Spring is a wonderful time of the year! More sunshine, colorful blooms, and everything feels just a bit more hopeful. It’s the perfect time to share that  joy into your handmade cards!

Today’s featured card is like sunshine in an envelope! I shared it during last week's LIVE video on Facebook and YouTube, and wanted to give you a closer look. It was created with the precious Spring Corners Bundle and a sunny color combo of Daffodil Delight and Lemon Lolly—two Stampin’ Up! favorites that can brighten your mood.

The sunshine element and sweet sentiment, “you brighten my day,” make this card a beautiful way to lift someone’s spirits, whether it’s a friend, a neighbor, or a family member who could use a little light. The die-cut details and floral background feels just right for this time of year.

If you missed the video, be sure to catch the replay for a full walkthrough on how to make this card from start to finish! 

Ready to bring some spring sunshine to your own craft table?
Visit my Online Store to get the Spring Corners Bundle, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lolly, and all the supplies you need to create this cheerful card.

Let’s make this season special—one handmade card at a time! 

Spring is the season of fresh blooms and bright colors—so what better way to celebrate a special birthday than with a handcrafted card that captures the essence of the season?

Using the Stampin’ Up! Spring Corners Bundle, I created a card that’s full of delicate floral details, perfect for sending warm birthday wishes. The Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper adds a soft, watercolor touch, bringing in those fresh hues of springtime. Paired with coordinating ink colors and embellishments, this card is as fun to make as it is to give!

Want to see this card come together? Follow Ink and Inspirations on TikTok and Facebook for a quick reel showing the full assembly process! Let’s get crafty and spread a little handmade happiness! 💕✨

👉 TikTok & Facebook: Ink and Inspirations

Spring is in the air, and so is a little extra luck! As we usher in the season, I’m kicking off our Spring Fling with a handmade card that celebrates all things green—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!

Using several gorgeous shades of green from Stampin’ Up! and the versatile Everyday Arches Bundle, this card brings a fresh and festive touch to spring crafting. Whether you're sending a little luck, gratitude, or just a sweet hello, these green hues and beautiful arch designs create a timeless look that works all season long.

Here are the supplies used on this handmade card with a St. Patrick's Day vibe:

Product List

Everyday Arches Bundle (English)

[164630]

Bright & Beautiful 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[161449]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100702]

Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[102584]

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[144245]

Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146988]

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

[147095]

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154885]

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

Iridescent 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Striped Trim

[163299]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

Stay tuned for more spring-like projects for your Spring Fling crafting! Let’s bring on the color, the joy, and a little handmade magic!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Have you ever inked up a brand-new photopolymer stamp, pressed it onto your cardstock, and… ended up with a blotchy, uneven image? It can be so frustrating—especially when you’re excited to use a fresh new stamp set! But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix.

Why Do New Photopolymer Stamps Resist Ink?

Photopolymer stamps are made from a flexible, transparent material that sometimes has a slight residue from the manufacturing process. This can cause ink to bead up instead of spreading evenly, leading to patchy, incomplete images.

The Simple Trick to Perfect Stamping

Before using your new stamps for the first time, take a quick moment to condition them. Here are a few easy ways to do it:

Use an eraser – Gently rub a white eraser over the surface of the stamp to remove any residue, then wipe it clean.
Stamp on scrap paper – Ink up your stamp and stamp multiple times on scratch paper until the image starts to even out.
Use a clear embossing pad first – This is my favorite method! Lightly tap your stamp into a clear embossing ink pad before adding regular ink. This creates a subtle “primer” that helps the ink adhere smoothly.

With just a few seconds of prep, your brand-new stamps will be ready to create crisp and clean images!

Want to see this tip in action? Check out this quick tutorial!

Give this trick a try the next time you open a new stamp set, and let me know which method works best for you!

Getting a perfect bow or knot can be tricky, but here’s an easy way to make it work.

This video from the archives has been helpful for many.  Take a look!

Give it a try and let me know if it makes ribbon tying easier for you!

From the archives, here's a blast from the past video with one of the most important basics...cutting card bases!  

It's a step-by-step guide for beginners (or anyone who wants a refresher!) to ensure perfect card bases every time., I hope you'll find this video helpful.

Lisa's Inkings:

• Start with an 8.5” x 11” sheet of card stock.
• Cut in half at 5.5” for a book fold card. (portrait or landscape)
• Or, cut at 4.25” for a a tent fold card.

Enjoy creating cards with this simple tip for your card bases!  Come back tomorrow for another paper crafting tip for tying ribbon on your handmade cards.

This week, I’m excited to bring back some of my favorite tried-and-true paper crafting tips that have stood the test of time. With over 18 years in this creative journey, I’ve collected simple yet effective ideas that can make your crafting easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you may find this tips and ideas helpful.

From Monday to Thursday, you can look forward to these tips/ideas:

Use New Photopolymer Stamps with Confidence – A quick and easy way to prep your stamps so you get crisp, clean images right from the start.

Tie Ribbon Beautifully on Handmade Cards – If you’ve ever struggled with getting that knot, I’ll share a simple trick that makes it easier.

Cut Card Stock for A2 Cards with Ease – A step-by-step guide for beginners (or anyone who wants a refresher!) for cutting card bases.

Along with these helpful tips, I’ll also be sharing one of my latest favorite project videos to inspire you. 

These tips and ideas are a wonderful way to add an extra touch of care to your handmade projects—whether you're creating cards to send love, encouragement, or celebration to someone special.

So, grab your favorite drink, settle into your creative space, and join me this week as we revisit some of these timeless tips. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how you use these ideas in your own crafting, so feel free to share in the comments!

Sometimes, all it takes is a few kind words to make someone’s day. And what better way to share those words than with a handmade card? 

This card, created with the Everyday Arches Bundle and Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper, is a simple reminder that kindness and appreciation matter. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker—someone in your life needs to hear how amazing they are today!

So here’s your friendly reminder: send a card, share some joy, and spread a little kindness!

Catch the quick assembly of this card on Facebook HERE.

Want to create your own? Find the Everyday Arches Bundle and Everyday Skies DSP in my Online Store! 

Have you ever received an unexpected compliment that just made your whole day? There’s something very special about knowing that someone sees and appreciates you. And when you put those kind words into a handmade card, it becomes even more meaningful!

This week, we’re all about spreading kindness with our cards, and today’s featured card is a perfect example. Using the Everyday Arches Bundle and the beautiful Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper, this design frames a heartfelt sentiment: “You are simply fantastic.” 

Because you know what? Someone in your life needs to hear that today. Maybe it’s a friend who always lifts you up, a coworker who works so hard, or a family member who deserves to be reminded how amazing they are. Why not send them a little happy mail?

So, here’s your gentle nudge: grab a card, write a note, and send some joy! If you’re feeling inspired to create your own, you can find the Everyday Arches Bundle and Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper in my Online Store. These products are perfect for making cards that bring a smile and warm the heart.

Let’s keep lifting each other up—one card at a time! 

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!

Have you added the Friendly Seagulls stamp set, a Sale-A-Bration favorite, to your collection?  If not, you still have a few days to place a qualifying order of $60 before shipping and tax and earn this fun stamp set for FREE. Here you see how I brought in the Goldfish theme for a quirky little treat bag.

Here's a fun fold with silly little gull who's after your french fries! That little wink is so cute!

Here you can see all three of these cute characters adding their charm to a card for a friend.

Sale-A-Bration only lasts for a a few more days so don’t wait!  Click here to start shopping and place a qualifying order of $60 before shipping and tax to get these Friendly Seagulls stamp set (#164961) for FREE!

Hello, and Happy Monday!

It’s time to celebrate—the last few days of our Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration are here!
If you’ve been looking for a chance to add some crafting products to up your crafting game and spread a little extra joy, now is the moment.
Until Friday, the 28th, with a qualifying purchase of $60 or more, you can earn FREE products from a special selection of products. Imagine adding something a little extra to your next project with free stamps, embellishments, dies, special bundles, kits, and even designer papers!

I know how much your creative projects mean—not just for you, but for the loved ones and friends who receive the heartfelt pieces you create. Every card, scrapbook page, or decorative piece you design is an expression of care for loved ones, friends, and neighbors in your life.

Among the fabulous freebies, here are a few of my personal favorites.

The Friendly Seagulls stamp set is charming and perfect for brightening up any card or scrapbook layout.

The Corner In Bloom stamp set adds a delicate flourish to your projects.

And, let's not leave out the Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper—it’s a dream to work with and makes every project feel extra special.

Remember, these items are available only while supplies last, so make sure you take advantage of this special offer before it’s too late. Head over to the Online Store, place your qualifying order, and add some of these wonderful, free additions to your crafting toolkit.

Happy crafting, and here’s to spreading a little more love and light with every project!

Visit our Online Store today and make your order before the Sale-A-Bration ends!

This week at Ink and Inspirations, we’re celebrating the joy of celebrating birthdays with your handmade creations. Today’s project is extra special—it’s a 40th birthday card for my daughter! 

Milestone birthdays deserve to be celebrated in style, and what better way than with a handmade card? Using the Birthday Celebration Bundle and the gorgeous Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!, I created a card that’s both elegant and meaningful—just like this special occasion!

A milestone birthday is more than just another year—it’s a beautiful reminder of life’s journey and the memories yet to come. This card design reflects that sentiment with a bold "40" in Gold Foil in front and center, thanks to the amazing number dies included in the Birthday Celebration Bundle.

The number dies in this bundle are the perfect size to highlight any milestone birthday! Whether it’s 40, 50, or beyond or for one of the littles in your life, you can customize it to fit the celebration.

There’s something so meaningful about receiving a handmade card, especially for a milestone birthday. It’s a gift from the heart... a piece of art created with love. And the best part? You can create a customized, one-of-a-kind card for any age with this versatile bundle!

Want to create a milestone birthday card of your own?

The Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper are available now in my Online Store! Grab yours today and start crafting heartfelt birthday cards for the special people in your life.

Shop now: 

Birthday Celebration Bundle (Includes stamp set and dies with 10% off)

Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper

Stay tuned for more birthday inspiration this week on Ink and Inspirations and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

Welcome to Birthday Celebration Week here at Ink and Inspirations! This week, we’re celebrating the joy of handmade birthday cards with the stunning Birthday Celebration Bundle, the Wildflower Celebrations Specialty Designer Series Paper, and other fabulous products from Stampin’ Up!

Today’s card is all about making a wish—a sweet sentiment for a birthday celebration!

This birthday card is designed to bring a smile to anyone’s face with its beautiful and cheerful colors and, of course, a big Make a Wish sentiment!

Why Handmade Birthday Cards Matter

A handmade birthday card isn’t just a card—it’s a heartfelt hug in an envelope. Imagine the joy on your loved one’s face when a card like this one made just for them!

Want to make this card?
The Birthday Celebration Bundle and Wildflower Celebrations Specialty Designer Series Paper are available in my Online Store! Click below to grab your supplies and start crafting beautiful birthday cards today!

Shop Now

Stay tuned for more birthday inspiration throughout the week! 

Every relationship has a story. Some are filled with love and devotion, some with laughter and adventure, while others are built on support and understanding. No matter the chapter you’re in, a handmade card is a heartfelt way to celebrate these special connections.

Today’s card is designed with love and friendship in mind—perfect for sharing on Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. With a mix of elegance and charm, this card is the ideal way to say, “Our story is one for the books.” The For the Books Stamp Set paired with the Hearts of Elegance Dies, combine to create a classic and heartfelt design creates a design. 

Featured Products:

For The Books Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[164836]

Hearts Of Elegance Dies

[164915]

Storybook Moments 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English)

[166617]

Whether you’re celebrating a love story, a cherished friendship, or the people who have been part of your life’s journey, this card is a beautiful way to share your appreciation. Handmade cards have a personal touch...they are a piece of your heart, crafted with love.

Want to create this card yourself? Visit my Online Store today to get the For the Books Stamp Set, Hearts of Elegance Dies, and all the supplies you need to bring your creation to life. Start crafting your story today!