Stamping Sunday Blog Hop – New Beginnings

Hello and welcome to the May Stamping Sunday Blog Hop. This month, our theme is new beginnings. This is perfect for a couple reasons. First, our whole blog hop is getting a make-over! We have a new logo and more members; in fact, we’ve combined two previous Stamping Sunday groups into one. Our new schedule is to hop the third Sunday of each month.

The second reason why this theme is perfect is because my son Samuel is graduating from grad school this month! After years of hard work, it’s absolutely wonderful to see him accomplish his goals and move on with his “new life” and career. I feel like he’s got the whole world at his feet. It’s a little crazy to think that my baby boy is now Dr. Hewlett! (I can’t help it; I keep saying that to myself … I’m super proud.)

Looking back at everything Samuel has gone through, this whole journey really warms my heart and brings a tear to my eye. He struggled to conform at school because of his ADD. He was always smart; he just didn’t like following the rules and had his own way of doing things. Basically, he was a boy!

A pivotal moment happened when Samuel was around 7 or 8 and my husband broke his leg skiing. Even after the break healed, the ankle would swell and cause him discomfort. Samuel discovered that he had a talent for massaging the ankle and making his dad feel better, and that he really enjoyed the gratification of being able to help. That’s when he decided he wanted to be a physical therapist. Fast forward many years, after a rough start in college, lessons learned, and receiving his bachelor’s degree, Samuel still had to battle getting accepted into a good DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program. He spent a few years retaking classes and working as an intern to gain experience. Finally, our prayers were answered when he was accepted into a 3-year program at Chapman University. And, while that meant temporarily moving away from his long-time girlfriend (and now wife), he persevered and succeeded! We couldn’t be happier for him!!!

Since he has the world at his feet, I thought the Watercolor World stamp would make a great card. I used a Stamparatus and Blending Brushes to add multiple colors to the stamp, including Boho Blue, Misty Moonlight, Old Olive, and Wild Wheat. I stamped on Basic White Cardstock and used a Water Painter to very lightly blend the ink.

I also stamped the Rays of Light background stamp with Boho Blue and Misty Moonlight ink . I inked up the stamp with the lighter color and then used a Sponge Dauber to add the darker color to the outside edges. Afterwards, I gave the whole stamp a little spritz before stamping on Boho Blue Cardstock.

The custom sentiment is embossed in gold using the Charming Sentiments Bundle and then I used the Alphabet A La Mode Dies to cut “DPT” from Misty Moonlight Cardstock backed with Foam Adhesive Sheets.

The final touch was some Wild Wheat Jute Trim and Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots.

On the inside of the card, I used the Good Feeling Stamp Set.

While I was at it, I made a second card for my daughter to give her brother. This time, I used the Circle Sayings Bundle and a similar color combination to the first card.

I heat embossed the wave image in gold on Basic White Cardstock and then watercolored it with Balmy Blue, Boho Blue, and Wild Wheat ink. The Circle Sayings Bundle includes the coordinating 2-3/8″ Circle Punch, making it super easy to punch out the images. I also stamped the Rays of Light stamp similar to the first card and punched it out with the same circle punch.

In the background of this card, I used 2023-2025 In Color 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper (in Boho Blue and Wild Wheat.) I also used the Charming Sentiments Dies to cut out the fun “tails” from some of the leftover Misty Moonlight Cardstock backed with Foam Adhesive Sheets.

The final touch was some Wild Wheat Textured Ribbon and Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots.

On the inside, I used another stamp from the Circle Sayings set. I watercolored the background with Balmy Blue ink first. Then, I stamped the greeting with Boho Blue and heat embossed the shells in gold.

Be sure to follow along and see the other designers’ projects this month. I’m sure you’re going to be inspired! (If you are looking at this via email, you may need to click on my header to open my blog and see the links.)

Stamping Sunday Blog Hop Designers:

Use Host Code F9366KUA for purchases at my online store to qualify to receive free exclusive project tutorials. This month’s PDF includes 13 great tutorials designed by my demonstrator friends and I to inspire your creativity! The projects feature products from the 2024 Annual Catalog, Online Exclusives, and September-December Mini Catalog. Enjoy!

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