Brian’s Week in Review: July 26, 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 Little Family Adventure

When last Sunday’s post went live, I told you Mom, Jeremiah and I were meeting Jeremiah’s mom for an afternoon outing at Stone Mountain. You trusted me. You believed me. Yet I’m back with photographic proof that it really happened. ♥

Our day started with lunch at a little German bakery just outside of Stone Mountain Park. We shared an oversized pretzel (because of course we did!), and I enjoyed schnitzel with spaetzle. Mustards and cabbage were happily enjoyed by all.

Here we are just inside the park. It was really hot, and both the train and the Skyride were closed because a storm was rolling in. We took a quick stroll through the park before deciding it was probably smarter to head back to the car than challenge Mother Nature.

We spent a little time driving around the park to see the picnic areas, the lake and the zipline course. Along the way, we came across a charming one-lane covered bridge. We jumped out for a quick photo, but the thunder started rumbling while we were under the bridge. That was our cue to make a speedy retreat to the car and head home.

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, Wednesday and Thursday

This was a great week for sharing! I kicked off the Summer 2026 One-for-One Card Swap on Monday and spent three days showcasing beautiful cards from talented stampers of all skill levels.

If you missed any of the fun (or just want another dose of inspiration), you can catch up here:

• DAY ONE: Summer 2026 One-for-One Card Swap
• DAY TWO: Summer 2026 One-for-One Card Swap – Fancy Folds
• DAY THREE: Summer 2026 One-for-One Card Swap

There will be plenty more swap cards to enjoy this week, but here’s one that completely wowed me.

Week-in-Review Bonus: At first glance, Bobbi Miller’s card looks like a beautiful showcase for the Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper. But looks can be deceiving! Hidden in the front panel is a cleverly disguised trick door that you don’t notice until you start opening the card.

Here’s Bobbi’s card that I shared on Wednesday:

I don’t think you could spot it in my original photos (and you definitely can’t see it in person), but there’s a perfectly hidden cut in the front panel. Peel back the paper where it naturally separates, and the card opens in the most delightful way.

I absolutely love little surprises like that!

Tuesday

On Tuesday, I shared a sweet Christmas card built with nothing more than nine squares of A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper and a base of Two-Tone Cardstock.

These papers are packed with little square designs that practically beg to be cut apart. It’s one of those packs that’s easy to overlook until you start playing with it…and then the ideas just keep coming.

To learn more about this card and the beautiful papers I used, CLICK HERE.

Friday

On Friday, I shared a pile of woodland friends working together to build a Christmas tree. It’s hard not to smile at these adorable little critters.

Week-in-Review Bonus: I originally imagined a bright, colorful Christmas tree, but then I remembered that most woodland animals are…well…brown or gray. A bright red deer might have been a bit much. Instead, I let the stars, birds and ornaments bring the pops of color. Once I blended in Soft Sea Foam around the scene, everything came together exactly the way I’d hoped. I didn’t even use the Peaceful Pine Stampin’ Blends on the card, but the Peaceful Pine cardstock and plaid paper ended up being the perfect finishing touches.

Saturday

Yesterday I shared a sweet little tag I created to accompany the product shares I mailed earlier this month. The Rounded Rectangle Punch turned out to be exactly the right size and shape.

Week-in-Review Bonus: I mentioned that I used the Spooktacular 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper to create the little black-and-white accent on the sides of the tag. What I neglected to mention is why I reached for that paper. The reason? I accidentally ordered two extra packs. Apparently Future Brian decided Present Brian needed a lot more Halloween paper. I guess I’d better start making more Halloween projects with those adorable characters!

Last Thoughts

One of my favorite things about these Sunday posts is realizing how much variety can fit into a single week. Christmas, Halloween, clever fun folds, card swaps, product shares…and somewhere in between, a German bakery and a covered bridge before the rain chased us home.

I’d say that’s a pretty well-balanced week. ♥ Thanks for spending part of it with me, and I hope you’ll stop back this week because there are still plenty more beautiful swap cards waiting to be shared!

Thanks for stopping by!

Brian