🎄 Pop-Up Class Fun!

Since I'm unable to host my regular Coffee & Cards class this month (thanks to my exciting trip to Backstage! ☕✨), I decided to put together a little Pop-Up Class instead 

— and it was such a blast!

We spent the afternoon surrounded by paper, ink, laughter, and creativity. A few of my regulars joined in, along with a couple of new faces, and honestly… today was the best. 💕

We created these festive Christmas cards, learned a few new tips and techniques, and shared plenty of giggles along the way. I absolutely love how everyone’s cards turned out — each one was a little different, full of personality and heart.

Moments like these remind me why I love teaching and crafting so much — it’s not just about making cards, it’s about connecting, sharing, and creating joy together.

If you missed this class, don’t worry — there will be more opportunities to join in soon! Keep an eye out for upcoming events, and come craft with us next time. 💛

 

🍫 DIY Lindor Chocolate Ornaments

Today on YouTube, I’m sharing how to create these adorable little ornaments using 

— you guessed it — Lindor chocolates! 🎄✨

These sweet treats are so simple to make and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday celebrations. Whether you use them as gift toppers, tree decorations, or table favors, they’re sure to bring smiles (and maybe a few happy taste buds too 😉).

All you need is a few paper crafting supplies, some festive Designer Series Paper, and of course, those delicious Lindor truffles. Wrap it all together with a pretty ribbon, and you’ve got a treat that’s both beautiful and bite-sized!

🎥 Watch the full tutorial on YouTube:

Supplies Used:

• Designer Series Paper (holiday prints)

• Circle dies or punches

• Ribbon for bows

• Lindor chocolates

• Adhesive & twine

These make the perfect last-minute handmade holiday project 

— simple, sweet, and full of charm. 💕

 

Feeling so grateful!

I’m feeling so incredibly grateful for all of you amazing peeps who continue

 to support my small business! 💛

This year started off a little tough, but with your love, encouragement, and enthusiasm for all things crafty, we pulled through — and it’s all because of YOU! ✨

Whether you’ve joined one of my classes, purchased your favorite paper crafting goodies, sent a kind message, or simply stopped by to chat with me here 

— your support means the world. 🥰

Every like, comment, share, and purchase helps keep my little creative dream alive. 

You’ve helped build not just a business, but a beautiful community 

— one filled with creativity, kindness, and connection.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for continuing to inspire me every single day. Here’s to more creativity, laughter, and handmade happiness together! 💕

With love & gratitude,
Christina
love2inspireHANDMADE

 

Catching Up on Happy Mail!

Nothing brightens my day quite like a little happy mail, and this week I’ve been catching up on sending some sunshine through the mail! ☀️

I absolutely love how these cards turned out using the Sunflower Embossing Folder — simple, elegant, and full of warmth. The embossed texture adds such a beautiful touch without needing a lot of extra layers or embellishments. Sometimes the simplest designs 

carry the biggest smiles. 💛

These cards remind me why I love paper crafting so much — it’s not just about making something pretty, it’s about sharing joy and connecting hearts, one card at a time.

If you haven’t played with your embossing folders lately, here’s your gentle reminder to pull them out and add a little texture to your next project 

— it’s an instant upgrade with minimal effort! ✂️✨

Supplies Used:

• Sunflower Embossing Folder

• Basic White Cardstock along with Petal Pink, and Pretty in Pink ink

• Sentiment stamp or die of choice, blending brush

• Ribbon or embellishment for a finishing touch

 

🪄 Tuesday Tips & Tricks: VersaMark for the Win!

Don’t have every ink color on hand? No worries — VersaMark has you covered! 💛

This little ink pad is one of my go-to tools because it’s perfect for creating a beautiful tone-on-tone effect on colored cardstock. It’s such an easy way to add depth, texture, and a soft, elegant touch to any project — no extra ink pads needed!

Here’s what I did for today’s sample:
Each strip shows a different cardstock stamped with VersaMark for a clean, subtle design.

🔹 Blueberry Bushel (top)

🔹 Night of Navy (middle)

🔹 Seaside Spray (bottom)

See how the stamped image appears just a shade darker than the cardstock? That’s the magic of VersaMark — simple, sophisticated, and always a win. ✨

 Tip: Try this technique with background stamps or subtle patterns for a polished, professional look. It’s especially great for masculine cards or minimalist designs!

So next time you’re reaching for color, grab your VersaMark instead 

— it might just become your new favorite trick. 😉 

You can purchase your own VersaMark buy clicking on link here Shop with me...

Today’s Layout: Gathering Together DSP

Today’s project features the beautiful Gathering Together Designer Series Paper

— a pattern I absolutely love for its soft, masculine feel. 💛

The combination of neutral tones and subtle textures makes this layout perfect for a thoughtful “Thanks” card or any occasion where you want to express gratitude.

I kept the design clean and simple, layering just enough to add depth and interest without overwhelming the warmth of the paper. Sometimes, it’s those quiet, simple details that make a handmade card feel extra special.

If you’ve been looking for inspiration for masculine cards (or something that balances cozy and classic), this layout is a great place to start!

Tip: Try swapping out the sentiment or background color to create variations of this design 

— it’s such a versatile layout! 

Join Me for a Christmas Pop Up Class

Get ready for some festive fun! Join me this Saturday, November 8th for a Christmas Pop-Up Class filled with laughter, creativity, and holiday cheer. 🎁

We’ll be making four beautiful cards — three standard designs and one special photo card — perfect for sending love this holiday season.

💌 Details:

📅 When: Saturday, November 8th

⏰ Time: 1PM-3PM

📍 Where: TBD

💲 Cost: $25 or FREE with a $30 purchase (before S&H)

👯‍♀️ Bonus: Invite a first-time friend and you’ll both receive a special gift! (Just let me know ahead of time so I can prepare supplies.)

Please RSVP by Thursday so I have plenty of time to prep your kits.

Leave a comment below or email ckellysfh@yahoo.com

Let’s get crafty together and kick off the holiday season with joy, creativity, and friendship. Can’t wait to see you there! 

 

DYI Paper Bag Gift Pouch

We all have a few lunch bags (or as I like to call them, paper sacks) lying around the house — so why not turn them into something fun and functional? This quick and simple project transforms ordinary lunch bags into adorable gift pouches perfect for small treats, note cards, or gift cards.

The best part? You only need a few supplies and a 

few minutes to create it!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 paper lunch bags

• Paper trimmer or scissors

• Adhesive or glue

• Brads or ribbon

• Take Your Pick Tool (or a hole punch)

• Stamps, DSP, and embellishments for decorating

 How to Make It:

1. Trim your first bag:
   Cut about ½ inch off the top edge (the open end) to remove the ridge.

2. Fold the first bag:
   Fold it from the bottom toward the opening, leaving about 1½ inches from the top. Set this one aside.

3. Prep your second bag:
   Fold this one from the top opening down toward the bottom square, aligning the top edge flush with the bottom line.
   Add a bit of glue to hold this fold in place.

4. Combine the bags:
   Fold the second bag in half and adhere it to the top of the first bag — this should create three flap layers.

5. Add your finishing touches:
   Use your Take Your Pick Tool (or a hole punch) to pierce two holes in the top outer corners. Add brads or thread ribbon through for closure.

6. Decorate to your heart’s desire!
   Add patterned paper, stamped images, or a little tag to give your pouch that handmade charm.

This little pouch is such a versatile project — perfect for small gifts, thank-you treats, or even holiday goodies. 🎀 It’s a creative way to repurpose simple materials into something adorable and useful!

Want to see it come together step by step?
🎥 Watch the full tutorial on my YouTube channel 

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Crafting on the Go with Kits!

Kits are perfect for crafting on the go! 🧡

I’ve been so excited to finally put together this Sweet & Spooky Treats Kit, and what better time than a little road trip? My husband always jokes that I can’t go anywhere without creating or working on something — and honestly, he’s not wrong! 

 

That’s what I love most about these Stampin’ Up! kits — everything you need is right there in the box: pre-cut pieces, embellishments, adhesives, and easy-to-follow instructions. Just grab a pair of scissors, and you’re ready to craft anytime, anywhere!

These fun little treat bags are heading to a special group of people I recently met, and I can’t wait to see the smiles they bring. 💕

If you haven’t tried a kit yet, I highly recommend it. They’re great for:
✂️ Crafting while traveling or on lunch breaks
🎁 Quick gifts and thoughtful gestures
💌 Stress-free creative time

So next time you hit the road, don’t forget to pack a kit 

(and maybe a little extra adhesive — just in case 😉).

Happy crafting, friends!
— Christina 💛

Shop with ME!

 

Autumn Toile - Sketch of the Day

Feeling a little Autumn Toile with November right around the corner! This simple sketch layout turned into the perfect cozy fall design — complete with warm tones, pumpkins, and all those Autumn Wishes feels. 🍂✨

Sometimes the simplest sketches make the prettiest cards! 💛

 

Who's ready for some Scrapbooking fun?

Let’s get together one more time before the holiday hustle kicks in! 🎄🦃
Join me for a cozy afternoon of crafting at our Keeping Traditions Scrapbooking Workshop — where we’ll relive the joy of the holidays and create something truly special.

We’ll be using the Keeping Traditions Scrapbooking Kit, which makes three gorgeous two-page layouts with festive papers, traditional Christmas designs, and charming embellishments. You’ll love the classic colors and the extra sparkle from the optional Wink of Stella glitter brush technique! 

📅 When: Saturday, November 22nd
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Where: The Honey Hole, Marshall, TX

 Kit Details:

• Makes three 12" x 12" scrapbook spreads

• Step-by-step instructions along with myself helping you along the way.

• Beautiful Designer Series Paper and cardstock

• Stickers, precut images, and photo placeholders

• Color palette: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Pool Party, Real Red, Secret Sea

Additional Tools (optional but helpful):

• Stampin’ Dimensionals (optional)

• Stampin’ Seal (must have day of class)

• Paper Trimmer & Snips (must have day of class)

• Old Olive Ink Pad (optional)

• Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (optional)

• Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Whether you’re a new crafter, busy crafter, or just love a good creative afternoon, this kit is the perfect way to wrap up your crafting year! 

Seats are limited, so grab your spot today — and let’s make memories together before the holiday rush begins! 

You can save your spot two ways. Purchase the kit with link below and add any extra items you may need and have it delivered to your door and bring kit with you day of event.

Purchase Kit Here

OR 

Pay HERE and I will order the kit for you and you will receive it the day of class. 

Must RSVP buy placing order or payment to me no later than Friday, Nov. 7th.

Spooky Sweet Matchbook Style Gift Card/ Candy Treat Holder

If you’re looking for a quick and cute last-minute treat idea, this little matchbook-style gift card or candy holder is the perfect project! It measures 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" — just the right size to tuck in a mini candy bar or even slip in a gift card for a sweet surprise.

Whether you’re creating for Halloween, teacher gifts, or party favors, this design works for so many occasions. Swap out the paper, colors, and embellishments, and you’ve got a completely different look every time!

My favorite part? 💕
It’s so simple to make — just a few cuts, folds, and adhesives, and you’ve got a fun, functional, and totally adorable treat holder. You can decorate it with your favorite DSP, add a stamped sentiment, or even a little ribbon for extra flair.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• ✅ Quick & easy to create

• 🎁 Perfect for candy, gift cards, or notes

• ✂️ Great way to use paper scraps

• 🕸️ Adaptable for any holiday or occasion

Whether you’re making a few for coworkers or a whole batch for trick-or-treaters, this little project is bound to bring smiles.

So grab your trimmer, pick out your favorite paper, and let’s get spooky and sweet! 👻🍬

Supplies Used:

• Designer Series Paper (Spooky Sweet DSP # 166191 or your favorite theme) 4" X 12" cut off 3" Score the now 4" X 9" piece @ 3", 6" You will also need 1/8" X 3" piece and (X2) 3-1/4" X 3"

• Cardstock: 3-1/4" x 9-1/4" score @ 3-1/2, 4" 8-1/4"

• Stapler & adhesive for closing the bottom flap and adhering the DSP.

• Candy or small gift card to tuck inside

• Ribbon, stamps, or embellishments for decorating

Tip:

Add a little sentiment tag or small image to the front for an extra pop of fun — and don’t forget to tag me in your finished project!

 

Creative Pre Retreat Challenge Cards

Every few months my upline and her friends create an unforgettable retreat.

Launch their is always these fun challenges to create from.  

Scroll down to see my take on each of the layouts 

given from some 

wonderful creative women. 

Layout Designed by Connie Stewart.

This layout was shown by Brandy Cox. 

Layout Design by Sharon Armstrong

Layout Design by Jackie Bolhuis.

If you want to learn more on how you can get in on this creative community and more I invite you to join my team of Crafty Inked Queens. Where we create, inspire, and learn from another. 

Join the Crafty Ink Queens Team

 

Free Shipping! Starts Today. October 22-24, 2025

Shop with ME!

Since I’m busy working on my Christmas cards and upcoming classes, I know I’ll be needing plenty of all the things!

I’ve already started my list — cardstock, gems, ribbon, envelopes, and adhesive (all my go-to crafting essentials!).

What’s on your must-have list this week?

Now’s the perfect time to stock up — enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75+ (before rewards, tax, and shipping) from October 22–24, 2025!

 

Tips & Tricks: Meet the Take Your Pick Tool

The Take Your Pick tool is a multipurpose precision tool that helps with small or meticulous tasks. This tool includes a nice no-slip rubber grip as well as two multi-functional tips. One tip has a tacky putty end used for picking up and applying sequins, gems, or other small objects. The other end has two changeable tips with a paper piercing tip, spatula and stylus. 

Meet the Take Your Pick Tool — the Swiss Army Knife of crafting!

This little multitasker does it all:

✨ Picks up sequins, gems & tiny embellishments (tacky putty tip)

🪄 Pokes out die-cut pieces (piercing tool)

🧷 Lifts & applies embellishments (spatula tip)

📏 Scores paper perfectly (stylus tip)

Add the Die Brush Tip attachment, and you’ll be removing die-cut bits like a pro! 🙌

If you don’t have this tool yet — trust me — it’s a total game changer for any cardmaker or paper crafter.

Take Your Pick Tool 

Brushed with Beauty Sketch of the Day

Sketch of the Day

This week I decided to use the Brushed with Beauty DSP and Petals of Beauty stamp set to bring this sketch to life. I love how simple yet elegant this layout is — perfect for showing off your favorite patterned papers!

Colors used: Calypso Coral, Petal Pink, and Mossy Meadow. 

 

Frankenstein Gift Bag Tutorial

It’s easy to make, super cute, and guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face this Halloween. Perfect for classmates, coworkers, or party favors.

Supplies Used:

Basic Black CS, Granny Apple Green 2-Tone CS, Basic White CS, Basic Black Stampin Write Marker, 1" Circle Punch or Die, 3/4" Circle punch or die, Scissors, Frozen Edge Dies (Retired), 

Measurement for bag: 6" X 6" CS (X2) 

Score on three sides at 1-1/2" 

Watch video tutorial above to see how to assemble. 

Thanks for stopping by and viewing how to create this fun guy. If you enjoyed this and can't wait to create your own. Make sure to follow my blog to come back for more fun 

creating ideas. XO - Christina

 

Traditions of Christmas: Mystery Project

Here’s my card from today’s Team Project LIVE!

I had so much fun creating this festive design using the Traditions of Christmas suite and a touch of sparkle.

Supplies Used:

Cherry Cobbler Cardstock: # 119685

Basic White Cardstock: # 166780

Traditions of Christmas DSP: # 165853

Black & White Gold Bakers Twine: # 166005

Cherry Cobbler Ink: # 147083

Old Olive Ink: # 147090

Christmas Greenery Stamp: # 165870

Traditional Labels: # 165854

Traditional Sparkles Sequins: # 165875

Ornamental Christmas Dies: # 166000

Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine: # 149653

 

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Identify your colors at a galance.

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Identify your colors at a galance.

Adhere a 1/8" punch of coordinating cardstock to your ink refill caps using Multipurpose Glue or Glue Dots - it's a quick and easy way to identify your colors at a glance.

 

Sketch Challenge: Christmas Style

Today’s sketch of the day is simple in design but can easily be transformed into something truly beautiful with the right papers, ribbon, and a touch of creativity!

Make sure to come back for a new fun easy to follow sketch. 

Supplies used:

Cherry Cobbler CS, Traditions of Christmas, White CS, Shaded Spruce ribbon and ink, and Jolly Holly stamp set. 

 Two incredible Starter Kit offers available October 1–31! If you’ve ever thought about becoming a demonstrator, now is the perfect time to join my team and start your creative journey.

✨ Choose Your Starter Kit Offer:

• 🎁 $125 USD  worth of products for just $35 USD 

• 🎁 $189 USD worth of products for just $99 USD 

That’s an amazing value and a perfect way to kick off your Stampin’ Up! adventure!

But joining is about more than just the kit — here’s why you’ll love being part of the Stampin’ Up! family (and my team 💕):

🌟 Community – Connect with crafters from all over the world and enjoy the encouragement, inspiration, and friendships that make stamping so special.
🌟 Product Perks – Get 20–25% off your favorite products, plus exclusive early access to new releases and catalogs.
🌟 Experiences – Create, share, and inspire others through fun crafting events, workshops, and classes.
🌟 Empowerment – Build confidence, develop new skills, and grow your circle while doing something you love.
🌟 Supplemental Income – Run your Stampin’ Up! business on a flexible schedule and earn a modest supplemental income.
🌟 Incredible Value – With the two best Starter Kit offers ever, you’ll save big and fill your kit with the products you love most.

Whether you’re looking for discounts, community, a fun side business, or just more crafting joy, there’s a place for you here.

👉 Ready to join? Don’t wait — these offers are only available through October 1 - 31, 2025.

I’d love to welcome you to my team and share this amazing creative journey with you.

Join the Crafty Ink Queens Here

 

Traditions of Christmas Shaker Card

If you love shaker cards, you’re going to love

creating this card!

I love creating fun, simple, and festive cards, especially when we use beautiful paper the

Traditions of Christmas DSP — perfect for adding that extra sparkle to your holiday crafting.

Switched this one up using Moden Christmas DSP. 

Do you prefer Traditions of Christmas or Modern Christmas?

Measurements:

Bubble Bath CS 8-1/2" X 5-1/2" Score @ 4-1/4"

Cherry Cobbler CS Layer 5-1/4" X 4"

DSP 5" X 3-3/4" 

Watch Video for details on assemble. 

Supplies: Shop with me here:

Bubble Bath Cardstock # 161718

Cherry Cobbler Cardstock # 119685

Traditions of Christmas DSP # 165853

Ornemental Christmas Dies # 166000

Jolly Holly Hybrid Emboss Folder & Die # 166119

 Thanks for stopping by and viewing today. 

Hope you leave inspired. 

XO - Christina