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 been following along with me this week, you know we’ve been talking about using the supplies we already have—especially that beautiful patterned paper we tend to hold onto for “just the right project.”

Well, today I want to take it one step further and show you how to use those pre-cut pieces of paper to create a sweet little stack of cards that you can gift to someone else.

Your stash has the power to bless others.

Once your paper is trimmed down to card front size, you’re already halfway there. Add in a simple sentiment stamp, a few embellishments if you’d like, and you’ve got a beautiful set of cards ready to go.

Today I’m sharing a short video as I create a stack of cards from just a few pieces of patterned paper. It’s amazing how quickly they come together once everything is prepped and ready!

You can watch the reel here:

These types of projects remind me that handmade doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.

This set of cards is going into a little gift bundle—a thoughtful surprise for someone I know who loves to send notes but doesn’t always have the time to make cards herself. I’m simply tucking them into a bag and add a coordinating tag for a sweet presentation.

Think about it… who in your life might appreciate a small bundle of handmade cards?

• A neighbor

• A friend from church

• A caregiver

• A new mom

• A teacher

• A fellow crafter

You never know how a small, heartfelt gift can brighten someone’s day.

And just in case you need the reminder today:

You’re allowed to use your pretty paper.

You’re allowed to enjoy your supplies.You’re allowed to create and give and still want to purchase something new later.

There’s no guilt here—only joy and blessings. When we use what we have, we’re making space (physically and emotionally) to be more intentional with both our crafting and our giving.

So go ahead—grab those pieces of patterned paper, stamp a sentiment, and start stacking up some cards to share. It’s a simple project, but one that brings so much heart to your crafting.

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.

We continue to stroll down Last Chance Lane this week with another personal favorite — the Country Flowers Bundle from Stampin’ Up!

This one has been such a joy to create with. The images are sweet and so much fun to color. Whether you’re using watercolor pencils, Stampin’ Blends, or ink and a blender pen, these florals really come to life on your card fronts.

One of my featured projects from last week’s LIVE video uses this exact bundle and I just had to bring it back around today in case you missed it. Here's your gentle reminder that the Country Flowers Bundle is officially on the Last Chance List, which means it’s only available while supplies last.

Watch the replay of the LIVE video below for step-by-step instructions and a peek at how versatile this set can be!

The coordinating dies make it easy to add dimension and special details to your designs.  If you've been thinking about adding this bundle to your collection, now is the time!

Grab the Country Flowers Bundle before it retires:
Country Flowers Bundle

I’ll be back soon with more project favorites as we continue highlighting retiring products from the catalog. Be sure to follow along — and don’t wait too long if something catches your eye! 

Happy stamping,
Lisa

Books are already such thoughtful gifts—but when you wrap them in something handmade? That’s next-level special.

Today I’m sharing a quick peek at a sweet project I’m loving right now: another pocket-style book wrap, perfect for gifting your favorite inspirational or motivational reads. Think of it as a “Blind Date with a Book”… with a crafty twist!

What’s Inside the Pocket?

This wrap is made to hold small, flat items that add a personal touch. Here’s what I tucked into mine:

• A soothing peppermint tea bag

• A scripture card for encouragement

• A handmade bookmark

• A small pad of inspirational sticky notes

It’s like opening a little bookish care package—cozy, comforting, and full of heart.

I used the For The Books Bundle to add stamped images and sweet book-themed touches throughout. The stack of books is one of my favorite images—it’s charming, and totally fitting for this project!

Heads-up: This bundle is currently on Stampin’ Up!’s Last Chance List, so if it’s still on your wishlist, now’s the time to grab it before it retires!

You can catch a short video of this project below, and I’ve also shared a longer video walking you through the full process.

Shop the For The Books Bundle in my online store here and create your own bookish gift for someone special.

Who’s ready to add a little handmade charm to your Easter baskets or spring party favors? Today, I’m sharing two fun and simple projects that’s perfect for packaging sweet treats or small gifts for Easter or for any special occasion throughout the year!

These adorable treat packages are all dressed up with images from the Storybook Friends Stamp Set and the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper,. From sweet bunnies to cheerful colors, these packages are sure to bring a smile to some little faces.

In this week’s Premiere Video, you can see step-by-step instructions on how to create both of these cute treat holders:

•  A triangle-shaped treat box
• A classic "sour cream" style pouch

Both designs are easy to customize with your favorite papers and stamps and they come together quickly, making them perfect for classroom treats, party favors, or little surprise gifts for friends and family.

Watch the video tutorial below so you can make these easy treats, too!
Ready to make your own sweet spring treat packaging?

Visit my Online Store to grab the Storybook Friends Stamp Set, the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper, and all the supplies you need to create these fun and festive favors.

Let's make some cute and easy treat packaging for Easter or as a party favor for any occasion. These are all decked out with some cute images from the Storybook Friends stamp set and the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper.

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/LisaBrownInk or Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/inkandinspirations/
Tune in on Thursday, April 3rd
7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, 4PM PT

Featured Products:
Storybook Friends Stamp Set: https://bit.ly/storybook-friends-stamp-set
Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper: https://bit.ly/storybook-moments-specialty-paper

Spring creativity is happening now, and I’m excited to share this sweet card project with you! If you missed our Thursday Premiere, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The recording is now available, and you can watch anytime.

In this video, I walk you through how to create this beautiful Double Flap Fun Fold Card featuring the Spring Corners Stamp Set. This design is a fresh take on a fun fold, perfect for sending encouragement, gratitude, or a thoughtful hello to friends and family.

For this project, I used the soft, pretty colors of the Unbounded Beauty Designer Series Paper and paired with floral patterns and the heartfelt sentiments.

Here’s the recording the video:

Lisa's Inklings:

• Card Base Card Stock: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" ; cut 1 1/4" off card front.
• Patterned Paper for base: 4" x 5 3/8".  Cut at 2 7/8" for the front and use the left over 1 1/8" for the narrow strip on the right "inside". Use a 1/2" x 2 7/8" scrap for the inside piece of Basic White.
• Basic White for inside the card: 2 7/8" x 5 3/8".
• Small Flap Card Stock: 3" x 6". Score at 3". 
• Patterned Paper for small flap: 2 7/8" x 2 7/8". Cut a 1/2" x 2 7/8" piece of Basic White for the sentiment on the front.

Want more ideas like this?
Be sure to sign up for my Ink and Inspirations mailing list to get more spring-themed card inspiration, tutorials, and fun project ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

Let’s keep crafting, encouraging, and spreading light this season—one card at a time! 

The days are getting brighter, the flowers are starting to bloom, and creativity is in full swing! I have the perfect project to share, and I’d love for you to join me for a fun, relaxing half hour of crafting.

Mark your calendar!
Thursday, March 27 at 6 PM CT (7 PM ET | 5 PM MT | 4 PM PT)
Watch on Facebook or YouTube

I’ll be walking you through a beautiful spring-themed fun fold card featuring the Spring Corners Stamp Set—a fresh design that’s easy to customize for any occasion! Whether you need a thank-you card, a birthday greeting, or just a little “thinking of you” note, this fun fold will quickly become a favorite.

This project is perfect for crafters of all levels, so whether you’ve been making cards for years or are just starting, you’ll love learning how to create this card.

Set a reminder, grab your favorite drink, and join me for the premiere! 

See you Thursday evening on Facebook or YouTube! 

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! 

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!

This week on my LIVE, we tried something super fun and unique—a Pop Up Center Fold Card featuring those cheerful Friendly Seagulls from Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration. 

I’ll admit, these seagulls didn’t catch my eye right away. But let me tell you, once I started playing around with them, I couldn’t stop! They’re just so whimsical and full of personality—they’re perfect for spreading smiles with your handmade creations.

This Pop Up Center Fold card involves 3 scores and 2 strategically placed cuts.  Watch the recording of the video below and try it on your next card!

Lisa's Inklings:

• Card base is cut 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".  
• On the 8 1/2" side, score at 2 1/8, 4 1/4, and 6 3/8.
• Turn and with the 5 1/2" side up, cut between the two outside score marks at 1 3/4" from each side. (Refer to video.)
• Patterned paper: Cut two pieces at 2" x 5 3/8".
• Light neutral card stock for the back is cut at 4" x 5 1/4".

This fun fold design adds so much dimension and interest to your cards! Trust me, it’s easier than it looks and so much fun to make!

Sale-A-Bration is happening now, so when you spend $60 or more, you’ll qualify for a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! It’s the perfect time to stock up on goodies and snag these adorable seagulls. Click here to shop now and reach that $60 qualifying amount!

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!

If you need an idea for a card for a friend, here's one from our latest livestream with the Terrific Toadstools Bundle.    This simple design and classic cuts is the perfect backdrop for these trendy toadstools.  You can see the video how-to in the segment from the recording of the livestream below.

Lisa's Inklings:

• The card base is cut 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2".
• Patterned paper is cut 4" x 5 1/4" for the bold print and 1 1/2" x 5 1/4" for the contrasting strip.
• Gold Foil:  3/4" x 4"
• Basic White for sentiment is cut 1" x 2 3/4"for sentiment and 4" x 5 1/4" for inside of card.

That adorable patterned paper is a Sale-A-Bration offering, Toadstool Gardens, and you can get it FREE with a qualifying purchase of $60 or more.              

Shop now for the Terrific Toadstools Bundle add on some necessities and reach $60 so you can earn the Toadstool Gardens DSP for FREE!