Crafty Ink Queens Mystery Project ✨

One of my favorite parts of our team rhythm is our Mystery Project! Each month, after our team meeting, we come together to create a fun surprise project — cards, treats, or something a little unexpected — and it’s always so fun to see how everyone’s creativity shines.

This month, I used our Product of the Month DSP for the Mystery Project, and I love how it turned out! 💖 

Measurements:

Colored Cardstock 4-1/4" X 5-1/2"

Two Tone Cardstock 4" X 5-1/4" and 4-1/4" X 10-1/2" Scored at 1-1/2", 3," 5-1/2", 8"

White/Neutral for label and stamping

Pretty DSPaper 3-3/4"X5", 4" X 1-1/4" (X2) , 4" X 2-1/4" (X2)

16" Ribbon for bow

Favorite stamp bundle and ink pad.

What do you think?

Now it’s your turn! Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and be sure to tag me so I can see your version. I can’t wait to see how you make it your own!

 

Sketch Challenge Featuring True Blue Florals DSP

I’m so excited to share today’s sketch challenge, featuring our Product of the Month Designer Series Paper – True Blue Florals. This sketch immediately caught my eye because it’s simple, clean, and perfectly designed to let the paper shine.

The layered panels create interest without overwhelming the design, making it a great layout to keep on hand for future projects. I paired White, Night of Navy, and Balmy Blue, and the result is such a calm, soothing color combination — absolutely perfect for heartfelt cards, sympathy cards, encouragement, or thinking-of-you messages.

What I love most about this sketch is how versatile it is. You can easily swap sentiments, change up the DSP, or add embellishments to make it your own, while still keeping that clean, balanced look.

If you’ve been eyeing the True Blue Florals DSP, now is the time! You still have a chance to snag this gorgeous paper before it’s gone — and trust me, it’s one you’ll reach for again and again.

👉 Head to my shop now button on my side bar and get yours before it's gone.

I can’t wait to see how you interpret this sketch and what you create with this beautiful paper. Be sure to share your projects — I love seeing your creativity come to life!

 

Celebrating Our Last Team Meeting of the Year

I am so thrilled for everyone who was able to attend our last team meeting of the year. Spending time together, visiting, laughing, and playing our White Elephant game was truly the perfect way to wrap up the year.

The creativity that showed up absolutely amazed me — you all seriously outdid yourselves! Every handmade gift was thoughtful, creative, and full of heart. I’m a little sad I didn’t manage to get a photo of all the homemade White Elephant gifts, because they were truly something special and such a reflection of this incredible group.

Dana White & Darlene Cruse

+

Laura Inboden & Amanda Mcguire

As we look ahead and step into 2026 together, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come. We had meaningful conversations, enjoyed team-building fun, and shared plenty of laughter — all reminders of how special this community really is.

I am so grateful for each of you and the friendships we’ve built along the way. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making our team what it is.

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I can’t wait to see what we create together in the year ahead.

✨ Our next team meeting will be 

Sunday, January 18, 2026. ✨
I’m already looking forward to being together again! Want to join us sometime; lets chat and let me share how you can be part of this exclusive time together. 

 

Ready for a little mid-month magic? ✨

This month, I featured the adorable Pop Up Pals kit—and let me tell you, it brought out all the smiles and creative energy. These little cuties made the perfect excuse for a brain break, a crafty moment, and some good company.

Every second Wednesday, I host a creative break where we craft together using the featured kit of the month… or you can totally pick any other kit from my collection. No pressure, no perfection—just creativity, conversation, and whatever snack or cup of coffee you bring along.

Jan. 14th, 2026 is our next get-together, and I can’t wait to see what everyone makes. There’s always laughter, a few “oops” moments, and some fun commentary to keep things light.

Details for January are coming soon—so stay tuned and get your glue dots ready! If you want a reminder or want to craft along, keep an eye out here or message me to be added to the list. 

Sweeten Your Season — FREE SHIPPING Is Coming Soon! 🎁

The holiday rush is here, and I’ve got some sweet news to help make your season a little brighter (and your wallet a little happier!)…

FREE SHIPPING is coming December 10–12!

That’s right — for three full days, you can enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all Stampin’ Up! orders of $75 or more.

Shop with me here...

Whether you’re finishing up your Christmas shopping, grabbing those extra embellishments, or stocking up on your favorite crafting essentials, this is the perfect time to save.

 

✨ Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Handmade Ornaments with Velvet Specialty Paper! ✨

If you're looking for a quick and festive way to add handmade charm to your holiday décor, today’s tip is for YOU! 🎄

The Velvet Specialty Paper is absolutely perfect for creating soft, elegant ornaments—and it cuts beautifully using the Ornamental Christmas Dies. Just look at that texture! 😍

These little ornaments are:

• Easy to make

• Perfect for gifting

• A beautiful addition to your tree, garlands, or gift packaging

Whether you're crafting with family or prepping for your next handmade holiday project, this trick adds just the right touch of cozy elegance.

Happy crafting, friends! ✂️💚
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to see your ornaments!

All Season 12" X 12" Velvet Speciality Paper

Ornamental Christmas Dies

 

Brushed With Beauty Virtual Class — Completed & Loved! 🌸✨

I finally sat down and completed the Stampin’ Up! Brushed With Beauty virtual class today, and wow… this bundle did NOT disappoint! 😍

From the gorgeous florals to the soft, artistic details, every project came together so beautifully. The mix of layers, textures, and colors truly shows off how stunning this suite can be.

I’m feeling so inspired after finishing everything — and honestly, a little obsessed with how pretty these designs turned out. Sometimes slowing down and creating at your own pace is exactly what the crafty heart needs. 💗

If you haven’t had a chance to dive into this bundle yet, I highly recommend it. It’s elegant, versatile, and perfect for cards, scrapbook pages, gift boxes, and more. Shop Brushed Beauty

Thanks for stopping by!

XO- Christina

 

💌 Sketch of the Day — Featuring Brushed Beauty DSP

Today’s card sketch challenge is all about keeping it simple, and sometimes simple is exactly what makes a design shine! 

For this layout, I reached for the beautiful Brushed Beauty DSP. The soft patterns and gentle watercolor feel make it perfect for a clean, elegant card that comes together quickly.

I used a sweet little tag element as the focal accent — just enough detail to highlight the sentiment without overwhelming the design. Tags are one of my favorite sketch add-ons because they work for any occasion and instantly add charm.

This card is:

✔️ Clean

✔️ Easy

✔️ Versatile

✔️ Perfect for using up scraps of DSP!

Whether you need a quick birthday card, a thank-you, or a just-because note, this sketch makes it simple to create something beautiful in minutes.

Happy crafting, friend!

Christina

 

Finally Back to Scrapbooking!

I'm so happy to be getting back to my scrapbook pages! I found myself a few months behind in my 2025 month-by month book, but it feels so good to sit down, get creative, and start catching up.

For my September layout, I decided to combine both of my kiddos sinds their birthdays are in the same month. It felt so special to celebrate them together on one set of pages - double the memories, double the fun, and so many sweet moments to document. 

There's something so rewarding about preserving these little slices of life, even if they're a little late. I'm excited to keep the momentum going and continue telling our family's story, one page at a time. 

 

Modern Christmas Hot Cocoa Pouch — Simple, Festive, and Oh-So Cozy!

If you're looking for a quick and heartfelt handmade gift this season, this Modern Christmas Hot Cocoa Pouch is the perfect project! ❤️

You can create this adorable treat in just minutes — and it’s great for:
• Stocking stuffers
• Teacher gifts
• Coworker surprises
• Neighbor treats
• Party favors
• Or just a cozy pick-me-up for someone special

I absolutely love how the Modern Christmas DSP wraps around a cocoa packet and instantly transforms it into something warm, festive, and gift-ready. Sometimes the simplest projects are the ones that make people smile the biggest!

A little paper, a little ribbon, and a whole lot of heart — that’s what handmade gifting is all about.

👉 Want to make your own?
Watch my full YouTube tutorial below for all the measurements, tips, and step-by-step instructions.

Measurements:

Basic Black CS: 3-3/4" X 12" Score @ 1-1/2", 6-3/4"

Traditions of Christmas DSP: 5" X 3-1/2" and 1-1/4" X 3-1/2"

Ribbon or Twine: about 24"

Scraps for sentiment. 

✨ Spread a little warmth this holiday season 

— one cocoa pouch at a time!

 

🎅 That’s a Wrap! Santa’s Workshop 2025

What an incredible night! My annual Santa’s Workshop is officially in the books, and my heart is so full. ❤️

We spent the evening creating festive cards, tags, giftables, and more — all while sipping hot chocolate, laughing, and snacking on some delicious goodies. The room was buzzing with creativity and holiday cheer!

I am so grateful for everyone who came out — my wonderful returning crafty friends and the brand-new faces who joined us for the first time. These gatherings remind me why I love what I do. Crafting brings people together in the sweetest, most meaningful ways, and tonight was the perfect example of that.

Thank you all for making this workshop magical.
Thank you for your joy, your creativity, your kindness.
And thank you for filling the room with so much holiday spirit. 🎄

Until the next crafty gathering… Merry creating! 💖
— Christina

Want to see what these crafty events are all about, sign up for my email list and join us for the next IP event. You are sure to leave with a smile and creative juices. 

 

❤️ Grateful for My Crafty Helpers!

Today I’m feeling extra thankful for these two amazing ladies who spent the day helping me prep all the supplies for this week’s Santa’s Workshop!

We cut, assembled, sorted, and packaged 140 project pieces — yes, 140! 🎄✂️
It was a big job, but with good company, shared laughter, and crafty conversation, the day flew by.

Moments like these remind me why I love this community so much. Crafting isn’t just about the projects… it’s about the friendships, the teamwork, and the joy of creating together.

Thank you, ladies, for your helping hands 

and beautiful hearts.

Santa’s Workshop is officially ready, and I can’t wait to share all the holiday magic with you all! ✨

---

 

Join Us This Wednesday for Coffee & Cards!

Hi crafty friends,

I’d love for you to join us this Wednesday, December 10th at 10 AM for our next Coffee & Cards meetup!

Come take a little time away from the busyness of the season and enjoy a relaxing morning of:

✨ Creating

✨ Laughing

✨ Visiting with friends

We’ll be meeting at Jucy’s Burger in Marshall, where you can enjoy a yummy breakfast, sip on a warm cup of coffee, and spend the morning crafting together. It’s always such a sweet, refreshing time — and I’d love to see you there!

Come create with us and start your Wednesday with joy. 💛

Take a little creative break and come craft with us!
You can create the featured product kit of the month Pop-Up Pals, or choose a different kit once you arrive — totally your choice.

It’s always such a great time to slow down, visit, and make something beautiful with friends. Can’t wait to see you there! Two ways to RSVP hit the pay here button to just pay for class 

or

 hit shop here button and get class for free. 

                                  (shop $30 before SH to count towards class)

                                          Pay Here  or   Shop Here

If you have any questions, just reach out!

Warmly,

Christina 

🎄 Sketch of the Day — Christmas Gift Tag Edition!

Today’s sketch of the day is just in time for Christmas, and I’m so excited to share it with you! Gift tags are one of my favorite little projects to make during the holiday season — they add such a heartfelt, handmade touch to any present.

This design is simple, festive, and easy to customize with your favorite Designer Series Paper, colors, and sentiments. 

Using the sketch below, I created this adorable holiday tag featuring warm earthy tones, a sweet sentiment, and a pop of sparkle. ✨
It’s the perfect quick project for:
🎁 gift bags
🎄 wrapped presents
🍪 treat boxes

💌 holiday bundles

Whether you’re creating a few or a whole stack, this layout gives you a clean base that can be dressed up however you’d like!

Happy tagging, friends — and don’t forget to share your version with me! I love seeing your creativity come to life. ❤️

 

🎄 Holly Jolly Fun Fold Card — Festive, Simple, and So Much Fun to Create!

Today on the blog, I’m sharing a cheerful Christmas card made with the Holly Jolly Bundle — one of my absolute favorites this season! This fun fold design is easy to put together and adds a playful twist to your holiday cardmaking.

✂️ Project Measurements

Here’s everything you need to get started:

        Card Base:

• 11" x 8-1/2" cardstock

• Score at 5-1/2" on the long (11") side

• Turn and score at 4-1/4" on the short (8-1/2") side

        Front Layer:

• 4" x 5-1/4" cardstock

• Emboss using the Jolly Holly Embossing Folder for beautiful texture

       Inside Layer:

• Basic White cardstock: 4" x 5-1/4"

The Holly Jolly Bundle makes it easy to add adorable stamped images and sentiments that capture the magic of the season. Pair that with the textured embossing, and you have a card that’s cute, festive, and full of handmade charm!

✨ Want to see the full process from start to finish?
👉 Watch my complete tutorial for all the small details and assembly tips!

Whether you're making holiday cards for friends, family, or your Christmas card list, this fun fold is sure to bring a smile.

Happy crafting, friends! 🎁💚❤️

 

🌻This Week’s Card Challenge – A Touch of Hope & Courage

For this week’s card challenge, I paired the Hope & Courage stamp set with the beautifully detailed 3D Sunflower Embossing Folder—and oh my goodness, these two together created the sweetest card full of encouragement and light.

The embossed sunflower adds so much texture and depth, and when combined with the uplifting sentiments from Hope & Courage, it becomes a card that truly feels like a hug in the mail. 💛

I chose Pretty in Pink cardstock for this project, and it was the perfect touch—soft, warm, and full of gentle hope. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bold embossed sunflower.

If you need a meaningful card to lift someone up, this combo is absolutely beautiful. Simple elements… powerful message.

Happy crafting, friends! 🌻✂️

 

💌 Happy Place Cash Gift Card Holder — Simple, Cute, & Perfect for Any Occasion!

If you’re looking for a quick and adorable way to give cash or a gift card, this Cash Gift Card Holder made with the Happy Place stamp set is going to be your new favorite project! It’s simple, fast, and works beautifully for birthdays, Christmas, graduations, and more.

Today’s project uses soft Pool Party with pops 

of color from the Happy Place images — 

such a fun combo!

✂️ Measurements & Supplies

📘 Card Base (Pool Party):

• 6-1/2" × 12"

• Score at 3", 6", and 9"

📘 Front Panel:

• 6-1/4" × 2-3/4"

📘 Sentiment Layer:

• 5-3/4" × 2-1/4"

🖍️ Stamp Set:

• Happy Place #165966

🎀 Ribbon:

• Pool Party Grosgrain Ribbon #164129 

Watch full tutorial here.