Brian’s Week in Review: July 5, 2026

Welcome to my Week in Review!

Every Sunday, I love taking a few minutes to look back at the projects, moments and little highlights from the week – perfect for those who don’t follow along every day and a fun behind-the-scenes peek for those who do. And yes…there are always a few extras tucked in here just for you. ♥

A Busy Fungeon

In my new role at Oglethorpe University, I’m able to split my work between home and the school. I was at the school every day two weeks ago while my boss was on vacation, so I was able to work from home every day last week.

My work setup is in the Fungeon…so I can look at all my unfinished projects while I’m working. Maya was here all week and just sat quietly on her dog bed while I worked. ♥ As soon as I logged off from work, though, my busy evenings crafting in the same room began.

Once the workday ended, the Fungeon lights stayed on! Not only did the Super-Awesome Fun Time Card Kits go out this week (they went out on Thursday!), but Product Shares and Designer Series Paper Swatch Books were spread across every available surface as I packed and prepared everything for the mail.

Maya has gone home, and Mom will be here tomorrow. Fun times!

Swapping?

I’ve received a pile of cards in the mail over the past week. I haven’t opened them yet, but I can’t wait to dig in.

If you haven’t sent a card for my Summer One-for-One Card Swap, there’s still a little time. If you can get a card in the mail soon so it arrives by Friday, I’d love to include you!

To learn more about my One-for-One Card Swap, click on the image below:

Back to My Week in Review…

My week of posts was filled with a lot of fun products. Let’s take a look back at the projects I shared with you this week…

Monday

I kicked off the week with two of my Paper Pumpkin alternatives using July’s Bikes & Blooms Kit. Both are easel cards (I don’t make those enough!), including this one that only opens on part of the card front:

I’ve never seen an easel card like this one, so I’m happy with how it turned out.

To read more about this project and the July Paper Pumpkin, CLICK HERE.

Tuesday

From the moment I first saw the Spooktacular 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper, I was in love. If you like the adorable side of Halloween as much as I do, you’ll love these papers, too!

Here’s the card I shared on Tuesday with this pack of papers:

Dracula has never looked so adorable, right?!

To learn more about this project and to see the pages in this incredible pack of papers, CLICK HERE.

Week-in-Review Bonus: One of the sweet comments on a post this week complimented me on my cards each day, claiming I’ve not had an ugly card. ♥ I responded that I have had some missteps and that I often times make multiple versions before a card makes it to my blog. Tuesday was one of those days. After taking pictures of my card, I pulled elements off the card and reworked it. Here’s the original card that just didn’t feel balanced to me:

The coffin pulled focus on this card, and I didn’t like the sequins on this project. Moving him over a little and putting the sentiment on the right gave me a card I was happy to share.

Wednesday

The July 2026 Online Exclusives launched on Wednesday, and I was excited to share them with you. But that’s not all that was new on Wednesday:

• New Online Exclusives
• July Product of the Month
• New Kits

To learn more about these new products and to take a pass through each, CLICK HERE.

Week-in-Review Bonus: With Mom arriving tomorrow, I’ve set aside some projects to work on with her. Not only will she be making the cards from our Scenic Coast Super-Awesome Fun Time Card Kit (she’s partial to coastal charm), but we’ll be playing with the A Stitched Season Suite (she’s a new quilter, so I know she’ll love these):

Thursday

You know how much I love working with Designer Series Papers. I start almost every project with a patterned paper. When a new catalog rolls out, I love to share a closer look at the pages, colors and patterns. That’s what I did on Thursday.

With all the fun patterns in these pages, reaching into Halloween and Christmas, I think I’m most excited by this page:

As I was packing product shares, this page kept catching my eye – so much that I positioned it on the top of the stack.

Week-in-Review Bonus: I pay close attention to the colors in Designer Series Paper – really close. I study the pages like there will be an exam. When I shared the colors in the new Violet Dreams Specialty Designer Series Paper, I listed the colors correctly, but … when I shared my favorite color combination from the papers (Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape), the joke was on me because Highland Heather is not in the papers. Oops!

Friday

On Friday, I made a patriotic card with Two-Tone Cardstock (Secret Sea, Real Red, Pool Party and Basic White), the Mini Alphabet Dies and the new Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder.

Here’s the card I shared with you on Friday ahead of the July 4 weekend:

Week-in-Review Bonus: I really love this color combination – Pool Party is such a lovely addition to Real Red and Secret Sea. If this color combination catches your eye, I hope you’ll save it for future inspiration:

Saturday

Yesterday was Independence Day, and I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July! I shared a parade of patriotic cards spanning all the way back to 2015.

Here’s one of my favorite projects from this lineup:

If you missed my collection of patriotic projects, I hope you’ll take a look. To see them all, CLICK HERE.

Last Thoughts

It’s hard to believe how much can fit into a single week! Between new product launches, card kits, product shares, time in the Fungeon and getting ready for Mom’s visit, it’s certainly been a full one. I’m looking forward to a fun week ahead filled with crafting, a little family time and, of course, plenty of new inspiration to share with you. Thanks for stopping by today and for making Stamp with Brian part of your week. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for another creative project!

Thanks for stopping by!

Brian