Brandy Jesperson
Lately I’ve been a bit obsessed with countdowns. My handsome husband and I are expecting our first baby in February, so we’re excitedly counting down the months until we get to meet our new little bundle of joy. I’m a self-professed Christmas-holic, so I’m counting down the days until I can start putting up my Christmas decorations and watching my favorite Christmas movies in front of the fire. I’m counting down the days until my local grocery store is selling pumpkins for me to purchase and promptly place on my front porch. And finally, I’m counting down the days until our first Editorial Board meeting with the new Paper Crafts Go-to Gals!
Yep, Betsy, Maren, Kim K., Kim H., Teri, and Jessica are all jet setting their way to Salt Lake next week to meet for a few days of jibber jabbering and concepting. We’ve had lots of Editorial Board meetings in the past. We’ve met with an assortment of talented designers and picked their brains all in the hopes of producing bigger and better magazines for you, our loyal readers.
We held last year's ed board meeting at my house. We've met in conference rooms before, but we find we're more creative when we can take off our shoes and relax.
And no Paper Crafts meeting would be complete without a wide variety of sugary substances to keep our energy levels up!
How else do you explain the psychic connection between Founding Paper Crafts Pro Sue Neal and Paper Crafts Founder Valerie Pingree?
This year will be no different. I’m positive that we’ll come up with some amazing ideas for next year’s magazines. The fact that we finally get to meet some of these Go-to Gals in person is just icing on the cake!
Since all of us at Paper Crafts sincerely value what YOU ALL think we’d love to get your ideas too. Consider this your chance to add your ideas to the Editorial Board pot. Leave a comment letting me know what types of features you’d like to see in the future pages of Paper Crafts. Have a technique you’d like to learn more about? Tell me about it and we’ll try our best to work it into the magazine. Want yet another way to be a part of next week’s Editorial Board meeting? Check out our Facebook page for updates on Tuesday…we’ll be sharing little bits of our meeting with our fans!
Okay, now that this blog is written and posted, I’m counting down the hours until lunch! This pregnant editor is hungry for something salty!
Happy Thursday all!
Brandy
P.S. If f you’d like to make your own psychic connection with Sue Neal, she’ll be teaching some fun card classes at CKC-San Marcos this weekend. If you’re in the neighborhood, swing by and give her a big Texas-sized hug!
What about a few projects made by kids. My 7 year old reads my magazine and always askes about submitting her ideas.
Congratulations!! I had no idea you were expecting your first Brandy!! How exciting for you and your husband!
I think PC constantly needs to strive to add new card makers all the time. We see a lot of the same names in the magazine month after month with multiple cards in easy issue. It’s not that their cards aren’t gorgeous, because they are, but the card designer circle needs to widen . . . a lot!
I am always on the lookout for card designs that are not only gorgeous, but also FLAT! I am doing my studies in a city far away from my hometown and if I want to send a card to a relative, I am often paying double the price (for square cards even thrice the price…) because of the bulky bows and buttons. I can’t get enough of ideas for mailing-friendly cards (no matter the season!). Thanks for asking! Greetings from Germany
i would love to see a section using older papers and embellishments…you know the ones we are hoarding and not using? I know everyone in the sb industry has these supplies
What about an article that features a “new” artists in the card making world? You usually have several “new”, never before published designers each month. I would enjoy meeting “new” designers too. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy reading about established designers but reading about a “new” designer could be equally inspiring!
Congrats on the impending motherhood!! Becoming a mother is VERY exciting!!
i’ve always thought that it would be cool to have a section in the magazine devoted to projects made by readers that use a project in the magazine as their springboard. i often look through and earmark pages of designs i think i can make with the supplies that i have and go from there. it’s always neat to see the end result and the original. i think it would be cool to have a place in the magazine to highlight and share these with other readers to show how flexible paper crafting can be.
i just read the comment from germany and i am in total agreement with the whole “flat” card idea. mailing bulky cards (unfortunately) even costs extra in the states so having cool designs for flat (cheaper) cards would be wonderful!!!!!
How about articles on using these Copic Markers. Everywhere I look on blogs they are using them and I can’t find classes anywhere near me in KY. So maybe some articles on basics? Also, I love “flat” card too. Just mailed off some cards and got told they had to be handstamped since they had brads…extra fee! But they did fit through the “test” slot at the P.O. Won’t stop me from making them tho!
I would love to see some articles on different design properties, and how to impliment simple examples of each basic design idea (for example…balance with “threes”, then a few simple ideas. How to take some inspiration from an easy source…such as an article of clothing…and giving three easy ideas).
I also would love to see more mail friendly cards. I love the cards in the magazine…but need to see examples of cards that would actually be mailed…in an envelope!
Happy waiting for your baby…they are so much fun :0)
One of my biggest struggles as a paper crafter is lack of funds. I see all these cards that I love and would love to recreate, but I don’t really have money to go out and buy the supplies. Most of my cards just use paper; cut, torn, layered, maybe a brad or two thrown in…if you know what I mean.
I would LOVE to see a feature where you have some great designers make projects with just paper! Just to show that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or use fancy embellishments. Paper has so much to offer in and of itself!
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. =)
I would like to see a technique focus in the magazine. Something that teaches a more challenging technique and shows how to use it on cards, but also on other paper craft projects. I like to see some of the more advanced stuff, since I’ve been doing this for so long!
I’ve loved your “gourmet” issues in the past – pairing food gifts with cards to coordinate with it. I think this would make a great regular feature, since we’re always looking for little food gift ideas for friends or teachers throughout the year.
I appreciate features that give us new ideas on how to use standard products. Like Teri’s post yesterday… a new way to use eyelets, etc.
I step-by-step on a new or comlicated technique would be great. Like how to use copics, or distress inks, etc.
I would like to see more organization tips for all the little things of cards extras
i like to see more how the card was put togeher. I like how to make this card tutorials
Wow! Cool – so many great ideas already! Keep them coming, ladies! I, for one, am SOOOO excited to head to Utah on Monday. I have a head full of ideas myself that need to be shared. Let the countdown commence…
with the craze in digital images becoming so quickly popular, how about a focus on some of the new designers in that area? the art is phenom by some of these marvy people! and it’s becoming so widely used in cards and other projects now, that it isn’t just for scrapping anymore.
and congrats on the baby!!! how exciting!
CONGRATS!!! I am so very happy for you and your husband-you will have one of the greatest blessings life provides.
I would like to see information on embossing (heat and otherwise), as well as “thrifty” paper crafting ideas. Also, more mailable cards would be awesome. I loved the “green theme” a few issues ago, and would love to see it again.
You all do such a wonderful job. Thank you thank you thank you!!
congratulations on your bundle of joy!
i’d like to be a fly on the wall during your meetings! but, since i can’t, i’ll just wait for each issue of PC! thanks for working so hard for us! ~k
I would love to see lots more examples of cards, pages and altered items made from die cutting machines……since there are thousands of us now that own one…….or more.
~Shari R.
I love seeing old standards used with fresh new takes, I am itching to get to my eyelets!
I would love to see some more picture tutorials on techniques that are used in the cards featured in the magazine. That would be great! Also, I agree with someone above who said that it would be great to showcase older supplies. I am pretty sure we all hoard our old favorites. It would be nice to see them used again!
I love all the ideas in the magazine, but one thing I struggle with is projects to do multiples of. Party favors, invitations, christmas cards, etc….it gets way too overwhelming when there are many steps to the project.
I also love photographing ideas…be sure to include example photos!
I am in total agreement with all the comments so far, especially the ones about flat cards, more budget-conscious cards, and cards using older supplies. I think that’s especially important right now, when a lot of us don’t have much to spend on the latest product. Other things that would be great to see are more variety–in styles, designers, product–and more cards for children, teens, and men. I would also find it very practical to read something about really quick and simple cards for making multiples of (shower invitations, Christmas cards, etc.)
Sorry to leave such a long comment, but you asked!
Congrats on the upcoming arrival!! Here’s my advice–enjoy each stage! It will feel difficult and sometimes impossible, but each stage passes so quickly that you will, in fact, one day miss the middle of the nite feedings between you and a brand new baby. One day! Not while you’re in the midst of it! Best Wishes!
I love the food crafty ideas on packaging holiday goodies.
I love paper crafts mag–and especially love new techniques, especially stamping/ink and card making. I’d also love to see ideas on how to use existing supplies, how to recycle “stuff” around the house–like all those big clear jars, empty ribbon spools, empty prescription bottles etc. Need ideas!
Congrats on your First Baby!! It is all so exciting..and each time is different..in case you’re already thinking of “more”!! Each is wonderful though..Good Luck!
There are some great ideas here! I, for one, would like to see more step-by-step technique adrticles…alcohol inks, distressing, etc. While many of us have been doing this for years, there are still many, many crafters who want to try some of these techniques but not sure how! It doesn’t have to be like 1st grade techniques ( if u know what I mean) but some are quite tricky..those would be good! Thanks so much for a wonderful magazine and all of you for your hard work!!!!
Congratulations on the pregnancy and happy countdown till birth day……
As for techniques, one that I have been wanting to learn is how to brayer. But I also love the idea of kid friendly cards. I have 6 children, some of which love to sit down and craft with me so making cards with them would be a lot of fun.
I’m interested in step by step tutorials for alcohol ink! I know how to use it on photo paper to make cards, but there has to more to do with it…I ADORE the colors and multitude of possibilities!
Kim Marie
It would be GREAT to see anything on 1) instructions how to tie perfect bows (on cards) 2) paper piercing techniques/patterns/designs or 3) iris paper folding techniques/patterns for cards (or layouts). Wonderful news that you are expecting Brandy – best wishes for a healthy bundle of joy.
CONGRATULATIONS to you and your ‘handsome husband’! Enjoy every moment of that FANTASTIC countdown (and of course, every moment AFTER it as well!)…
I’ll be back if I think of some magazine ideas…
Congratulations on your pregnancy! How very exciting! My only request from your fab magazine is to put more pages in. I just can’t get enough of it and I have to wait 2 more months for the next issue. I’d like to see more eye candy PLEASE. And keep up the good work. I think you produce the best craft magazine in the market and I’ve bought them all. Now I’m just sticking with yours. Thank you also for connecting with the “masses” through diff avenues like this blog and FB. We can go through the magazine and feel like we know you all better because of this blog.
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I agree with a lot of the other posts above. I would love to see some flat, standard size cards, cards that can be made quickly, and cards that don’t require $10 in supplies to make. I’d also love to see some new talent. The current crop is great, but there is so much talent out there that I would love to see some fresh faces and ideas!
i vote for connecting food and card -table setting ideas for xmas, easter, thanksgiving, ect-anything for party togethers!
I would love to see entertaining theme ideas…matching invites, placecards, etc… Cards that are easy to send in the mail in a regular envelope (without lots of bulky embellishments) and maybe a kid’s corner. Love to see ideas that I can use with my granddaughters.
How about more templates and 3D projects. I also would like to see fancier cards that are completed inside and out (which seems like the latest thing now).
Definitely new techniques and innovative ways to use the same old products. Some of us have been making cards since before the publication of the magazine and need new input and fresh inspiration.
More humorous cards, shaped cards (with templates), cards using doodlebat fonts, cards using our own photographs or collaged images from magazines, flat cards that can be easily mailed (postcard-type cards), cards using digital stamps (and in general digital/hybrid cards which are taking flight everywhere at present). There should be a wide range of card styles & techniques in each issue. Consider experience level, costs and approach to creating. There is much going on in the world of cardmaking today and cardmakers who have EverytHING or not even two pennies in the cardmaking budget.
Buy all means, you MUST introduce new artists and different card styles into the magazine pages; it’s sorely needed. And please, some new props for the photos. My husband makes it a point now to look for that green, 50′s ice-cream dish that has been starring in EVERY issue (we actually have one just like it from mom)
How about a column like CK’s “Make It yours” using reader submissions?
And a step-by-step column showcasing one card for the newbies that need more hand-holding might work on occasion.
Sorry, a bit late and waaaay legthy, but hopefully containing some useful ideas.
I’d really like to see the magazine come back to 12 yearly issues …
I would love to see more on 3D and interactive (moving) type of cards…how they’re constructed and created!
I love seeing lots of rubber stamped cards and was thrilled to see lots of them in the Holiday Cards special issue.
I’m so excited for you, Brandy! As someone else mentioned, enjoy every step!
As for suggestions, I love the technique squares. Perhaps there could be more cards and samples to go with the techniques?
I love detailed, bulky cards, but I also understand how others don’t. Maybe there could be a feature showing how to make the same card at 3 different steps: flat, lightly embellished, and full on ‘layery’ and detailed!
Maybe…something with fabric…seems there are more and more paper/fabric connections. And I love any kind of “step outs”.
Less is more! Simple looks, but fun techniques! More stamping!