Spring Fling and Going "Green" for St. Patrick's Day

Spring is in the air, and so is a little extra luck! As we usher in the season, I’m kicking off our Spring Fling with a handmade card that celebrates all things green—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!

Using several gorgeous shades of green from Stampin’ Up! and the versatile Everyday Arches Bundle, this card brings a fresh and festive touch to spring crafting. Whether you're sending a little luck, gratitude, or just a sweet hello, these green hues and beautiful arch designs create a timeless look that works all season long.

Here are the supplies used on this handmade card with a St. Patrick's Day vibe:

Product List

Everyday Arches Bundle (English)

[164630]

Bright & Beautiful 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[161449]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100702]

Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[102584]

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[144245]

Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146988]

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

[147095]

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154885]

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

Iridescent 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Striped Trim

[163299]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

Add All to Cart

Stay tuned for more spring-like projects for your Spring Fling crafting! Let’s bring on the color, the joy, and a little handmade magic!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Get Crisp, Clean Stamped Images Using Photopolymer Stamps with This Simple Trick!

Have you ever inked up a brand-new photopolymer stamp, pressed it onto your cardstock, and… ended up with a blotchy, uneven image? It can be so frustrating—especially when you’re excited to use a fresh new stamp set! But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix.

Why Do New Photopolymer Stamps Resist Ink?

Photopolymer stamps are made from a flexible, transparent material that sometimes has a slight residue from the manufacturing process. This can cause ink to bead up instead of spreading evenly, leading to patchy, incomplete images.

The Simple Trick to Perfect Stamping

Before using your new stamps for the first time, take a quick moment to condition them. Here are a few easy ways to do it:

Use an eraser – Gently rub a white eraser over the surface of the stamp to remove any residue, then wipe it clean.
Stamp on scrap paper – Ink up your stamp and stamp multiple times on scratch paper until the image starts to even out.
Use a clear embossing pad first – This is my favorite method! Lightly tap your stamp into a clear embossing ink pad before adding regular ink. This creates a subtle “primer” that helps the ink adhere smoothly.

With just a few seconds of prep, your brand-new stamps will be ready to create crisp and clean images!

Want to see this tip in action? Check out this quick tutorial!

Give this trick a try the next time you open a new stamp set, and let me know which method works best for you!

Struggling with Tying Ribbon on Your Cards? Here’s a Simple Trick!

Getting a perfect bow or knot can be tricky, but here’s an easy way to make it work.

This video from the archives has been helpful for many.  Take a look!

Give it a try and let me know if it makes ribbon tying easier for you!

Cutting Card Bases 101

From the archives, here's a blast from the past video with one of the most important basics...cutting card bases!  

It's a step-by-step guide for beginners (or anyone who wants a refresher!) to ensure perfect card bases every time., I hope you'll find this video helpful.

Lisa's Inkings:

• Start with an 8.5” x 11” sheet of card stock.
• Cut in half at 5.5” for a book fold card. (portrait or landscape)
• Or, cut at 4.25” for a a tent fold card.

Enjoy creating cards with this simple tip for your card bases!  Come back tomorrow for another paper crafting tip for tying ribbon on your handmade cards.

Timeless Tips & Tricks for Paper Crafters

This week, I’m excited to bring back some of my favorite tried-and-true paper crafting tips that have stood the test of time. With over 18 years in this creative journey, I’ve collected simple yet effective ideas that can make your crafting easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you may find this tips and ideas helpful.

From Monday to Thursday, you can look forward to these tips/ideas:

Use New Photopolymer Stamps with Confidence – A quick and easy way to prep your stamps so you get crisp, clean images right from the start.

Tie Ribbon Beautifully on Handmade Cards – If you’ve ever struggled with getting that knot, I’ll share a simple trick that makes it easier.

Cut Card Stock for A2 Cards with Ease – A step-by-step guide for beginners (or anyone who wants a refresher!) for cutting card bases.

Along with these helpful tips, I’ll also be sharing one of my latest favorite project videos to inspire you. 

These tips and ideas are a wonderful way to add an extra touch of care to your handmade projects—whether you're creating cards to send love, encouragement, or celebration to someone special.

So, grab your favorite drink, settle into your creative space, and join me this week as we revisit some of these timeless tips. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how you use these ideas in your own crafting, so feel free to share in the comments!

 

Sending Sunshine to a Friend

Sometimes, all it takes is a few kind words to make someone’s day. And what better way to share those words than with a handmade card? 

This card, created with the Everyday Arches Bundle and Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper, is a simple reminder that kindness and appreciation matter. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker—someone in your life needs to hear how amazing they are today!

So here’s your friendly reminder: send a card, share some joy, and spread a little kindness!

Catch the quick assembly of this card on Facebook HERE.

Want to create your own? Find the Everyday Arches Bundle and Everyday Skies DSP in my Online Store! 

 

Sharing A Compliment-You Are Simply Fantastic

Have you ever received an unexpected compliment that just made your whole day? There’s something very special about knowing that someone sees and appreciates you. And when you put those kind words into a handmade card, it becomes even more meaningful!

This week, we’re all about spreading kindness with our cards, and today’s featured card is a perfect example. Using the Everyday Arches Bundle and the beautiful Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper, this design frames a heartfelt sentiment: “You are simply fantastic.” 

Because you know what? Someone in your life needs to hear that today. Maybe it’s a friend who always lifts you up, a coworker who works so hard, or a family member who deserves to be reminded how amazing they are. Why not send them a little happy mail?

So, here’s your gentle nudge: grab a card, write a note, and send some joy! If you’re feeling inspired to create your own, you can find the Everyday Arches Bundle and Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper in my Online Store. These products are perfect for making cards that bring a smile and warm the heart.

Let’s keep lifting each other up—one card at a time! 

Let’s Share Some Kindness! A Week of Compliments & Encouragement

Did you know that March 1 was World Compliment Day?

It’s a sweet little reminder of just how powerful kind words can be. A thoughtful compliment, a little encouragement, or even a simple "I'm thinking of you" can truly brighten someone's day. And what better way to share those uplifting words than with a handmade card?

This week on Ink and Inspirations, we’re all about spreading kindness through paper crafting! I’ll be sharing ideas and inspiration for cards that are perfect for lifting others up—whether it’s a note to encourage a friend, celebrate someone’s strengths, or just let them know how much they mean to you.

You'll be seeing some ideas for these cards created with the Everyday Arches Bundle. I love how the arches dies and their versatility and work well for our theme for the week.  So, stay tuned this week for card ideas, inspiration, and little ways you can use your creativity to make someone’s day extra special. A handmade card is more than just paper and ink—it’s a paper hug!

A Sale-A-Bration Favorite: Friendly Seagulls

Have you added the Friendly Seagulls stamp set, a Sale-A-Bration favorite, to your collection?  If not, you still have a few days to place a qualifying order of $60 before shipping and tax and earn this fun stamp set for FREE. Here you see how I brought in the Goldfish theme for a quirky little treat bag.

Here's a fun fold with silly little gull who's after your french fries! That little wink is so cute!

Here you can see all three of these cute characters adding their charm to a card for a friend.

Sale-A-Bration only lasts for a a few more days so don’t wait!  Click here to start shopping and place a qualifying order of $60 before shipping and tax to get these Friendly Seagulls stamp set (#164961) for FREE!

Final Days of Sale-A-Bration: Earn Your Free Crafting Favorites

Hello, and Happy Monday!

It’s time to celebrate—the last few days of our Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration are here!
If you’ve been looking for a chance to add some crafting products to up your crafting game and spread a little extra joy, now is the moment.
Until Friday, the 28th, with a qualifying purchase of $60 or more, you can earn FREE products from a special selection of products. Imagine adding something a little extra to your next project with free stamps, embellishments, dies, special bundles, kits, and even designer papers!

I know how much your creative projects mean—not just for you, but for the loved ones and friends who receive the heartfelt pieces you create. Every card, scrapbook page, or decorative piece you design is an expression of care for loved ones, friends, and neighbors in your life.

Among the fabulous freebies, here are a few of my personal favorites.

The Friendly Seagulls stamp set is charming and perfect for brightening up any card or scrapbook layout.

The Corner In Bloom stamp set adds a delicate flourish to your projects.

And, let's not leave out the Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper—it’s a dream to work with and makes every project feel extra special.

Remember, these items are available only while supplies last, so make sure you take advantage of this special offer before it’s too late. Head over to the Online Store, place your qualifying order, and add some of these wonderful, free additions to your crafting toolkit.

Happy crafting, and here’s to spreading a little more love and light with every project!

Visit our Online Store today and make your order before the Sale-A-Bration ends!

Birthday Celebration Week: A Special Milestone 40th Birthday Card

This week at Ink and Inspirations, we’re celebrating the joy of celebrating birthdays with your handmade creations. Today’s project is extra special—it’s a 40th birthday card for my daughter! 

Milestone birthdays deserve to be celebrated in style, and what better way than with a handmade card? Using the Birthday Celebration Bundle and the gorgeous Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!, I created a card that’s both elegant and meaningful—just like this special occasion!

A milestone birthday is more than just another year—it’s a beautiful reminder of life’s journey and the memories yet to come. This card design reflects that sentiment with a bold "40" in Gold Foil in front and center, thanks to the amazing number dies included in the Birthday Celebration Bundle.

The number dies in this bundle are the perfect size to highlight any milestone birthday! Whether it’s 40, 50, or beyond or for one of the littles in your life, you can customize it to fit the celebration.

There’s something so meaningful about receiving a handmade card, especially for a milestone birthday. It’s a gift from the heart... a piece of art created with love. And the best part? You can create a customized, one-of-a-kind card for any age with this versatile bundle!

Want to create a milestone birthday card of your own?

The Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper are available now in my Online Store! Grab yours today and start crafting heartfelt birthday cards for the special people in your life.

Shop now: 

Birthday Celebration Bundle (Includes stamp set and dies with 10% off)

Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper

Stay tuned for more birthday inspiration this week on Ink and Inspirations and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

Celebrating Birthdays Week!

Welcome to Birthday Celebration Week here at Ink and Inspirations! This week, we’re celebrating the joy of handmade birthday cards with the stunning Birthday Celebration Bundle, the Wildflower Celebrations Specialty Designer Series Paper, and other fabulous products from Stampin’ Up!

Today’s card is all about making a wish—a sweet sentiment for a birthday celebration!

This birthday card is designed to bring a smile to anyone’s face with its beautiful and cheerful colors and, of course, a big Make a Wish sentiment!

 

Why Handmade Birthday Cards Matter

A handmade birthday card isn’t just a card—it’s a heartfelt hug in an envelope. Imagine the joy on your loved one’s face when a card like this one made just for them!

Want to make this card?
The Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Celebrations Specialty Designer Series Paper are available in my Online Store! Click below to grab your supplies and start crafting beautiful birthday cards today!

Shop Now

Stay tuned for more birthday inspiration throughout the week! 

Special Valentine or Galentine - The Story of Us

Every relationship has a story. Some are filled with love and devotion, some with laughter and adventure, while others are built on support and understanding. No matter the chapter you’re in, a handmade card is a heartfelt way to celebrate these special connections.

Today’s card is designed with love and friendship in mind—perfect for sharing on Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. With a mix of elegance and charm, this card is the ideal way to say, “Our story is one for the books.” The For the Books Stamp Set paired with the Hearts of Elegance Dies, combine to create a classic and heartfelt design creates a design. 

Featured Products:

For The Books Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[164836]

Hearts Of Elegance Dies

[164915]

Storybook Moments 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English)

[166617]

Add All to Cart

Whether you’re celebrating a love story, a cherished friendship, or the people who have been part of your life’s journey, this card is a beautiful way to share your appreciation. Handmade cards have a personal touch...they are a piece of your heart, crafted with love.

Want to create this card yourself? Visit my Online Store today to get the For the Books Stamp Set, Hearts of Elegance Dies, and all the supplies you need to bring your creation to life. Start crafting your story today!

Galentines, Palentines, Valentines...Celebrating Relationships!

At Ink and Inspirations, we know that February isn’t just about romantic love—it’s also a time to celebrate the special friendships that fill our lives. Whether it’s Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Palentine’s, this season is a beautiful reminder to cherish those who add so much to our lives.

Last week, I had the privilege of sharing the joy of crafting with a wonderful group of ladies (and a few gentlemen!) at a local senior citizens center. We gathered around tables filled with colorful papers, stamps, ribbons, and embellishments, ready to create heartfelt handmade projects to share with friends and loved ones.

There’s something magical about crafting together—especially when it involves laughter, stories, and all the creative things.  As I guided the group through simple and pretty designs, there were smiles and feelings of satisfaction as each worked on their projects.  We all had a wonderful time!  Times like these remind me why I love sharing paper crafting. It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about making something meaningful.

Whether you’re crafting with a group, sending a card to a dear friend, or making a small DIY gift, remember that creativity has no age limit. A handmade card or project is more than just paper and ink—it’s a way to say, "You matter to me."

This week, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your friendships. Whether it’s a longtime friend, a new connection, or someone who could use a little extra kindness, a heartfelt card or small handmade gift can make all the difference.

Stay tuned as I share more ideas for spreading love through handmade creations all week long! And if you’ve ever shared crafting time with a friend or loved one, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

A Bookish Gift Idea for Galentine's or Any Occasion

On our LIVE this past week, we created a gift idea that's perfect for any occasion—including Valentine's (or Galentine’s) Day! If you love the idea of a Blind Date with a Book, this is a beautiful way to share a little joy and inspiration with a friend.

Using patterned paper and the For the Books Bundle from Stampin’ Up!, we created a charming book-themed wrap that makes any book extra special for gift-giving. Whether you’re gifting a motivational or inspirational favorite, or just something you know your friend will love, this project adds that handmade touch that makes it even more meaningful.

It’s easy to customize for any occasion, making it a wonderful option for birthdays, encouragement gifts, teacher appreciation, or just because.

Missed the LIVE? No worries! You can catch the recording on Facebook or YouTube and follow along as we walk through the steps to create this bookish beauty.

Want to recreate this project? You can grab the For the Books Bundle and start crafting today! This adorable set is perfect for book lovers and makes it so easy to create literary-inspired cards, bookmarks, and gifts.

Shop the For the Books Bundle in my online store HERE.

I’d love to see how you make this idea your own! Share your creations with me and let’s keep spreading inspiration—one beautifully wrapped book at a time.