Today's card project features an easy watercolor technique with the Sale-A-Bration stamp set, Friendly Seagulls.  

It's been a while since I've used this technique but these Watercolor Pencils plus a Blender Pen make for a super easy method for coloring.  This coloring medium was the first for me all those 18 years ago when first introduced to Stampin' Up!

In this quick video with this card assembly, you'll see how easy it is to use these Watercolor Pencils.

Today's card project features an easy watercolor technique with the Sale-A-Bration stamp set, Friendly Seagulls from Stampin' Up! If you’re looking to create something cheerful, these seagulls will surely bring a smile to the recipient.

For this card, I used one of my favorite methods: watercoloring with Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen. It’s such a simple yet beautiful way to add color to your stamped images. This technique holds a special place in my heart as it’s the first one I learned when I joined Stampin’ Up! 18 years ago.

With just a few strokes of the pencils and some blending, you can achieve beautiful colors and shading that make your images pop.

In this quick video with the card assembly, you'll see how easy it is to use these Watercolor Pencils.

Earn the Friendly Seagulls Stamp Set for FREE!

The Friendly Seagulls stamp set is part of Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration promotion, running through February 28th. During this time, you can earn this adorable set (and other fantastic products) for FREE with every $60 purchase from a select group of Stampin' Up! products.

To make it easy to qualify, I recommend adding the Watercolor Pencils to your cart. Pair them with some other crafting staples to reach the $60 threshold—and just like that, you’ll be creating with these friendly seagulls in no time!

Don’t wait—Sale-A-Bration ends February 28th! Grab your Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, and other must-have supplies to qualify for your FREE Friendly Seagulls stamp set. Head over to my online shop today!

This week on Ink and Inspirations, we’re excited to feature the Sentimental Wishes Bundle—a perfect pick for your holiday card making. If you love a vintage feel with traditional Christmas imagery, this is for you!

The Sentimental Wishes Bundle includes a beautiful stamp set with classic holiday designs like a filled stocking, a holly branch, and Christmas candles. These images are perfect for adding a vintage touch  of days gone by to your holiday creations. And, when paired with the coordinating Sentimental Christmas Designer Series Paper, you’ll have an awesome combination for your holiday cards!

For this today’s project, we have a simple cardmaking technique, what I like to call the Window Pane Technique, that incorporates the Sentimental Christmas Designer Series Paper. The pattern papers from this collection have soft colors and traditional designs that complement these stamps beautifully.

In this video, I’ll walk you through the process of how to use these patterned papers to make a simple yet stunning backdrop for your sentiments and images.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Cut patterned paper at 2 3/4" x 4".
• Cut in half on the 2 3/4" side at 1 3/8".
• Cut in half on the 4" side at 2".

I can't wait for you to try this out and make your holiday cards extra special this season. 

Ready to begin? Head over to the Online Store and grab your Sentimental Wishes Bundle and Sentimental Christmas Designer Series Paper today. Your holiday card-making is about to get a whole lot more festive!

If you're looking for a quick and impactful way to make your card projects pop, you won't want to miss today's card-making video! In this tutorial, we’re spotlighting the stunning Take To The Sky Designer Series Paper [163436] from Stampin' Up! and sharing a simple technique that will bring your creations to life.

Take to the Sky is one of the many fabulous designer papers that are currently on sale—but only for a few more days, and while supplies last! This paper is so versatile that you can create spectacular cards with just the paper itself, adding a stamped sentiment to finish off your design.  It's been fun designing with many of our papers this way!

In the video below, you'll see just how easy it is to use this beautiful paper to create cards that truly stand out. Plus, the technique featured is one that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again for all your paper crafting projects.

Lisa's Inklings:
Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100867] base is cut 5 1/2' x 8 1/2".
Take To The Sky Designer Series Paper [163436]: Blue swirls- 5 1/2" x 3 1/4"; Copper plaid - 1 1/2" x 5 1/4"; Globe panel- 3" x 4"; 1/2" strip for inside.
Basic White: 1" x 4" for die cut banner label; 4" x 5 1/4" for inside of card

Featured Products:

Product List

Take To The Sky 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[163436]

Quiet Reflection Cling Stamp Set (English)

[162689]

Stylish Shapes Dies

[159183]

2023–2025 In Color Jute Trim

[161637]

Don't wait—take advantage of the Designer Series Paper Sale before it’s too late! Visit the Online Store to grab your favorite designs before the sale ends, and make your next card project a showstopper.

Here's a fun technique for using with our fabulous Stampin' Up! patterned paper that is on SALE this month.   We had a lot of fun putting these cards together during our LIVE broadcast and now it's your turn to create these!

Take a look at the video to see the process...

Lisa's Inklings:

• Start with three coordinating sheets of 6 x 6 patterned paper.
• Cut off at 4 1/4".
• Cut this 6" x 4 1/4" piece in half at 3".
• Cut each 3" piece in half at 1 1/2".
• Cut one 1 1/2" stack at 4" (trim off 1/4".)
• Cut that 4" strip at 2 1/2".
• Follow the instructions in the video to assemble the pieces on a 5 x 3 3/4" piece of Basic White.

Featured products in the video are below...

Product List

Unbounded Beauty 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[163372]

Full Of Life 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[163357]

Perennial Lavender 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[162593]

Unbounded Love Bundle (English)

[163384]

Greetings Of The Season Dies

[164112]

Courage & Faith Cling Stamp Set (English)

[161500]

Quiet Reflection Cling Stamp Set (English)

[162689]

Now it's your turn to try the stack, cut, and shuffle! Post your photos on our Ink and Inspirations Stampers Group on Facebook. 

Today, I’m excited to share a beautiful card sample featuring a highlight technique using the Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper. This technique is perfect for making the most out of a single 6 x 6 piece of this gorgeous designer paper, ensuring you can create stunning cards.

First, one of the 6 x 6 sheets was chosen, and a colorful scenic section was die-cut with a square from the Stylish Shapes Dies [159183].  The remaining part of the scene can be die-cut and saved for a future card.

Next, one of the intricate dies from the Thoughtful Wishes Bundle was cut from the bottom portion which produced a beautiful multi-color effect.

In this next step, the die-cut piece was cut in half to partially "frame" the highlighted square as seen in the next photo.

To complete the card, a color from the designer paper was chosen for the base, with a strip of coordinating designer paper to add a little pizzazz to the background.  The die-cut pieces were adhered to behind the highlighted square for the perfect accent.  The sentiment was stamped on a die-cut banner from the Stylish Shapes Dies [159183].

Using this highlighting technique, you can create multiple cards that all look unique and beautiful, each making the most of your designer paper. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your supplies and get creative with your designs.

Featured Products:
Thoughtful Wishes Bundle (English) [163314]

Thoughtful Journey 6" X 6" Designer Series Paper [163303]

Stylish Shapes Dies [159183]

Ready to try this technique yourself? Head over to our online store to purchase the Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper and Thoughtful Wishes Bundle [163314] and start creating stunning cards today!

Today's card idea and video tutorial is another delightful project using the beautiful Thoughtful Wishes Bundle. This time, we’re exploring an easy coloring technique that will add a stunning touch to your creations. All you need are some sponge daubers, inks that coordinate with your cardstock and designer paper, and some die-cut images in white.

The Thoughtful Journey Designer Paper serves as the perfect backdrop for the floral stems found in the coordinating dies, making this a must-try project for anyone who loves elegant and vibrant designs.

Check out the video below to see how it's done!

Ready to start creating with the Thoughtful Wishes Bundle? Visit our online store to shop for this bundle and other fabulous products to elevate your crafting projects!

On last week's LIVE, we made this card featuring a simple cardmaking technique.  

Called by many crafters, the "fractured" technique from the illusion, it's an easy method to give a dynamic look to your cards.

Let's take a look at the recording of the video so you, too, can say, "That's how it's done!"

Lisa's Inklings:

• Standard A2 card base is cut either 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" or 4 1/4" x 11".
• Designer paper is cut 4" x 5 1/4".
• Strips are cut 1/4" x 5 1/4".
• Two squares for the center: Back layer- 2" x 2" and 1 3/4" x 1 3/4".

The two featured products on this card are Stampin' Up! Level 1 Sale-A-Bration choices (each is FREE with a $50 product purchase):

Flight & Airy Designer Series Paper and the Heartfelt Hellos Stamp Set

These Sale-A-Bration offerings are only available while supplies last!  Shop now and then try this "fractured" technique on your next handmade card.

This snow day card with a hand-stamped background was inspired by the weather many are experiencing here in North America. 

The Sparkling Snowflakes stamp set is a carryover from the Stampin' Up! September to June Mini Catalog.  This cardmaker was thrilled to see it still available with winter in full force for a few more months. 

With beautiful images like these snowflakes, you can make beautiful backgrounds for your cards, and oh what fun these would be on a scrapbook page!

Look at the video tutorial to see how easily this all comes together!

Lisa's Inklings:

• You can create your background paper with stamped images. 
• If you have varied sizes, start with the largest image first.
• Remember to punch or die cut from the center of a layer if it's not going to show. 

Here are the featured products used on this card:

• Sparkling Snowflakes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [162158]
• Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105]
• Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad [147097]
• Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad [161678]
• Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199]
• Silver Foil 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Pack [163096]
• 2" (5.1 Cm) Circle Punch [133782]
• Decorative Circle Punch [159174]

Now that you've seen the video, try this hand-stamped background on your next card and grab the Sparkling Snowflakes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [162158] for some beautiful winter season cards!

Today, let's explore the beauty of easy layers, a technique that can transform your handmade cards from ordinary to extraordinary. It's amazing what you can achieve with just the right blend of designer series papers and coordinating cardstock. In this project, we're showcasing the delightful Bee Mini Suite from the January to April 2024 Stampin' Up! Mini Catalog.

The key to making a card that wows lies in the selection of your basic card-making supplies. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just starting, this project is designed to inspire and elevate your card-making skills. The Bee Mine Suite offers an adorable theme that adds a touch of sweetness to your creations.

To guide you through the process, we have a video tutorial that demonstrates how easy it is to work with these simple layers.

By incorporating easy layers into your card-making, you open up a world of possibilities. Experiment with different color combinations, patterns, and textures to create cards that reflect your style. Whether you're sending heartfelt wishes or creating a card "just because", you're creations will be welcomed and cherished.

Lisa's Inklings:

• The designer paper border strip is cut 1 1/2" x 5 1/2".
• Large rectangle layers: Designer Paper- 3 1/8" x 4 3/4"; Basic White - 3 1/4" x 4 7/8".
• Small rectangle layers: Designer Paper - 2 1/2" x 3 3/4"; Basic White - 2 5/8" x 3 7/8"

Featured Products:

• Bee My Valentine Bundle (English) [162554]
• Bee Mine 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [162546]
• Adhesive Backed Hearts & Flowers [162557]
• Sweet Sorbet 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Bordered Ribbon [162558]

Now that you've seen the video, grab your supplies, and get started. Explore, create, and enjoy the art of easy layers for your handmade cards.

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!

We're excited to share a closer look at these pretty cards for our August Monthly Online Card Class.

If you missed this week's LIVE session on Facebook/YouTube, don't worry; we've got you covered. Get ready for some cardmaking fun as we explore these beautiful designs, handy tips, and creative techniques that were showcased during the class. Let's jump right in!

The three stamp sets featured here are Artistically Inked, Just My Type, and Dainty Delight.

Here's how you can get these card kits shipped to your door.

You can get the card kits as seen in the video with a qualifying purchase. RSVP by placing your order by the end of the day Monday, 8/7/23, using Host Code: 2FV7ET36

Details:

Get the Card Kits To Go:
1. Free with a minimum $45 purchase (before shipping and tax) from my Online Store using Host Code: 2FV7ET36
You will receive the class kits for the three designed cards plus an additional finished card that you may keep or send to someone.
Click here to have the Host Code added for you.

2. If you place an order of $75 or more (before shipping and tax and after your BONUS codes have been applied) during the designated time period using Host Code: 2FV7ET36, you will receive the three card kits, a finished card PLUS an embellishment pack.
  Click here to have the Host Code added for you.

***To complete the projects, you will need basic tools, stamps, adhesives, embellishments, and ink. For these classes, the die cuts, punched pieces, and cut card stock/designer paper will be done for you so your cards will be ready to stamp and assemble!

I hope you enjoyed seeing these cards from our August Online Monthly Card Class! It was a pleasure demonstrating these creations during our LIVE session on Facebook and YouTube, where some valuable tips and techniques for cardmaking were shared. Remember, handmade cards are not only beautiful but also designed to bring joy and appreciation to your loved ones. Stay tuned for more crafting adventures, and keep the creativity flowing!

Until next time...make a card, send that card, and make a difference!

When you "forget" a birthday or fail to get a card in the mail in time, what do you do?

You make a cutesy card with the perfect saying to cover your oops!

This card that features the Something Fancy Cling Stamp Set (English) [160416] and the adorable Zoo Crew 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [161304] is here to help you!

I mean what could be better than stretching out a birthday celebration?  And, these adorable characters from the Zoo Crew 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [161304] really give it a light-hearted and, "please forgive me!" feel!

The patchwork design is super easy to create and a fun way to show off the many designs in our Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper collections.  And, you can get the details with the measurements for this technique right here on Ink and Inspirations.

Here are the supplies used for this belated birthday card idea.  Just click the links to get an up-close look at the products.

• Something Fancy Cling Stamp Set (English) [160416]
• Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121045]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Zoo Crew 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [161304]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Refill [133456]
• Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon [156485]
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]
• Mini Glue Dots [103683]
• Paper Trimmer [152392]
• Paper Snips [103579]
• Bone Folder [102300]

You probably have most of these items in your supplies so all the "extra" you will need so grab that pack of the Zoo Crew 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [161304] and Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon [156485] to create your own card.  Of course, you will need the Something Fancy Cling Stamp Set (English) [160416] for that perfect, belated wish sentiment. 

If you'll look closely, I just fussy cut around the sentiments and black layer backing for the inside and outside of the card.  And, the animals are just fussy-cut from the designer paper.  I  love how these little animals are mostly black and white with a pop of color!

Zoo Crew Designer Series Paper #161304

You will want to be subscribed to receive my weekly emails because in the August 1st edition, I am sharing another precious (and, simple) card idea featuring this paper!  Don't miss it! Projects in my emails are exclusive to subscribers so subscribe today!

Gather your supplies and start creating!  You will be ready with that belated birthday card when you "forget" to mail in time!