Jennifer Schaerer
It’s no secret that making handmade cards is a popular hobby for our growing community of paper crafters. And our 10th volume of Card Creations is a shining, creative example of not only the people who create such amazing cards, but also a celebration of ten years in the paper crafting industry for Paper Crafts magazine.
This is only the 4th issue of Card Creations for me since I joined the Paper Crafts team (my first was Volume 7 in 2009), so I can’t exactly go off on a stroll down memory lane and tell you stories about the good ol’ days when the first issue was published. But I can sure fill you in on some fun and interesting things I learned when I looked through all the previous issues and spoke to some fellow editors who worked on the earlier ones.
The first 9 covers of Card Creations
I was absolutely fascinated when I studied the cards in that first volume. Not much variety in the patterned paper, techniques were very limited, and fancy embellishments were non-existent. Lots of brads, eyelets, and torn paper edges though!
These cards were published in Card Creations Volume 1 in 2003
I also loved seeing so many names of creative people who are still very active in the paper crafting community ten years later. The cards above from Volume 1 were created by:
My, how things have changed, right? Not much that’s shabby chic about Margie’s card, Jennifer didn’t stamp A THING on her card, and Donna’s is completely free of mixed media and technique!
Some other interesting facts about each volume of Card Creations:
Volume 1 - Linda Beeson and Jennifer McGuire are the only two people to be published in both this one as well as Volume 10 (and Linda has been published in every single volume!)
Volume 2 – The first time Paper Crafts Go-to Gal Teri Anderson appeared in Card Creations!
Volume 3 – Linda Beeson and Nichole Heady were on the cover, and we got our first glimpse of Layle Koncar’s talent as a designer for Scenic Route (anyone remember that company? I miss them – one of my favorites!)
Volume 4 – Linda Beeson was on the cover again, and in good company with Wendy Anderson (who had the other TWO cards). It was also the first issue in which we saw Paper Crafts Go-to Gal Kim Kesti.
Volume 5 -We got our first peek at the shabby chic style via Melissa Phillips, Betsy Veldman, and Anabelle O’Malley. We also met Kim Hughes and Jessica Witty, who both eventually became Paper Crafts Go-to Gals.
Volume 6 – Becky Olsen, Carolyn King, Heidi Sonbul, and Julia Stainton were first published in Card Creations along with current Paper Crafts Go-to Gal Julie Campbell. We also saw an adorable card from Megan Hoeppner, who was the associate creative editor for Paper Crafts back then and is now creative editor for Creating Keepsakes.
Volume 7 – then newly-hired associate creative editor Susan Opel was published, along with editor P. Kelly Smith and managing editor Brandy Jesperson. We also saw Latisha Yoast, Kimberly Crawford, and Ashley Cannon Newell for the first time. And Kalyn Kepner, who was an editorial intern for Paper Crafts the year prior, had her first Card Creations project published.
Volume 8 – We were delighted to publish Maile Belles, Heidi Van Laar, Nina Brackett, Vanessa Menhorn, Kelly Marie Alvarez, and current Paper Crafts Go-to Gal Windy Robinson for the first time. Two other current Go-to Gals – Betsy Veldman and Julie Campbell – were on this cover.
Volume 9 – Windy Robinson was on this cover (along with Carolyn King and Kelley Eubanks), and we got a peek at the creativity of Chan Vuong, Lindsay Amrhein, Emily Branch, Cristina Kowalczyk, and Erin Lincoln for the first time in Card Creations.
And our tradition of publishing first-timers continued in Volume 10, as Susan Opel shared with you on Tuesday.
But not all the details can be found in the pages of our issues. I’m lucky enough to have the historical memory of a few people who have been here from “way back when,” so I just walk down the hall to visit them when I need to know more. First stop: Jennafer Martin, editor in chief of our sister publication Creating Keepsakes.
Jennafer Martin, now editor in chief of Creating Keepsakes, was the managing editor for Card Creations Volumes 1-5 when she was on the Paper Crafts team
Back when Card Creations Volume 1 was published, our magazine was not yet known as Paper Crafts (look at the cover in the above photo – little tiny Crafts logo in the upper right corner). Jennafer was part of our editorial team when we were still Crafts magazine (which was launched in 1978…yes, NINETEEN SEVENTY EIGHT!). Our publisher recognized the undeniable wave of interest in paper crafting and card making, so Crafts was retired after 26 years and our inaugural issue as Paper Crafts magazine was published in February 2004. And when Card Creations Volume 2 came out later that year, it proudly bore the brand new Paper Crafts logo – and has ever since.
Joannie McBride, an associate editor for Creating Keepsakes, has cards published not only in Volume 2, but also Volume 1, 3, 4 and 5!
After catching up with Jennafer and Joannie, I had to drop in on Stacy Croninger. She was editor in chief of Paper Crafts from late 2004 until the middle of 2008 when she hopped over to our events team and gave me the opportunity to land my dream job following in her footsteps. Her first Card Creations issue was Volume 3:
Stacy Croninger with Card Creations Volume 3
Stacy was invaluable when I first started, filling in the blanks on who did what to whom and when so I didn’t get myself into too much trouble. She’s become a great friend over the years as well, and it’s nice to have her as a marketing partner on the events side of our business.
It’s been a long and winding road to reach this 10 year milestone, and I hope you’ve enjoyed this long and winding blog post to share some of the journey with us. As I said in my editor’s note for Volume 10, this hobby just wouldn’t be the same without the support and engagement of the continuously growing and passionate group of paper crafters in our community. And Card Creations wouldn’t be here without you, so I’d like to say thanks by offering up some copies of Card Creations Volume 10. Let me know in the comments how long you’ve been creating cards with paper, and I’ll choose 10 random winners. Be sure to comment by 5pm MDT tomorrow, Friday May 11 for your chance to win.
Here’s to another 10 years –
P.S. Don’t forget to visit Cath over in the Moxie Fab World today – she’s showing off some trendy cards in Card Creations Volume 10 that feature doilies and lace!
I’ve been stamping and making cards for 18 years: my 19 year old was 1 year old when I started! I’ve been through many different aspects of stamping: I’ve done cards, scrapbook pages, stamped on fabric and made potholders and wall hangings, and I teach the young women at church, and they will request that I bring my supplies and let them make cards (the latest one was Mother’s Day cards last week), and I’ve done a few stamping classes for the women’s group also. I even sold Stampin’ Up for awhile!! And PaperCrafts magazine is the best publication!!!! I love it and have many sticky notes attached to all my copies so I can come back and reference great ideas!! thanks for the wonderful inspiration!!
I love walking down Memory Lane…thanks so much for the tour…I have been paper crafting since 1985 when I purchased my first Hero Arts Stamp and it has been a lovely and fun “addiction” ever since…thanks for the chance to win Volume 10 of Card Creations…
Wow, lots of big names in that list! Maybe mine’ll be one of them in the future! Congrats on 10 years!
I’m relatively new to card making. I began as a scrapbooker nearly 10 years ago and progressed to cards full time just 2 years ago. I’m slowly building up my card making reference books and would love the opportunity to win this fabulous book by Card Creations. Many thanks and many more card making years to us all xo
I have bee creating cards for our church’s card ministry for over 6 years.
I have bee creating cards for our church’s card ministry for over 6 years. Thanks!
This summer will be 5 years since I learned that such a thing as stamping even existed–I was instantly hooked and have been making cards ever since. Thanks for the chance to win CC 10!
I loved making cards as a teenager ( a very long time ago!!) and my style certainly has progressed from markers and construction paper! I started making cards just a few years ago after following many card making blogs hoping to gain inspiration and techniques for my scrapbooking. I said at the time that I would never make cards, but I have also learned to never say never! I still love to see the cards that others make and hope to someday be that good. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love cardmaking and now with the cricut expression and the help with your techniques it is great.
I have been stamping and learning new techniques and taking classes for approx. two years. Congratulations on number ten! Very neat to recognize all of the names! Thanks for sharing.
Katie B.
I think I might be reading too many blogs these days because I reconized a lot of the people you named in your walk down memory lane.hehe.I’ve been making cards over 30 years. Very primitive ones using computer programs at first. My kids and I colored images for Christmas cards in the beginning. Now I have a growing supply of stamps, papers, tools, inks, gadgets etc to fill my crafting area. I enjoy the whole realm of card making. It is a big part of my retirement fun.Thanks as always for a chance to win.
My husband and I were amazed at the history of Paper Crafts and card making. I guess since we began subscribing after our younger daughter first gave me a year’s subscription for Mother’s Day 2009, and since it was all new to us, we thought it was new, period. Fascinating information – thanks.
WOW!!!!!! So amazing how far cards have come!!! I only started making cards about 1-2 yrs ago, before that it was scrapbook pages. Thanks for the fun post & chance to win
I have been creating cards and other paper crafting projects since 2005. I do remember too when you always used a lot of brads and/or ribbon on cards along with a simple stamp sentiment. We all have come a long way!!!
I’ve been making cards for about 8 years now. Things have certainly evolved a lot since then. I still enjoy seeing all the beautiful cards in the Paper Craft magazine.
I’ve been paper crafting for 5 years! Happy 10 years!
This was so nice…..seeing faces and reading history of Papercrafts. Thank You ! I don’t know when I started making Cards but I’ve been cutting paper since I was a child and that was many, many years ago. LOL Hugs………..
I’ve only been creating cards for a few years although I’ve been a scrapper for maybe 10 years. I like it because others appreciate the special effort!
I’ve been creating cards for about 6 years now and my style has also evolved quite a bit since I started.
I’ve been making cards for 4 years & my style is still evolving. Here in the UK the availability of materials has improved considerably over those 4 years.
Love that history!! Would love to win a copy!!
I’ve been cardmaking since the early 90′s and I’m more in love with it now than ever!
I have all volumes of CARD CREATIONS and I’m looking forward to adding #10 to my collection. I have been making cards for a VERY long time. When I was cleaning out my mother’s house this past summer I found a card that I had made for my brother to give to our parents for Easter; it was funny to discover it! I have taught card creating to friends, groups,and students and I love sharing techniques. CARD CREATIONS has been a handbook, guide and inspiration and I am grateful to all the contributors over the years.
I have been creating things with paper, or on paper, or covering paper since I was 8 or 9…so that makes it over 20 years. Thanks for the chance to win!
I believe I started making cards in 1993ish – I know my girls were quite young at the time. I put it away for a few years when I went back to work, but recently picked it up again 3 years ago. I love, love paper and nothing is as satisfying as giving a homemade card to those I care about. I recently started dabbling in scrapbooking so who knows where that will lead as well. Love it all!
Gosh, 8-10 years probably. I’ve changed, too.
I’ve been making cards for about 4 years. I feel like I’m still a beginner in a way, but love to learn more from your magazine.
i’ve been a papercrafter for about 10 years….love it just as much today as when I started years ago!
I have been creating cards probably since I was three. I got more into it when I was 15. Two years ago I was introduced into the art of using stamps. I didn’t use stamps before that. Crazy! I know.
Not counting childhood
, I’ve been making cards for almost five years now.
Thanks for taking us down memory lane, loved seeing all the different cards & paper projects!
Creating cards with paper? Since I’m 58, I guess about 50+ years. From time to time, Mom still gives me back cards I made for her over the years. I’ve made my own Christmas cards for most of the last 30 years and all the rest for almost 20.
I still have the very first “Paper Crafts” Magazine from Feb. 2004! I probably started making cards round-about 2001 when my son was born (I made his birth announcements). In 2002 I became a Close To My Heart consultant, and have created more cards than I can count! I love it!
I have been crafting cards with paper products for 11 years. It has helped me to live with my health problems by taking my mind off them. I also have met some of my dearest friends with this hobby.
I have been making cards since my first Stampin Up party in 1996 ~ and learning new techniques every day! Hopefully improving with each new card thanks to all the blog posts, inspiring Paper Crafts Magazines, Special Issues and wonderful friendships.
I just started making cards (probably about 1 year). I am still learning things and have lots to learn.
What a wonderful look back! I still have previous Card Creations – including vol 1 – and I do still flip through them sometimes for inspiration! And thanks so much for a chance to win vol 10 – it looks fab!
I’ve been making cards on and off for about 16 years (!), and styles and supplies sure have changed a lot over the years. I still love this hobby and I still enjoy learning and trying new things. Keep up the terrific work of keeping us inspired, Paper Crafts – I wish you many, many more years of success!
i’ve been stamping/card making since 2006. i was first introduced to it thru a Stampin’ Up demo party. i was hooked! and have been stamping ever since.
I would love to win a copy of this issue. I have been making cards for 8 years.
Oh wow, congrats on 10 years!! I have been making cards for 8 years now and I love it
Hmm… I bet there are lots of us who started creating cards as kids
I can’t remember when I bought my first stamp but I really got into stamping and card making more seriously in 2000.
I am maybe a new kid on the cardmaking block. I have only been making cards the past 2 or 3 years. I was a scrapbooker but due to hand surgery that was put on hold, but when the healing process was over and I was ready to craft again, cardmaking became my hobby of interest. Now the interest is a love and a passion to make something that will brighten the day of someone in need, or just letting someone know they are special. Whoever came up with this hobby must have been thinking about gals like me who needed a less time consuming but yet satisfying hobby to set my creative spirit free. Thanks .
I think I’ve been doing this for about 8 years, but I really don’t remember. The last year I haven’t done much, but I have a baby to keep me busy.
Wow! Congratulations on 10 years! I think I’ve been making cards for about as long as Card Creations has been around
I have been making cards for about 5 years. Thanks for all the great ideas!
The first card I remember making was in 2nd grade. We pasted popped popcorn onto a hyacinth outline our teacher had mimeographed (remember that????) for us and I was hooked. It probably wasn’t till high school that I was making cards that anyone other than a mother would save, but I’ve never let up. I was in high school in the 60′s, so that’s alot of cards!
Back in November 2001 I reluctantly agreed to attend a friend’s Stampin’ Up party since she was new at it and just needed some support. I told her that I would come, BUT I was NOT at all crafty. I was not at all excited about attending. Well, as they say, the rest is history! That same friend used to tease me about how she created a monster. LOL I was addicted at the get-go and haven’t looked back since. I probably own over 5,000 stamps – not counting all the paper, die cutting machines, dies, tools, embellishments, etc. I am a true diehard addict. Thank you so much for your quality publication and all the inspiration. Through the years it is the one magazine that I have always kept a subscription active. Your truly are the BEST!
I’ve been creating cards for about 8 years!
My first foray into card making was when I made my own wedding invitations 13 years ago. But, I really only started regularly making cards in 2008 when my daughter started school and I was invited to my first ever Stampin’ Up! workshop. I was so excited by the idea of making pretty cards that I thought I would make my Christmas cards that year… and I haven’t bought a card since.
Wow! How interesting to read about Paper Crafts history. I actually began as a “card maker” in the early 90′s by making fun computer generated cards. My family bought me print artist software for mother’s day and birthdays and such. I’ve always had a “thing” for paper and office supplies, but it wasn’t until 2008 that I even knew that there was even such a thing as Paper Crafting! I finally had a NAME for my addiction, LOL! My husband bought me a Cricut Expression and I’ve been growing in my card making ever since!