Current Issue
Naomi Simon: Fought to the Top
Wrestler Naomi Simon has made her way from Decorah mats to World Championships with a ton of hard work and perseverance.
Current Issue
Current Issue
8 Tips for Finding Connection
When the world feels full of darkness, it’s easy to want to run away from it all. But the magic of life lives in the connections you make.
Current Issue
Martha Deines
Probituary: A Notice of Life! Martha Deines has been a pastor’s wife, a mother of six, and the best grandmother and great-grandmother!
Current Issue
Woodpeckers: Pecking for a Living
True to its name, a woodpecker’s life is about pecking. All share anatomical features that make them uniquely “woodpecker.”
Current Issue
Amara Rose Foundation
The Amara Rose Foundation was the result of a family turning tragedy into a mission to honor lives lost to addiction and fentanyl poisoning.
Community Builders
Kathleen Jensen + The Little Heart Project
Little hearts, crocheted with love through Kathleen Jensen's The Little Heart Project, are spreading messages of hope and light to all.
Current Issue
Finding Connection for Improved Mental Health
Finding connection can release happiness hormones (like oxytocin or serotonin) and can also boost our resilience against stress and trauma.
Current Issue
Eric Sovern of Cardboard Robot
Cardboard Robot in Downtown Decorah is “your friendly neighborhood making-stuff store.” It’s a place filled with creativity and inspiration.
Community Builders
Kara Maloney
Kara Maloney says community building is about a lot of different things, but most of all, it’s about showing up.
Current Issue
Laura Demuth: A Beautifully Woven Life
Decorah - and Winter Inspire(d) cover – artist Laura Demuth shares her meandering journey through weaving and life.
Current Issue
Paper Heart Wreath
Decorate your home with hearts and love this winter with this simple Paper Heart Wreath project. Step-by-step instructions here!
Current Issue
Winter 2024-25 Inspire(d) Editor’s Letter
Winter 2024-25 Inspire(d) We’re all in this together. And despite all our differences – or perhaps in celebration of them – I’d like to remind…
What is Inspire(d)?
Here at Inspire(d) HQ, we value positive news. Friends, family, neighbors who do good things. Ideas that make us think. Optimism. We believe that people are, as a whole, good, and that tiny changes can turn into big, world changes.
Featured Stories
Featured Stories
17 Years of Inspire(d)!
It is wild to think it's been 17 years of Inspire(d) already! Here’s a look back on this “experiment in positive news” from past to present.
Featured Stories
Future Focused: On Inspiration
Roxie Nichols shares what inspiration means to her to the new Inspire(d) column, Future Focused, helping to give the next generation a voice.
Driftless Stories
Ida Rotto + Red Oak Outdoor School
At Red Oak Outdoor School, learning on the move is the norm and you can find Ida Rotto teaching kids how to slow to the speed of nature.
Driftless Stories
Jennifer Drinkwater + The What’s Good Project
The What’s Good Project founder Jennifer Drinkwater creates art that connects individuals and invigorates communities.
Featured Stories
Mental Health: Practicing Self-Compassion
As we prep for the summer season, there's one emotion that can increase our capacity for connection: compassion, including self-compassion.
Featured Stories
International Family Travel!
It had been 18 years since I traveled off this continent. But in April 2023, we reset that ticker with a Family Trip to Greece!
Driftless Stories
Raising Awareness for SUDEP
Jennifer Sime raises awareness for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) after her son passed away from it at age 19 in November 2017.
Driftless Stories
Larry Reis: an Outdoor way of life
Ever since Larry Reis was old enough to realize that “people had jobs,” he wanted a career connected to wildlife and nature.
Featured Stories
Jess Rediske of Red-Roxy Quilt Co.
The stars were aligned when Jess Rediske founded Red-Roxy Quilt Co. with her mom, Roxanne Schnitzler, in 2012.
Community Builders
Missy Hoch
Gold Heart Tattoo owner Missy Hoch is evening out the male dominated industry of tattooing with her brand of female energy.
Driftless Stories
Self-Care for the Season
We are encouraging you to remember your worthiness, and to take steps – even small ones – toward embracing self-care for the season.
Featured Stories
DIY Affirmation Cards
For our Paper Project for the Winter 2023-24 Inspire(d), we put together templates for some DIY Affirmation Cards!
Driftless Stories
16 Tips for Finding Inspiration
Inspiration is a main missions of Inspire(d) Magazine. But sometimes it feels impossible. To help, here are 16 tips for finding inspiration.
Featured Stories
Dani Peterslie & Azia Thelemann of Drift Mercantile
There’s not much of a sibling rivalry for sisters Azia Thelemann and Dani Peterslie, owners of Drift Mercantile in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Featured Stories
Gabi Masek of Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs
Gabi Masek of Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs in Decorah, Iowa, runs a business that makes her patients and her own health a top priority.
Featured Stories
Community Care: 12 Ways to Show Up for Each Other
Utilize these ideas for community care — ranging from small acts of kindness to something larger like volunteering your time or skillset.
Featured Stories
21 Ways to Kick the Winter Blues!
It’s tough to stay positive in the winter – it's cold, it's snowy, and the force of the couch is strong. Looking for ideas to get happy? We've got 'em.
Paper Projects
Paper Heart Wreath
Decorate your home with hearts and love this winter with this simple Paper Heart Wreath project. Step-by-step instructions here!
Fill-In Thank You Cards
Make these cute fill-in thank you cards to leave on your co-worker's desk, in your kid's lunch, or even at each place setting at Thanksgiving!
Road Map Lanterns
Got an old atlas laying around? Make these adorable road map lanterns for a fun adventure-inspired night outside. Cheers to summer!
Giant Paper Strawberry Box
Make your own Giant Paper Strawberry Box with this fun and easy DIY tutorial. They are perfect for May Day or Favor Boxes!
DIY Affirmation Cards
For our Paper Project for the Winter 2023-24 Inspire(d), we put together templates for some DIY Affirmation Cards!
Birthday Hat + Paper Pom Poms!
Happy birthday to Inspire(d) Magazine! Make your very own birthday hat + paper pom poms with this easy tutorial!
DIY Gnome Photo Props
Get silly – and have some fun – with these super easy DIY gnome photo props. Get your supplies together. You’ll need:• Gnome hat &…
Make It: Paper Seed Starter Boxes!
Starting seeds is a favorite spring activity around here! Make your own paper seed starter boxes for your baby plants with this fun DIY.
Make it: Dream Board!
Manifest your Big Dream Energy by making a Dream Board! Download our Dream Board prompts and get creating!
Leaf Crowns
Make these super fun and easy leaf crowns for your Autumnal Equinox party, or just for fun (because we all deserve to wear crowns)!
Lauren Bonney Coloring Page
Lauren Bonney designed this coloring page for the Summer 2022 Inspire(d). Download and print, and find a little zen!
DYI Paper Gift Bows
What better paper project for a “Wrapping Up” magazine theme than a DIY Paper Gift Bow?! It’s a lovely present-topper for holidays, birthdays, or any…
Gratitude Garland
Fall leaves + Thanksgiving make this a truly perfect time for a Gratitude Garland - check out this easy paper project, and make yours today!
Cross Stitch Gnome Card
This cross stitch gnome card is a fun, easy way to try cross stitching. When you’re done, send it in the mail to brighten someone’s day!
DIY Mini Megaphones
Get ready to cheer yourself and others on with these DIY mini megaphones! They are easy and super cute! You've got this, friends!
Mother’s Day Mini Magazine
Looking for a gift for mom for Mother’s Day? Or dad for Father’s Day? Or anyone special for any special day? We’ve got the perfect thing: Make your own mini-magazine! It's the sweetest little gift.
Make It: Pop-Up Paper Flower Cards!
Looking for something fun to make for Mother's Day, May Day, or any old day? Try making these pop-up paper flower cards! They are really cute and easy!
Paper Project: Paper Fortune Cookies!
Make these fun Paper Fortune Cookies for anyone you know who needs a little pick-me-up...or just to say you're thinking of them!
Make It: Paper Boats!
For this falls' Paper Project, Roxie shows you how to fold paper boats... and maybe, like her, you'll make nearly 100 of them!
Heart Mobile!
One of fun parts of this paper project is that you get to forage for the perfect sticks first, then put the super cute heart mobile together next.
Earth Paper Seed Hearts
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and look forward to spring? Make these adorable earth paper seed hearts! Supplies: –…
Make It: Sun Bookmark!
Dark days of winter, beware! Brighten up those long nights of reading with a little sunshine tucked into your book. Make a sun bookmark today!
Make it: Paper Crowns!
There always seems to be extra wrapping paper around during winter. Wondering what to do with it? How about you make yourself a crown!
Pumpkin Surprise Balls!
Pumpkin Surprise Balls: You start with tiny presents, and wrap and wrap them into a ball of fun! Cute for Halloween, at the Thanksgiving table, & more!
Make Paper Butterflies!
These little paper butterflies are super cute & easy! Roxie had a blast putting this together with Aryn one rainy day. Click on over to make one (or 5) too!
Paper Project: Unicorn Present!
Giving a gift? Make it a unicorn present! Here’s how: Supplies: Unicorn template print-outs page one and page two Scissors Glue stick Tape Wrapping paper…
Paper Project: Gnomebook!
Keep your important to-dos under wrap with your very own gnomebook!
Paper Project: Award Ribbons
A little tongue-in-cheek and a LOT of fun, homemade award ribbons are a great way to share your love and appreciation.
Paper Project: Homemade Envelopes
Everyone loves finding something special in their mailbox! At a personal touch to snail mail with these homemade up-cycled envelopes!
How to Make Paper Plants
These fun paper plants add pops of color to any space and require no maintenance. Simply print out our templates on cardstock and you're ready to create!
Paper Project: Pop Up Gnome Card!
We love gnomes around here (and unicorns and rainbows and…), so this pop up gnome card was the perfect summer project for us!
How to Make a Kaleidocycle
Make your own kaleidocycle! Pick a spring themed template, color a mandala, or design your own optically twisted paper project.
How To: Make Paper Flowers!
In my adult life I’ve often found myself grateful to my crafty mother for teaching me her crafty ways. These paper flowers - or bows - are all mom! <3
Winter Break Project Ideas
Winter Break! Woohoo! Looking for ways to keep your littles away from the television? We put together a little list of some of our favorites…
Paper Project: Adult Coloring!
Adult Coloring...Coloring for Grown-ups...whatever you want to call it - it's fun! Check out artist Sonja Emily's adult coloring pages here!
DIY Play Dough!
Homemade play dough was something I heard about from other moms, but totally thought I’d never make myself. C’mon…
How to Make a Paper Wreath
We think “fall” & think leaves, football (or, moreover, marching bands!), sweaters, scarves…& wreaths! So, of course, we made a paper wreath for you to try!
How to Make a Pirate Hat
What's the name of the pirate's ranch? Circle Arrrrgh! But seriously, let's make a pirate hat, people! Thar's fun to be had!
11 Paper Projects for Summer!
School’s over! Summer! Exciting! No? Worried about keeping little hands less-than-idle? How about some good, old-fashioned Inspire(d) paper projects?
How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller
Did you call this a cootie catcher or a paper fortune teller? Either way, it's fun! See what this project (and life!) has in store for you!
How to Make a Unicorn Piñata
We're 110% sure you ALL want to make our totally epic paper project: a unicorn piñata! Step-by-step instructions at iloveinspired.com. Unicorns forever!
How to Make a Paper Heart Garland!
We love having these cute paper heart garlands up year-round, but February is for love and the perfect time to try out this easy Inspire(d) craft!
Download a Love Letter!
Looking for sweet ways to say "I love you"? Here's a fun starting place...just download a love letter, fill in the blanks, and add some love <3!
How to: Make a Paper Christmas Tree!
Looking for a fun & easy Christmas craft? Or a cute place card for your holiday table? Maybe you're a hoarder of tissue paper? These tiny trees are calling!
Paper Project: Turkey Finger Puppets!
Looking for something fun to do with your kiddos on Thanksgiving? Or even today? Need table favors? These turkey finger puppets are super easy and cute!
How to Make a Paper Bird!
A Paper Project by Inspire(d) Media/Aryn Henning Nichols These paper chicks are a fun spring project for the young and young-at-heart! Supplies: Construction paper or…
How to Make a Paper Lantern!
Supplies: Paper (I like red for Chinese New Year, but you can use any you like, 8.5 x 11 works best) Pencil Tape or Stapler…
How To: Fold an Origami Crane (and it’s for a good cause!)
Tutorial and one-handed photos by Aryn Henning Nichols Read an inspiring story about Decorah’s Spencer-Berg family and their four-month sabbatical in the Summer 2011 Inspire(d)…
Community Builders
A community is defined as a unified body of individuals. You can build community in a neighborhood, city, region, state, nation… world, at any level. It doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. Building community is one of the most important things we can do on this planet. Connecting with others helps us connect with our humanity, and realize we’re all in this together.
Community Builders
Kathleen Jensen + The Little Heart Project
Little hearts, crocheted with love through Kathleen Jensen's The Little Heart Project, are spreading messages of hope and light to all.
Community Builders
Kara Maloney
Kara Maloney says community building is about a lot of different things, but most of all, it’s about showing up.
Community Builders
Paul Reardon
Paul Reardon's Old Fashioned Gravel ride is bringing people to this gorgeous area to visit, enjoy, and ride with some awesome people.
Community Builders
Dave Dudek
A main street barbershop is so much more than a place to get a haircut. Dave Dudek, a barber who’s been cutting hair in his hometown…
Community Builders
Matt & Nicole Cody
Decorah music educators Nicole and Matt Cody see firsthand how music can act like a glue, binding a community together in harmony – both figurative…
Community Builders
Nathan Davidson
Nathan Davidson uses the power to music to build community throughout Southeast, Minnesota, one gig at a time.
Community Builders
The Blue Zone
The six owners of the Bridgeview Plaza had a space to fill – a really large one. Their solution was The Blue Zone.
Community Builders
Charlie Dee
Local businessman Charlie Dee of Holmen, Wisconsin, along with First Free Church in Onalaska have been creating a community of helpers.
Community Builders
Molly Holkesvik
It is said the art of teaching is in leading others to discovery. And Molly Holkesvik, longtime English teacher at Decorah High School, has helped…
Community Builders
Ernie Johnson
Community-building happens in all kinds of places. Even an old garage, like Ernie’s Station, owned by Ernie Johnson of Whalan, Minnesota.
Community Builders
Alison Bunge Leathers
Alison Bunge Leathers is a boomerang, returning to Southeast Minnesota to live and build community with her family.
Community Builders
Missy Hoch
Gold Heart Tattoo owner Missy Hoch is evening out the male dominated industry of tattooing with her brand of female energy.
Community Builders
County Seat Laundry
Laura and Andy Patten founded County Seat Laundry in Viroqua, WI, with the simple promise of making people's wash day better.
Community Builders
Caitlyn Konze
The Bronze Dragon is a one-of-a-kind, welcoming place for people who don’t or can’t drink, that is safe for the queer community, and accessible for all.
Community Builders
Wendy Lickteig
The Cresco Theatre and Opera House is so much more than a hometown theater.
Community Builders
Julia Borgen
Julia Borgen of Lanesboro, Minnesota, loves community. She won’t tell you that you should love it, too. Julia just does it.
Community Builders
Laura Gentry
From her big smile and zealous laugh, to her colorful outfits and statement glasses, anyone who comes across Rev. Laura Gentry can feel her warm energy and contagious joy.
Community Builders
Jeff Abbas
Jeff Abbas builds community - and lives his dream - through agates, photography, and sharing both with others.
Community Builders
Colleen Foehrenbacher
Colleen Foehrenbacher is building communit(ies) in Bluff Country through leadership at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and beyond.
Community Builders
Norb Kelly
Community builders use many tools. Norb Kelly of Lanesboro, Minnesota, uses traditional tools: A saw, a hammer, a screwdriver.
Community Builders
John Sutton
Westby, WI, is host to an annual woodcarving event, founded by John Sutton, that brings craftsmen and visitors from all over the Midwest.
Community Builders
Jane Kemp
Decorah’s Jane Kemp is a fierce advocate for community causes, and a big believer in working hard to get things done.
Community Builders
Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley & Let’s Shine Coffee
“I believe that each of us as humans shine in our own way,” says Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley, owner of Let’s Shine Coffee in Hillsboro, Wisconsin.
Community Builders
Shaundel Spivey & BLACK
Shaundel Spivey co-founded BLACK - Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge - to empower and elevate the black community in the La Crosse area.
Community Builders
Diane Knight
Whalan, Minnesota, artist Diane Knight turns curiosity into art & community building. Learn more about her methods here!
Community Builders
Nancy Sojka & Northeast Iowa Quilters Guild
Nancy Sojka helped found the Northeast Iowa Quilters Guild back in the late 80s, in a small-town bar, drinking… coffee.
Community Builders
Jane Peck & History Alive Lanesboro
Jane Peck’s love of long ago is making a difference – today – in Lanesboro, Minnesota through the History Alive Lanesboro organization.
Community Builders
Sarah Johnson & The Joy Labs
Sarah Johnson founded The Joy Labs, in Winona, MN, where she experiments with joy and art, and builds community.
Community Builders
The Wrobel Family & the Historic Fortney
Viroqua, Wisconsin’s Historic Fortney Building is being revived by the Wrobel family, and they’re building community along the way
Community Builders
Terri Wolfgram
Terri Wolfgram "pedals literacy" and builds community through her mobile Little Free Library, Paperback Rider, based in La Crosse, WI.
Community Builders
Stephanie Fromm
Stephanie Fromm talks fast and works faster, and she can't help but build community here in Northeast Iowa.
Community Builders
Maryann Baldwin
Maryann Baldwin of Lansing, Iowa, loves planting the seeds of community - like Lansing Office Works – and then watching them grow.
Community Builders
Brooke Pfeffer
Even though Brooke Pfeffer doesn't think of herself as a Community Builder, she definitely does just that in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Community Builders
Amanda Goodenough
Amanda Goodenough works hard in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, community to create a better awareness around racial justice and responsibility.
Community Builders
Adrian Lipscombe
Adrian Lipscombe, owner of Uptown Cafe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, launched a black farming initiative, 40 Acres and a Mule, in 2020.
Community Builders
Pete Espinosa
“My wife and I believe that the more people you can help in a community, the better everything else turns out," says Pete Espinosa.
Community Builders
Luke Zahm
Luke Zahm pursues his passion for food & cultivates identity for the Midwest as a chef, at his restaurant, Driftless Café, and now through Wisconsin Foodie.
Community Builders
Greg Wennes
Greg Wennes, a recovering alcoholic himself, helped found Sunrise Care Facility in 1988. It was among the first of its kind in this part of the Driftless.
Community Builders
Shannon Dallenbach Durbin
“I got this.” It’s a phrase Shannon Dallenbach Durbin has found herself saying a lot. Usually it’s for something creative.
Community Builders
Red Roxy
Roxanne Schnitzler and Jessica Rediske run Red-Roxy Quilt Co. in Decorah, and foster a growing community of crafters in the region.
Community Builders
Adam Wiltgen
There’s some serious pep in Adam Wiltgen’s step as he leads a tour of the arts campus in Lanesboro, a small, but vibrant, community in Southeast Minnesota.
Community Builders
10 Community Builders in the Driftless
Building community is the most important thing we can do. Connecting with others helps us connect with our humanity, and realize we're all in this together.
Community Builders
Red’s IGA
Meatball suppers, spaghetti feeds, pancake breakfasts: Fundraisers are a beloved Midwestern tradition. Spring Grove's Red's IGA takes it a step further!
Community Builders
Lora Friest
NE Iowa RC&D's Lora Friest says she never tires of visiting with people about their ideas and helping them realize that they can actually achieve them.
Community Builders
Mike Ashbacher
For Decorah Fire Chief Mike Ashbacher, it’s the thriving group of volunteer firefighters and the service they provide that helps him build community.
Community Builders
Lissa Carlson
Community Builder: Lissa Carlson / Coulee Parenting Connection By Aryn Henning Nichols • Photos courtesy Lissa Carlson Originally published in the Fall 2017 Inspire(d) When…
Community Builders
John Condon
John Condon has shaped an industrial tech program at Decorah High School that focuses projects less on the individual and more on the wider community.
Community Builders
Liz Rog & Brad Crawford of DecorahNow
DecorahNow.com is a staple in the Decorah community, and builders Liz Rog and Brad Crawford have still bigger dreams for the future
