Brian’s Week in Review: July 21, 2024

This week has been pretty incredible – busy, challenging and wonderful. We had some contractors out this week (we have new doors!), work has been really busy – and I have a fun story to tell you. But first – I want to give a quick rundown of the week (for those who don’t follow me every day) and a little extra background (for those who already tune in every day).

Monday

It’s difficult for me to pass up a great plaid pattern. It’s been a long time since I’ve played with Blackberry Bliss (I still love it, but there are so many great, new colors to steal my attention). It was a friendly reunion when I played with the To Market Designer Series Paper to build most of this card (four designs to create them background and focal image on this card):

Just a little snipping and a lot of layering – and who doesn’t love a “thank you” card?! If you would like to see my original post for this project, click here.

Tuesday

All the beautiful colors of Monday’s project were out the window when I showcased the Distinktive locomotive from the new Greatest Adventure stamp set. Didn’t bother me, though, because I love how the mix of black, white and gray tones turned out. A card can still be beautiful without a pop of color.

If you’d like to read more about this project or these products, click here.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, I kicked off a Summer One-for-One Card Swap. I love these swaps because of the people who participate. I am fortunate to find people at all levels of the craft (from brand new to seasoned stampers), and there’s something wonderful about each and every card I receive. I’ll share the swap cards on my blog – but I’d really love for you to receive one in exchange for your card. 🙂 To learn more, click on the image below:

In Wednesday’s post, I also share links to the swaps I received during last year’s Summer One-for-One Swap. It’s worth a look-see! Click here to see more.

Thursday

When I receive the beautiful card from Sara Douglass at Stampin’ Up!, I knew I wanted to share it with you (but the Magnolia Mood Bundle was on backorder the day I received it). While I love the aesthetics of the beautiful card, it’s not like the cards I make. I love the effortless beauty of the card – with all its layers, it feels so soft and light. Based on the comments I received, I would say you feel the same way.

I shared THREE things I love about this card in my post, but there are SO MANY other things I love about it! To read more about this card, click here.

Friday

Inspired by the Magnolia Mood card I shared on Thursday, I set out to make a similar card to share on Friday. That’s what I had in my mind, any way. Things shifted as I started creating (as it always does), and I made the design a little more mine. Lots of Pretty in Pink, but I couldn’t love it more.

The Designer Tag Dies have been on my shelf for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve put them to use. Glad I did – the cutout is stunning. To read more about this card, click here.

Saturday

I guess I still had all the pink in my system from Friday’s card when I sat down to create Saturday’s project. Without even thinking about it, I pulled out different pinks to make a sweet card with Moody Mauve and Bubble Bath (such a sweet combination!). The Poised Peony stamp set has been begging me to ink it up, and this gave me the chance!

To read more about this project, click here.

One More Thing…

I’ve been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator (and posting daily on my blog) for twelve years. Every day. When I go to Stampin’ Up! conventions or incentive trips, I’m easily identified and love the attention I receive from people who want to say hi. Never, though, have I been recognized in public (outside of a Stampin’ Up! event)…until Tuesday night. Jeremiah and I went to dinner Tuesday night (the house had been turned upside down for two days while all of the external doors were replaced), and we wanted to celebrate with tacos. When we sat down, I asked the ladies at the table next to us what they had for dinner (their plates had been removed, but they were still having drinks – it was Taco Tuesday, after all). While we ate, small conversations kept coming up – we learned a lot about the lovely women (the woman directly beside me is an elementary school teacher for developmentally disabled children who can’t wait for the school year to start back up). As we chatted, she told me how she loves to do arts and craft with her kids, and I offered her a huge stack of cardstock and inks she could use in her classroom. She was happy about it!

As they were about to leave, she asked for my phone number so she could reach out about the supplies. I gave it to her, and then she asked for my name – when I said “King”, she turned to her friends and said, “I knew it!” Unbeknownst to me, she had already told her friends she knew who I was (maybe the load of craft supplies in my basement was a giveaway) – she follows me online! 🙂 It was such an exciting moment for me – such a fun confirmation of all the work I put in.

We grabbed a picture before we left the restaurant:

How cool are we?!

I’ve planned a lot of exciting things planned for the coming week. I hope you’ll join me for all of the fun!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

Online Exclusives are Live!

Stampin’ Up! has loaded a bunch of amazing products into the online store – suites, Christmas, new! Must I say more? To learn more about these amazing goodies, CLICK HERE. To begin shopping, click on the image below:

Bonus Days are Back!

Along with the launch of Stampin’ Up!’s Online Exclusives, Stampin’ Up! is offering a $5 coupon for every $50 you spend in July. The coupons can be collected and redeemed for all the goodies you want in August. How fun – and what a great way to save!

Placing an order today?  Of course you are! If you are placing an order for $150 or more, I want you to enjoy all of the Host Rewards you have earned.  If your order is less than $150, I’d love for you please add this Host Code – BE4XPH2X – when prompted. Thank you!