In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a creative outlet can be a true blessing. For many, paper crafting is a delightful way to express themselves artistically. Jump into the world of paper crafting as we explore the benefits that make it such a loved activity, perfectly tailored for our creative souls.

Unleashing Creativity

At its core, paper crafting is an art form that allows individuals to unleash their creativity and bring their imaginative ideas to life. Whether it's designing handmade cards, creating beautiful scrapbook layouts, or crafting personalized gifts, the possibilities are limitless. The experience of working with paper, combined with the colors and patterns available, transforms each project into a unique masterpiece.

Relaxation and Therapeutic Joy

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of peace is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Paper crafting offers a therapeutic escape, allowing crafters to immerse themselves in a calming and mindful activity. The process of cutting, stamping, and assembling can be meditative, providing an opportunity to de-stress and find joy in the present moment. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a project adds an extra layer of satisfaction to this therapeutic journey.

Building Connections through Social Crafting

While paper crafting often starts as a personal endeavor, it has the incredible power to bring people together. Joining a crafting community or attending workshops and events creates opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity. The joy of swapping ideas, tips, and finished projects turns paper crafting into a social activity that fosters friendships and a sense of belonging. Together, we celebrate the beauty of handmade creations and the shared love for this art form.

As we embark on this journey of creativity and self-discovery through paper crafting, let's relish the unique benefits it brings into our lives. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just beginning to explore the world of paper, there's a wealth of inspiration waiting to be discovered. Happy crafting!

Here we are... two days before Christmas and hopefully, all is ready except for those last-minute Christmas to-dos!  This is for you if you need a cute idea for a gift card, cash, or hot chocolate packet!

Here's the recording from this week's LIVE!

Lisa's Inklings:

• Cut cardstock at 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". Score at 4 1/4" and burnish.
• Make a tick mark on the card front right side at 2 3/4".  Cut as seen in the video.
• Cut designer paper at 4" x  5 1/8".  Make a tick mark at 2 1/2" on the right side and cut as seen in the video.
• You can embellish and decorate however you'd like!  Try it!

Featured Products:

• Sending Cheer Bundle (English) [162053]
• Traditions Of St. Nick 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [162355]

Be sure to follow me on Facebook on my page HERE and join my private group HERE.
Enjoy and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

This is an easy stocking stuffer idea for stick candy that you can make with supplies that you have at home.

This project is the Christmas re-make of a Halloween project shared earlier this year.

Here are the details for you to cut and assemble:

• Cut Designer Paper to 8 3/4" x 12". The designer paper used on this project is the Traditions Of St. Nick 12" X 12"Designer Series Paper [162355].
• Score at 1/2" on each long side.
• Note the direction of the pattern of your choice of paper for the outside of the holder. Score 4  3/4" from the bottom of the pattern.  Fold on the score line.  The short side is the front and the direction of your pattern should be going the right way.
• The St. Nick used for the front embellishment was fussy cut from designer paper. You could also stamp, cut, punch, or die-cut an image.
• The sentiment was stamped with the Stars At Night Bundle [162007] and fussy cut.  Fussy Cut = Cut out with scissors. :)
• The Silver and White 1/2" Sheer Ribbon [162149] was colored with the dark shade from the Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154890].

I hope you will try this little stocking stuffer!  Besides stick candy, you can also insert a fun pen or pencil, narrow lip gloss, nail file, or a highlighter.  If you'd like to insert something a little larger you could increase the width to 3" but keep in mind the diameter still needs to be about 1/2" x 3/4". We would love to see what you create with this idea!  Post over on our Ink and Inspirations Stampers Group on Facebook so we can all be inspired.

Christmas is a week away and if you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift, look no further! Here at Ink and Inspirations, we are delighted to offer gift certificates. 
These versatile certificates are available in any amount, making them the ideal choice for any occasion—whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just a "thinking of you" moment.
 
Why Choose Gift Certificates?
Stampin’ Up! products are known for their quality and endless creative possibilities. A gift certificate allows your loved ones to choose exactly what they need or desire from the Stampin’ Up! catalog or online store ensuring a personalized and thoughtful present.  
Or, if you know someone who could use a great idea as a gift for you, ask for a gift certificate for a Stampin' Up! order and share our contact information!
 
How to Purchase: 


Getting a gift certificate to apply toward a Stampin' Up! order through us is a breeze! Simply reach out through [email protected] or 409-719-2853 to request yours. Payment via PayPal or Venmo is accepted.  
 
After purchasing the gift certificate, we will email a digital copy to the email address provided by the buyer that can be printed and either wrapped or tucked inside a card! The recipient can redeem by calling or emailing Lisa and the amount will be applied to the total of their order.

Don't wait—gift certificates are available now. Let the creative adventures begin!

These Beary Cute bears want to wish some special some a very special Christmas with this Lip Balm Holder with a grapefruit-flavored Lip Balm!

This project was featured on this week's LIVE video and is one that can be made simply with little fuss.  Decorate and embellish as you wish or just let the designer paper do the work.  We know you have some in your stash, right?

Below is the link to the edited recording of the video with the assembly.  Read on for the details of this lip balm holder so that you can create your own!

Details:

• Choose your designer paper first.  Then, choose one of the colors in the paper for your base.
• Cut base card stock: 3 1/2" x 5 1/2". Score: 2 3/8" and 3 1/8" on the 5 1/2" side.
• Cut ribbon to 15".  Remember to attach this to the outside of the base first before adhering the designer paper.
• Cut another piece of the same color card stock at 1" x 3".  Score at 3/4" and 2 1/4" on the 3" side.  This will be the holder for the lip balm. Adhere to the inside of the base as seen in the video before adhering designer paper.
• Cut designer paper: (1) 3 1/4" x 1/2" wide for the spine.  Cut (2) at 2 1/8" x 3 1/4" and (2) in a coordinating pattern at 2 1/8" x 3 1/4" for the inside.
• Embellish/decorate as desired.

Now you are ready to make your own! This fits nicely in a stocking and is a welcome gift during our winter months here in the Northern Hemisphere.  Comment below if you will be making one or several of these stocking stuffer lip balm holders.

We are all super busy so I have a quick project for you! Make this easy lip balm holder with supplies that you have on hand! This makes a great stocking stuffer!
Tune in on Thursday, December 14th
7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, 4 PM PT
You may watch the LIVE on YouTube or Facebook.
Hope to see you then!

P.S.  FREE Shipping today only from Stampin' Up! on orders of $75 or more!

Here's an easy addition to your holiday table to impress your guests...custom, embossed designer napkins!

That's right!  You can very easily dress up your tablescape or buffet table using some solid colored napkins,  your Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine, and some embossing folders.

The red napkins above are embossed with the Merry Melody 3 D Embossing Folder [156392]. Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder [162026].

This technique can be used for any occasion at any time of year.  Below is a video from the past with a demonstration of how it's done.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Look for cocktail-size napkins to fit in your wide embossing folders.
• You can find these solid-colored cocktail napkins and most dollar stores.  This year I found these at Hobby Lobby.
• These embossed napkins make a sweet hostess or friend gift.
• When browsing the online store for embossing folders, keep these napkins in mind!

Here are the embossing folders used on this post. Your ongoing support means the world to me. Every order placed in my online store makes it possible for me to continue doing what I love - sharing the joy of crafting!

• Merry Melody 3 D Embossing Folder [156392]
• Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder [162026]
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]

What embossing folder will you use for your designer napkins?  Dress up your holiday table and impress your guests this season with custom embossed designer napkins!

Here's a box idea with with a slim shape making it just right for a stocking stuffer.

Fill with candies, hand cream, hand sanitizer, pens or pencils, highlighters, votive candles...lots of possibilities!

This is a remake of a Halloween box from September.  You can see the video with the assembly on that blog post.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Pretty Peacock Cardstock [150880] 8 1/2" x 11".  Score on 11" side at 2", 9", and 10 1/2". Score on the 8 1/2" side at 2", 4", 6", and 8".
• A Walk In The Forest Designer Series Paper [162377]: (4) 1 3/4" x 6 3/4" and fussy cut tree from another sheet in the collection.
• Basic White Cardstock [159276]: Scrap for 2" circle punchand sentiment.
• Real Red Cardstock [102482]: Scrap for Decorative Circle Punch.
  

Below are the supplies used on this project.  Each order placed through my online store is a vote of confidence in my passion for paper crafting. Your support for my small business fills my heart with gratitude.
Product List

Beary Cute Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[162016]

Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[150880]

A Walk In The Forest 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[162377]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[102482]

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

[147084]

2" (5.1 Cm) Circle Punch

[133782]

Decorative Circle Punch

[159174]

Blooming Pearls

[162238]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

Paper Snips

[103579]

Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" (1 Cm) Ribbon Combo Pack

[159577]

Now it's your turn! Create this slim box and post a picture over on our Ink and Inspirations Stampers Group.
Have some fun getting ready for the holiday with this project and stay tuned for more ideas coming your way here on Ink and Inspirations.

As the wind begins to chill and the scent of cinnamon and baking cookies fill the air, it's time to jump into the festive spirit of December. Here are some heartwarming activities to add to your calendar, perfect for creating cherished memories during the most wonderful time of the year:

• Caroling Delight: Gather friends and family for a magical evening of caroling in your neighborhood. Bring the joy of Christmas right to the doorstep of your community.

• Crafting Magic Moments: Engage in Christmas crafts with your children or grandchildren. Try handmade ornaments with your crafting supplies and create timeless keepsakes.

• Deck the Halls: Transform your home into a winter wonderland with delightful decorations. Use your creative knowledge and fill every corner with the season's warmth.

• Candlelit Church Socials: Attend church socials and festivities for a spiritual and heartwarming experience. The unity and love shared during these events truly capture the essence and spirit of Christmas.

• Harmony in the Air: Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Christmas concerts. Whether it's a local choir or a grand symphony, let the music of the season resonate in your heart.

• Sparkling Tree Lightings: Witness the magic of your town coming alive with the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. Attend tree lighting ceremonies for a special start to the holiday season.

December is not just a month; it's a collection of moments that become treasured memories. Embrace these activities to make your holiday season truly special and stay tuned for more ideas from Ink and Inspirations to help make your holiday extra special!