With the new Stampin' Up! Catalog going LIVE tomorrow, May 6th, it's always exciting to see the new In Colors to add to your Stampin’ Up! collection! One of the standouts this year is the soft shade,  Cloud Cover. It’s a peaceful blue-gray that’s just beautiful.

However, I wanted to pass along a bit of important info. Stampin’ Up! recently discovered that Cloud Cover ink had a chemical reaction with the foam in the full-size ink pads. This caused a color shift or change that doesn’t meet their quality standards. As a result, the Cloud Cover Classic ink pad won’t be released to customers.

But don’t worry—there are still ways to use this gorgeous color in your projects!

Here are two options for inking up with Cloud Cover:

• Make your own ink spot using the Uninked Stampin' Spots (#141822) and the Cloud Cover Ink Refill (#165279).

• Or, order the Stampin’ Spot Assortment (#166716) from page 33 of the new catalog—it includes a pre-filled Cloud Cover ink spot.

Other Cloud Cover products will still be available, including:

• Cardstock

• Designer Series Papers

• Stampin’ Write Markers

• Stampin’ Blends

Personally, I’ll be using the refill + uninked spot method and grabbing the Blends in all of the new In Colors. Can’t wait to play with them all!

And just a quick note—you might see other demonstrators using the full-size pad. Stampin’ Up! is allowing demonstrators to purchase warehouse stock (with the understanding that the ink color may shift over time).

Let me know if you’re adding Cloud Cover to your collection too—I’d love to see what you create with it!

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.

If you’ve ever done a deep clean of your crafting space, you know the feeling—rediscovering supplies you forgot you had, laughing at a few “what was I thinking?” purchases, and that awesome feeling as you remember why you bought that pretty paper in the first place.

This week I’ve been working on decluttering and organizing my craft room—not for perfection, but for my peace of mind and to make space for creativity. And friends, I have found some treasures!

Today I’m sharing a full-length video that shows:

• How I’m using some of my “found” supplies and paper stash
• Card making ideas using some of those saved patterned papers
• A sweet and creative way to share your stash—perfect for gifting to fellow crafters, grandkids, or anyone who enjoys a little crafty fun

Watch the full video below:

There’s something so satisfying about taking those half-used paper packs, leftover scraps, and forgotten embellishments and turning them into beautiful cards. Whether it’s a quick card set or a few layered card designs with coordinating scraps, it feels good to use those supplies to make a difference.

And you know what? It helps ease that little twinge of guilt we sometimes feel when we’re dreaming of new crafting supplies.  When we use what we have, we’re creating space, physically and creatively, for new ideas and new products that inspire us.

A Gift from Your Stash

One of my favorite ideas from this week? Putting together a little stash-sharing gift.
It could be:

• A small bundle of paper scraps and extra embellishments for a fellow crafter

• A card kit-in-a-bag for a friend who wants to start crafting

• A simple project pack for your grandkids (or kids!) to spark their creativity

Add a ribbon or tuck it into a handmade pocket as seen in the video  and you’ve got a thoughtful, no-cost gift that encourages creativity.

I hope this inspires you to dig into your stash, get crafty, and share your creativity with others.

I’d love to hear—what’s the best thing you’ve found while organizing your craft supplies?

If you’ve ever held a pack of patterned paper in your hands and thought, “It’s just too pretty to cut,” you’re in good company.

There’s just something about the colors and the patterns...paper crafters are naturally drawn to it!  And it’s so easy to build up a collection with papers saved for “something special” that hasn’t come along yet.

I know this is bound to sound familiar with many of you...right?

Today I want to offer a little encouragement —it’s time to use the paper. Yes, the pretty paper. Yes, even that one you’ve been hanging onto for years!

The truth is, our supplies are meant to be used and loved—not stored away for a someday that never comes. And when we do use it, we are not just creating something beautiful, we are creating something meaningful.

Handmade cards and paper projects can brighten someone’s day, offer encouragement, celebrate special occasions, or simply say, “You matter.” That piece of patterned paper that’s been tucked away? It could be the beginning of a card that brings a smile and make someone feel loved.

In a reel that I'm sharing today, I’m giving you a tip I use to actually use the paper instead of just admiring it.

Cutting your 12x12 paper down into card front sizes makes it easier to grab and use in the moment. It’s a simple shift, but it will make a big difference in how often you reach for your patterned paper.

You can watch the short video right here:

If you’ve ever felt a little guilty for wanting to buy more supplies, here’s something to remember:

When we use what we have, we make room for creativity, for inspiration, and yes, even for new supplies.
And, using your stash just makes you feel good. Give your beautiful supplies the purpose they were made for...create something that will make a difference in someone’s life.

That’s the kind of “special project” that’s always worth using the good paper for.

If you’ve been paper crafting for a while, chances are you’ve got a little stash. Okay... maybe a big stash. A beautiful collection of patterned paper, ribbons, embellishments, and bits and pieces you’ve held onto “just in case” or because they were too pretty to use.

Sound familiar to you?

You’re not alone, friend. I’ve been there, too. That’s why this week on Ink and Inspirations, I’m embracing a little spring refresh with a focus on decluttering, organizing, and most importantly—using  the supplies we already have.

There’s something so satisfying about clearing out our creative space, not just to tidy up, but to make room for the fresh and the new. I’ve been going through drawers, bags, and finding things I forgot I had! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I’m choosing to let go of the guilt and lean into cleaning out and creating with my stash.

Why This Matters

When we use our supplies, we’re honoring the intention behind every little purchase. That patterned paper you fell in love with? It’s time to let it shine! The ribbons and embellishments that have been tucked away? Let’s bring them into the light and put them to good use.

You’ll see behind-the-scenes peeks from my own craft space this week, plus simple card ideas, stash-busting gift projects...ways to help you love your paper and other supplies all over again.

And if you feel a little tug to buy something new down the road? You can do it guilt-free—because you’ve made space and already made use and created something beautiful with what you have.

Let’s clear the clutter and create with joy together.  Be sure to check back throughout the week, and join me in the Ink and Inspirations Stampers Facebook Group to share your progress and projects!

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!

The new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalog is going LIVE tomorrow, September 4th, and I can’t wait to share some fabulous project ideas with you!

Join our Ink and Inspirations community by subscribing to our weekly emails, where you'll find lots of creativity and inspiration.  

And here's a little something special just for you—when you sign up, you’ll receive a FREE online card class!  It's my way of saying welcome and helping you dive right into the creative possibilities with the new catalog.

Stay in the loop with all the latest specials, promotions, and brand-new goodies from Stampin' Up! You’ll be the first to know about everything that's coming up.

So, why wait? Subscribe today, and let’s enjoy this creative journey together! I’m so excited to share more with you!

When you look at the card pictured above, I'll bet you are wondering what it has to do with this post and saving paper, right?

First of all, the secret to saving paper, as demonstrated on this card, is a hidden one. It may not be a secret to you, but hopefully, the tip will be helpful to someone!

Watch the video below to discover the hidden secret!

By using this simple yet effective tip, you can make the most out of your beautiful papers and get more mileage out of your crafting supplies. Happy crafting and happy saving!

Have you tried Stampin' Up! Adhesive Sheets yet? If not, you’re in for a treat! In today’s video, we will show you just how easy it is to use these versatile sheets. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll see how the Adhesive Sheets make crafting a breeze, especially with those small die-cut pieces.

In the video, see the demonstration using the Adhesive Sheets with the Mini Alphabet Dies. You can create perfectly adhered letters without any mess. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, you'll want to take a look at this video.

Don't miss out on the convenience and precision of Stampin' Up! Adhesive Sheets. Head over to the online store and grab your Adhesive Sheets today!

Do you love paper crafting? Get ready to elevate your creativity with Ink and Inspirations!

Subscribe to our weekly emails for exclusive cardmaking and paper-crafting inspiration that will ignite your passion for crafting.

Plus, receive a FREE online card class when you join our community! Don't miss this opportunity to stay connected with the latest news and ideas—Click here subscribe now!

Don't fall to pieces!  You can still use partial images from your patterned paper to create some great handmade cards. 

Watch this tip video to see how!

Make the most of your partial images from patterned paper and create some awesome cards with those pieces. Happy Crafting!