Summer has a way of filling our calendars with family visits, outdoor fun, birthdays...all kinds of adventures! This week, our family is leaning into all of it! From fishing to hiking to celebrating birthdays and even another visit to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

So, this week, it's about "capturing"  the journey and using our family adventures as inspiration for special crafting moments.  We can all find something special even in the smallest moments...gathering wildflowers for a bouquet, simple memory keeping to preserve some fun family time at a theme park, or celebrating our Mia's 8th birthday.  It’s all about finding the joy and wonder in these summer moments and combining our love of crafting with these. Because sometimes the smallest moments turn into the biggest treasures.

Even if your summer looks quieter or more relaxed than mine, you still have a story to tell. Maybe it’s your grandkids splashing in the sprinkler. Or a Saturday morning walk. Or a quiet evening on the porch with iced tea and a good book. These are your little adventures and can inspire you to create something to preserve the memory or share with others.

Whether you’re crafting by yourself or bringing the grandkids into the fun, I hope my sharing with  you this week sparks fresh ideas that will inspire you to create.

So tell me...what little summer adventure are you enjoying right now?
Leave a comment or send me a message... I’d love to hear!

Earlier this week, I created an easel card using the Cheers & Sips Stamp Set and the Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper. It featured a bright and fruity mocktail design.  As I was putting it together, I thought...this would make a great invitation.  

Not to a party.

Not to anything fancy.

Just a reason to gather.

And that’s exactly what we did.

That evening, we invited a few friends over for a simple porch supper. Nothing complicated—just sandwiches, fresh fruit, and homemade mocktails (inspired by the colors and flavors from the paper, of course!). After we ate, we lingered around the fire pit, swapping stories and catching up. No big production. Just warmth, laughter, and in community.

Here’s the thing:
We often wait for “perfect timing” to connect with others.
We think it has to be elaborate and impressive.
But community is built in the ordinary.
A sandwich supper. A drink with a cherry on top. Lawn chairs around the fire pit.

So today, I want to encourage you to extend an invitation ...maybe not on card stock, but from the heart. You don’t need decorations or even a clean house. Just a little food, a few friendly faces, and a willingness to share time together.

You can view the card that was our inspiration HERE.
And if you'd like to recreate the look, the Cheers & Sips stamp set and Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper is available in my online store.

 May your summer be full of sweet moments like this one.

Today's project is a card that’s just as fun to display as it is to make!

This week's Premiere video features an easel fun fold card using the Cheers & Sips Stamp Set and the colorful Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper. This fold is perfect for propping up your handmade art on a table, shelf, or summer-time table setting. With bold colors, simple layering, and summer beverages, you’ll find it simple to recreate.

Watch the video tutorial below to see it come together step by step. Measurements are in the video for easy reference.

Want to make it even more special? Try pairing it with our handmade coasters  for a themed summer gift!

So grab your supplies and a favorite summer drink, and enjoy some fun crafting time.

Featured:

Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper

Cheers & Sips Stamp Set

Nothing says cheers to summer like colorful coasters especially when they’re handmade by you!

In today’s project, I’m sharing a fun and functional craft using the Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper. These paper-layered coasters are perfect for outdoor entertaining, porch visits, or simply adding some  joy to your kitchen or dining room table.

I’ve included a short video reel so you can see just how quickly these come together. All you need is some chipboard, your favorite patterned paper from the Celebratory Sips DSP, a few images from the Cheers & Sips Bundle and a little adhesive (Mod Podge works THE BEST!).

These coasters would also make  cute gifts when bundled with a handwritten card or mocktail recipe. Pair them with a stamped drink tag and you’ve got the perfect summer hostess treat!

Want to recreate this look? You can find the Celebratory Sips  Designer Series Paper [165586] and coordinating Cheers & Sips Bundle [165594].

 in my online store HERE and HERE!

Let me know in the comments...what drink would you place on your DIY coaster first?

Laughter from across backyard fences, the sound of ice cubes swirling in glasses, city and state parks filled with families on picnics...summer is here!

This week on Ink and Inspirations, we’re taking the celebrations outside with ideas for easy gatherings like porch visits with family and neighbors, outdoor fireside chats, and riverside snack breaks with the grands. I’ll be sharing easy projects for relaxing summer time crafting with the Cheers & Sips Bundle and the Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper. And, to add to the fun, we'll sharing some mocktail drink ideas!

To get started, I’d love to know your favorite outdoor gathering spot..let us know in the comments!

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!