Cath Edvalson
This past Monday marked my five-year anniversary with Paper Crafts magazine. And while there’s been a whole lotta changes at the magazine over the years, I can’t believe how fast time flies when you’re having so much fun!
As I was reflecting on this milestone, I was surprised to realize that none of the team members from five years ago remains today, except moi. Stacy Croninger was the editor-in-chief and Jennafer Martin was the special issues managing editor. Stacy now works for the Events Team, helping to put on Creating Keepsakes Conventions all over the country, and Jennafer is now the editor-in-chief for Creating Keepsakes magazine. Stace, Vee, Marissa, Junko, and Brenda have all moved on in their careers, but not without imparting their own brand of stellar contributions along the way.
When I first arrived, the team was working on the December 2005/January 2006 issue, and though I survived a rigorous interviewing process, I knew absolutely nothing about magazine production whatsoever. Needless to say, I was able to pull from the skill set I had acquired as a middle school English teacher for ten years; and the 3 years that I ran my own handmade card business, Cards by Cath, proved to be invaluable. I am happy to report that eventually, somewhere along the way, I was able to figure a few things out:
- Like how to deal with the fact that magazines live and die by the deadline.
- Like how to impart a visual connection to the reader.
- Like how to be a team player.
- Like how to distinguish between magazine-time and real-time, and to think in both simultaneously. (This is not as easy as it may seem.)
- Like how to communicate to designers and manufacturers effectively.
- Like how to write an inspiring call for submissions.
- Like how to cover an entire CHA show floor in 3 days or less without absolutely withering.
Like how to write six or seven blog posts in each and every week. 
In the course of the past five years I have contributed to the production of 36 magazine issues and 39 specials for a total of 75 magazines! I’ve also helped put together four books including 40 Techniques for Making Cards, Scrapbook to Cards, Paper Crafts Gourmet, and A Card a Day. Phew! That’s a whole lotta lotta!
The first special issue in which I played a major role? Card Creations: Start to Finish, Volume 1 and it was a challenge, let me tell you!
The most difficult issue to put together? Paper Crafts 101 because of all the content that had to be arranged.
The issue I had the most fun working on? You Go, Girl! because it was all about encouraging the women in our lives.
The issues I’m the proudest of? Our Stamp It! series because of the growth it’s seen over the years.
We’ve done a “color” issue, and an “eco” issue, and the July/August 2010 issue is all about you.
In 2008, the Moxie Fabs column came along and later that year, the Moxie Fab World. I am just now finishing up my twelfth Moxie Fabs column and I have written precisely 452 blog posts in the eighteen months since the Moxie Fab World was born.
And while we’ve been owned by three different companies and I’ve seen a lot of friends come and go, my favorite part of the job remains unchanged: connecting with people like you. From my current team members—Jennifer, Brandy, Kelly, Susan, Matt, Holly, and Ahtanya—to our former Paper Crafts Pros—Nichole, Wendy, Alisa, and Sue—to our current Paper Crafts Go-to Gals—Betsy, Jessica, Kim H., Kim K., Maren, and Teri—to the great designers to the inspiring manufacturers to all of you, this job is as fun as it is because of all the people that I’ve met along the way.
So here’s to five years of fun at Paper Crafts magazine! To help me celebrate, leave a comment by midnight (MDT) on Friday, June 4 telling me how long you’ve been along for the ride—as in, when did you first crack open a Paper Crafts publication—and what that’s meant to your life. I’ll select one random winner to receive the four Stamp It! Cards issues seen above as my thanks for coming to the party!
So grateful for Paper Crafts,
Cath
P.S. It’s time to announce the three winners from Jennifer’s June 1st is a Busy Day for a Celebration post!
1. Megan A. (June 1, 7:24 a.m.)
2. Lillian Child (June 2, 10:27 a.m.)
3. Jen Shears (June 1, 11:02 a.m.)
Congrats, winners! You’ve won some fun goodies from Tattered Angels! Kelly will be contacting you shortly for your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!
