Susan R. Opel
I can’t remember the last time I was so inspired! Last Tuesday I cruised around the Go-to Gals & Friends Blog Hop like many of you, and what a spectacular hop it was! Seeing so many different styles and takes on each sketch was like unwrapping gift after gift at an extravagant birthday party.
That night I opened Go-to Sketches and marked over 20 sketches that I can’t wait to use. The funny thing is that I’ve worked on this issue since its inception last September, but seeing your reactions has been so exciting. I’ve created an album on Facebook where I’ll share my Go-to Sketches Quest.
And you know what? I really needed this push. I’m afraid I’ve become more of a supply collector, organizer and purger than an actual paper crafter. It’s been a long time since I set up a challenge for myself (honestly, I haven’t had a good goal for myself since I tried out for Creating Keepsakes magazine’s Hall of Fame and Scrapbooker of the Year contests). There’s a bit of a misconception that we are creating cards in the office every day. And the answer to that is: not so. There’s much to do in our corporate office environment.
Here’s a card I created for my Go-to Sketches Quest.
It’s based on Go-to Gal Teri Anderson’s sketch on pg. 16.
While I know that this special issue with 66 sketches will keep me busy for a while, you can be assured that the ideas will never run out. Go-to Sketches is actually based on a regular column in the magazine. Each issue offers two new sketches and ten examples of the sketches in use (eight in the magazine and 2 online). As a matter of fact, here is one of the sketches in the May/June 2010 issue that is officially on sale today!
I love this sketch (designed by Go-to Gal Jessica Witty), especially for the balanced design. By using the rule of thirds, the sentiment ends up in the “sweet” spot in the bottom right third of the card front.
And as you learned last week in this post over at the Moxie Fab World blog, sketches can be turned every which way! I love how designer Sarah Martina Parker rotated the sketch 90 degrees to the left, not to mention her gorgeous color combination and heart-stopping houndstooth butterfly!
Take any sketch and make it your own!
How would you like one last chance to win a copy of Go-to Sketches so that you can join me in my Go-to Sketch Quest? Leave a comment telling me about any of your paper crafting goals, and one person will win this sought-after issue! All comments must be received by at midnight (MDT) on Wednesday, April 14.
*Shhhhhhh!!! Don’t tell anyone, but I think I might sneak out of the office early to create!*
Susan
My papercrafting goals are to create as much as possible, just need to find the time!! I would love to make cards for every occasion (and fun ones for just because) & to submit them to publications. I also need to start scrapbooking & recording life’s memories down on paper
One of my goals is to be published this year. Thanks for the chance to win!!
My ultimate goal s to get a cover… but in the meantime, I’d like to build up more of a stash of cards and maybe even sell some, plus I’d like to get on top of my photos to be scrapped. So many ideas… so little time!
My goal is to learn more about papercrafting and start a blog on it!
papercrafting goal? my friends would say, “put photos in your albums!” I’ll say, “have fun w/ paper.”
My papercrafting goal right now is to get all of my paper items made for my daughter’s wedding in Oct.–invitations, favors, tissue holders, tags for a balloon release, programs, menus, and the list goes on.
My goal is to learn more techniques and try new coloring mediums.
Karen x
I’ve had this very discussion with my paper crafting friends. Half the fun is buying the supplies. What do you want to bet that most of us have a thing for school supplies. I always got excited at the start of the new school year, we got to go buy school supplies! Anyway, as a mother of two small girls, my goal is always to do at least one project a week, a project usually consists of a single card. However, the overall goal is to catch up on my scrapbooking.
I am in a MAJOR rut and need inspiration! Your comments about collecting and organizing could have been my own words…Help me out of my rut! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the Go To Sketches!
Cheri
Wow, another chance to win!! Thanks PC!! So, my papercrafting goal??? Hmmm…which to pick, which to pick… Looking around as I sit here in my room right now, I guess my biggest goal would be to drag out all types of embellishments and coordinate them with the pile of pending projects I have started. That way I might better be able to stay focused and finish up, instead of digging and losing track.
Thanks for another chance to win! I’m trying to save money right now (unemployed) so my goal is to use up a lot of the stuff I already have (stop hoarding!!!).
This year I will face the risk of rejection and actually submit my peices of art for publication. I will focus on my layout and techniques and really I should promise never to buy another sheet of pattern paper but I think that would be asking far too much of myself
I would love to win this magazine, as I have been in a dry spell lately with my paper crafting. My goal is to start again making cards and scrapbooking for my wonderful kids.
I can really relate to being an collector and organizer of crafts materials. I’ve got a house full of great supplies and instructions and books and ideas. It takes a lot of courage to create, though. And the strength to push aside all the other thoughts in your head, pencil craft time in on the calendar, and let yourself go. My goal is to make crafting time a habit, let myself play, have fun, and just do it for the sake of doing it. Stop stallling!
I have started purging my supplies and found some unfinished projects. My short term goal is to complete these by fall to give these as gifts at Christmas.
Susan, I love how you used the buttons on this card! And the paper is deliciously sweet! CUTE!
I have a BIG goal (dream) that I’m working toward. But in the mean time. My goals are to be the best paper crafter I can be. And I want to focus on creating quality and not quanity.
glad to hear I’m not the only whose creativity is stifled by corporate life! The sketches in the magazine, as well as all the different takes on them are inspiring. A whole issue of them would be cool. Now to find the time to get into the craft room to use my ideas….
just came back from a 3 state raod trip and in need for some ideas. this issue wld go well thanks for the opporutnity its greatly appreciated and a big shout out for the winner that will be announced.
One of my paper crafting goals is to be published in a magazine (Maybe at least once in each of the magazines I subscribe too).
I’m with on leaving work early….today’s my Bday and I’m heading home early!
My goal could be to actually use more papers, not just admire the pretty colors and patterns.
A paper crafting goal of mine is to create “as if nobody is watching” or more appropriately, as if nobody will see the finished product which is quite contrary to the basis for paper crafting. I too often get caught up thinking what the recipient will think about this card layout or that embellishment and would prefer to just be in the moment as an artist.
my goal is to use more of my stash of wonderful goodies. I have so many neat things on hand that I really need to use in my crafting rather than just hoard.
My goal is create a papercraft “playtime” instead of just making cards when I “need” them!
My papercrafting goals are many right now. I am hoping to do more scrapbooking this year. I started as a scrapbooker and then started making cards a year ago and I have done very little scrapbooking since. I would really like to get back to it.
I also have so many projects that I want to do in my house that involve my papercrafting supplies and I hoping to get those done too.
I also think I might like try submitting some of my cards this year.
I need to get caught up on my kids albums
Oh man, would I love to be published or work on a design team! I need to start a bit smaller though and get my craft room cleaned and organized before taking on anything lofty like designing and submitting!
My goal this year is to get my Christmas cards done thruout the year, so I don’t have the pressure of doing them all at once! LOL! ~Bev~
I would love to get published and maybe someday be a designer for someone/somewhere/somehow! LOL!
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