As we lean into summer and look ahead to the Fourth of July, I’ve been thinking about the little traditions and interactions that help shape how the next generation sees our country and what it means to celebrate freedom, family, and community.

With our granddaughters visiting this week, we’ve already talked about fireworks and flags, and I’ve pulled out a few red, white, and blue craft supplies for some simple decorations. But I also want them to understand that this day is about more than sparklers and fun in the sun. It’s about gratitude, history, and the many people who have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

If you’re looking for gentle, age-appropriate ways to talk about patriotism and the Fourth of July with children or grandchildren, I found this beautiful article that’s full of thoughtful perspective:

 Patriotism for Children: Teaching the Heart of the Fourth of July

It touches on how to nurture a healthy love for our country in a way that includes reflection, appreciation, and service—concepts even young children can grasp when shared with love and care.

As you prep for July 4th crafts or family gatherings, I hope this inspires you to take the celebration one step deeper. 🇺🇸

Have a favorite Fourth of July tradition or memory you love sharing with your kids or grands? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!

Today’s project is an oldie but goodie...a cheerful summer card featuring one of my favorite fun folds; the easel card!

This design is a great way to send something extra special that can be displayed and enjoyed. Whether you’re crafting for a birthday, thank-you, or just because, this fold adds a special touch.

Watch the video tutorial from the archives below and give it a try with what you have on hand!

I’ll be refreshing this idea soon with a new batch of summer products that I can’t wait to share!
Have you ever made an easel card before? I’d love to see what you create!
Be sure to share your project over in our Ink and Inspirations Stampers group on Facebook!

This week, our house is full in the best possible way! All three of our granddaughters are visiting, along with our daughter and son-in-law, and our hearts are full. There will be times spent playing at the river, little hands in the craft room, and lots of fun to be had by all.

While I won’t be at my craft desk quite as much this week, I’ll still be showing up here with inspiration and creative ideas for your summer. It's my goal to stay connected with you and help spark joy in your crafting, even while I soak in this precious time with family.

Here’s what you can expect this week:

• A few favorite past projects you may have missed or want to revisit

• Some easy summer crafting tips—especially if you're crafting with kids or grands

• A few behind-the-scenes peeks into our week (because real life is worth sharing!)

• And reminders of seasonal supplies that might help you get a head start on summertime celebrations

Even when life is busy, we can still find little moments of creativity and I’ll be here cheering you on.

Be sure to follow along on social media, and if you’re crafting something special this week, I’d love to see it! Drop a comment or tag me so we can all enjoy your beautiful work.

Here’s to a joyful, memory-filled week! ---Lisa

Looking for a fun way to celebrate the summer season? Today I’m sharing a quick and easy patriotic banner project...and the best part? My sweet granddaughter, Mia, helped me make it!

This is a great activity to do with kids or grandkids, and it can easily be modified for different age levels. Whether you’re decorating for the 4th of July or simply adding some red, white, and blue cheer to your summer décor, this little banner adds the perfect handmade touch.

With just a few supplies...some cardstock, ribbon, and letter dies...you can make a custom banner in no time. Let the littles help by choosing papers, placing letters, or threading the pieces together!

Crafting memories and décor? That’s a win-win.
Happy summer creating and enjoy your time with the littles!

Oh, Happy Day! This cheerful little pocket is perfect for the 4th of July—but don’t let the stars and colors fool you; the basic concept works for any occasion!

In this short video, I’m showing how to create a treat pocket or party favor using just a square of patterned paper, a little adhesive, and your favorite dies or embellishments. Whether you’re crafting for a backyard barbecue, birthday celebration, or handing out little “just because” gifts to neighbors or grandkids, this pocket is the perfect size for a sweet treat, note, or small gift.

Patriotic today, but picture this for:

• Christmas stocking stuffers

• Halloween classroom treats

• Wedding or baby shower favors

• Birthday party goodies

• Even sweet random acts of kindness notes tucked into someone’s mailbox. 

Product List

With You In Mind Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[164747]

Choose Happy Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[163701]

Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad

[147138]

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

[147084]

Make your own and let me know for what occasion! I would love for you to share it in our community group, Ink and Inspirations Stampers!

This week we're kicking off some summer fun at Ink and Inspirations, and you’re invited to join in! We’ll be jumping  into patriotic projects, easy summer decor ideas, and meaningful activities to enjoy with the grands all using our favorite Stampin’ Up! supplies, of course. :) 

Since I will be pulling out my patriotic summer decor in the next few days, our focus this week will be on the red, white, and blue! And, I'll be sharing some favorites from the past.

PLUS... I’ll be weaving in quick summer tips over the next few weeks to help you enjoy the season. These aren’t just “red, white, and blue” ideas; they’re for your whole summer and to help you enjoy it to the fullest.

Stay tuned for ideas that are festive and easy to make and let's make the most of  the good old summertime!

What’s one thing you love most about summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Today’s Birthday Week feature is a little makeover magic with a card project from several years ago. I gave it a fresh update using current favorites: the Unbounded Love stamp set and the Beautiful Gallery Designer Series Paper.

This card is a slim tent fun fold, a unique style that stands beautifully for display. The floral patterns from the Beautiful Gallery DSP add soft elegance, and the updated sentiment from Unbounded Love fits perfectly on the Stylish Shapes circle.

While the fold may look fancy, it’s really easy to assemble and I’ve included the original video tutorial below to guide you through the steps.

Cardmaking Tip: Fun folds like this one are a great way to reuse layouts you’ve loved in the past while showcasing new products in a fresh way.  Remix your designs and have fun!

Whether you’re crafting for birthdays, thank-yous, or just to bless someone with a handmade note, this card layout is sure to be a favorite!

We continue my birthday week with an easy way to add some fun to your celebrations. If you’re looking for a quick way to make your next one feel a little more special, these handmade treat/party favor bags are a perfect choice!

In today’s video, I’m demonstrating two fun styles of these pocket-style treat bags. With some patterned paper, a few punches or die cuts, and some small goodies to tuck inside, you can make these thoughtful favors that will add a fun touch to your celebrations.

These are especially fun for kids’ birthdays but can be easily adapted for any age or occasion. Add a name or sentiment to personalize it even more.

Here are a few ideas for filling your treat bags:
• Lollipops or wrapped candy
• Glow sticks or pencils
• Small toys or erasers
• Post it notes and pens (for a grown-up version!)

Whether you're making party favors for a grandchild’s birthday or favors for any celebration, these little bags are a great way to add your handmade touch.

Watch the video below and get inspired to create your own!

Use some supplies from your stash or order some papers that will match your color scheme to create some of these treat favor packets for your next party!

Looking for a sweet and simple way to add a handmade touch to a birthday celebration? Today’s project is an easy birthday banner made with the beautiful Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper and it’s as fun to make as it is to share!

Each panel features pretty pastel colors, gorgeous florals, and shimmering gold accents. I kept the design simple so it comes together quickly with no complicated cutting or layering needed.  The punch out images with the panels from the specialty paper along with some ribbon from your stash for hanging make this banner a touch of handmade charm for your décor without taking hours to assemble.

What I love most about a banner like this is how it can transform even a small celebration into something special. Whether you’re hanging it for a family dinner, a grandchild’s birthday party, or a sweet friend’s celebration at a favorite restaurant, that handmade touch truly makes it special.

Grab the Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper in my online store and create your own beautiful birthday banner!

Stay tuned for more birthday celebration ideas! Wishing you happy crafting and heartfelt birthday celebrations!

For today’s Birthday Week feature, I’m sharing this soft monochromatic birthday card in one of our new In Colors, Cloud Cover.  This design is simple to put together yet just right to create for a special someone’s big day.

In this card, I combined soft patterned paper with a single stamped floral image from the Gallery Blooms stamp set and a “happy birthday” sentiment layered over top from the Spring Corners stamp set. A sheer, sparkly ribbon bow finishes it off. It’s a card that’s pretty, peaceful, and full of handmade heart.

 You can watch the short video on YouTube HERE.

Whether you love working in monochrome or you’re looking for a quick and classic birthday card idea, I hope this inspires you to look through your supplies and create something beautiful to make a difference in someone’s life!

It’s my birthday week, and what better way to celebrate than with a full week of creative inspiration for birthday projects.

Whether it’s a handmade card, a sweet party favor, or a decorative banner, birthdays offer the perfect opportunity for us paper crafters to add a little extra love and creativity into our celebrations. Over the next several days, I’ll be sharing birthday-themed projects and ideas to inspire you to craft along with me. You’ll see cards, treat/favor packaging and even a simple birthday banner.

I’ll even be sharing a few party memories and ideas inspired by my sweet granddaughters’ past birthday celebrations so be sure you’re following me on Facebook.  

As crafters, we know that it’s not just about the gifts or the cake but about the love we put into the details that makes it truly special.

So whether you’re preparing for a grandchild’s party, a friend’s birthday, or your own celebration, I hope this week’s ideas will encourage you to add your handmade touch. Because when we share what we create, we’re also sharing joy, connection, and making lasting memories.

Let’s make this birthday week one to remember—stay tuned for all the fun!

If you’ve ever wished for a creative weekend away—without packing a bag—this is your invitation!

I’m excited to share something brand-new from Stampin’ Up! that has memory keepers everywhere buzzing… it’s the Virtual Album Retreat, and you’re invited to join from the comfort of your own home!

When: July 16–18, 2025

Time: 2:00–10:30 PM (MT) each day

Where: Private Facebook Group (you’ll get access once you purchase the kit!)

This three-day retreat is a one-of-a-kind experience where you’ll craft right along with the Stampin’ Up! team and fellow scrapbookers from all over. Using the Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 kit, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the creation of a 12-spread scrapbook album—all while enjoying some fun surprises and giveaways sprinkled throughout the event.

Here’s what you need to know:

* No registration required. Simply purchase the kit, and you’ll receive access to the private Facebook group where the event will stream live.

* Kits are limited! So don’t wait—order early to make sure you have your kit in time.

*Ordering begins: May 28, 2025

*Kit price: $250

*Item Number: 167338

Note: Album not included.

The kit includes exclusive stamp sets, precut papers, cardstock, embellishments, and more. You’ll also want to gather a few extra crafting supplies (most of which you likely already have in your stash!). I’ve listed all the suggested inks, adhesives, tools below:

TO COMPLETE THE ALBUM, YOU WILL NEED

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES ON HAND:

INK

■ Cherry Cobbler

Classic Stampin’ Pad™ (147083)

■ Darling Duckling

Classic Stampin’ Pad (165277)

■ Garden Green

Classic Stampin’ Pad (147089)

■ Lost Lagoon

Classic Stampin’ Pad (161678)

■ Misty Moonlight

Classic Stampin’ Pad (153118)

■ Mossy Meadow

Classic Stampin’ Pad (147111)

■ Pecan Pie

Classic Stampin’ Pad (161665)

■ Pumpkin Pie

Classic Stampin’ Pad (147086)

■ Soft Sea Foam

Classic Stampin’ Pad (147102)

■ Stampin’ Journaling Pen (166647)

■ Tuxedo Black Memento™ Ink Pad (132708)

TOOLS

■ Bone Folder (102300)

■ Clear Block B (117147)

■ Clear Block D (118485)

■ Clear Block H (118490)

■ Paper Snips Scissors (103579)**

■ Paper Trimmer (152392)

■ Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199)

or sturdy cardboard***

OTHER

■ Eraser

■ Masking tape or sticky notes

■ Pencil

■ Ruler

■ Scratch paper

■ Stamp cleaning supplies

■ 1"  circle punch or die (optional)

■ 1/4"  or 1/2" (1.3 cm)

circle punch or die (optional)

COLORING TOOLS

■ Blending Brushes (153611)*

ADHESIVES

■ Foam Adhesive Strips (141825)

■ Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)

■ Stampin’ Dimensionals™ (104430)

■ Stampin’ Seal (152813)

*We will use Blending Brushes on six different colors.

**In addition to regular cutting, we will use the tips of the

Paper Snips Scissors to cut slits in some of the Memory Protectors™. If you aren’t using these specific scissors, you

may also need a craft knife.

***The cardboard must be able to fit inside a 12" x 12" Memory Protector. If it doesn’t fit, you may not be able to complete some of the crafting techniques.

Can’t watch live? No worries! All sessions will be recorded and available in the Facebook group after the event.

This is such a fun way to spend time doing what we love—preserving memories, learning new techniques, and connecting with a creative community. Whether you’re a long-time scrapbooker or just getting started, this event is for you.

Ready to join the fun?
Click here to purchase your kit and learn more! 

Here is the blog post with my edits to sound more like me:

Today’s project is a simple idea is a versatile handmade tag that can be used as bouquet tags, gift toppers, or even bookmarks.

This little set of three was created as a tag for gifts for a recent dance recital, using a retired dance stamp set and personalized with the Mini Alphabet Dies.

The single floral tag was made using the Gallery Blooms stamp set—currently available and full of pretty floral images that are perfect for spring and summer crafting. I paired it with the Textured Notes Dies to create the tag base and again added a name using the Mini Alphabet Dies. This one was given as a sweet bookmark.

Whether you’re recognizing a performance, marking a special day, or just want to add something extra to a gift, a personalized tag like this will add a special touch of charm. You can tailor the colors and sentiment to suit any occasion.

You’ll find many of the tools and supplies used for these tags like the Gallery Blooms stamp set and Mini Alphabet Dies are available now in my Online Store.

Happy crafting, and remember those little handmade touches make all the difference!

For this week’s Premiere video, we continued our Father’s Day crafting with a handmade gift box that’s perfect for the special guys in your life! Whether you’re crafting for Dad, Grandpa, your husband, or another father figure, this simple box is sure to bless him.

In this video, I’ll walk you through the steps to create this box, featuring the Beautiful Gallery Designer Series Paper and a bold “Happy Father’s Day” sentiment from the Trusty Tools Stamp Set . We’ll also chat about a few thoughtful gift ideas to tuck inside to make it an extra special gift.

This project is easy to personalize and makes a wonderful presentation for:

• Mini treats 
• A heartfelt note or keepsake
• For the golfer- Mini pack of tees and a gift card to his favorite course or sporting goods store.
• For the fly fisherman- An assortment of flies and lures for his next fishing trip
• For the reader: Amazon or book store gift card
• For anyone: Gift Card to favorite restaurant 
• For the sports fan: Tickets to watch his favorite team
• For the movie buff: Gift card to a local theatre

Lisa’s Inklings:

• For Box: Start with a 6 x 6 piece of card stock.  Score on one side at 1/2, 2 3/4, 3 1/4, and 5 1/2 inches.  Turn to score at 1/2 and 5 1/2 inches.
• For outside of box: Cut patterned paper at 4 3/4 x 2 inches. I used a 1/2” strip of card stock for sentiment.

Need supplies? Visit my Online Store here and get what you need to make a special gift presentation for the Dads in your life.

Let’s make a mini gift box for Father’s Day.

Join us for our Premiere video today so you can make your own!
4PM ET, 3PM CT, 2 PM MT, 1 PM PT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/LisaBrownInk

or

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/inkandinspirations/