Melinda Dann

Hello again, it’s your lovable design intern! And Happy Button Day!

Back to blogging! I can’t say I’m hooked, but it’s pretty fun. (And not quite as scary the second time around!)

When I was told that today was Button Day, it raised a lot of questions. What is Button Day? What kind of buttons are they talking about? Are they metaphorical? Is it a day for pushing people’s buttons? What about flair? My Facebook flair collection is fairly large…perhaps the day should be celebrated by doubling it? (Sadly, Wikipedia is of no use in this case. Whatever shall I do?)

And why are we celebrating buttons? It’s not that buttons aren’t useful or fun, but do they need a whole day to celebrate? What about Zipper Day? Snap Day? I’m just saying…maybe there are other things we could have celebrations for. It’ll catch on, right?

Of course, there is definitely a lot to be said for buttons in paper crafting. I have seen so many cards with buttons made into balloons, flowers and birds. There are really cute ideas that I would never have thought of before, and some of them even incorporate the design on the button into the new design. Too cute! Just like Former Paper Crafts Pro Alisa Bangerter’s Birthday Buttons Card from our new resource book A Card a Day. I would love to receive a card like this for my birthday!

Birthday Buttons Card by Alisa Bangerter

Okay, maybe I’m starting to see the need for Button Day. (For more button inspiration, click HERE to see how our 2009 Gallery Idol finalists incorporated buttons into their card designs. Pretty amazing, huh?) I bet you’re saying you could really use some buttons about now. Your wish is my command! Leave a comment telling me why you love buttons so much and I’ll pick one winner to win this assortment of colorful buttons from American Crafts! All comments must be received by midnight (MDT) on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

One lucky winner will take home ALL of these buttons!

Your Paper Crafts Design Intern,
Melinda

P.S. Ok, now that my gushing is over, I want to encourage everybody to come back tomorrow to this here blog. I’ve been working on something for Paper Crafts that is going to be posted tomorrow! It was a challenge to pull together, but I’m really proud of how it turned out! Make sure you come back and see it!

P.P.S. It’s time to announce the three winners from Susan’s We Are the (Moxie Fab) World post and the two winners from Kelly’s Living in the Now post!

Susan’s winners:

1. Marla H. (Nov. 12, 4:53 p.m.)
2. Cheri Howard (Nov. 12, 5:44 p.m.)
3. Mary D. (Nov. 13, 3:23 a.m.)

Kelly’s winners:

1. Wendy (Nov. 13, 4:51 p.m.)
2. Charlene G. (Nov. 13, 1:09 p.m.)

Congrats, winners! Kelly will be contacting you shortly to discuss your prizes and get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!

Susan R. Opel

One of my all time favorite movies is The Sound of Music, especially for the music. I mean how can you not feel all warm inside when the Von Trapps sing “Edelweiss” and “So Long, Farewell”? There’s a comfort in these songs that remind me of the past and happy times.

Today we celebrate one last time our out-going Founding Paper Crafts Pros with a cheery rendition of “So Long, Farewell”. They have been an important part of our magazine, and we wish them the absolute very best as they begin their new paper crafting adventures. 

Founding Paper Crafts Pros: Wendy Johnson, Sue Neal, Alisa Bangerter and Kim Kesti.

In case you missed it, Alisa, Susan, and Wendy have all bid an official farewell in three different blog posts here on Paper Crafts Connection. You can read Alisa’s here, Susan’s here, and Wendy’s here.

We certainly don’t expect these ladies to fade out of the picture. You can look forward to seeing more of their creations in our magazine, and we can’t wait to watch where the future takes them. Alisa is working on writing a book, Susan is busy teaching classes and Wendy is embarking on a new venture with Piggy Tales as their education coordinator. And since they love teaching, you just might get the chance to take a class from them at a CKC.

Make sure to leave some love in the form of comments here today for these fabulous ladies. I’ll choose one lucky winner who will receive a copy of Scrapbook to Cards autographed by Alisa, Susan, and Wendy, as well as their partner in paper crafting crime, Kim Kesti. Get those responses in by midnight MDT on Friday, September 4th, and Kelly will announce the winner on Monday!

So long, ladies,
Susan

Alisa Bangerter

As I sit here writing my last blog post as a Paper Crafts Pro, I have very mixed feelings. It’s sad to leave a position that I have enjoyed so much, but I’m looking forward to the many new adventures that lie ahead in my life.

Currently I’m the Party, Holiday and Idea Contributor for Studio 5 KSL TV, which I really love. I’m also hoping to write several books that I’m excited about. I’m mostly looking forward to freeing up some time to spend with my wonderful family. Children grow up way too fast, and I want to spend every minute with my awesome teenagers. 

I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of Paper Crafts magazine from the premiere issue and have been given many wonderful opportunities. I will never forget the day when my cards were first accepted for publication; I was jumping up and down – literally!

Many of the talented ladies at the magazine, as well as my fellow PC Pros, have not only been business associates, but have also become great friends. They personally care about me and my family and I likewise am interested in their lives. It’s been so nice to be associated with such wonderful people who actually understand my love for all things paper!

Here's a cute picture of Kelly and I from last year. We're sitting on Cath's porch enjoying good food and lively conversation.

One of my very favorite parts of being a PC Pro was attending the editorial board meetings, where we would plan and brainstorm ideas for future issues. I looked forward to these meetings twice a year, and it was a great opportunity to have the other Pros and board members all fly in so we could work together in person. I will miss this! Another thing I will miss is attending the annual trade shows. I really loved getting to know many of you there, as well as the chance to scope out all the cool trends and fun new products. 

Here's the whole Paper Crafts team at last year's editorial board meeting.

As I have done work for Paper Crafts magazine, I have found I’m really drawn to unusual techniques. I like to think “outside of the box” with product and supplies. The hardest part of my job was when I was asked to make pop-up or interactive projects. That really stretched me! I recently sat looking through past issues and chose three of my favorite projects to share with you again. It’s been so fun to see projects that I have totally put my creativity into, show up in print and be shared with so many readers. I hope all of my work has inspired many of you to create projects you love.

Here's my March Kite Calendar Topper from the March 2007 issue.

And my Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Card from the April/May 2007 issue.

And here's my Witch's Brew Card from the October, 2007 issue.

I appreciate all of your support as I have held this position as a Paper Crafts Pro. I will miss being so closely associated with the magazine, but I still have a head full of ideas that I hope to submit periodically, so you’ll still see me. For all the fond memories, I’m sending a BIG thank you to all of you!

Happy paper crafting!
Alisa, Founding Paper Crafts Pro

Just imagine my Thank U Card in each of your mail boxes!

P.S. If you love trying new techniques (just like me!), leave me a comment and I’ll pick three random winners to receive a copy of our technique-infused special issue Paper Crafts 101. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Wendy Johnson

‘Tis the season for ribbons, paper galore and homemade gifts tied up in pretty things! As we celebrate an early Christmas this week on the ol’ Paper Crafts blog, I’m excited to share with you a tag I created for this very fun special issue that is overflowing with amazing holiday creations. 

The little diddy shown below and featured in Holiday Cards & More, Vol. 4 was made with love from the super cute KI Memories collection, “Festive.” I love the bright colors and whimsical design that captures the fun side of the holiday season, and I’d love to give away a set of this collection along with a copy of this extra special holiday issue. Just leave me a comment by Friday, August 28 at midnight MDT and I’ll choose three winners.

Christmas Heart Tag (p. 106)

I can’t believe that we’re already gearing up for this season and all that it brings. It seems that every season sneaks up on us whether we are prepared for it or not! I also know that along with the seasons of fall, winter, summer and spring, there comes other seasons in our lives… all of which serve a purpose and shape who we are. I love this little reminder that is perched on my mantle that helps me remember that there truly is a season and time for every purpose in our lives. 

This lovely quote greets me each and every day.

Six years ago, seeds were planted during a time of my life that has grown and flourished and become one of my most bountiful seasons. Those seeds were planted in the rich soil of Paper Crafts and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have grown and flourished within the pages of this magazine, as they themselves grew from a single issue. I was there in the beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed this little season of my life. My greatest accomplishment has come within the pages of The Joy of Card Making and The Joy of Card Making: A Second Helping special issues.

I’m so grateful for Valerie Pingree and Jennafer Martin for their vision and belief in me as we worked together to bring you little card recipes for you to use in your card making. I will never forget the late night hours with two sleeping little ones tucked in their beds, as I worked on sketches and cards to share with you, our beloved readers. After the success of both issues, I was then asked to become a Paper Crafts Pro and continued to share with you my love and passion for paper crafting each month. I have also traveled across the country to Canada and even on a Caribbean Cruise to teach eager students who are ready to learn and share in this amazing hobby! 

As this season of my life comes to a close, I can’t say goodbye without saying thank you to those that have helped shape my life during this season…

• Valerie Pingree – who saw something in me the very first day and captured the vision of The Joy of Card Making from the first moment she laid eyes on it. I owe this all to you!
• Jennafer Martin – oh, how I have missed her! The e-mails and phone calls over the years as we worked together on The Joy of Card Making series and other special issues when she was managing editor of Paper Crafts.  Jennafer, you are one of the most amazing and influential women in the editorial department and I’m so proud to have worked with you. You deserve your new title more than ANYONE, and I’m a better person for having known you!
• Nichole Heady – we became Paper Crafts Pro buddies from the very beginning. We’ve shared moments of laughter and late night talks as we discussed everything from our children, snakes that roam her Tennessee backyard and the latest and greatest in paper, ribbon and stamps. I’m so proud of you and your risk to make your dreams come true… Papertrey Ink. I love ya, friend!
• Alisa Bangerter – There isn’t anyone that is more genuine, honest and sincere than this dear friend. Alisa, you are so very talented and I’m so proud of you! I love watching your segments on KSL as you have taken flight in your own new adventures. I will be the first in line to buy your book… so you better get it written!
• Melissa Phillips – Seriously, can there be anyone sweeter than you?! Oh, sweet Melissa, how I love ya, girlie! You are THE MOST talented gal I know and best little mommy! Thank you for always being there, listening to me and being a part of this season in my life!
• Sue Neal – If you haven’t taken a class from Sue, then you are truly missing out! She is one of the best teachers I know and is so full of life. I’m so glad we share some Idaho roots and that we have become such good friends! Best of luck with your cute card kits and I’ll see you at the conventions!
• Stacy Croninger – There was no one better to take the helm of Paper Crafts after Valerie stepped down than you! I have missed your Laffy Taffy jokes and fun sense of humor! I’m so grateful that you are still a part of this huge family and that I get to see you at the Creating Keepsakes Conventions… I’m such a lucky gal!
• Cath Edvalson – There really aren’t any words to adequately describe this amazing lady! We have spent several years working together and I have learned so much from her! Cath, I will never forget when you told me you had an “emotional reaction” over a picture frame I created years ago… that is my greatest compliment from you. Thank you!
• Brenda Peterson – The glue that holds the entire Paper Crafts family together. I have worked with Brenda since that very first day and she is still here to keep everyone going! Thank you for your hard work and making sure I get paid!
•  Jennifer, Brandy, Kelly and Susan – The rest of the gals that round out the amazing editorial staff of Paper Crafts magazine. Although our time spent together was very short, I’m so grateful that I have had the opportunity to have known and worked with you. Brandy, thank you for your wonderful home where we met many times to brainstorm, laugh and enjoy good food! Kelly, you have taken the blogging world by fire and you are amazing with what you do. Susan, you have added a whole other element to this family… thank you for your presence and hard work! Jennifer – everyone is in good hands with you leading the team. Thank you for your help and understanding during very difficult times.
• Paper Crafts Loyal Readers – all I can say is… thank you. Thank you for your loyal support every month as you read the pages of this amazing magazine. We all love you!

As with every season in our lives, when one comes to a close, another one begins to come to life. And so it is with my own little journey in life. Although my season with Paper Crafts magazine has come to a close, I’m beyond excited and thrilled for my new season that is just beginning to sprout. As the new Education Coordinator for Piggy Tales, I will be designing classes and traveling across the country doing what I love the very most… teaching! I will also be designing projects galore through our monthly kit club, PTA, and many other assignments and adventures that are about to unfold. So, drop by our web site and you will be able to continue to see me in all that Piggy Tales has to offer… you don’t want to miss out!

And last, but not least, I must thank my sweet husband. He was there that very first day when I had the idea to submit my work. He has encouraged me every step of the way, washed dishes, mopped floors and wiped runny noses from two little faces when I have been buried in deadlines! If it weren’t for him, my dreams would have never come true! I love you, babe!

May we each remember that there truly is a “season and a time to every purpose” as we each journey through life… may you live each season that comes your way to the very fullest!

Wendy, Founding Paper Crafts Pro

P.S. If you’re a new reader and interested in learning more about The Joy of Card Making special issues, we’re currently offering a “Buy One, Get One” sale. If you buy the first volume, you’ll get “A Second Helping” for FREE! Click HERE to reserve your copies today!

Alisa Bangerter

It’s that time of year again. With school fast approaching, there are registrations to send in, clothes to buy and supplies to find. I’m always amazed at the great deals you can get on school supplies, as stores try to lure you in with the hopes you purchase other items there. I have seen school supplies for a few cents each. What a deal!

What do school supplies being on sale have to do with paper crafting? A lot! Many school supplies are perfect for you paper crafted projects and for embellishments on mass-produced cards for swaps. Some items that I always like to stock up on, and work great in paper crafting are:

• Lined notebook paper
• Wood rulers
• Wood pencils
• Paperclips (these come in lots of fun colors!)
• Staples
• Brads
• Markers
• Glitter glues
• Glue sticks
• Colored pencils
• Gel pens
• Colored tape
• Lined note cards
• Composition notebooks
• Pocket folders
• Spiral mini notebooks

With the economy now, I’m always looking for a great deal. Look at the card I made with lined notebook paper, brads and a wood pencil. I just added some whimsical chipboard letters, ribbon and silver Glimmer Mist. A quick and easy back to school card was made just like that!

So make sure to keep an eye open for those unique school supplies you can stock up for yourself while you’re shopping for the kids.

Happy paper crafting from A-Z!
Alisa, Paper Crafts Pro

P.S. Kelly told me she has some leftover paper from Imaginisce’s Teacher’s Pet collection. Leave a comment telling me your favorite school supply and I’ll pick five winners to receive an assortment of school-themed paper, as well as some jewel brads from American Crafts. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Thursday, August 6.

Alisa Bangerter

I love trying new techniques – especially unusual ones.

As I was looking through some of my paper crafting supplies, I picked up a bottle of dimensional glaze. If you have not used dimensional glaze before it’s an awesome product that can be used in many ways. I decided to try something new with it. I decided to try a resist technique to make fun centers for some ribbon flowers.

To do this easy technique:

1. Make random dots of dimensional glaze on glossy white cardstock. Let dry thoroughly.

2. Sponge dye ink over the dots, which acts as a resist and color the glossy cardstock. Use a circle punch to punch out circles.

3. Place loops of ribbon under the edge of each circle to create whimsical flowers.

These cute flowers could be used on many types of projects but I decided to place the flowers on a gift bag to give to a friend.

And speaking of friends… as you are aware, I’m one the Pros who will soon be leaving my official position with Paper Crafts to pursue some other interests. I consider all you my friends and will miss the continuous association I have with you and the magazine. I’m looking forward to all the fabulous projects and ideas from the new Go-to Gals!

I would love to hear how you have used dimensional glaze in your projects. Post your ideas and let’s inspire each other to try some dimensional techniques! I’ll pick three random people to receive a copy of Paper Crafts 101. This ultimate resource guide actually boasts 37 fun techniques! All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Thursday, July 9.

Alisa, Paper Crafts Pro

P.S. Make sure you check back with us tomorrow when Brandy spotlights our next mystery Go-to Gal!

Jennifer Schaerer

For almost five years we’ve had a group of four incredibly talented ladies share clever tips, amazing projects, and inspiring ideas with us in every issue. As our Paper Crafts Pros, Alisa Bangerter, Wendy Johnson, Kim Kesti and Susan Neal have also been in touch with you on our blog and as instructors at our Creating Keepsakes Conventions.

Although they’ve been right alongside us during the growth and change at Paper Crafts, Alisa, Wendy and Susan let us know several months ago that they are ready to take flight toward new adventures in the paper crafting universe and will be stepping away from their commitments to the magazine. As Founding Paper Crafts Pros you’ll still be able to find them teaching, creating, and sharing this hobby that we all love so much, and we know they’ll remain close within the Paper Crafts family.

So we sat back and really thought about what our paper crafting community needed and wanted from a group like this. We came up with a wish list of style, skill, and personality traits and then compiled a series of challenges, from writing an inspiring blog post to creating an instructional video clip. Finally, we reached out to the community of your favorite card designers and asked several of them to participate in our top secret mission.

Each editor worked with the group on a specific challenge, and then we all evaluated the projects together. Boy oh boy – was it ever a fun ride! There are so many talented designers and we really had a difficult time narrowing down the field. As it turns out, we couldn’t settle on just four. And we found ourselves referring to them as the “new group of go-to gals” during the process, so…

Starting next week, we’ll be introducing you to our SIX new Paper Crafts Go-to Gals! Each Tuesday and Thursday for the next three weeks – right here on our blog – you’ll get to meet them one by one. To their credit, each one has had to keep this absolutely mum for over three months. Can you imagine? Not one of these women will ever be accused of not being able to keep a secret!

The identity of Go-to Gal #1 will be revealed on Tuesday!

We’d love for you to join us as we toast Alisa, Wendy and Susan for their dedication to Paper Crafts over the years, and welcome the new group of Go-to Gals to our magazine family.

Cheers!
Jennifer

P. Kelly Smith

Welcome to Freebie Friday! It seems like the economy is affecting everyone these days. My dear, sweet mom lost her job this week. A job she called home for the last six years (I know many of you can relate). While the shock of it is still settling in, she’s preparing herself for leaner days ahead.

And though her bank account won’t be as full, she’s looking forward to a little down time until that next job presents itself.

With her days now free, I suggested she take up card making (something I wish I had more time to do!). Her first response was, “Isn’t that expensive?” I replied, “You haven’t seen our July/August issue!” And it’s so true. Card making doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need some inspiration to point you in the right direction! Enter our July/August issue:

Our “Eco” issue is packed with 100+ projects geared towards saving you money and the environment. Take Alisa’s blog this week on rubbing flower petals onto cardstock. Who knew you could achieve so many brilliant colors? What a beautiful backdrop! Throw in a few miscellaneous supplies and voila! – you have a gorgeous card that cost next to nothing to create.

Alisa Bangerter's Enjoy and Thanks cards from our July/August issue.

Here’s two more eco-conscious cards from Alisa’s Paper Crafts 101 column (July/August issue). In her Enjoy card, she created her own patterned paper by rubbing leaves in a circular motion. In her Thanks card, she used a fern leaf as a mask to create a striking focal point. Make sure you ”leaf” through the magazine and look at her nine out-of-the-box technique squares. You’ll also want to check out our “5 cards, 5 occasions, 5 dollars” feature. If you need some eco-inspiration, you’ll find it here.

To aid in your quest to paper craft more economically, today I’m giving away papers from Tinkering Ink’s “Becoming Green” collection, as well as Unity Stamp Company’s “Growing in Unity” stamp set. So many of you said that your favorite things in nature are flowers and trees. Well, here’s some more!

Two lucky winners will each receive this nature-loving prize package!

Leave a comment telling me ways you’re trimming your paper crafting costs. All comments must be received by midnight on Sunday, June 14. I’ll announce the two winners on Monday’s blog.

Here’s to being green (and liking it!)
Kelly

P.S. It’s time to announce the three winners from Alisa’s Natural Color post. Here they are in no particular order:

1. noa d (June 10, 7:32 a.m.)
2. Sara (June 11, 9:38 a.m.)
3. Sara-Jane (June 10, 6:18 p.m.)

Congrats, winners! Each of you will receive a copy of our July/August issue and Kelly Panacci’s Funtastik Flowers stamp set. I’ll be e-mailing you shortly for your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!

Alisa Bangerter

I had the opportunity to create the Paper Crafts 101 column for the July/August issue of Paper Crafts magazine. I played around with techniques using items from nature and came up with a lot of really fun things to do using items from my yard.

One of my favorite was creating texture using some green leaves by rubbing them on cardstock and transferring the pigment onto the paper. 

Since spring has burst my yard into a plethora of color, I wanted to try a variety of brightly colored flower petals and leaves to see what I could create. 

I took each petal or leaf and rubbed it in circular motions onto cardstock. It was fun to see how each color transferred onto the paper, as some colors are different from what you think will appear. The effect of the pigment from the plants has a soft watercolor look to it – in fact it is hard to tell that it isn’t a paint or ink that was used.

And here's the finished result!

So my challenge to you is to try a new technique using something from nature. It’s fun, fast and free!

Alisa, Paper Crafts Pro

P.S. For those of you who don’t have flowers growing in a garden, today I’m giving them away…the stamped version that is! Leave a comment telling me your favorite item from nature. It can be anything! I’ll randomly pick three people to win a copy of our July/August issue and Kelly Panacci’s Funtastik Flowers stamp set. All comments must be received by midnight on Thursday, June 11. The three winners will be announced on Friday’s blog.

Three lucky winners will take home this prize package!

P. Kelly Smith

Welcome to another Freebie Friday! I had so much fun reading everyone’s comments from Brandy’s post yesterday! Who knew we had so many procrastinators out there! As a self-proclaimed procrastinator myself, I totally feel your pain. I know what it’s like to have the best intentions when it comes to completing a project. And sadly, I know all too well what’s it’s like to have everything go terribly wrong.

Take my decision to make my friend’s bridal shower invitations. How hard could 20 gatefold invitations be, right? Wrong! Throw in a fast approaching deadline and let’s just say I got real familiar with those 2 a.m. infomercials. But once the invitations were in the mail (and I caught up on some sleep!), it was great to hear everyone’s feedback – especially the bride’s. She was thrilled with the end result and I was thrilled to have that project checked off my list!

Two lucky winners will each receive this holiday-inspired prize package featuring Papertrey Ink’s Spring Moss cardstock, ribbon, hybrid ink and Holidays Treats acrylic stamp set.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Leave a comment telling me your best procrastination story. All comments must be received by midnight on Sunday, May 17. The two winners will be announced on Monday’s blog.

Here’s my favorite procrastination quote by Judy Tenuta:

“My mother said, ‘You won’t amount to anything because you procrastinate.’ I said, ‘Just wait.’”

Here’s to procrastinators!
Kelly

P.S. It’s time to announce the four winners from Alisa Bangerter’s I Love Ribbon post. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Bethany Paull (May 13, 7:11 a.m.)
2. Amber (May 13, 5:16 p.m.)
3. StampinCathy (May 13, 8:57 a.m.)
4. Janet B (May 13, 6:15 a.m.)

Congrats, winners! Each of you will receive four ribbon cards from Cosmo Cricket. I’ll be e-mailing you shortly for your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!