P. Kelly Smith
Welcome to Magazine Monday and day one of our exciting Color Inspiration for Card Makers Week!
So glad you could join us as we celebrate our latest and greatest special issue, Color Inspiration for Card Makers! Featuring 280 card ideas from 70 fresh and inspiring color combinations, we’ll spend the next five days talking about color and how it can take your paper crafting designs to the next level.
We’re also partnering with Trends Editor, Cath Edvalson and the Moxie Fab World
for a whole week of promotion. Between the two sites, we’ll be spotlighting projects, hosting color challenges and giving away some spectacular prizes.
Click on the cover image to buy your copy today!
Today we’re spotlighting the talented Julia Stainton, who has 20 cards in Color Inspiration for Card Makers! Just how does one designer get 20 projects picked up in a single issue? She puts in a rather large order of Bazzill cardstock and gets to work. Let’s get to know Miss Julia a little bit better!
Julia Stainton
1. How big of a part does color play in your design process?
I believe that color plays a big part in any design process. Color has an immense power to make us feel happy or calm and influences how we see any design. If you take two patterned papers in the exact same pattern and scale and simply switch the color, you can achieve a totally different look. That being said, designing with color for me is more of a sub-conscious decision. I rarely choose a color combo to kick off my design. I’ll usually choose a patterned paper with a beautiful print and color combo and work from there.
2. What color combinations do you find the most inspiring?
I really gravitate to Pastels and Jewel Tones. I love colors that are slightly muted. I also love putting together unexpected combos such as adding a bold hit of red to a pastel combo.
Julia's Ticket for Love Card, p. 62
3. What was your biggest challenge in designing cards for Color Inspiration for Card Makers?
My biggest challenge in designing cards for this issue was totally changing the way I approach the designing process. For me color is not usually the element that drives the design. I had to put aside my patterned papers that often trigger the process, as for the most part, they didn’t work with the exact color combos specified. Once I created a few designs, it became much easier for me to design in this manner. I love challenges and this one pushed me outside my box. It was fun to create with color combos I might not have thought of otherwise and I was really pleased with how the color combos worked out in the designs. Whether you’re looking for new color combos to try or want to challenge yourself to design more with color, I think you’ll love this new issue.
Julia's Always a Friend Card, p. 13
4. True or false…you received color swatches from the Paper Crafts editors on a Friday and had to submit your finished cards by the next Monday.
Yes, that’s true! It was a bit of a whirlwind design spree but I loved every minute of it. It’s bizarre but I often design well under pressure and can get a lot done the day of a deadline.
5. How would you describe your style?
I’m not quite sure how to describe my style as I love trying new things and don’t really like to be put in a box. Sometimes my style is clean and graphic but often is shabby chic in style. Most of my creations are very feminine so perhaps you could describe my style that way.
Julia's Green Get Well Card, p. 49
6. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
My husband and I have been married for 21 years and life has been a constant renovation for each one of them. We love old homes and while living this way can definitely test our patience, we love expressing ourselves in creating something beautiful out of something that has seen better days.
7. How do you keep yourself organized when it comes to submission deadlines?
I keep track of submission deadlines by printing off the details and hanging on a clipboard in my workspace. This keeps it on my mind so that I can create ahead or set aside product that fits the call as I’m spending time in my craft room. A calendar on my computer in Outlook keeps track of the dates and I try to set aside the entire day of the deadline to work on last minute submissions.
8. Name three Paper Crafts designers whose styles you like and tell me why they appeal to you.
I really hate to choose just three as so many designers’ styles appeal to me. I love looking through each Paper Crafts issue and seeing all the wonderful and unique approaches to cardmaking. Here are three of many:
- Kim Hughes is an amazing designer. The way she draws, creates shaped cards and constantly reinvents herself amazes me.
- Becky Olsenis a wonderful card maker and scrapbooker. I love how she always looks at product in a fresh and unique way.
- Michele Boyer has some serious coloring skills and the execution and attention to detail in each design is flawless.
9. Do you have any advice for someone who’s never been published or who wants to try submitting for the first time?
It’s always thrilling to see your work in print and if this is a goal you’ve set for yourself, keep at it. Be true to yourself and enjoy the process so that you have cards and projects that you love, even if they aren’t accepted. The reality is that no one gets everything they design published and that’s alright. It isn’t personal as it just may not be what the editors are looking for at that particular moment in time. The old adage is definitely true…if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
10. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.
You can find me at Belle Papier. Please stop by for a visit!
Thanks, Julia! Bazzill Basics Paper, the official sponsor of Color Inspiration of Card Makers, has donated three packs of their 12×12 Premium Cardstock (100 sheets, 4 each of 25 colors). Leave a comment for Julia and I’ll pick three winners to take home this prize, plus a copy of Color Inspiration for Card Makers. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
Happy Monday!
Kelly
P.S. You have until midnight (MST) TONIGHT to upload your submissions for our July/August 2011 issue. Click HERE
for more information!
P.P.S. It’s time to announce the three winners from my Countdown to Color Inspiration for Card Makers post!
1. Noreen (Jan. 7, 12:19 p.m.)
2. Edy (Jan. 8, 3:28 p.m.)
3. Cathy B. of IL (Jan. 7, 9:37 a.m.)
Congrats, winners! I’ll be e-mailing you shortly to discuss your prizes and get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!
Wow love what you have done!
Wow, 20 cards, I’m amazed! Not surprised though; those are all gorgeous cards! Thanks for the inspiration and sharing a bit about yourself.
Wow! Congrats, Julia!
What fun, would love a large amount of colored paper for my stash. Great cards, thanks for the spotlight.
Your cards are absolutely gorgeous, Julia! I always love reading about the designers, too. I have been trying to keep my submissions organized-I’m still trying to find the perfect system! I love that you set aside the entire day that submissions are due to work on them. What a great idea! It seems like I am always rushing the night that they are due.
What fabulous cards! Wish I could make do such wonderful work in such a short time – wow!
Wow, love Julia’s cards. I think the get well soon card is my favorite. Love the flower & the pearls! I’m going to have to see if I can find this magazine in the stores by me.
These cards are fabulous, Julia! I just love the bold combos you used here.
Julia, I love your style and really enjoy seeing all your creations in the PC Magazines!
Carol B
ciaoitalia2007@gmail.com
Wow! I’d find designing without my favourite DP pretty challenging. My biggest obstacle to being published is that they often require cards to have never been published before but I always put my projects on my blog. In addition, the editors seem to prefer projects using supplies that are still available for purchase but I don’t always do that. Congrats on so many cards in one issue. I adore the huge pink layered rose on your card!
Nice to meet you Julia! I will definately check out your blog. Your cards have beautiful and unexpected color combinations with a very creative use of embellishments. Can’t wait to get this magazine so I can see more of your work.
Gorgeous work as always, Julia.
beautiful cards Julia! I am a follower of your blog.
I’ve admired julia’s work for aseveral years now…and these show why! Can’t wait to getvthe new book.
Congrats Julia! 20 cards – you go girl. I’m familiar with your work on SCS and it’s always fabulous. I’m all about colour so can’t wait to get my hands on this issue.
Beautiful cards. When you tire of card making you can design hats!
Beautiful creations – you’ve inspired me!
Love the colors and the cards! Can’t wait to see the magazine.
Hi Julia! First off, congratulations on 20 cards in one issue! That is really awesome and inspirational! I also usually use patterned paper and create my design from there. I was so excited when I saw this issue coming out because color is something I’ve always to start my design from, but didnt know where to start. Thanks for all the “color inspiration” !
I can hardly wait to see your other cards. Congratulation….
Thanks for the inspiration. Your work is beautiful, and I am even more excited now to get my blog set up and begin putting my work out there….perhaps even someday, to be published!!
lovely cards!
Twenty cards, Wowzers!! Congratulations. Can’t wait to see these up close in the magazine.
So beautiful!!! I love Julia’s style and already follow her blog daily!
Thanks for the great insight on your design process Julia…your cards are super gorgeous…
Thanks for inspiration, Julia! I find that most of my work is color driven. But I tend to get too comfortable with a limited color range. I think it’s time for me to try some color challenges and mix up my style.
Pretty cards. Congrats on having 20 cards published. It inspires me to get going.
thanks for the encouragement to keep submitting for publication.
20 cards in one issue, I can hardly imagine! Congrats and thanks for the inspiration, Julia!!
Beautiful cards Julia, love your fun unique color combos! Thanks for the chance to win!
Oooh, loving Julia’s textures and dimensions and colors, the colors are yummy. Mahalo for sharing your talent.
Wow! Quick turnaround! When you are creating so many different items on a tight schedule, how do you make them different enough from each other that you don’t feel you are repeating?
WOW!!! I have always been a fan of Julia’s!!! LOVE her cards so much!!
Julia is so talented! 20 cards!!! That’s crazy! I’m being published for the first time ever in the next issue of Paper Crafts and I thought her idea of printing out the submission deadlines was a great idea. I look forward to seeing more of her work.
Hi Julia. I liked reading about your style, etc.
Thanks for letting us get to know you.
Nice cards. Thanks for participating in the interview.
20 cards that is amazing and these are all wonderful. TFS and the giveaway
20 cards! That is amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Julia, for sharing a bit about yourself and your creative process. Your cards are a breathe of fresh air. I love the simple yet feminine approach you take.
Congrats, Julia! 20 cards, wow…I wonder if it’s a record for one issue?!
So interesting to read your responses, and I love seeing several of the cards you have in the issue – beautiful! Thanks for sharing, and I’m sure it’s not the last we’ll see of you in the Paper Crafts pubs!
Nice cards Julia, I especially like the Get Well Soon one. NIce to hear how you keep organised.
love her simple but stunning style that leaves a lasting impression..!
How many times do you see one designer get 20 cards in one book…WOW, very impressive. Can’t wait to see all your designs. Keep up your wonderful creative talents. Thanks for sharing with all of us, Julie.
Love these cards Julia!
The publication is awesome and I am not putting it away until I make something with each color combination!! I would love this Bazzill set. I am in the process of buying all the colors of Bazzill!!! Thanks for being awesome!!
Wonderful selection of cards, Julia!
I enjoyed reading a little about you Julia and your cards are just beautiful works of art! Thanks for sharing your work with us!
Great cards, Julia – thanx for being a constant source of inspiration! My fav’s the black, white, turquoise, and red one. I’ve yet to use stick pins on a project and that’s tempting me!
Love the cards. Great color combos.