Here's one of my favorite DIY gift ideas and this one is made with the Stampin' Up! Rainbow of Happiness Bundle. 

I love shopping for fun hand towels or dish towels and it's great when I find one that matches one of our stamp sets or themes!

This particular tag is a die from the bundle and it's adorable with the arched rainbow top.  It finished off this project nicely.

This was the second project in my premiere this week and you can see the recording of this particular project in the video below.

DIY Gift Idea with Stampin' Up! Rainbow of Happiness

Lisa's Inklings: The width of the "tag" can vary depending on the towel and design. How you fold the towel can also vary the size.This is much like a card front but the area is usually smaller.  You can accent the two ends like I did here with a tag on one end and the ribbon tied into a bow on the other.Here are the supplies used for this project.  The Sunshine & Rainbows 6" X 6" Designer Series Paper [158126] is free with a purchase of $50!

• Rainbow Of Happiness Bundle (English) [157727]
• Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131201]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131199]
• Pale Papaya 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155668]
• Evening Evergreen 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155574]
• Sunshine & Rainbows 6" X 6"  Designer Series Paper [158126]- Sale-A-Bration
• Supple Shimmer 12" X 12"  Specialty Paper [158068]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Evening Evergreen Classic Stampin' Pad [155576]
• Pale Papaya Classic Stampin' Pad [155670]
• Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108]
• White 3/4" (1.9 Cm) Frayed Ribbon [158138]
• Linen Thread [104199]
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]

You can create this project for any occasion and I encourage you to try!  This DIY gift with the Stampin' Up! Rainbow of Happiness Bundle will make a nice gift for someone soon!

Join us at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, 4 PM

We will be making two fun projects with the Rainbows of Happiness Bundle!

Subscribe now--->Lisa Brown on YouTube

Today's project and video tutorial are all about an easy background technique for your handmade cards.  Your stamps and ink can easily be used for so many techniques and accents on your crafting projects.

In this quick video, you will see a two-step technique.  Both can be used separately but also complement the other when combined.  Let's take a look and get ready to try this magic on your cards!

Easy Background Technique for Handmade Cards

Lisa's Inklings:
-Blending brushes work wonderfully to apply ink to card stock in a subtle way.
-The repetitive background stamping works well with smaller images as well as sentiments.
-The additional technique shown is the layering of identical stamped images to give depth and dimension.

Tip:  I love combining baker's twine or linen thread with ribbon!  It gives your project extra texture.

Here are the supplies used for today's cardmaking project.  I appreciate your support! When you shop with me, it supports my small business and enables me to continue providing content through this blog, via email, and social media.

• Catching Butterflies Cling Stamp Set (English) [158108]-Free with Qualifying Purchase
• Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [120953]
• Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141416]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]
• Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [147107]
• Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [147095]
• So Saffron Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154905]
• Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154884]
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108]
• Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels [158130]
• Blending Brushes [153611]
• Whisper White 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon [151326]
• Linen Thread [104199]
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]

The Catching Butterflies Cling Stamp Set (English) [158108] is adorable and the only way to get it is to earn it for FREE with a $50 purchase before tax and shipping!  See another way that I've used this stamp set HERE.

Now it's your turn to get those creative juices flowing and try this easy background technique for handmade cards.

This cardmaking project is a super simple fun fold card called a slim tent.  It's a cute smaller size and really fun to make!

This card was featured in my YouTube Premiere this week.  Take a look at the video and you will want to make this fun fold, too.

Super Simple Fun Fold Card- Slim Tent

Lisa's Inklings:

• Pale Papaya 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155668] is cut 2-3/4 x 5-1/2.
• Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146990] is cut 2-1/4 x 11 and scored at 5-1/2.
• Pattern Party 12" X 12" Host Designer Series Paper [155426]  2 Pieces cut 2 x 5-1/4.
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]: You will need a 3 x 3 for die-cutting and 2 x 5-1/4 for the inside.
• Mango Melody 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146989]: 3 x 3 to die cut scalloped circle from the Layering Circles Dies [151770].

The Catch You Later Cling Stamp Set [158037] is adorable! I mentioned in the video that I am drawn to these cute animal stamps since our granddaughters love them and these images make such cute cards for the littles.

Here is the complete list of supplies for this card.

• Catch You Later Cling Stamp Set [158037]
• Pale Papaya 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155668]
• Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146990]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Mango Melody 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146989]
• Pattern Party 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper [155426]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]
• Pale Papaya Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [155519]
• Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154883]
• Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154885]
• Pool Party Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154894]
• Layering Circles Dies [151770]
• Whisper White 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon [151326]
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]

Fun fold cards are favorites among so many crafters.  Try this slim tent then take a look at this fun fold card here.

Thanks so much for stopping by for this Super Simple Slim Tent Fun Fold Card and stay tuned for more card ideas here on Ink and Inspirations!

Let's take a look at the two projects from my YouTube Premiere made with the new Stampin' Up! Blessings of Home stamp set and coordinating dies.  This is a beautiful new combo and I know you're going to love it!

Here's a pretty card with the images all in black and white.

The next project is a great little calendar for your desk.

Let's take a look at the video with the how-to for both projects...

Two Projects with Stampin' Up! Blessings of Home

Blessings Of Home Bundle (English) [157939]

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121045]

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102482]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]

Pattern Party 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper [155426]

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]

Black & White 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Gingham Ribbon [156485]

Stitched So Sweetly Dies [151690]

Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels [146924]

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]

Mini Glue Dots [103683]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]

The list above includes the supplies for the card.

Here are the calendar supplies:

• Blessings Of Home Bundle (English) [157939]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Pattern Party 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper [155426]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]
• Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102584]
• Pale Papaya 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155668]
• Heart & Home 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [157928]
• Pale Papaya Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [155519]
• Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154892]
• Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154883]
• Linen Thread [104199]
• Layering Circles Dies [151770]
• Simply Scored [122334]
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]
• Mini Glue Dots [103683]
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]

This Blessings Of Home Bundle [157939] is my featured bundle for the month and after your purchase of this bundle, you will receive a PDF tutorial via email with 11 beautiful card-making projects and instructions.
If you purchase the bundle by Monday evening, January 10th, you will also receive the kits to create these two projects in the mail from me!

Order your Blessings Of Home Bundle [157939]now to create these two projects and receive your PDF with 11 card ideas and the kits to make these two projects! Offer for the kits ends January 10, 2022, at Midnight Central Time.

The Stampin' Up! January - June 2022 ( J -J 2022) Mini Catalog debuts tomorrow and to start off, we are featuring a beautiful new bundle, Stampin' Up! Blessings of Home (157939).

With two beautiful floral images and five sweet sentiments, this stamp set and die combo can be used for birthday cards, thank you cards, motivational cards, and more.  To help you with ideas for this bundle, there is a special offer for you during the month of January.

With your purchase of the Blessings of Home Bundle during January 2022, you will receive our special Tutorial Medley Bundle PDF with eleven (11!) beautiful card projects created with Blessings of Home.  I am honored to be among this group of demonstrators who collaborate, design, and create some fabulous projects using the latest from Stampin' Up!

Since one of our Stampin' Up! biggest events of the year will also begin tomorrow (SALE-A-BRATION), with your purchase of this qualifying bundle you will also get to choose a freebie from the SAB (Sale-A-Bration) brochure! (Be sure to visit tomorrow for the online version of the mini catalog and PDF!)

I will also be sharing some exclusive Blessings of Home projects tomorrow in my January 2022 Newsletter so be sure you are on that list to receive my emails. You can do that HERE. You will also receive a FREE online class just for signing up!

Be sure to tune in to YouTube on Thursday for a Premiere video that will feature Blessings of Home. AND, if you purchase this bundle by Monday evening, January 10th, I will send you two project kits featuring this bundle that will be shown in my YouTube Premiere this Thursday evening, January 6, 2022.

I am really excited to share these new crafting goodies with you! 

Need a catalog?  If you do not have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I will be happy to send you one. E-mail me to request one!

Happy New Year and thanks for checking in today!  Looking forward to sharing the beautiful Blessings of Home Bundle with you this week!

I am a couple of days late with our last idea in my Stampin' Up! 2021 Countdown to Christmas series...Embossed Napkins. 

This is an idea that's been shared before here on Ink and Inspirations but it's definitely worth sharing again since it's so easy and fun not to mention how impressive it will look for your holiday gatherings.

Here's the video!

Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021- Embossed Napkins

See how easy that is!  And, your party napkins will be unique and different! This is also a good idea for wedding shower napkins.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram if you want to take a peek into our holiday happenings and thanks so much for following my Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 ideas and videos.

We are getting closer and closer to Christmas Day and I have another video for our Countdown to Christmas series with a video featuring my husband, Jackie, gift wrapping with our 12 x 12 patterned paper.

There were a few little gifts that I thought would be really pretty in some of our Christmas-themed patterned paper from our current 2021 Mini Catalog.

Featured here are the Painted Christmas 12" X 12"  Designer Series Paper [156292] and Sweet Stockings 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [156281].

Here's the video so you can see Jackie's process!

Gift Wrapping with 12 x 12 Patterned Paper

If you have some little gifts, try using your 12 x 12 patterned paper to wrap!  Use some ribbon to add a soft touch!

Here is the listing of products used today:
Painted Christmas 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [156292]
Sweet Stockings 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper [156281]
Mini Paper Pumpkin Box [153069]
Paper Trimmer [152392]
Cherry Cobbler & Gold 1/2'' Metallic Ribbon [156312]
Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Mini Ruffled Ribbon [156323]

Thanks for tuning in for Jackie's gift wrapping with 12 x 12 patterned paper in our 2021 Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas series and I'll see you tomorrow with one more quick tip.

Here's another 2021 Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas project with a DIY Gift Box.  It is my hope that these projects that have been shared this week will make things just a bit easier for you.  If you've missed the other projects, you can catch those at these links below:

Project #1

Project #2

Project #3

Project #4

I don't know about you but many times I am scurrying around looking for a box.  Boxes are just too hard to store but these are fun to make and will work for many gifts. This is a great pattern to keep on hand and it is super simple.  It is 6" square and 3" deep.  You could even fold an adult-size t-shirt to fit inside.

Here's the video then you will want to "dig through" all that 12 x 12 paper that you have been saving ;) to create these!

Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021- DIY Gift Box

Lisa's Inklings:

• You will need two pieces of 12 x 12 paper. 
• Score both at 3" on all 4 sides.
• Cut two tabs off one side of the top as shown in the video.
• Adhere the one long tab to the outside of the back of the box bottom. (see video)
• Tie with ribbon and add a tag!

If you can use this idea and do make one of these boxes, leave a comment below and let me know!

I hope to be back next Monday and Tuesday with a couple of ideas for you!  Thanks for tuning in for the fifth in my series of Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 with this DIY Gift Box.

The next in the series of Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 is a Hot Chocolate Pocket that debuted on my YouTube Premiere this evening. This project could also be used as a gift card or cash holder.

I hope you have been enjoying this series of holiday projects and it has helped solve some crafting needs as we get closer to Christmas.

This is such a fun project and different from most cocoa mix pouches.  And, the Nothing's Better Than Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [152507] and coordinating Love You More Than Dies [152698] can be used at any time of year.

Here's the video in case you missed the premiere!
Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021- Hot Chocolate Pocket

Lisa's Inklings:

• Mossy Meadow Cardstock [133676] 4-1/4 x 11; score at 5-1/4 and 5-3/4
• Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] 4-3/4 x 5-3/4.  Score on the long side at 1/2, 1, 4-3/4, 5-1/4. Score on short side at 3/8".
• You will need Mossy Meadow and Real Red scrap for fussy cutting and die-cutting
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] scrap for stamping and fussy cutting.
• Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper [153492] 3-1/2 x 4-1/8; 4-1/8 x 5-1/8.

Here are the supplies used in the video:

• Nothing's Better Than Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [152507]
• Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676]
• Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102482]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper [153492]
• Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]
• Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154899]
• Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154890]
• Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [153105]
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]
• Playful Alphabet Dies [152706]
• Love You More Than Dies [152698]
• Simply Scored [122334]
• Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995]
• Paper Snips [103579]
• Stampin' Seal+ [149699]
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108]
• Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon [153535]

Have you seen the other Countdown to Christmas Projects? If not, you can see those HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today and next, I will share another packaging idea!  For the next Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 project, you will need two pieces of 12 x 12 cardstock or one 12 x 12 piece of cardstock and one 12 x 12 piece of patterned paper...see you then!

Join us on YouTube for a Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas Project

Thursday, December 16, 2021

7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, 4 PM PT

Happy Wednesday and welcome to our third project in my Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 with the nice size DIY Christmas gift bag!

Our designer (patterned) paper is really beautiful and perfect for making these bags.  As soon as I finished this one, our granddaughter, Mia, wanted to fill it with little treasures.

I really should make several of these right now!  It never fails that a couple of days before Christmas, I am scurrying around trying to find a bag just this size for a last-minute gift.

Here's the video tutorial so you can see just how easy it is to assemble.

Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021- DIY Gift Bag

Lisa's Inklings:

• You will need two pieces of 12 x 12 designer series paper.  For this project, I used Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper [153492].
• Score the two sides and the bottom at 3".
• Score what will be the top at 1-1/2".
• Cut the tabs as indicated in the video.
• Ribbon length for handles can vary but better to cut extra to leave plenty of room for tying a knot. The ribbon used in the video is the Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Mini Ruffled Ribbon [156323].

Here is the listing of products seen in the video:

• Be Jolly Cling Stamp Set [156370]
• Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper [153492]
• Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102482]
• Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
• Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Mini Ruffled Ribbon [156323]
• Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [155475]
• Stampin' Seal+ [149699]
• Paper Trimmer [152392]
• Simply Scored [122334]
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]
• Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154899]
• Bronze & Ivory Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154922]
• Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154892]

Now that you have all the information to create this bag, look through your designer papers and find pairs that you can use make some, too.  I think I'll do the same thing to make a few more because I know that I will need them!

If you've missed the first two countdown projects, here is #1 and here is #2!

I hope you enjoyed the third of my Stampin' Up! 2021 Countdown to Christmas and this DIY Gift Bag and I'll see you tomorrow for my YouTube Premiere at 6 PM Central!

Our next in a series of  Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 is a bottle tag that can be gifted with a bottle of wine or sparkling water.  This is a great idea for a host gift or even a white elephant gift exchange gift.  (I think my daughter is snatching one that I've made just for that!)

You can make these tags fancy or clean and simple.  The only necessary part for this type of tag is a punched or die-cut circle at the top with a scored line just beneath.  Ready to see how this one is made?  Here's the video?

Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021- Wine Bottle Tag

Lisa's Inklings:

• Cut Evening Evergreen 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155574] 3-1/2 x 8 and score at 2-1/4.
• Ever Eden 12" X 12" Specialty Designer Series is cut 3-1/4 x 5.
• You will need a scrap of Soft Succulent 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155776] to stamp and cut the sentiment.
• Cut Gold Foil Sheets [132622] 1-1/2 x 3-1/4 to punch with the Delightful Tag Topper Punch [149518].
• Cut Evening Evergreen 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon [155573] and Soft Succulent 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon [155780] about 12-15 " to thread through the gold tag.
• Secure these ribbons with 6" of a contrasting ribbon. I used Gold 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon [156470].

These would be easy to make ahead of time and would store very easily.  And, even if you don't need a bottle tag, you could use these same design elements for a card front.

Here is the listing of supplies used for this project.  Keep in mind that several of these items are only available while supplies last and may not be available.

• Heartfelt Wishes Cling Stamp Set (English) [156541]
• Evening Evergreen 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155574]
• Ever Eden 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [159996]
• Soft Succulent 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155776]
• Evening Evergreen Classic Stampin' Pad [155576]
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]
• Layering Circles Dies [151770]
• Basic Borders Dies [155558]
• Star Crossed Embossing Folder [156567]
• Evening Evergreen 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon [155573]
• Soft Succulent 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon [155780]
• Gold 3/8" (1 Cm) Shimmer Ribbon [156470]
• Garden Gems [159277]
• Gold Foil Sheets [132622]
• Delightful Tag Topper Punch [149518]
• Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder [153576]

In case you missed the first in this series of Christmas projects, be sure to take a look at that HERE.

Thanks for tuning in for the second of my Stampin' Up! 2021 Countdown to Christmas and this pretty wine bottle tag and I'll be back tomorrow with a packaging idea!

Let's start this Monday and National Cocoa Day off with the first in my series of Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021 with a fun and easy cocoa packet!

With these days leading up to the holiday, I wanted to share some easy and fun projects and packaging ideas that you can assemble in minutes.  Are you ready?

This one is easy to make and fun to assemble using a white envelope!  This is a re-make of a project from WAY back in 2010 and if you want to see the original version, visit my Facebook page to see that video!

For now, here is the current version, so settle in for a few minutes so you can make these, too!

Stampin' Up! Countdown to Christmas 2021
Cocoa Packet for National Cocoa Day

Lisa's Inklings:

• Seal the Basic White Medium Envelope [159236] and cut 2" off the long side.
• Use an embossing folder to give the "pocket" a fun texture.  On this project, the Star Crossed Embossing Folder [156567] was used.
• Gingerbread & Peppermint 6" X 6" Designer Series Paper [156313] is 4-1/4 x 1-7/8 " to glue on the top piece.
• Cut and stamp your image and sentiment.  On this project: Frosted Gingerbread Bundle (English) [156807] and Gingerbread & Peppermint 6" X 6"Designer Series Paper [156313]
• Cut ribbon 4-1/4" long to adhere to designer paper.  On this project: Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Mini Ruffled Ribbon [156323]

These are so quick, I think I'll make several more and I sure hope that you can use this idea!

Gift Certificates

This is also a great pouch to hold a gift card!  Are any of your family and friends needing an idea for you?  I offer gift certificates for Stampin' Up! product purchases through me! Gift certificates in any amount are available. Have them e-mail me or call me, 409-719-2853. 

Thanks for tuning in for the first of my Stampin' Up! 2021 Countdown to Christmas and this fun cocoa packet and I'll see you tomorrow with another idea!

Join me tonight on YouTube for a short video where I will be demonstrating simple techniques with Stampin' Up! Soft Pastels!

Go there now and set up a reminder!

7 PM ET, 6 PM  CT, 5 PM MT, 4 PM PT