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!

Are you up for the Challenge?
In our creative community, the Ink and Inspirations Stampers Group on Facebook, we've set a heartwarming goal to send out at least 100 cards expressing gratitude.

The twist?

We aim to achieve this collective goal in the next two weeks. With over 800 members in our fantastic group, we believe this is more than achievable!

Join us and let's make this world a brighter, happier place one card at a time. If you are not a member of our group, click here to request free membership.  All you need to do then is answer two simple questions!

Look for the photo in the group announcing the challenge (as seen above) and to participate, post the number of cards you send or hand out as you send them. Together, we can reach that magic number - 100 cards by November 4th.

Let's do this!

It's my 17th Stampin' Up! Anniversary this week!
Let's celebrate with a fun giveaway!
With each order of $25 from my Online Store (before shipping and tax), gain one entry into a drawing to win one of four $17 gift certificates toward your next order from me by November 30th!
($25 order- 1 entry, $50 order- 2 entries...and, so on!)
Drawing will be Sunday evening, October 22nd.
Place your order now using Host Code: TEPZPCH3

Everyone has their unique story of how they got started with stamping. Today, I want to share my own journey and how I discovered the joy of stamping and memory-keeping.

Back when our girls were in high school, they were involved in numerous extracurricular activities, which meant we had a ton of photos to cherish. Alongside their school activities, they were also passionate about dance classes, resulting in even more precious memories captured through photographs.

Realizing I had all these wonderful moments captured on film, I decided it was time to do something with them. Although I had dabbled in scrapbooking as a young girl, it had been years since I engaged in any serious memory-keeping.

In the spring of 2006, my daughter invited me to a rubber stamping party hosted by her friend. I had never heard of Stampin' Up! before, and I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about the whole idea of rubber stamps. Little did I know that this event would completely change my perspective.

As soon as I inked up that first stamp and pressed it onto the paper, I was hooked. We created a cute card, and I instantly recognized the creativity and versatility of stamping. I realized that cards would always come in handy, and I wanted to explore this newfound passion further. My daughter and I decided to place an order together so we could share our new "stash" of stamping supplies.

But it didn't stop there. A short time later, the same demonstrator who hosted the party reached out to me and informed me about the Starter Kit, an opportunity to get even more stamping goodies. Intrigued by the idea, I didn't hesitate to invest in the kit. I was eager to expand my collection and explore new creative possibilities. The demonstrator also mentioned that becoming a demonstrator myself was an option, though I initially had no plans to demonstrate anything.

When I received my Starter Kit, I was filled with excitement. I couldn't wait to incorporate stamps into my scrapbooking projects and create beautiful cards. Then, one day, my demonstrator friend asked me to conduct a "party" on her behalf. Initially hesitant, I eventually agreed, and that experience sparked a deep love and passion for sharing the art of stamping with others.

Now, almost 18 years later, I continue to share my passion for stamping. It's incredible how one invitation to a rubber stamping party completely transformed my perspective and opened up a world of creativity and connection. I genuinely love what I do and the joy it brings to others.

Today is my 17th anniversary with Stampin' Up!  Never would I have imagined that I would be part of a thriving crafting community for this many years and develop so many special relationships all because of stamps, ink, and paper.

I'd like to invite you to join this wonderful stamping community. This is the 35th anniversary year of Stampin' Up! and there is a special offer this month to join our community of stampers.  We would love to have you join our Stars Team. Read more about it HERE.

Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Today is the LAST DAY to enjoy FREE SHIPPING on your Stampin' Up! order of $75 or more!  Use Host Code TEPZPCH3 in my Online Store and as an extra thank-you, you'll also receive a special little gift from Lisa Brown, your creative coach at Ink and Inspirations.

It's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite crafting supplies, try new products, or get a head start on your holiday projects. With free shipping, you can treat yourself to more of what you love!

Hurry, this special offer ends tonight! Visit my Online Store now and take advantage of this fantastic deal. Happy crafting!

Are you ready to step into the world of creativity, fun, and endless possibilities? If you've been considering becoming a Stampin' Up Demonstrator but have hesitated to take that first step, now is the perfect time to dive in. Let me assure you that you won't be taking that step alone; I'll be right there with you every step of the way!

Starting something new can be intimidating, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're an avid crafter looking to share your passion or want to make some extra income doing what you love,  our community is here to support you.

Stampin' Up!'s 35th Anniversary Celebration

To sweeten the deal and make your decision even easier, Stampin' Up! is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in style. As part of this special occasion, we're offering an incredible opportunity for new Demonstrators.
Option 1: Join our Stampin' Up! community and receive 35% off the usual $99 Starter Kit, bringing the cost down to just $64.35. That's $125 in product for $64.35.

But that's not all! You can also choose Option 2!  Pay the regular $99 and receive a whopping 35% more in your Starter Kit, which means up to $168.75 worth of your favorite Stampin' Up! products.

Why Join Our Community?

When you become a Demonstrator with us, you're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a crafting family. Here are some fantastic reasons to take that first step with us:

1. Support and Guidance: As your mentor, I'll be here to guide you, answer your questions, and provide valuable tips and insights.

2. Exclusive Access: Enjoy sneak peeks, early access to new products, and the chance to purchase them before anyone else.

3. Flexibility: Work at your own pace, on your schedule. This is your business, and you're in control.

4. Community: Connect with fellow Demonstrators who share your passion for crafting and creativity.

If you're intrigued by the idea of joining our Stampin' Up! community and want to learn more, I'd love to chat with you. Feel free to email me at [email protected] for additional information or to discuss any questions you may have.

Don't let hesitation hold you back from an exciting new adventure. Take that first step today and let's embark on this creative journey together!

There are only 12 hours remaining to sign up to receive the 12 Weeks of Christmas!

The 12 weeks of exclusive Christmas project idea are delivered straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers. These emails will feature photos and instructions to help you craft your way into the holiday spirit.

Here's a sneak peek of what's in store:

 Weeks 1-5: Christmas card ideas to spread holiday cheer.

Weeks 6-9: Creative gift ideas to delight your loved ones. 

Weeks 10-12: Bags, tags, and wraps to make your presents shine.

Don't miss out on this festive fun! Join the Ink and Inspirations email list now to ensure you receive these exclusive holiday crafting inspirations in your inbox.

You only have 24 hours remaining to sign up for the 12 Weeks of Christmas!

Gratitude, the simple act of being thankful and appreciative, is a powerful force that can transform lives. It's more than just saying "thank you" when someone holds the door for you or hands you a gift; it's a mindset, a way of looking at the world with appreciation. The importance of expressing gratitude cannot be overstated, as it has a profound impact on our well-being, relationships, and overall happiness.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It encourages us to see the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small they may seem. This change in perspective can significantly improve our mood and overall outlook.

When we express gratitude towards others, whether through words or actions, it strengthens our connections. People appreciate being acknowledged and valued, and this can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.  Our handmade cards expressing gratitude really can make a difference.

Gratitude has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation. When we focus on the good things in our lives, our stress levels decrease.  Let's try to look on the bright side!

With all the positivity associated with gratitude, let's make an effort to use our craft to spread it far and wide.  And, we can take notice of all that we have to be grateful for. 

In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, expressing gratitude is a simple yet profound way to find moments of peace and happiness. It's a reminder that even on the toughest days, there are things to be thankful for. So, take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, express your appreciation to those around you, and watch as gratitude transforms your world.

This week, Jackie and I will be attending the Stampin' Up! Leadership conference in Las Vegas.

Since I'll be away for most of the week, here's a special offer for orders of $50 or more (before shipping and tax) in my Online Store using Host Code: 2FV7ET36.

These gift packages will be packed with supplies from my studio that I am ready to pass on! 
Packages will be mailed by Saturday, September 2nd!

Click HERE and the Host Code will be applied for you!

This is a special thank you for shopping with me while I am away! I am so excited to share with you!

In the months and weeks just prior to my dad's passing last year, he often talked about how wonderful life is. He would tell us, "It's a Wonderful Life. Enjoy it! Every day you wake up; it's wonderful. Make the most of every day."

I can't tell you how many times he repeated that to us. He wanted to be sure that we understood and cherished our time with family and had many enjoyable experiences.

Shortly after his passing, my husband told me if there is something that you really want to do, we need to do it! We need to enjoy our life.  Taking that cue from my dad, we didn't want to let time pass without experiencing those things that we really wanted to do together and with our family.

I must mention that I had started a bucket list prior to this time. And, on that list was to ride in a one-horse open sleigh. So I started looking for opportunities to make that happen.

Then, some good friends of ours invited us to join them on a trip out west to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore, to Big Sky Montana to experience a part of that beautiful state,  and then down through Wyoming and on to Estes Park, Colorado.
Surely, I thought, there may be a chance to find a one-horse open sleigh ride excursion at one of those stops. We were going to be traveling at the end of winter... we might be able to make my sleigh ride happen!

I started searching the Internet and found a place in Keystone, that had sleigh rides excursions. We all agreed that it would be fun! It was a sleigh ride to a restaurant where we could enjoy dinner before riding in the sleigh back to our vehicles. We reserved it right away and all were excited about this part of our trip!

Our first big stop was in South Dakota near Keystone.  When we checked into our hotel, we said "Where's the snow?" (I felt like the two couples in White Christmas while disembarking the train in Vermont!) The admissions clerk replied, "Well, we haven't had snow in a while!"  to which I replied, "Well, we're supposed experience a sleigh ride in Keystone.  He had never heard of it. (Insert Red Flag here.)
Our friend said, "Oh, don't worry. We'll find the location tomorrow morning."

Morning came and we started looking at a map trying to find the location of this sleigh ride. We just couldn't find it anywhere. My friend noticed there was a Keystone, Colorado, too. So, I called to let them know that we were having trouble finding where to meet for the sleigh ride...in Keystone, SD.  She responded, "it's on a main highway in Colorado!"

 "Colorado??? I'm in South Dakota!!!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am.  This is Keystone, Colorado."

Oh my goodness. What a mistake!

Now, just to give me a little credit, the email confirmation for the sleigh ride DID NOT mention Colorado...anywhere! Nor was it mentioned on the site.

I was not a seasoned traveler. I had no idea that there was a Keystone, Colorado. She said we should have known by the area code! (No way!)  After some communication with this company and the credit card company, we received a partial refund.  What a mistake! But, now we just laugh about it!

So, that item is still on my bucket list and you can imagine what a reminder it was when Stampin' Up! released the One Horse Open Sleigh Suite!  Stay tuned as we share projects with the Horse and Sleigh Bundle and the One Horse Open Sleigh Designer Series Paper this week!

It's time to participate in our exciting Mystery Reward Event!

From July 27th to July 31st, 2023, every $25 before shipping and tax) that you purchase in my Online Store using Host Code: RVHUKHJU will earn you an entry into our Mystery Reward drawing. The more you shop, the more chances you have to win! 

But that's not all! There's still time to earn Bonus Codes from Stampin' Up! With every $50 in merchandise you order before July 31st, you'll receive a $5 Bonus Code to apply toward your purchases in August. It's like getting rewarded for your love of crafting! (Plus, if your order is $50 or more, you will earn an additional gift from Lisa!)

So, let's make this a truly rewarding July for you! Stock up on your favorite Stampin' Up! products, participate in the Mystery Reward Event, and earn those Bonus Codes to use next month.

Hurry and place your orders today, and don't forget to use Host Code: RVHUKHJU  for your Mystery Reward entries. 
To shop and have the Host Code added for you, please click this link:
https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=RVHUKHJU

Special Note: Please click HERE to shop if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax. 

You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! on your order and I will send you a gift!
 

 If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me.

Call or Text: 409-719-2853 or Email: [email protected]

Good luck!  Winner will be contacted via email after NOON, Central Time, on July 31st!

It's back-to-school time again and a few states are offering their Tax Free Holiday on certain items which can be considered as school supplies.

For most of the states listed above, that includes Stampin' Up! items such as adhesives, markers, watercolor pencils, grid paper, and our fabulous Paper Snips!

Get the details and specifics for each state on this PDF--->Tax Free Holiday Information

Alabama...it's your turn!  Get the details and what qualifies for the tax-free holiday on this PDF.

To Shop: https://bit.ly/shop-with-lisa-inkandinspirations

Today Only...Wednesday, July 19, 2023

All of the stamp sets in the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog are 15% off.  
(This sale does not include Host Sets or Online Exclusives stamp sets.)

Make your list for your order! 

Host Code: RVHUKHJU

Please do not use the Host Code if your order is $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will earn Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up!

Questions or need help?

Text: 409-719-2853 

There are some exciting things happening this month with Stampin’ Up! and Ink and Inspirations so let’s get to it!

Beginning tomorrow, July 6th:

• New Online Exclusives will be available beginning tomorrow, July 6, including new Christmas-themed products!  Available while supplies last so if you see something that you'd like, get it soon!
• Clearance Rack Refresh tomorrow, July 6th!  Big discounts!  I know some of you LOVE these so check it out tomorrow morning when you’re looking at the new Online Exclusives.
• July BONUS DAYS:  Beginning July 6th, you will receive a Bonus Code for each $50 in product purchase (before shipping and tax) and you will be able to redeem these codes in August. There is no limit to the amount of codes that you will receive.  You will receive your codes in an email from Stampin' Up! after you place your qualifying order.  I will not have record of these codes so save your emails!
• New Host Code: RVHUKHJU
  When you place your online order, please use the current Host Code.  
  EXCEPTION: Do not use the Host Code if your order is $150 of you'd like to receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! for your order.  However, if you would like your order of $150 or more to count for kits for classes throughout the month instead of redeeming for Stampin’ rewards, you must use the Host Code. 

There are exciting things happening starting tomorrow, July 6th!

Get ready for the release of new Online Exclusives, including delightful Christmas-themed products. Don't miss out on these limited supplies, so make sure to grab your favorites before they're gone.

Additionally, mark your calendars for the Clearance Rack Refresh, where you can score big discounts on a wide range of products. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on your crafting supplies at incredible prices.

Plus, July brings the much-anticipated Bonus Days!

For every $50 in product purchase, you'll receive a Bonus Code that you can redeem in August. Remember to save the email from Stampin' Up! with your codes, as they cannot be provided later.

And don't forget the new Host Code, RVHUKHJU, which you can use when placing your online order. However, if your order reaches $150 or more, you have the option to receive Stampin' Rewards directly from Stampin' Up! for your order. If you'd prefer your order to count towards kits for my classes throughout the month, make sure to use the Host Code.

So, get ready to shop, save, and enjoy all the fantastic offers and promotions happening this July at Stampin' Up!