Sometimes crafting cards for the guys in our lives can sometimes be a bit challenging, can’t it? With all the pretty florals,  ribbons, and soft colors we love, it’s easy to feel a bit stumped when it’s time to switch gears and create something with a masculine touch.

This week, we’re starting a new series here on Ink and Inspirations: For the Guys: Thoughtful & Handmade. These ideas aren’t just for Father’s Day... although that’s coming soon! We’ll be focusing on cards and paper projects for all the men we appreciate all year long. Think sons, grandsons, husbands, brothers, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.

We’ll explore:

• Masculine cards with easy layouts and even a fun fold!

• Colors in earthy tones and a rustic feel

• Designs with textures or darker botanicals 

• And of course, a featured masculine-friendly stamp and die bundle, the Textured Notes Bundle (English) [165556], you’ll love using for more than just “guy” cards!

You don’t have to give up your style to make a card that feels just right for him. And, if you're still a bit unsure about how to go about making masculine cards, you’re not alone. Let's take the stress out of it this week and have some fun!

Join the conversation! Over on my Facebook Page and Group, I’d love to hear from you:
Do you find masculine cards challenging? What’s your go-to style or color combo for the guys? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other!

Stay tuned all week long for project ideas, inspiration, and tips that will help you create with confidence for all the guys in your life.

Looking for a sweet, handmade way to give a small gift, cash, or a gift card? This little bag has you covered!

Whether you’re celebrating a mom, a graduate, a teacher, or anyone who deserves a little something special, this style gift bag is just the right size!

I created this version using fresh, spring-inspired patterned paper, Florals in Bloom from the new Stampin' Up! catalog,  a soft pink ribbon, and a stamped floral from Gallery Blooms. The result is a gift that feels extra special before it’s even opened!

This bag comes together quickly with just a few score lines and folds, and you can change the paper and sentiment to suit any occasion. It’s one of those go-to projects that you’ll find yourself recreating over and over.

Great for:

• Mother’s Day

• Graduation

• Teacher or nurse appreciation

• Birthdays

• Shower favors

• Just because!

Watch the simple assembly in the short video below...

Be sure to pin this one or bookmark the post—you’ll want to keep it handy for all your spring and summer celebrations.

It's time to share our latest happy mail recipient!

Congratulations to Margo Padios, whose name was randomly drawn as the winner of this month's giveaway! She’ll be receiving a copy of Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly—a book that's all about sharing kindness, building community, and making a difference with small acts of connection.

This giveaway is just one way I love to say thank you to this amazing creative community.

Want to be entered for the next month's giveaway?
Here’s how:

• Place an order HERE!
  (If you place an order from the new Catalog in May, you will also get access to my special private Facebook Group!)
• Purchase an online class or guide.  
• Or, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us something that you're creating this month!

No purchase is necessary—just jump into the conversation and share with us.

I can’t wait to send another round of happy mail next month! ---Lisa 

Some projects are just too good to stay in the archives and this little gift box is one of them!

Originally shared over five years ago, this design is one of my favorites. It’s quick to put together, just the right size for a small gift, gift card, or cash, and perfect for so many occasions.

Today, I’m revisiting this project with two brand-new versions each with its own style. One is a bright, cheerful box with florals and soft colors, ideal for Mother’s Day, teacher or nurse appreciation, or a thank-you gift. 

The second version is bold and classic, just right for honoring a graduate.

To keep things simple, I’ve embedded the original video tutorial below so you can follow the same basic steps for creating the box. The dimensions and structure are the same The only thing that’s changed is the updated paper, stamps, and dies!

Lisa's Inklings:
Cut designer paper 6" x 9 1/2".  On the 6" side, score at 1 1/4" x 4 3/4". On the 9" side, score at 1", 2 1/4", 5 1/4", and 6 1/2". Cut and assemble as seen in the video.
Whether you're filling this box with hand cream, a gift card, or a sweet treat, this little box is sure to brighten someone's day.
Ready to start crafting? Take a look at the latest products in my Online Store to find the perfect paper and accents for your version of this timeless gift box.

With the new Stampin' Up! Catalog going LIVE tomorrow, May 6th, it's always exciting to see the new In Colors to add to your Stampin’ Up! collection! One of the standouts this year is the soft shade,  Cloud Cover. It’s a peaceful blue-gray that’s just beautiful.

However, I wanted to pass along a bit of important info. Stampin’ Up! recently discovered that Cloud Cover ink had a chemical reaction with the foam in the full-size ink pads. This caused a color shift or change that doesn’t meet their quality standards. As a result, the Cloud Cover Classic ink pad won’t be released to customers.

But don’t worry—there are still ways to use this gorgeous color in your projects!

Here are two options for inking up with Cloud Cover:

• Make your own ink spot using the Uninked Stampin' Spots (#141822) and the Cloud Cover Ink Refill (#165279).

• Or, order the Stampin’ Spot Assortment (#166716) from page 33 of the new catalog—it includes a pre-filled Cloud Cover ink spot.

Other Cloud Cover products will still be available, including:

• Cardstock

• Designer Series Papers

• Stampin’ Write Markers

• Stampin’ Blends

Personally, I’ll be using the refill + uninked spot method and grabbing the Blends in all of the new In Colors. Can’t wait to play with them all!

And just a quick note—you might see other demonstrators using the full-size pad. Stampin’ Up! is allowing demonstrators to purchase warehouse stock (with the understanding that the ink color may shift over time).

Let me know if you’re adding Cloud Cover to your collection too—I’d love to see what you create with it!

This time of year feels like a whirlwind, doesn’t it? Between the end of school and expressing gratitude to teachers and nurses, Mother’s Day, and graduation season, May is full of reasons to celebrate and recognize many special ones in our lives.

Whether you're honoring the amazing women for Mother's Day or preparing a handmade card for a graduate who's about to take that big step into life, recognizing teachers or nurses, one thing remains the same. It’s all about showing love from your creative heart.

Here at Ink and Inspirations, we’re making the most of this season by sharing some special cards and projects.
This week, I’ll be sharing both last-minute Mother’s Day ideas and kicking off our series of paper crafting projects for your graduates. Think cards, cash holders, gift card holders and more ways to celebrate your grads in style.

Want more ideas like these delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up for the Ink and Inspirations Mailing List for weekly inspiration, project ideas, and exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.
Plus, get a FREE Online Card Class when you sign up!

Let’s create, celebrate, and bless the people we love one handmade project at a time. 

This time of year feels like a whirlwind, doesn’t it? Between the end of school and expressing gratitude to teachers and nurses, Mother’s Day, and graduation season, May is full of reasons to celebrate and recognize many special ones in our lives.

Whether you're honoring the amazing women for Mother's Day or preparing a handmade card for a graduate who's about to take that big step into life, recognizing teachers or nurses, one thing remains the same. It’s all about showing love from your creative heart.

Here at Ink and Inspirations, we’re making the most of this season by sharing some special cards and projects.
This week, I’ll be sharing both last-minute Mother’s Day ideas and kicking off our series of paper crafting projects for your graduates. Think cards, cash holders, gift card holders and more ways to celebrate your grads in style.

Want more ideas like these delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up for the Ink and Inspirations Mailing List for weekly inspiration, project ideas, and exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.
Plus, get a FREE Online Card Class when you sign up!

Let’s create, celebrate, and bless the people we love one handmade project at a time. 

If you’ve followed me here on Ink and Inspirations for a while, you know how much I love giving pretty towels “dressed up” with a handmade tag. It’s one of my go-to gift ideas—and always a hit!

Today I’m sharing another version: a soft yellow towel with sweet bee theme wrapped with a simple matching tag. It’s easy to personalize with whatever stamps and papers you have on hand.

Whether you're gifting it to your mom, a daughter, a neighbor, or a friend who’s like a mother to you, this thoughtful gift will surely brighten her day.

 I’ll be linking to a few past posts that share more towel gift ideas and tags for different seasons and styles, so be sure to scroll down for even more inspiration.

• Lemon themed towel
• Trendy Toadstools
• Thanksgiving Theme

You don’t need fancy supplies to make a gift feel special—just a few paper crafting touches from you and made from the heart. 

For Mother's Day, what could be more special than a beautiful handmade gift?

Today, I'm excited to share a wonderful gift idea that you can create in an evening...A Gift Folder for Handmade Cards.
It’s a special way to bless a mother, daughter, friend, or grandmother with a set of cards they can use and treasure. 

In the video, you’ll see how easy it is to create a folder with pockets to hold a handful of beautiful cards and matching envelopes. It's a project that's both fun to make and a true blessing to receive.

You'll find the step-by-step tutorial in today’s video for creating the folder in the video below.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Choose a card that you have that would make a beautiful cover for the folder. If possible, cut this card front down to 4" x 5 1/4".
• Choose your colors of card stock and designer paper from the colors in the card you chose.
• For the folder, cut card stock 6 1/4" x 10 3/4". Score at 4 3/4" and 6".
• For the inside box to hold cards, cut the same color card stock to 5" x 8 3/8".  Score 2" on all sides.
• Cut a strip of designer paper 1" x 12" for the box.
• Don't forget to wrap the ribbon closure before the layers mentioned below.
• For layers on front: Card stock- (2) 4 3/8" x 5 7/8".  Cut designer paper- (2) 4 1/2" x 6".

For this project, I used the Country Flowers Bundle—a sweet and versatile stamp and die set that’s just perfect for designs such as this.

The Country Flowers Bundle is currently on the Last Chance List, available only while supplies last. If you love the look of today’s project, be sure to visit my Online Store and check availability while it’s still here!

And for a bit more of a discount, purchase the Country Flowers Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [163405] and the Country Flowers Dies [163410] separately!

Creating handmade gifts like these makes them truly priceless and a treasure.

Thank you for crafting along with me. Let’s keep spreading joy, one handmade card (and an awesome gift!) at a time. 

For Mother's Day, what could be more special than a beautiful handmade gift?

Today, I'm excited to share a wonderful gift idea that you can create in an evening...A Gift Folder for Handmade Cards.
It’s a special way to bless a mother, daughter, friend, or grandmother with a set of cards they can use and treasure. 

In the video, you’ll see how easy it is to create a folder with pockets to hold a handful of beautiful cards and matching envelopes. It's a project that's both fun to make and a true blessing to receive.

You'll find the step-by-step tutorial in today’s video for creating the folder in the video below.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Choose a card that you have that would make a beautiful cover for the folder. If possible, cut this card front down to 4" x 5 1/4".
• Choose your colors of card stock and designer paper from the colors in the card you chose.
• For the folder, cut card stock 6 1/4" x 10 3/4". Score at 4 3/4" and 6".
• For the inside box to hold cards, cut the same color card stock to 5" x 8 3/8".  Score 2" on all sides.
• Cut a strip of designer paper 1" x 12" for the box.
• Don't forget to wrap the ribbon closure before the layers mentioned below.
• For layers on front: Card stock- (2) 4 3/8" x 5 7/8".  Cut designer paper- (2) 4 1/2" x 6".

For this project, I used the Country Flowers Bundle—a sweet and versatile stamp and die set that’s just perfect for designs such as this.

The Country Flowers Bundle is currently on the Last Chance List, available only while supplies last. If you love the look of today’s project, be sure to visit my Online Store and check availability while it’s still here!

And for a bit more of a discount, purchase the Country Flowers Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [163405] and the Country Flowers Dies [163410] separately!

Creating handmade gifts like these makes them truly priceless and a treasure.

Thank you for crafting along with me. Let’s keep spreading joy, one handmade card (and an awesome gift!) at a time. 

Today's project a simple yet beautiful card idea that’s just perfect for Mother’s Day. Featuring the Country Flowers Bundle, this design is elegant with just the right amount of texture and color to delight the recipient.

Whether you’re mailing this to your mom, blessing a dear friend, or giving it with a handmade gift, this card is a heartfelt way to say "love you". 

Below you’ll find the measurements so you can recreate this design with your own twist!

Lisa's Inklings:

• Card Base is cut 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2".
• Patterned paper is cut 4" x 5 1/4".
• The accent strip is cut 1 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's textured with an embossing folder for added interest.
• The pail from the stamp set is partially stamped on a 2 3/8" Basic White circle.  The flowers are stamped on Basic White a die cut with the coordinating die.
• The sentiment is from an ephemera pack or your can stamp a sentiment and fussy cut it.
• Finish the inside of the card as desired.

If the Country Flowers Bundle has caught your eye, now’s a good time to grab it—it’s currently part of the Last Chance List, so it’s only available while supplies last.

--->Country Flowers Bundle

A handmade from the heart card is a touching way to share Mother's Day greetings.  Are you making cards any Mother's Day cards?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments. 

Mother’s Day is one of those times when handmade is just right. There’s something extra special about a gift that comes from the hearts and hands of little ones.

Today I’m sharing a delightful accordion-fold card project that’s perfect for children to give to their mothers or grandmothers. Whether it’s a classroom activity, a grandma-and-grandchild crafting session, or something you prep for your own kids to make for their mom, this idea is simple yet special.

The project features a fold-out design with four pockets, each holding a mini card. These can be used to write messages, draw pictures, or fill in simple “coupons” that promise sweet and helpful acts of kindness. It’s an interactive gift that’s as fun to create as it is to give!

You can see the basic process in today’s Reel, embedded below.

Lisa's Inkings:

• Cut pattered paper 8" x 12".  
• Score on 12" side, score at 3", 6", and 9".
• Turn and score on the 8" side at  2" for what will be the bottom.
• Card inserts measure 2 1/4" x 4".  The patterned paper strip measures 3/4" x 2 1/4".

Here are some suggestions for supplies:

• Designer Series Paper or patterned cardstock (double-sided is best!)

• White or light-colored cardstock (for the mini notes or “coupons”)

• Adhesive

• Ribbon for tying

• Heart punches, die cuts, or stamps for embellishing 

• Pens, crayons, or markers for decorating the mini cards

Bonus: 10 Message & Coupon Ideas for Kids (Ages 10 and Under)

Each mini card can hold something meaningful, even simple. Here are some sweet and age-appropriate ideas for what children can include:

1. "One Free Hug" – Redeemable anytime!

2. "I will help clean up my toys."

3. "Breakfast in bed, made with love!"

4. A picture of Mom or Grandma with a big heart drawn around it.

5. "Let’s read a book together."

6. "I will set the table tonight."

7. "I love you because..." (and let them finish the sentence!)

8. "One quiet time for Mom while I play."

9. "You are the best because..." (sweet responses always follow!)

10. A drawing of something they love doing with Mom or Grandma.

This card is more than just a cute craft—it’s a keepsake. A little book of love that Mom or Grandma will cherish forever. And the best part? It’s designed to be simple enough that even young children can make it with a little help.

Whether you’re crafting with the kids in your life or preparing this as a DIY project for others to enjoy, this accordion card is a meaningful and heartfelt project.

Stay tuned all week for more creative ideas to celebrate the mothers and mother figures we love!

Oh my goodness! It's almost May so you know what that means.  Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

For many of us, our own mothers may no longer be with us but that doesn’t mean the opportunity to honor mothers on this day ends. Maybe you have a daughter who’s now a mom herself, a sweet daughter-in-law raising little ones, or a friend who’s always had a motherly heart and a nurturing spirit. How special to reach out and say, “I see you. You’re doing an awesome job.”

This week on Ink and Inspirations, we’ll be sharing thoughtful and easy-to-make card and gift ideas using your paper crafting supplies. These projects are designed to help you bless the mothers and mother-figures in your life with something made from the heart.

Even if you’re new to paper crafting, I encourage you to follow along.  These ideas can be adapted to whatever you have on hand, and each one carries the same message of appreciation and love.

We’ll also have ideas for helping little ones (or grand-littles!) create gifts or cards for their own moms. Moms treasure something made with those little hands and big hearts!

So grab your patterned papers (from that stash!), use your favorite stamps, and join me this week as we make beautiful things to celebrate the special mothers in our lives.

As we wrap up our “Clear the Clutter, Create with Joy” week, I hope you’ve felt inspired to take a fresh look at your crafting space and your supplies! From rediscovering forgotten treasures to creating with what you already have, this has been such a meaningful journey for me and I hope the same for you.

And if you're still feeling the itch to organize a bit more (or maybe you're just getting started!), today’s post is for you. I’m sharing some helpful articles about decluttering and simple habits that can make a big difference—not just in your craft room, but throughout your home.

Here are some great reads with encouraging, bite-sized ideas for simplifying your space and clearing out the clutter:

• The 10-Items-a-Day Decluttering Challenge
• The Best Decluttering Tips of 2024
• Daily Habits That Prevent Clutter Before It Starts
• The No-Contact Decluttering Method

These articles are quick and motivating reads—perfect for sipping coffee and making a little game plan for your space.

Craft Room Decluttering Tips for Paper Crafters

If your craft space feels a little overwhelming, here are a few basics that can help you get things back to inspiring (instead of stressful):

1. Start Small: Choose one drawer, shelf, or bin at a time.
2. Group Like with Like: Keep all your embellishments, ribbons, stamps, or paper types in their own containers.
3. Label What You Can See: Clear containers with labels make it easy to know what you have (and actually use it!).
4. Use Vertical Space: Hanging bins, pegboards, or shelves can keep items accessible but off your workspace.
5. Keep a “Gift or Share” Basket: If you find extras, duplicates, or unused supplies, set them aside to bless a friend or grandchild.
6. Cut the Paper Down: Trimming your patterned paper to card-front sizes makes it easier to grab and create!

The most important thing I hope you take away from this week is this...

Your supplies were made to be used and shared.
That beautiful paper you’ve been saving? Cut it. Make a card. Share it with someone who needs a lift.
Those rediscovered embellishments? Bundle them up for a friend or young crafter and spread the joy.

Cleaning out your space doesn’t mean letting go of creativity—it means making more room for it.

If this week’s posts and videos have encouraged you in any way, I’d love to hear from you. What’s one thing you’ve created or shared this week from your stash?

Thank you for coming along with me—now, let’s keep using what we love to make a difference.