If you’ve been paper crafting for a while, chances are you’ve got a little stash. Okay... maybe a big stash. A beautiful collection of patterned paper, ribbons, embellishments, and bits and pieces you’ve held onto “just in case” or because they were too pretty to use.

Sound familiar to you?

You’re not alone, friend. I’ve been there, too. That’s why this week on Ink and Inspirations, I’m embracing a little spring refresh with a focus on decluttering, organizing, and most importantly—using  the supplies we already have.

There’s something so satisfying about clearing out our creative space, not just to tidy up, but to make room for the fresh and the new. I’ve been going through drawers, bags, and finding things I forgot I had! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I’m choosing to let go of the guilt and lean into cleaning out and creating with my stash.

Why This Matters

When we use our supplies, we’re honoring the intention behind every little purchase. That patterned paper you fell in love with? It’s time to let it shine! The ribbons and embellishments that have been tucked away? Let’s bring them into the light and put them to good use.

You’ll see behind-the-scenes peeks from my own craft space this week, plus simple card ideas, stash-busting gift projects...ways to help you love your paper and other supplies all over again.

And if you feel a little tug to buy something new down the road? You can do it guilt-free—because you’ve made space and already made use and created something beautiful with what you have.

Let’s clear the clutter and create with joy together.  Be sure to check back throughout the week, and join me in the Ink and Inspirations Stampers Facebook Group to share your progress and projects!

Today’s spotlight from the Last Chance List is another favorite that I've used many times — the You Are Beautiful stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

This set is all about encouragement, faith, and beauty  both in design and in message. This sample featured was from last week's LIVE with one of the beautiful scripture sentiments from the set, Proverbs 3:5–6, layered over that beautiful Blackberry Bliss plaid pattern with hand-stamped foliage.

During my LIVE video demonstration,  I walked through how to create it. You can find that video  by visiting this blog post.

The You Are Beautiful set is now officially retiring — and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. If you've been looking for a meaningful sentiment set that’s perfect for encouragement and faith-based cards this is one you'll want in your collection.

Click here to shop the Online Store for this stamp set and browse all the other retiring goodies, as well.

Thanks for stopping by today  and remember... you are beautiful, and your handmade cards make a difference. — Lisa

We continue to stroll down Last Chance Lane this week with another personal favorite — the Country Flowers Bundle from Stampin’ Up!

This one has been such a joy to create with. The images are sweet and so much fun to color. Whether you’re using watercolor pencils, Stampin’ Blends, or ink and a blender pen, these florals really come to life on your card fronts.

One of my featured projects from last week’s LIVE video uses this exact bundle and I just had to bring it back around today in case you missed it. Here's your gentle reminder that the Country Flowers Bundle is officially on the Last Chance List, which means it’s only available while supplies last.

Watch the replay of the LIVE video below for step-by-step instructions and a peek at how versatile this set can be!

The coordinating dies make it easy to add dimension and special details to your designs.  If you've been thinking about adding this bundle to your collection, now is the time!

Grab the Country Flowers Bundle before it retires:
Country Flowers Bundle

I’ll be back soon with more project favorites as we continue highlighting retiring products from the catalog. Be sure to follow along — and don’t wait too long if something catches your eye! 

Happy stamping,
Lisa

Exciting news, friends!

Starting later today, April 15, 2025, Stampin’ Up! is rolling out a brand-new Stampin’ Rewards program, and it’s designed to reward YOU for doing what you already love—shopping for your favorite creative goodies!

Here’s what you need to know:

You’ll Now Earn 10% Rewards on Orders of $20+

Yep, you read that right! Once you opt in to the new Stampin’ Rewards program, you’ll earn 10% back on every qualifying order of $20 or more (before tax and shipping). That’s like getting a mini treat with every cart you check out!

Here’s How It Works:

• Place any order of $20 or more
• Opt in to the rewards program when prompted (starting 4/15)
• Earn 10% of your product total back in rewards
• Redeem rewards on your next order or save them up and use within a year!

Your rewards are tracked automatically in your Stampin’ Up! online account, so there’s no need to write anything down or keep track manually. Just shop, earn, and redeem when you're ready!

Heads-Up for April 15th:

The Stampin’ Up! site will be down starting at 8 AM MT for about 6 hours as they make this new update. After that? It's reward time!

Don't Miss Out—Here's What You Need to Do:

• Make sure you have a customer account in the online store
• Don’t check out as a guest—you’ll miss out on your rewards!
• When prompted, opt in to the program to start earning
• Place your order with me, and start building those rewards.

If you’ve been ordering from me as a guest, now’s the perfect time to create your account so you don’t miss out.

Let’s earn while we create and treat ourselves to something fun on our next order. You deserve it! 

Books are already such thoughtful gifts—but when you wrap them in something handmade? That’s next-level special.

Today I’m sharing a quick peek at a sweet project I’m loving right now: another pocket-style book wrap, perfect for gifting your favorite inspirational or motivational reads. Think of it as a “Blind Date with a Book”… with a crafty twist!

What’s Inside the Pocket?

This wrap is made to hold small, flat items that add a personal touch. Here’s what I tucked into mine:

• A soothing peppermint tea bag

• A scripture card for encouragement

• A handmade bookmark

• A small pad of inspirational sticky notes

It’s like opening a little bookish care package—cozy, comforting, and full of heart.

I used the For The Books Bundle to add stamped images and sweet book-themed touches throughout. The stack of books is one of my favorite images—it’s charming, and totally fitting for this project!

Heads-up: This bundle is currently on Stampin’ Up!’s Last Chance List, so if it’s still on your wishlist, now’s the time to grab it before it retires!

You can catch a short video of this project below, and I’ve also shared a longer video walking you through the full process.

Shop the For The Books Bundle in my online store here and create your own bookish gift for someone special.

I’m so excited to share some happy mail news!

Congratulations to Karen Greenlee, whose name was randomly drawn as the winner of my April giveaway! She’ll be receiving a copy of Start With Hello by Shannan Martin—a book that speaks straight to my heart about kindness, community, and small acts of connection that make a big difference.

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

Want to be entered for the May giveaway?
Here’s how:

• Place an order HERE!
• Purchase an online class.  (This month's class coming soon!)
• Or, simply leave a comment on this blog post sharing something or someone you're grateful for this month!

No purchase is necessary—just jump into the conversation and spread a little love.

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

Today is National Bookmobile Day—and if you’ve ever climbed the steps into one of those magical rolling libraries, you know they’re about more than just books.

Bookmobiles bring access and opportunity right to the people who need it most. In rural areas, small towns, and underserved communities, these mobile libraries still serve as a connection to reading. They offer more than stories; they deliver possibility.

While the world keeps speeding forward, the bookmobile rolls on proving that access to knowledge should never be limited by location or circumstance.

Have you ever visited a bookmobile? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

To mark the day, I created a handmade bookmark using my For the Books Bundle. It’s a sweet little reminder of why stories matter—and the joy of turning real pages. Whether you gift it, keep it, or tuck it inside your next library read, it's a little love note to books and literacy.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Cut Basic White to 2" x 6".  Stamp stack of books with Wild Wheat Ink. Die cut hole at top with die from For the Books Bundle.
• Punch DSP with Modern Oval Punch [162234].
• Die cut book pieces with Pretty Peacock, Wild Wheat, and Basic White CS with dies from For the Books Bundle.
• Assemble as shown.
• Use 2023–2025 In Color Jute Trim [161637] and Linen Thread [104199] through the hole to embellish.

Today’s card is perfect for sending a little love this Easter. Featuring an Easter sentiment from the Storybook Friends Stamp Set and the soft prints panel of the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper, this design is cheerful and heartfelt.

This card is a sweet and simple project that comes together beautifully with a touch of handmade love—just right for the littles...children and grandchildren.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Lost Lagoon Card base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4-1/4".  Layer in the same color cut 4" x 5 1/4".

• Focal image panel (ducks): 3" x 4"

• Wild Wheat Mat for focal panel: 3" x 4-1/4"; another piece of Wild Wheat for sentiment: 1/2" x 1 1/2".

• Inside panel in Basic White: 4" x 5-1/4"

With this simple layout and a few embellishments, you’ll have a card that’s just right for Easter greetings, springtime birthdays, or just sending a smile.

Want to create cards like this one?
You’ll find the Storybook Friends Stamp Set and more springtime supplies in my Online Store.  If you don't have the coordinating Storybook Moments Designer Series Paper, create your own focal point with the stamps from the Storybook Friends stamp set!

Let your creativity bloom this season by sharing your handmade Easter and Spring greetings. 

Who’s ready to add a little handmade charm to your Easter baskets or spring party favors? Today, I’m sharing two fun and simple projects that’s perfect for packaging sweet treats or small gifts for Easter or for any special occasion throughout the year!

These adorable treat packages are all dressed up with images from the Storybook Friends Stamp Set and the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper,. From sweet bunnies to cheerful colors, these packages are sure to bring a smile to some little faces.

In this week’s Premiere Video, you can see step-by-step instructions on how to create both of these cute treat holders:

•  A triangle-shaped treat box
• A classic "sour cream" style pouch

Both designs are easy to customize with your favorite papers and stamps and they come together quickly, making them perfect for classroom treats, party favors, or little surprise gifts for friends and family.

Watch the video tutorial below so you can make these easy treats, too!
Ready to make your own sweet spring treat packaging?

Visit my Online Store to grab the Storybook Friends Stamp Set, the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper, and all the supplies you need to create these fun and festive favors.

Let's make some cute and easy treat packaging for Easter or as a party favor for any occasion. These are all decked out with some cute images from the Storybook Friends stamp set and the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper.

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/LisaBrownInk or Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/inkandinspirations/
Tune in on Thursday, April 3rd
7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, 4PM PT

Featured Products:
Storybook Friends Stamp Set: https://bit.ly/storybook-friends-stamp-set
Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper: https://bit.ly/storybook-moments-specialty-paper

Today, I’m excited to share a simple gift idea that’s perfect for spring (or any time of year!). If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love dressing up pretty kitchen towels or tea towels with a little paper crafting flair.

For this project, I used the Citrus Blooms Bundle along with the gorgeous Mediterranean Blooms Designer Series Paper to create a custom wrap for a soft, citrus-themed kitchen towel. It’s a cheerful, handmade touch that turns an everyday item into something extra special that's perfect for a hostess gift, a friend, or a little pick-me-up for someone you love.

Tip: When creating gift wraps like this, coordinating your colors and textures makes all the difference. The bright lemons and rich blues in the towel coordinate beautifully with Azure Afternoon and Daffodil Delight. 

A little reminder...

The Citrus Blooms Bundle and the Mediterranean Blooms Designer Series Paper  are on the Last Chance List and only available while supplies last! So if you’ve had your eye on these beautiful products, now’s the time to add them to your collection.

Ready to make sweet, simple gifts like this?
Visit my Online Store to shop the Citrus Blooms Bundle  and browse the other treasures on the Last Chance List before they’re gone!

This week, we are continuing our Spring crafting with bright colors and a sunny feel!  Here's another version of the Double Flap Fun Fold Card using the sweet Spring Corners Stamp Set and these springtime colors.

This cheerful card features the sentiment "you brighten my day" on the front, with a sunshine die cut and playful gingham pattern that will make anyone smile. And when you open the flaps, you’ll find a sweet message inside: "happy we are friends." It’s a perfect design for sharing a little love with a friend this spring.

If this card layout looks familiar, it’s because it’s a fresh take on the project I shared in last week’s video premiere! You can catch the full step-by-step video tutorial for this fun fold design in my previous post.
Watch the video here!

You’ll love how easy it is to personalize this fold for any occasion. 

Ready to create your own spring-inspired cards?
Visit my Online Store to grab the supplies you need to make this project and sprinkle a little extra sunshine in someone’s day.

Spring creativity is happening now, and I’m excited to share this sweet card project with you! If you missed our Thursday Premiere, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The recording is now available, and you can watch anytime.

In this video, I walk you through how to create this beautiful Double Flap Fun Fold Card featuring the Spring Corners Stamp Set. This design is a fresh take on a fun fold, perfect for sending encouragement, gratitude, or a thoughtful hello to friends and family.

For this project, I used the soft, pretty colors of the Unbounded Beauty Designer Series Paper and paired with floral patterns and the heartfelt sentiments.

Here’s the recording the video:

Lisa's Inklings:

• Card Base Card Stock: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" ; cut 1 1/4" off card front.
• Patterned Paper for base: 4" x 5 3/8".  Cut at 2 7/8" for the front and use the left over 1 1/8" for the narrow strip on the right "inside". Use a 1/2" x 2 7/8" scrap for the inside piece of Basic White.
• Basic White for inside the card: 2 7/8" x 5 3/8".
• Small Flap Card Stock: 3" x 6". Score at 3". 
• Patterned Paper for small flap: 2 7/8" x 2 7/8". Cut a 1/2" x 2 7/8" piece of Basic White for the sentiment on the front.

Want more ideas like this?
Be sure to sign up for my Ink and Inspirations mailing list to get more spring-themed card inspiration, tutorials, and fun project ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

Let’s keep crafting, encouraging, and spreading light this season—one card at a time! 

The days are getting brighter, the flowers are starting to bloom, and creativity is in full swing! I have the perfect project to share, and I’d love for you to join me for a fun, relaxing half hour of crafting.

Mark your calendar!
Thursday, March 27 at 6 PM CT (7 PM ET | 5 PM MT | 4 PM PT)
Watch on Facebook or YouTube

I’ll be walking you through a beautiful spring-themed fun fold card featuring the Spring Corners Stamp Set—a fresh design that’s easy to customize for any occasion! Whether you need a thank-you card, a birthday greeting, or just a little “thinking of you” note, this fun fold will quickly become a favorite.

This project is perfect for crafters of all levels, so whether you’ve been making cards for years or are just starting, you’ll love learning how to create this card.

Set a reminder, grab your favorite drink, and join me for the premiere! 

See you Thursday evening on Facebook or YouTube!