these cards below. Click the images to shop and add them to your cart! You will also find a printable copy of the templates from the Annual Catalogue and some printable PDFs for the 3 cards I created today.

1L3C FEB 2025 all cards Download

Want These Products? Shop Before They’re Gone!

Sale-A-Bration rewards are earned with every $75 or $150 order. Don’t miss your chance to get these items for free before February 28th!

SHOP NOW

Looking for some other fun stamping experiences in person or online? If you are local to Port Coquitlam, join me in person for Coffee and Cards or contact me to book your own card class. You can always check out my calendar of events at my website.

RSVP here – class is March 15th, 2024 10am – 12pm at my home in Port Coquitlam, BC

Orders over $65 (and members of my Ink Pad Pals team) also qualify to receive this fantastic 37 project Tutorial Bundle as a thank you from me.

Want to be the first to hear about my upcoming classes? Subscribe to my newsletter!

Subscribe to my Newsletter

Please leave a comment below and make sure to follow this blog for more great inspiration!

March 2025 Paper Pumpkin: Daisy Daydream – A Must-Have for Spring!

Leave a comment February 26, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Spring is in the air, and the March 2025 Paper Pumpkin: Daisy Daydream kit is here to bring the beauty of the season to your crafting table! This delightful subscription box is filled with charming bees, delicate daisies, and stunning gold foil accents that will make your handmade cards shine.

What’s Inside the Daisy Daydream Kit?

🎁 BONUS: A FREE additional stamp set included!

🌼 9 beautiful cards (3 each of 3 designs) with coordinating envelopes

✨ Specialty gold foil and precut vellum accents

🐝 Unique precut paper pieces

🎨 Exclusive Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin’ Spot

💛 Coordinating colors: Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Lemon Lime Twist, Mossy Meadow, Very Vanilla

📦 A beautifully designed decorative box

Coordinating Add-On: Spring Is In the Air Dies

Want to stretch your creativity even further? The Spring Is In the Air Dies (Item 166237) are designed to coordinate perfectly with the January, February, and March Paper Pumpkin kits! These dies will allow you to add even more dimension and versatility to your projects, making them a must-have for any Paper Pumpkin fan.

Sale-A-Bration Bonus – Earn Free Items!

Did you know that purchasing a prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription during Sale-A-Bration earns you FREE rewards? 🎉

3-month subscription ($98.75 CAD) = 1 FREE Sale-A-Bration item
6-month subscription ($181.50 CAD) = 2 FREE Sale-A-Bration items
12-month subscription ($350.00 CAD) = 4 FREE Sale-A-Bration items + $35 in Stampin’ Rewards!

3-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[137859]

$98.75

6-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[137860]

$181.50

One year Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[137861]

$350.00

Spring Is In The Air Dies

[166237]

$16.50

Now is the perfect time to subscribe! Whether you’re crafting for yourself or gifting a subscription to a fellow creative friend, the March Paper Pumpkin kit is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

When you use my host code this month I will also send you the link to a fantastic 37 project Tutorial Bundle as a thank you!

Looking for some more fun stamping experiences in person or online? Check out my calendar of events or contact me to book your own card class.

Next class is April 12th – register here

You can also sign up for my newsletter (link below) so you don’t miss out on any of my events.

Please leave a comment below and make sure to follow this blog for more great inspiration!

Dino-Mite Birthday Card for the Global Design Project #GDP485

Leave a comment February 25, 2025 Leah Dixon - Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Hello, stamping friends! This week, I’m excited to participate in the @GlobalDesignProject color challenge (#GDP485) featuring Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, and Daffodil Delight. As soon as I saw the color combo, I knew the Darling Dinos stamp set would be perfect for a fun and playful birthday card! 🦕🎉

Here’s the card I created:

Creating This Card

I started with a Granny Apple Green card base and layered a background from the Take a Bow 6″ x 6″ DSP, which adds a playful and textured look. My adorable dinosaur is colored with Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends, while the Garden Green details were added using a Stampin’ Write Marker for contrast. For the balloons, I used Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green and then I mixed Granny Apple Green and Shaded Spruce Blends to achieve a Garden Green shade, since there isn’t a Garden Green Blend available—such a fun way to stretch your supplies!

The Daffodil Delight accents bring a cheerful pop of brightness, making this card extra fun and celebratory. To add a little sparkle, I brushed Wink of Stella over the balloons, which gives them a subtle shimmer when they catch the light. ✨

Finishing Touches

The sentiment, “Hope your birthday is DINO-mite!” is stamped and heat embossed in white on a Garden Green cardstock banner for a crisp and bold look. To make the sentiment fit perfectly, I used the Stylish Shapes banner die and double-cut it to create a shorter label—such a handy trick for customizing your die-cut pieces! The stitched circle behind the dino adds a clean focal point while keeping the design fresh and fun.

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $15.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock $18.00	Take A Bow 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $17.00	Darling Dinos Bundle (English) $55.75	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $11.00
Regals Stampin' Write Markers $42.50	Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Shaded Spruce Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack $15.00	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush $12.25	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad $12.25
Versamark Pad $13.00	Embossing Additions Tool Kit $37.00	Basics Wow! Embossing Powder $29.00	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) $44.00	Stampin' Dimensionals $6.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue $8.25
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine $177.00	Take Your Pick $16.50	Paper Trimmer $39.00	Basic White Medium Envelopes $15.00

Add All to Cart

Shop Here

Join the Challenge!

I love how color challenges push me to get creative with my supplies, and this one was especially fun! Have you ever tried mixing Stampin’ Blends to create a custom color? Let me know in the comments! And if you want to join the @GlobalDesignProject challenge this week, head over to their FB page and play along!