It’s time for some happy mail news—one of my favorite kinds of updates!

A big congratulations to Patricia Nicholls, whose name was randomly drawn as the winner of my June giveaway!

She’ll be receiving a copy of Start With Hello by Shannan Martin—a beautiful book filled with stories and reflections on kindness, connection, and building community in everyday ways. It’s one of those reads that just sticks with you and gently nudges you toward building community.

These monthly giveaways are a small way I love to say thank you to this beautiful, creative community. Your support, encouragement, and connection mean the world to me.

Want to be entered into the July giveaway?

Here’s how to get your name in the next drawing:

• Place an order through my Online Store

• Purchase any online class or tutorial

•  Or simply leave a comment on this blog post sharing something you’re doing this summer!

No purchase is necessary—just come say hi and be part of the conversation. That’s what Start With Hello is all about, after all.

Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to pop another happy package in the mail next month!

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

Did you know that March 1 was World Compliment Day?

It’s a sweet little reminder of just how powerful kind words can be. A thoughtful compliment, a little encouragement, or even a simple "I'm thinking of you" can truly brighten someone's day. And what better way to share those uplifting words than with a handmade card?

This week on Ink and Inspirations, we’re all about spreading kindness through paper crafting! I’ll be sharing ideas and inspiration for cards that are perfect for lifting others up—whether it’s a note to encourage a friend, celebrate someone’s strengths, or just let them know how much they mean to you.

You'll be seeing some ideas for these cards created with the Everyday Arches Bundle. I love how the arches dies and their versatility and work well for our theme for the week.  So, stay tuned this week for card ideas, inspiration, and little ways you can use your creativity to make someone’s day extra special. A handmade card is more than just paper and ink—it’s a paper hug!

At Ink and Inspirations, we know that February isn’t just about romantic love—it’s also a time to celebrate the special friendships that fill our lives. Whether it’s Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Palentine’s, this season is a beautiful reminder to cherish those who add so much to our lives.

Last week, I had the privilege of sharing the joy of crafting with a wonderful group of ladies (and a few gentlemen!) at a local senior citizens center. We gathered around tables filled with colorful papers, stamps, ribbons, and embellishments, ready to create heartfelt handmade projects to share with friends and loved ones.

There’s something magical about crafting together—especially when it involves laughter, stories, and all the creative things.  As I guided the group through simple and pretty designs, there were smiles and feelings of satisfaction as each worked on their projects.  We all had a wonderful time!  Times like these remind me why I love sharing paper crafting. It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about making something meaningful.

Whether you’re crafting with a group, sending a card to a dear friend, or making a small DIY gift, remember that creativity has no age limit. A handmade card or project is more than just paper and ink—it’s a way to say, "You matter to me."

This week, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your friendships. Whether it’s a longtime friend, a new connection, or someone who could use a little extra kindness, a heartfelt card or small handmade gift can make all the difference.

Stay tuned as I share more ideas for spreading love through handmade creations all week long! And if you’ve ever shared crafting time with a friend or loved one, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

It's the Christmas season and we've been talking about managing stress and overwhelm.  The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with those we love—but they can also bring a little extra mess into our homes. Between the decorations, the festive meals, and the bustle of daily life, it’s easy for clutter to sneak up on us.

But the good news is, keeping your home tidy during the busy holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple 20-minute evening routine can help keep things in check, allowing you to enjoy the season without feeling like you’re constantly cleaning up after it.

Here’s a stress-free, easy-to-follow evening routine that can help you maintain a tidy home during the holidays:

1. Clear Off Flat Surfaces

Take 5 minutes to quickly go around and clear any clutter from countertops, tables, and other flat surfaces. Holiday décor and daily life can leave things scattered, so this simple task can instantly make a room feel cleaner. Put away mail, empty cups, and stray items that tend to collect throughout the day. If there are things that don’t belong, set them aside to deal with tomorrow.

2. Do a Quick Dish Round-Up

Spend 5 minutes tidying up the kitchen. If there are dirty dishes in the sink or leftover items on the counter from dinner, quickly wash them or load them into the dishwasher. Even if you’re not able to get everything done, just clearing out the sink and wiping down counters can make a big difference. The kitchen is one of the most used spaces during the holidays, and starting with a clean slate can make your mornings feel calmer.

3. Tidy Up the Living Room

Dedicate a few minutes to picking up the living room. Fluff the pillows, fold any blankets, and straighten out the chairs. If there are toys, books, or other items scattered around, gather them and place them in their designated spots. This small act will create a peaceful environment for you to relax in at the end of the day.

4. Wipe Down Bathroom Surfaces

Bathrooms can get a lot of traffic during the holidays, with guests coming in and out. Take 3 minutes to quickly wipe down bathroom counters, sinks, and mirrors. This doesn’t have to be a deep clean, just a quick once-over to make everything look fresh. A clean bathroom will make a big difference when you need to freshen up or prepare for the day ahead.

5. Pick Up Holiday Clutter

With all the holiday activities going on, it’s easy for little bits of décor, wrapping supplies, or holiday cards to accumulate. Spend a few minutes picking up any stray holiday-related items and putting them in their proper place. If there are things you haven’t gotten to yet—like wrapping gifts or sorting through cards—put them in a basket or box to deal with when you have more time.

6. Set Yourself Up for Tomorrow

Take a moment to set yourself up for a smooth morning. Lay out your clothes for the next day, prep the coffee pot, or make sure your bag is packed and ready to go. This can be a great way to feel prepared and less stressed in the morning which are usually busy times in most households.

7. Do a Quick Sweep of the Entryway

The entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home, so spending 2-3 minutes tidying here will make a big impact. If you have guests coming over, this is especially helpful. It’s a small task that takes hardly any time but gives your home a welcoming feel.

8. Take a Few Deep Breaths and Enjoy Your Clean Space

Finally, take a moment to appreciate the work you’ve done. The holiday season can feel chaotic, but by sticking to this short, evening routine, you’ll end each day with a sense of calm. Light a candle or play some soft music, and enjoy the peacefulness of your tidy space. You’ve earned it!

During the holiday season, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. Between the family activities, crafting projects, meal preparation, keeping the house "together"...it can all get to be a bit much.  But, there are simple ways to keep your stress in check and make this season both peaceful and joyful.

1. Create a “Holiday Haven” for Yourself
   Designate a quiet, cozy space where you can unwind. This could be a favorite reading chair by the window or a corner with a holiday candle burning. Whether it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa just sitting in quiet, giving yourself a break can help recharge your batteries.

2. Share the Experience with Loved Ones
   The holidays are all about connection, so why not share some of the tasks with those closest to you? Whether it’s baking cookies, wrapping gifts, or just chatting while you decorate or tidy up the house, spending time with loved ones can turn a stressful task into something fun.

3. Allow Yourself Some Grace
   During the holidays, it’s easy to feel like you need to be the one who does it all and does it perfectly. But the truth is, no one expects that! Remembering that it’s the thought and care behind what you do that counts, not how flawless everything looks.

4. Make Your Own Holiday Traditions
   Create simple traditions that bring you joy without adding extra pressure. It might be something as small as writing one holiday card a day or gathering the family to watch a favorite Christmas movie together. (Did you read about my White Christmas Party with "my girls" on Facebook?) These times will add to the magic of the season and give you something to look forward to.

5. Focus on the Joy of Giving, Not the Quantity
   Gift-giving doesn’t have to be over-the-top or overwhelming.  Whether it’s a handmade gift, a heartfelt letter, or a shared experience, the thought behind your gift is what will make it special, not the price tag or the number of presents.

6. Keep Things Simple
   You don’t need to overcomplicate things to have a wonderful holiday. Sometimes, less is more—whether it’s with your decorations, meals, or even your holiday attire. Simplifying can help you focus on enjoying the season.

7. Remind Yourself of the True Heart of the Season
   When things feel chaotic, take a step back and remember why we celebrate the holidays.  Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. It’s a time to express gratitude, share joy, and spend time with those we love. 

8. End the Season with Reflection and Gratitude
   As the holiday season winds down, take a moment to reflect on all the memories and of course, take a look at all the photos you've taken for your memory keeping. Capture your favorite memories for your scrapbook and take time to write down special moments while it's fresh in your memory. It’s a great way to close out the year with a sense of peace and appreciation.

By focusing on what truly brings you joy, giving yourself permission to rest, and embracing simple tasks, you can enjoy a peaceful holiday season. 

Take a deep breath, cherish the small moments, and let this season be one that brings you warmth and joy.

Jackie and I hope that you all have an enjoyable day! Happy Labor Day to our U.S. friends!

The first three people that place an order with me to today will receive a surprise package in the mail from me!

To place your order, call me at 409.719.2853  or order online HERE!

Good luck!  I will contact you if you are one of the three!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," is a traditional Christian holiday that marks the day before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday. It is celebrated with parades, parties, and festivities in many countries around the world, but is most famously associated with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mardi Gras is known for its colorful costumes, elaborate masks, and vibrant street celebrations, which include music, dancing, and the tossing of beads and other trinkets to parade-goers. The holiday is a time for fun and feasting before the solemnity of Lent begins, making it a joyous and festive occasion for people of all ages to come together and celebrate.

Although the city of New Orleans is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, our area in Southeast Texas has its own Mardi Gras celebrations.

This past weekend, we attended a parade and a dance and had so much fun with our family.

Have a great Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)!

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!