Juneteenth might feel like a new holiday to those of us who didn’t grow up with it, but it’s an important day that has long deserved the widespread recognition and significance it receives today. The roots of this holiday run deep in American history. Juneteenth (a blend of “June” and “Nineteenth”) commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.
Juneteenth honors the freedom, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans. Celebrations often include family gatherings, meals, parades, music, and community events, while also providing opportunities to reflect on our nation’s history and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
The card I’m sharing with you today was designed with Juneteenth in mind. While it’s not an obvious or literal representation of the holiday, I hope it serves as a meaningful tribute to a day of remembrance, freedom, and hope.
Here’s my card:
My card, which features two panels of the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper, is built with neutral tones that work beautifully together. Here’s a look at the colors and patterns in the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper:
My design started with the weathered Pecan Pie page with the Early Espresso script. Why? The words printed on this page are from the poem Songs for the People, written by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper in 1895. Harper was a prominent African American writer, lecturer, and activist whose life spanned the years before and after emancipation. Her poem suggests that poetry and song can provide comfort to the weary while bringing people together through hope, understanding, and shared humanity.
Here’s a closer look at this page from the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper:
I wanted the perfect sentiment for my card – and I think I found it. This sentiment from Phrases & Frames starts with “Anniversaries are for…” but I put tape over that line before inking the stamp and removed the tape before stamping. Here’s a closer look at this beautiful saying that stresses the importance of honoring the memories of yesterday to shape the hopes of tomorrow:
I tore a panel of Early Espresso Two-Tone Cardstock (most of the torn edges are hidden behind the focal point) and added die-cut leaves from the Delicate Whispers Dies. To finish the card, I added three Early Espresso dots from the Earthy Matte Dots.
The combination of Harper’s words, the weathered textures, and the thoughtful sentiment came together in a way that felt especially appropriate for a day dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and hope. While this card wasn’t created to tell the entire story of Juneteenth, it was inspired by the themes of honoring the past while looking toward a brighter future.
Last Thoughts
Juneteenth invites us to reflect on history, celebrate freedom, and recognize the resilience of those who came before us. I appreciate that crafting sometimes gives us an opportunity to pause and think more deeply about the stories and experiences that shape our world. For me, this card became a quiet reminder that remembering yesterday can help guide our hopes for tomorrow.
The Products
Stamps: Phrases & Frames Papers: Nature Walk Designer Series Paper, Early Espresso, Early Espresso Two-Tone Cardstock, Basic White Inks: Early Espresso Accessories: Delicate Whispers Dies, Earthy Matte Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by today!
Brian
Shop the New Products
The May – August 2026 Catalog and coordinating Online Exclusives are live – and you can place your order now. To learn more, click on the image below:
And don’t miss the Online Exclusives!
Don’t Miss June’s Product of the Month
When you place a $75 order (before shipping and taxes) in June, you can select the new Product of the Month for just $5. Here’s a look at this over-the-top, adorable stamp set:
To read more about this sweet set and see a collection of Stampin’ Up!-designed samples, CLICK HERE.
Super-Awesome!
Emma and I are back to host another Super-Awesome Fun Time Card Kit with the Sunset Coast Bundle! Sign up today to be a part of the fun!
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Early Espresso excellence. Love the rich but neutral design and palette.