It’s time for a new sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches, and this week it is my turn to have the privilege of playing hostess, which means I get to design the sketch. Since I love simple collage-style cards, that is what I designed for this week:
My oldest is a Senior this year and will be graduating from high school in just a few short weeks, and then will be heading off to college over 600 miles away in August. There… I said it. I have really been in denial most of the year, and I have to say this is SO HARD for me. I have so many conflicting emotions when I think about this whole graduation thing. On one hand, I am so proud of this kid! He is a great student and has earned a really awesome scholarship. He is responsible and kind, and he’s ready to start this next great adventure. But on the other hand, I tear-up every time I think about him putting on that cap and gown, and thinking about leaving him at his dorm three states away is just too much. But I’m praying that God will prepare my heart, and I keep reminding myself that this is what I’ve always wanted for him (though maybe a little closer to home). He is a great kid and I will miss having him around every day, but I know he will do well. Seeing that first one leave the nest is really tough on this momma’s heart.
Since I know I will be needing several graduation cards this year, I decided to get a jump start. I pulled out a stamp set that is retiring next month and made a card with my son’s school colors. The stamp set is called Superstar, and the coordinating Stars Framelits Dies are also retiring.
I really wish alphabet stamp sets and dies would include an apostrophe in their collections, but it is rare to find one. I made do by cutting off a part of the number 3 and using it for an apostrophe here. The “class of” is from the Labeler alphabet set.
The numbers were cut from some Night of Navy card stock using the Large Numbers Framelits Dies. I added some little stars from the Regals Enamel Shapes and some old washi tape for some embellishments. This card came together really quickly.
We hope you’ll join us and make your own card using the sketch. I am looking forward to browsing the gallery this week to see what you create. Meanwhile, be sure to visit the Freshly Made Sketches site to see what the design team has created for your inspiration. I took a peek earlier, and I love what they’ve done!
Enjoy your Wednesday! Thanks for stopping by!
amyoneillblog.com 
Your card is fab…..perfect for graduation! And I love how you did the apostrophe! And I am not going to lie I sobbed most of the six hours home when we took our daughter to college. He will be fine……you may need some tie to adjust ❤️ But if it helps any dropping off number two a few years later was easier!
What a wonderful card. I understand your pain mine graduate next year.
WOW! This is fabulous! I need a graduation card and I plan to CAS this! Thanks so much for the inspiration! XX
I love this card! I think I may have to borrow your design {wink} because I’ve got a nephew graduating from college this year. Now, I’ve never sent a kid of mine off to college so I have no pearls of wisdom to offer but I am sure that you will both be fine with a little time. 🙂
This is such an amazing card Amy! I love the colours and think it’s the perfect graduation card! We’ll be praying for you and your son as you both prepare for this huge step!!
I know exactly how you feel, my daughter is graduating as well and I had planned on making her invitations but when I sat down to do them, I ruined several pieces of cardstock with tears so decided to have someone else do them. She is adopted and all I could think about was how she squeezed my hand that day we got her and her sister and looked up at and said, “do I get to stay with you forever?” I “lost” it then and many times since. He will do great in college, wish you the best with your adjustment.
My son is just finishing his freshman year at college (but only 90 miles away although he’s been so busy and so happy staying there, he might as well have been 600 miles away!) It’s been hard, lonely, and scary, but also amazing and wonderful to watch him grow throughout this year.
LOVE your card!! Definitely into my inspiration file as my other son graduates next year and there are so many friends for whom I’ll be making cards!!
I LOVE this, Amy!
Aw, I just went back and read this. One thing that makes me happy that I had kids way late in life is that I’m still 12 years away from what I’m sure is a very difficult first. *Sniff*, I feel for you!
Oh hugs to you, Amy! It is so hard when your kids fly the coop. Mine only went across town (then came back 6 months later), but the worry is still the same. I hope you get used to it in time. I have to say that Sandy’s story above made me tear up a bit. In the meantime, your card is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a graduation card.
Oh I love this Amy! Your son is going to love it. You must be so proud that he going off to college. It will be sad for you but there are always the holidays that he can come home!