Friday, August 21, 2026

August INK & Go Kit | Easy Cardmaking Ideas for 8 Handmade Cards

August INK & Go Kit: Four Cards, Four Different Looks

One of my favorite things about the INK & Go Kit is that you don’t have to start with a blank sheet of cardstock and figure out what to make. I’ve already done that part for you.

Want to Make These Cards?

The August INK & Go Kit includes everything you need to create 8 cards, two each of four designs. You’ll provide your own ink and greeting stamps, and everything else is included.

$25 for local porch pickup or $30 shipped in the U.S.

Order the August INK & Go Kit on Payhip


Each month, I design four different cards and prepare the pieces you need to make two of each design. You provide your own ink and greeting stamps. Everything else you need to make the eight cards is included in the kit.

No searching through your Designer Series Paper.

No trying to decide which colors work together.

No wondering what to make.

Just open the kit and start creating.

And the August kit is a great example of how different four cards can look when you start with the same basic idea: make cardmaking easier.




The Silly Old Bear card is probably the most playful of the four. I used the map-style Designer Series Paper as the background and added the little characters and a stamped sentiment in Golden Glow.

The layered label gives the card some dimension, while the characters bring it to life.

It’s a cheerful design that could work for a birthday, a “thinking of you” card, a baby card or simply a note to someone you enjoy spending time with.




The Violet card has a completely different feel.

The rich Gorgeous Grape card base frames three panels of floral Designer Series Paper, with ribbon tucked behind the greeting to add another layer of interest.

It looks more involved than it actually is. Most of the pieces simply go flat onto the card, with Dimensionals used for the greeting and ribbon.

This is one of those cards where a few simple pieces come together to create a finished look that feels special.




The Lily of the Valley card is a little different again.

The Coastal Cabana pieces are folded on the pre-scored lines to create the unique fold, and the Designer Series Paper and die-cut lily of the valley pieces add plenty of detail.

Even though it looks like there are a lot of layers happening here, the assembly is straightforward. Fold the two pieces, attach the pieces flat, add your greeting, and you have a beautiful card ready to send.




And then there’s the balloon card.

This one is clean, simple and happy. The bright Azure Afternoon and Coastal Cabana balloons stand out against the white background, with just a few embellishments to finish it off.

Sometimes simple really is the best choice.

It’s also a great example of why I like creating four different designs for each INK & Go Kit. You might love the detailed Lily of the Valley card, while someone else would choose the simple balloon card every time.

You get to make both.

Cardmaking without the creative overwhelm.

That’s really the idea behind INK & Go.

I know that coming up with a card design can sometimes be the hardest part of cardmaking. You may have plenty of stamps, cardstock and Designer Series Paper, but sitting down and deciding what to do with all of it can stop you before you even begin.

I want to eliminate that creative overwhelm.

So I make the design decisions for you.

You still get the fun of stamping, assembling and creating something handmade, but you don’t have to figure out the whole project from scratch. Your supplies are already cut, coordinated and ready to go. You just need your ink and greeting stamps.

And when you’re finished, you have eight cards ready to send.

Because that’s the part I really love about cardmaking. It isn’t just about making something pretty and putting it in a box. It’s about having a handmade card ready when you want to tell someone happy birthday, say hello, let them know you’re thinking about them, or simply send a little love.

Make the card. Send the card.

That’s what the August INK & Go Kit is all about.

Four designs. Two of each. Eight cards.

Everything included except your ink and greeting stamps.

And a whole lot less creative overwhelm.

Ready to make some cards?
Get your August INK & Go Kit on Payhip

Sunday, August 9, 2026

4 Handmade Card Ideas | Stampin’ Up! August Stamp-a-Stack Inspiration

A Little Bit of Everything at This Month’s Stamp-a-Stack

This month’s Stamp-a-Stack was a fun one!

Once a month, I get together with my local stampers for a couple hours of creating. We make eight cards — two each of four different designs — and I always try to give them a little variety.

This month we had balloons, fall, back-to-school and flowers. And each card had a little story behind it.

Stepping Outside My Usual Style

Let's start with the balloons.

I'll admit, this card was not my typical style. I created it using the Balloon Festoon Bundle, found in the May–August Mini Catalog, and when I finished it, I wasn't quite sure if I had gone a little overboard.

So I did what I often do when I'm on the fence about a card: I asked my Facebook friends what they thought.

And wow, did you all have an opinion!

There were a few suggestions for changes, but the overwhelming response was to leave it just as it was. So I did.

Sometimes it's good to step outside your usual style and see what happens. And apparently this one was a hit!

A Little Fall Fun

I couldn't resist making a fall card, especially with fall weather right around the corner.


This little scarecrow was made with the Fun for Fall Bundle, one of the products available in the July Online Exclusives, and I think he's just so much fun. He's definitely ready for a change in the weather!

When I asked my stampers Friday night and Saturday morning which card was their favorite, every card received votes. But I think the scarecrow may have been the winner.

He's hard not to like!

Back to School, With a Twist

Kids around here are heading back to school this week, so I couldn't resist making a back-to-school card.


I used the Learn & Grow stamp set, also part of the July Online Exclusives, for this one. But I wanted to keep it useful even for stampers who don't have a child or teacher to send a back-to-school card to.

That's something I try to keep in mind when designing my Stamp-a-Stack cards. A theme can be fun, but I also want the cards to be useful for the people making them.

A Card That Can Become Whatever You Need

I also like to include a card that isn't tied to one particular occasion.


For this birthday card, I used the Framed Violets Bundle, another of the products from the July Online Exclusives. But the finished card could easily become a sympathy card, a happy anniversary card or another occasion simply by changing the greeting.

And that's why I always have an assortment of greetings available for my Stamp-a-Stack. You can personalize your card to say exactly what you need it to say.

The card design doesn't have to dictate the occasion. You get to decide what the card becomes.

Four Cards, Lots of Possibilities

That's really what I love about our Stamp-a-Stack weekends.

I get to come up with four different card ideas, and my stampers get to spend some time creating without having to figure out what to make from scratch.

And when they leave, they have eight handmade cards ready to send.

This month's four designs gave us a little bit of everything — a card that pushed me outside my comfort zone, some fun fall inspiration, a back-to-school idea and a versatile floral card that can be used for all kinds of occasions.

As always, we had a great time creating together.

And now that I've shared all four, which one would be your favorite?

The balloons, the scarecrow, the back-to-school card or the violets?


Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Why I Take the Hardest Part Out of Card Making

Have you ever sat down at your craft table, looked at all your supplies, and thought, "I don't even know where to start?"

You're not alone.

After more than 20 years as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I've learned that one of the biggest challenges for many card makers isn't creativity. It's all the decisions that come before you ever make your first cut.

Which paper should I use?

What colors go together?

Which layout should I choose?

Do I have enough time to finish?

I believe creativity should feel relaxing, not overwhelming. That's why I create my INK & Go Kits.

How INK & Go Kits Began

My INK & Go Kits were born during COVID, when we suddenly couldn't gather together to stamp.

I wanted my customers to keep creating, so I started preparing card kits for porch pickup. We'd visit from opposite ends of my porch for a few minutes before they headed home with everything they needed for a relaxing afternoon of stamping.

When life returned to normal, I expected there to be less interest in the kits. Instead, they became even more popular.

Some customers enjoy classes, while others love the flexibility of creating at home whenever it fits their schedule. Whether they have thirty quiet minutes after dinner or a free Saturday morning, the kits are ready whenever they are.

That's when I realized I wasn't just offering card kits. I was helping remove the overwhelm that often keeps people from creating in the first place.

Creativity Without the Guesswork

As a teacher, I've always believed people enjoy learning more when they feel successful. That's why every INK & Go Kit is thoughtfully prepared before it ever reaches you.

I've already designed the projects.

I've already cut the cardstock.

I've already done the die cutting.

Instead of spending your creative time measuring and planning, you can simply sit down, relax, and enjoy making cards.

July's INK & Go Kit

This month's kit includes supplies to make 8 cards, with two each of four different designs. You'll create a lighthouse card, an Adirondack chair card, a flip-flop card, and a beautiful violet card.

Every kit includes:

  • All cardstock cut and ready to assemble
  • Die-cut pieces
  • Envelopes
  • A printed tip sheet
  • Video tutorials for all four cards

One of my favorite parts is that you get to personalize each card.

By adding your own greeting stamp and ink, you decide whether a card becomes a birthday greeting, a thank you, a thinking-of-you card, or something else entirely. I love seeing customers make each project their own.

Watch the Cards Come Together

I've created a short video for each design so you can craft right along with me.

Lighthouse Card

Adirondack Chair Card

Flip-Flop Card

Violet Card


Looking for More Inspiration?

Browse all of my INK & Go Kits and tutorials here

Make Time to Create

Life is busy, and it's easy to put your own hobbies at the bottom of the list.

I hope my INK & Go Kits give you permission to slow down for a little while, enjoy the creative process, and leave your craft table with cards you're excited to send.

Because every day really is a great day to send a card.


July INK & Go Kit

$25 Porch Pickup
$30 Mailed

To personalize your cards, simply add:

  • Your favorite greeting stamp
  • Ink
  • Adhesive

If you'd like to reserve a July INK & Go Kit, I'd love to put one together for you. Simply leave a comment below.  

Browse More Kits & Tutorials

Shop Stampin' Up!

Saturday, June 27, 2026

June 2026 INK & Go Kit | 4 Handmade Card Tutorials

June 2026 INK & Go Kit is Here!

This month’s INK & Go Kit is ready, and I’m so excited to share these projects with you!

This kit includes supplies to create 8 cards total—2 each of 4 designs—with a fun mix of sweet, playful, and elegant styles. As always, everything is cut and prepared for you, making it easy to sit down and enjoy some creative time.

All you need to add is your favorite greeting stamp, ink, and adhesive.

One of my goals this month was to make the kit experience even better, so I created step-by-step video tutorials for each card design. Whether you’re brand new to cardmaking or a seasoned crafter, these videos will help guide you through each project at your own pace.

Here’s a look at this month’s four designs:

Card #1 – Sweet Jam Jar Card 🍓

This sweet card features the adorable jam jar design and soft floral details. I used the Filled with Sweetness stamp set and stamped the greeting in Strawberry Slush.



Card #2 – Cute Hamburger Birthday Card 🍔

This playful birthday card is sure to bring a smile! I used the Scalloped Blooms stamp set and stamped the greeting in Granny Apple Green.



Card #3 – Berry Botanical Vellum Thinking of You Card 🌸

This elegant card features beautiful Berry Botanical vellum layered over soft florals for a delicate, polished look. The greeting was stamped using Forever Florals in Fresh Freesia.



Card #4 – Hello Ant Card 🐜

This cheerful little card is playful, fun, and perfect for sending a quick hello to brighten someone’s day.




I hope this month’s projects inspire you to slow down, get creative, and send a little kindness through the mail.

Handmade cards have a special way of helping us stay connected, and I’m grateful to be part of your creative journey.

Want more cardmaking inspiration, kits, and tutorials?

🛍️ Shop products:
Rachel’s Stampin’ Up! Store

📚 Explore more kits and tutorials:
Great Minds INK Alike Payhip Shop

Interested in next month’s kit? Be sure you’re on my email list.

Every day is a great day to send a card.

Friday, May 29, 2026

May INK and Go Kits Are Ready!

I think May's INK and Go Kit is one of my favorites yet!

When I started designing these cards, I didn't set out to create such a blue collection, but summertime and water seem to go hand in hand, and that's the direction many of the designs naturally took. The result is a beautiful mix of cards featuring a variety of images and styles, including a lily of the valley, a coastal lighthouse, a pair of summer flip-flops, and a relaxing Adirondack chair.

One of the things I love most about this kit is the variety. Whether you're creating for a birthday, thank you, retirement, thinking of you, or just because, you'll have four unique cards ready to send.

What's Included

Each INK and Go Kit includes everything you need to create 8 (2 each of 4 designs) handmade cards except adhesive, ink, and greeting stamps.

Your kit includes:

  • Pre-cut cardstock pieces
  • Embossed elements
  • Die-cut pieces
  • Ribbon
  • Embellishments
  • Envelopes
  • Full-color tip sheet
  • Access to a step-by-step video tutorial

Due to Stampin' Up! policy, demonstrators are not permitted to provide pre-stamped images or greetings, so you'll supply your own favorite greeting stamp set and ink to complete the cards.

Video Tutorials

This month's kit also includes access to a complete video tutorial. Simply scan the QR code included with your kit to watch the full walkthrough and create along with me.

Card Tutorials

Lily of the Valley Card


Lighthouse Card

Flip-Flop Card


Adirondack Chair Card




Kit Details

May's INK and Go Kit is $25 for porch pick up and $30 for mailed kits.

If you'd like to reserve a future kit or learn more about my monthly INK and Go Kits, be sure to contact me or follow along here at Great Minds INK Alike or follow me on Facebook


Saturday, April 4, 2026

My Pre-Order Surprise… and What’s Changing with Stampin’ Up! Catalogs


The Joke Was on Me… My Pre-Order Surprise!

A few days ago I asked a  “this or that” question on Facebook:  Should I open my pre-order right away… or be responsible and get some work done first?

I decided to be responsible and save opening the box as my reward.

Well… the joke was on me.

When I finally opened the box, it wasn’t my pre-order at all! It was a shipment of envelopes and several of the new kits from the Kit Collection.


Not exactly the exciting reveal I was expecting.


The good news is that my actual pre-order has arrived, and this time it really was the fun stuff!

One thing you might notice if you look closely… there are no new In Color stamp pads and only one set of Stampin' Blends.

I’m honestly not quite sure how I managed that. Apparently my excitement got ahead of my checklist when I was placing the order!

So yes… another order went in right away.


Why Demonstrators Get to Pre-Order

One of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is getting to order new products early. This allows us to:

  • Create projects to share with you
  • Design class samples and kits
  • Learn the products before the catalog goes live

It’s one of my favorite parts of a new catalog season because it’s when all the creative ideas start flowing.


A New Catalog System

While we’re talking about new products, you may notice that Stampin’ Up! is changing the catalog system this year.

In the past we had one large annual catalog and two smaller mini catalogs.

Now there will be three catalogs each year, each covering about four months:

  • January – April
  • May – August
  • September – December

These catalogs are a little thinner than the old annual catalog but bigger than the minis, and each one will include the basic supplies and tools you need all year long — things like cardstock, adhesives, inks, and other essentials.

Each catalog will also introduce lots of new products, but some items will carry over from one catalog to the next.

You may also occasionally see products at an event or online that aren’t shown in the current catalog. That’s because some carryover items will remain available in the online store even if they aren’t pictured in the catalog anymore.


Online Exclusives

Stampin’ Up! will also continue releasing Online Exclusives, which are products that are only shown in the online store and not in a printed catalog.

New Online Exclusives are released every other month (the odd months), so if you see something online or at an event and can’t find it in a catalog, it’s probably an Online Exclusive.


Last Chance Lists

To keep things fresh, Stampin’ Up! will also continue releasing Last Chance lists every even month.

This is where retiring or discontinuing items show up — often at a discount — while supplies last.

So if you ever have something on your wish list, it’s a good idea not to wait too long!


Back to My Pre-Order…

Now that my actual pre-order has arrived, the fun part begins — playing with the new products and deciding what will show up in:

  • my Stamp-a-Stack classes
  • future INK and Go kits
  • Stampin' 101 classes
  • upcoming projects and tutorials

And waiting for those In Color stamp pads I somehow forgot!


Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Interactive Bandstand Card Using the Easter Basket Bundle

The Easter Basket Bundle and Easter Joy Suite were perfect for creating a bandstand card, which was my final project for my Vacation Stamping School demonstration. It was so much fun creating these 3-D bandstand cards!



The Easter basket die works beautifully for the front of the bandstand because its size spans the distance between the top and bottom pieces. As you can see, I also made a version using a circle die, which gives a different but equally fun look.


Tip: Adding an Easter Bunny in the basket helps provide extra stability to the front of the card because you can glue the bunny ear to the top with the basket handle. 


You can add as much—or as little—detail to the back of the bandstand as you’d like. If you want room for a message, simply add an extra panel.


For even more interest, try placing a battery-operated light inside the bandstand—it really makes the card come to life!

This wraps up my final post featuring the Easter Basket BundleIf you missed the earlier Easter Basket Bundle projects, you can find them all here.

Stretch Your Supplies: Spring and Baby Cards with Easter Joy

Let the Paper Do the Work: Easter Cards with the Easter Joy Suite

Boxes, Baskets & Treat Containers—Oh My! | Easter Joy Suite Gift Packaging


Monday, February 2, 2026

Boxes, Baskets & Treat Containers—Oh My! | Easter Joy Suite Gift Packaging

Boxes, Baskets, Treat Containers… Oh My!

This is my third post featuring the Easter Joy Suite, and I’m still not done sharing all the fun projects you can create with it! After showing the versatility of this suite with baby cards and spring cards, I moved on to one of my favorite things to make—treat containers. Because really… who doesn’t love a cute little box or basket for the holidays?


Sour Cream Container Carrot

I started with an old favorite—the sour cream container—and turned it into this adorable carrot-shaped treat holder. I used Pleasant Patterns 12" x 12" Specialty Designer Series Paper, which worked perfectly for this project. It’s just the right size for jellybeans or a small Easter treat.

To make a sour cream container:

  • Roll a 4¼" x 5½" piece of cardstock into a tube

  • Seal the ends with Tear & Tape, going in opposite directions

  • Tuck a piece of green cardstock into the top and snip strips to create a cute carrot top

Simple, fun, and always a crowd favorite!


DIY Easter Basket Box

If you’ve looked closely at the mini catalog, you may have noticed a basket/box shown with this suite—but it felt a little too skinny for what I had in mind. So, I decided to design my own box, making it as roomy as possible for Easter treats.

I created a custom box and added baskets to the front and back for extra detail. Now I’m ready to fill these sweet little baskets with goodies for the kids on Easter morning!



Monogrammed Treat Boxes

Another fun option—especially if you want the DSP to really shine—is these monogrammed treat boxes. You can make them in almost any size, and the Party Alphabet Dies make it easy to personalize them for someone special. These are perfect for gifting a small treat with a big impact.



Windowed Boxes (Because I Wasn’t Done Yet!)

After finishing the monogrammed boxes, I still had my window sheets out… so I kept going! I used the basket die to create a fun window detail and made a box with the lid attached.

Once the window sheet is attached to the inside, you can decorate the top just like the monogrammed boxes. I designed two sizes:

  • One snug and adorable (a tight fit for the basket)

  • One slightly larger, making assembly easier—and leaving room for more treats!




This suite just keeps on giving, and I still have more ideas to share. Stay tuned—because I’m not done yet! 💛

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Let the Paper Do the Work: Easter Cards with the Easter Joy Suite

Did you see my last post? I shared some baby cards and spring cards I created with the Easter Joy Suite, showing just how versatile this set can be well beyond Easter.
But today, I’m leaning fully into Easter cards—and especially the paper.

The Easter Joy Specialty Designer Series Paper is absolutely amazing. Each sheet has a shiny, glossy side and a more subtle matte design on the back, giving you lots of options depending on the look you want. One of the standout sheets includes six cut-apart scenic backgrounds, and I made it my goal to use all six in a card or project.

These first two cards were a breeze to make thanks to those adorable scenic backgrounds. I simply added a bunny, a basket, and a few eggs, and the card was practically finished for me.



This little bunny is pretty cute on his own, but I couldn’t help thinking of the Easter song “Hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its way,” so I had to make another version using the Mini Alphabet Dies to bring that playful phrase to life.



For the next two cards, I trimmed the scenic panels down slightly to use them as backgrounds, but I wanted to try something a little different. One card is an Easter Double Easel Card, with Easter Joy Specialty Designer Series Paper added to the background for extra interest. The other is a Side Panel Column Card, featuring the Pleasant Patterns 12 x 12 Specialty Designer Series Paper.


I really love cards like these for sending to someone special because they stand up and display on their own—almost like a little piece of home décor.

If you’d like to try these folds yourself, I have a video that walks you through creating a Double Easel Card, and another video that shows how to make a Side Panel Column Card step by step.

I hope you enjoyed these Easter projects using the Easter Joy Suite. Please check back soon for the next post in this series—I still have more ideas to share!

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Stretch Your Supplies: Spring and Baby Cards with Easter Joy

Last weekend I had the pleasure of doing a demonstration for Vacation Stamping School, a virtual event with my stamping friends, and I spotlighted the Easter Joy Suite. I wanted to go beyond Easter and really show how versatile and usable this beautiful suite can be all season long—and even beyond spring.

I borrowed a congratulations sentiment from another set and paired it with those adorable little bunnies to create some sweet baby cards. That’s one of the things I really appreciate about the Easter Basket Bundle—the images are specific enough to feel special, but flexible enough to work for many different occasions.


For the twin bunnies card, I used the mirror image technique, which is a fun way to get your images facing each other without needing a second stamp.

Here’s how I did it:

  1. Stamp your image onto a silicone craft sheet.

  2. Flip the craft sheet over and press it onto your cardstock to transfer the image.

  3. If you’d like to die cut the image, hold the cardstock up to the light and die cut from the backside for perfect placement.

It’s such a simple technique, but it really adds something special to a card—especially for baby or friendship designs where symmetry feels just right.


I also created a few spring-themed cards using the “Hello, Spring” sentiment included in the stamp set. So of course, I had to include daffodils. They’re my absolute favorite, so this card was an easy choice for me! I love that the daffodil die includes two separate pieces, which adds dimension and makes the flowers feel even more realistic.


But I think my favorite card of the bunch might be the simplest one—the single daffodil. Sometimes less really is more. The Pleasant Patterns 12 x 12 Specialty Designer Series Paper included in this suite is stunning, and that shinny green pattern made the most beautiful background. It lets the daffodil shine without overwhelming the design.


This is the first in a series of posts where I’ll be sharing projects from my Easter Joy Suite demonstration. If you love seeing how one suite can stretch in lots of creative directions, you’re going to enjoy what’s coming next!

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