Many of you have already heard the recent news that Paper Crafts magazine will be publishing it’s very last issue this coming February. Admittedly, when this announcement was made, my career as a paper crafter began flashing before my eyes. I reflected on what an important role the magazine played in my professional journey and how much gratitude my heart holds.
(Thanks for Everything Card, dedicated to all those that have worked for PAper Crafts magazine: supply list provided below)
It all began in early 2003, I was browsing the internet and found a call for handmade cards to be used in a brand new publication called “Card Creations”. I remember getting an amazing feeling deep down, that “I had to do this”. So I stamped my heart out for two weeks, coming up with several projects that could be considered “my best”. I submitted them shortly after, and checked my email at least 20 times a day, waiting for some kind of message from them regarding my cards. (Come on, admit it, you've checked your email repeatedly after submissions too!) Then it finally happened. I had three cards accepted! I was so unbelievably excited, I could hardly contain myself. Shortly after that, Crafts magazine made its transition into Paper Crafts magazine, with Valerie Pingree as their founding editor.
It is interesting to look back and see how this change to a paper crafting focus really revolutionized the industry. They were one of the first publications to focus exclusively on paper crafting and card making rather than just scrapbooking. Back then Paper Crafts magazine was *THE* place to get inspiration and check out new product. Pinterest and blogs didn't really exist yet, so we all relied on new issues of the magazine to showcase techniques and trends.
(Valerie Pingree's editor's note from the very first issue of Paper Crafts magazine, February 2004)
Valerie definitely gets much of the credit for giving me my start in this industry. My first published cards were accepted by her during the infancy of Paper Crafts magazine. She saw something in me that I'm not sure I saw myself at the time. She gave me my first "tough assignment & deadline" (I think everyone in the magazine biz can identify with *their first time* LOL!). I had my doubts as to whether or not I could complete what was needed in the time allotted, but I pressed on because I wanted to be a success for Valerie and somebody the magazine could rely on.
(created back in 2005 for my Paper Crafts 101 column, this polyshrink American Sign Language card is still one of my favorites)
Not long after the first issue, in February 2004, Valerie emailed regarding the extension of a concept covered in a CKC class I had developed for them the previous year. She wanted me to take over their Paper Crafts 101 column and I couldn’t believe it. I was being offered a permanent “job” with the magazine. It was a dream come true. Actually, it was more than I had ever dreamed of. So I continued creating the artwork behind PC101 for over three years. In January 2006 I was asked to join their Paper Crafts Pro Team, just to add to my blessings.
(CHA 2007 with Megan Hoeppner and Cath Edvalson)
Being a part of the team was such an incredible experience from beginning to end in October 2007. I have *so* many happy memories with the editorial staff at Paper Crafts magazine during my time there, including Megan Hoeppner, Cath Edvalson, Jennafer Martin, P.Kelly Smith, Brandy Jesperson and Stacy Croninger. And of course the other Paper Crafts Pros as well. The creative brainstorming, the travel and adventure (even with baby Ethan in tow!), the laughter, the limo rides, the Ed. Board meetings and brainstorming, the late night Sonic runs, the many CHA's and *sore* feet, the amazing fun, chats into the wee hours of the morning and so much more. It is truly a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with all of these incredible women and to credit Paper Crafts magazine for developing me into the person I am today within this industry. I am certain that many other designers feel the same sense of sentimentality, which makes it that much harder to see the last issue arrive. It’s like the end of a chapter that you are truly not ready to finish. This post has already become much longer than I intended, but I want to close with one of my favorite quotes that seems perfectly appropriate...
"Goodbye may seem forever,
Farewell is like the end,
But in my heart is a memory
And there you’ll always be."
-The Fox and The Hound
Be sure to check out what other paper crafters from around the world have to say as we send off this magazine in style. You should have just come from Yana Smakula's blog and from here you can go onto visit the Altenew blog. If you want to start at the very beginning of the hop, visit Jennifer McGuire here. I appreciate you allowing me to share my Paper Crafts story today so that I could fully express my gratitude for all they have done for me.
xoxoxo
THANK YOU CARD SUPPLIES
- all supplies from Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted
- STAMPS: Wet Paint, Garden Grace
- INK: True Black, Pure Poppy, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Tropical Teal, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Simply Chartreuse
- PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Raspberry Fizz
- FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
