GDP #543 | Pattern Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

✂️ Card Details:

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

Want to stamp with me?

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



Coast to Coast Creators – April 2026 | Retiring In Colors

This month for our Coast to Coast Creators hop, we’re celebrating the beautiful retiring 2024–2026 In Colors—and I couldn’t resist using all five on one cheerful card!

For my project, I started with a Summer Splash card base, which really makes everything pop. I paired it with the gorgeous Soft Waves 3D Embossing Folder (sadly on the Last Chance list!) to create that soft, flowing texture in the background.

The star of the show is the adorable upcoming stamp set Caring Animals (coming May 2026!). I stamped the sweet birds and sentiment image and coloured them using the retiring In Color Stampin’ Blends:

  • Petunia Pop
  • Peach Pie
  • Summer Splash
  • Pretty in Pink
  • Shy Shamrock

I love how each little bird brings a pop of colour while still keeping the design clean and simple.

To finish it off, I added a torn strip of Summer Splash cardstock behind the sentiment for a bit of texture and dimension, along with a few soft Pretty In Pink Flat Pearls.

This card is a perfect reminder to grab your favourite In Color products before they’re gone!

✨ Be sure to hop along and see how the rest of the team is using these gorgeous colours!
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:

NOTE: Caring Animals stamp set (167804) not available until May 2026 (or NOW – if you join my team).


Here is a printable recipe card – with supplies and instructions:

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!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

You can watch my You Tube channel – new videos coming after my move is complete.

You can find tutorials in my Payhip Shop.

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


HSS486 – Zooming into Inspiration!

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

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

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

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

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

🏁 Inspired by the board:

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

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

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

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


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.

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



Rainbow Tulips for GDP #542 – Sketch Challenge

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.



April 2026 Product of the Month – Eyelet Blooms Die

April’s Product of the Month is a tool that instantly elevates your projects with elegant texture and beautiful detail — the Eyelet Blooms Dies (167984).

Why You’ll Love Eyelet Blooms

The Eyelet Blooms Die is the finishing touch you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re creating a handmade card or designing a scrapbook page, this die transforms your background with soft texture and refined detail.

Its intricate eyelet pattern fills a large space beautifully, giving your project a polished, handcrafted look in one easy cut.

Perfect for crafters who love:

  • Elegant backgrounds
  • Quick card designs
  • Adding texture without bulk
  • Simple projects with a big impact

Run the die through your machine and you instantly have a stunning background ready to build your card design around. You can even run it through with our new Impressions Mat or your Silicone Mat to get an embossed look instead of a die cut.

Perfect For

  • Card backgrounds
  • Scrapbook pages
  • Wedding or anniversary cards
  • Elegant birthday cards
  • Clean and simple designs with texture

Because the pattern is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with florals, sentiments, die cuts, or even minimal embellishments.

💚 April Special Offer

You can get the Eyelet Blooms Dies (167984) for only $5 when you place a $100 order in April.

And there’s an extra bonus for my customers!

When you place your $100 order with me, you will also receive my exclusive 12-project Product of the Month PDF tutorial featuring this die.

This tutorial includes:

  • 12 inspiring projects
  • A variety of card styles
  • Creative layouts and ideas
  • Inspiration to help you get the most from this beautiful die

It’s available exclusively to my customers as my thank you for supporting my business.

Inspiration Gallery

This die shines when you see it used in different ways, so I’ll be sharing a variety of samples to inspire you. Look for:

  • Close-ups showing the beautiful eyelet texture
  • Full card backgrounds
  • Layered designs with florals
  • Clean and simple layouts

Let’s Create Something Beautiful

The Eyelet Blooms Dies make it so easy to create elegant cards and layouts with minimal effort. One cut, endless possibilities!

If you have questions about coordinating products or would like help building your $100 order, I’d love to help.

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 🙂


Ready, Set, Go! – GDP #541

This Online Exclusive Ready Set Go! stamp set (167537) has been my go to stamp set in my limited crafting time these days.

This week I used it for a great colour challenge by Global Design Project.

This is a fairly simple card – just lots of cardstock layers.

I stamped the race car in Cloud Cover Ink all over the Basic White layer. Then I stamped it again in Secret Sea. I coloured it with Stampin’ Blends ( Daffodil Delight and Timid Tiger), fussy cut it and attached it to the cardfrot using Dimensionals.

Next the sentiment was stamped in Secret Sea on a layered banner. The flags were stamped in Secret Sea, fussy cut and glued down.

Finally, I embellished with some Timid Tiger Flat Pearls.

All of this got layered onto Daffodil Delight, Timid Tiger and finally a Cloud Cover card base.

I think this one has just a little bit of a retro look to it.

🏎️ Perfect For:

  • Kids’ birthdays
  • Teen birthdays
  • Masculine cards
  • Race fans


🛍️ Shop the New Online Exclusives

The Ready Set Go! stamp set (167537) is part of the Online Exclusives collection — available only while supplies last.

👉 Browse all the new Online Exclusives in my shop here:
https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

Don’t wait too long — these exclusive releases tend to zoom away quickly!

It would be great if you could play along with us. If you do, use the hashtag #GDP541 and tag me too!

Want to stamp with me?

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



HSS #485 | Unbridled Beauty Sketch Challenge

This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge was a veratile layout! I found myself using the Unbridled Beauty set again to create this rustic card.

The center panel is stamped in Early espresso to create a full country scene. Then coloured with Stampin’ Blends.

I layered it onto a torn piece of Early Espresso cardstock and then onto the Country Woods DSP.

I tied a piece of twine around the whole layer before adhering to the Basic Beige card base.

My final piece was an embossed sentiment on the DSP – that in hindsight would have been easier if I had done it before gluing all the layers. Live and learn!

This card is actually part of a card class to go that I offering in my PDF shop. You can click below to grab it. I am not currently offering in person classes due to a move and home reno – I’ll be back in April or May.

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.

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



Coast to Coast Creators Blog Hop – March Sketch Challenge!

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:

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!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

You can watch my You Tube channel – new videos coming after my move is complete.

You can find tutorials in my Payhip Shop.

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


March 2026 Product of the Month – Notes of Spring stamp set

Spring is in the air — and this month’s Product of the Month is the sweetest way to celebrate it!

The Notes of Spring Stamp Set (167979) is full of adorable woodland friends, soft imagery, and heartfelt sentiments that make creating beautiful spring cards effortless.

Why You’ll Love Notes of Spring

  • 15 photopolymer stamps
  • Two-step stamping for easy layering
  • Woodland animals + versatile sentiments
  • Available in English, French & German

This set makes it simple to create depth and detail. Just stamp the base image, then add the second layer for shading and texture — it truly makes crafting a breeze!


Perfect For…

  • Birthday cards
  • Baby cards
  • “Just because” notes
  • Easter & spring projects
  • Scrapbook pages featuring sweet memories

Whether you’re sending a note to “some-bunny you love” 🐰 or documenting a moment you hold deer, this set brings warmth and charm to every project.

If you’re shopping in Canada, here’s how to snag the March 2026 Product of the Month deal:

  • Place a $100 CAD order (before shipping and taxes)
  • Add the Notes of Spring Stamp Set to your order for just $5 CAD

And that’s not all…

When you place your $100 order with me, you’ll also receive my exclusive 12-project PDF tutorial featuring this stamp set.

This tutorial is packed with creative inspiration and is available only to my customers. It’s my way of saying thank you for shopping with me!

Inspiration Gallery

Keep an eye on my blog and social media later this month. I will have some cards to share using this great new stamp set. In the meantime, Stampin Up! has created some samples for you and I until we get our own set to play with.

Let’s Craft Some Springtime Joy 🌸

If you have questions about pairing products, building your $100 order, or choosing coordinating colours, I’m always happy to help.

March is the perfect time to refresh your crafting stash — and this adorable set is a beautiful place to start.


I also wanted to share with you that the Lovely Arrangements Bundle is the featured product in the Stampin’ Up! Lovely Blossoms craft class. You can purchase it as part of your $100 order and then get bonus inspiration. The class was on Feb 19th – but you can still catch the replay and make all the gorgeous cards!

Create unique samples, learn exciting tips and techniques, and explore new crafting opportunities with a Stampin’ Up! product expert during this virtual class! Join the fun when you purchase the: Lovely Blossoms Craft Class (170929) and the Lovely Blossoms Suite Collection (167193). Watch the replay of the Craft Class on demand!

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 🙂


New Product Alert – Ready, Set, Go!

🏁Start your engines because this one is going to zoom out of the Online Exclusives section! 🏎️💨

The brand new Ready Set Go! stamp set (167537) is officially available — and I could not wait to create with it!

This set is perfect for kids, teens, race fans, and those hard-to-make masculine birthday cards. I paired it with Afternoon Azure and Two-Tone Secret Sea cardstock to create a bold and fun race car themed fun fold.

🏎️ Zoom-Worthy Fun Fold Birthday Card

This design looks impressive but is actually very simple to put together!


✂️ Measurements & Supplies

🟦 Card Base (You’ll Need 2 Pieces)

Afternoon Azure Cardstock

  • Cut 2 pieces at 5 ½” x 8 ½”
  • Score each at 4 ¼”
  • Fold on the score line

After folding:

On the other folded piece, cut off the bottom panel measuring 2 ¾” x 4 ¼”

On one folded piece, cut off the top panel measuring 2 ¾” x 4 ¼”

🔹 Important Assembly Step

Apply adhesive to the back of one full panel and glue the two card bases together so they become one sturdy card base with two opening flaps.

This creates that fun layered effect when the card is closed — and a full writing panel when opened!


🏁 Stamped Front Panels (No DSP Used)

Instead of Designer Series Paper, I stamped directly onto cardstock for a custom look.

Two-Tone Secret Sea Cardstock

  • Cut 2 pieces at 2 ½” x 4″
  • Stamp your checkered flags and “Zoom!” background images
  • Adhere to the front flap panels

I love how stamping directly on the Two-Tone cardstock gives depth and keeps the design cohesive.

📝 Inside Panel

White/Neutral Cardstock

  • Cut 1 piece at 4″ x 5 ¼”
  • Stamp your sentiment and small accents (like the mini checkered flags)

🎨 Why I Love This Combo

Afternoon Azure gives that bright, energetic pop that feels fast and fun.
Two-Tone Secret Sea adds richness and contrast, making the orange race car really stand out.

And I kept it clean and bold:

  • No DSP
  • No ribbon
  • No embellishments

Sometimes simple stamping makes the biggest statement!

🏎️ Perfect For:

  • Kids’ birthdays
  • Teen birthdays
  • Masculine cards
  • Race fans
  • Fun fold lovers

This stamp set makes creating for boys so much easier — and that’s always a win in my books!


🛍️ Shop the New Online Exclusives

The Ready Set Go! stamp set (167537) is part of the Online Exclusives collection — available only while supplies last.

👉 Browse all the new Online Exclusives in my shop here:
https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

Don’t wait too long — these exclusive releases tend to zoom away quickly!

If you make this fun fold, I’d love to see your version. Tag me or share in the comments!

Want to stamp with me?

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