Holly Anderson

Oh my goodness, card makers! What a week last week was with many posts and giveaways revolving around Card Creations! On this Winner Wednesday, it really shows!

This week we have loads of winners, and many more to come next week too. Scroll down to see if you are a winner this week!

Please Allow Me to Geek Out. post:

JJ Bolton (May 4 @ 3:11 pm)

Introducing the Card Creations 10 Cover Girls! post:

Angela H. (May 7 @ 5:01 am)

{vicki} ( May 7 @ 7:52 am)

Jen W. (May 7 @ 6:21 am)

Card Creations: Volume 10—The Next Generation post:

Tara Capewell (May 8 @ 4:55 pm)

anne (May 8 @ 7:43 am)

Katherine Schmitt (May 8 @ 8:34 am)

Groovin’ with the Go-To Gals: Celebrating Card Creations Volume 10 post:

Jamie Greene (May 9 @ 7:09 am)

Raquel Mason (May 9 @ 8:04 am)

Jen Cuthbertson (May 9 @ 10:25 am)

Card Creations: Volume 10 – a lot of history! post:

Jeni (May 10 @ 5:08 am)

Karen B. (May 10 @ 5:27 am)

Kim G (May 10 @ 5:32 am)

Jilly W. (May 10 @ 5:36 am)

Betty Sue (May 10 @ 7:55 am)

Pam Spradlin (May 10 @ 8:22 am)

Ryann Salamon (May 10 @ 12:00 pm)

Debbie Gray (May 10 @ 1:18 pm)

Mary Bee (May 10 @ 1:28 pm)

conniecrafter (May 10 @ 1:46 pm)

Are you a lucky winner this week? Congratulations if you are! Email me at handerson@papercraftsmag.com by May 30th at 5 pm MDT and I will get your prizes mailed out to you.

Thanks for checking in, and happy winning!

Betsy Veldman

If you know me, you know I’m a big DIY-er. I usually look at a product and say “Hey, I can do that!” So today I have a quick tutorial for creating your own canvas embellishments. We’ve seen the whole texture trend really explode in the past year or so, and canvas is right in the thick of that trend.

So the other day I was playing around with stamping on canvas, and I just wasn’t happy with the results I was getting. The images weren’t coming out clear and vibrant like I wanted.

All of the sudden, as I was drifting off to sleep that night (Isn’t that always when the best ideas hit?), I wondered if it would work to stamp onto iron-on transfer paper—you know, the kind you print on with your computer to make t-shirt transfers? Well, I Googled it the very next morning, and while it turns out I’m definitely not the first one to think of this (Have I been under a rock?), the good news is that it works! In fact it works like a charm, and it’s a technique I’ve turned to often in the last few weeks.

Here is a card I created using a pretty Hero Arts/Basic Grey rose stamp, which I ironed onto a canvas tag from Canvas Corp.

I just love the way the image is crisp and vibrant—just the look I was hoping to achieve.  And with no special inks needed! Just remember: it won’t work for text or sentiments because your image will be reversed, but anything else goes!

The process is really simple, and pretty much exactly the same as if you were using the iron-on transfers to create a t-shirt. (If you’re a mom, you’ve probably done this at least once in your life, am I right?)

I used some hp transfers that I’ve had in my stash for years (although they’re dwindling quickly after this recent discovery!). I stamped my rose image using dye ink; I’m pretty sure any ink will work, so just give it a shot!

Then I cut out my image, leaving a narrow border. If you’re using a stamp that has a coordinating die, use that—it’ll make this part even easier.

Then lay it face down over the fabric you want to transfer it to and follow the package instructions for heat settings, time, etc. I always use a cotton dishtowel over my project to prevent scorching.

Let it cool, then remove the paper backing and voilà!  A great DIY fabric embellishment.

Want to play around with this idea yourself?  I’ve got some great canvas products from Canvas Corp—one canvas bag and a canvas fabricsheet! Leave a comment on this post and I’ll randomly choose one lucky winner!

All comments must be received by Friday, May 18th at 5 pm MDT. Good luck!

Betsy Veldman, Paper Crafts Go-to Gal

Holly Anderson

Have you ever used the image of a bicycle in any of the cards you’ve made? If you haven’t, now’s the time to do it! Why? Because May is National Bike Month!

It’s true. And in case you were wondering, May 18th (this very Friday) is Ride Your Bike to Work Day! So if you’ve been thinking about whipping yourself into shape lately or going a little more green, now you have the perfect reason!

And because it happens to be Bike Month, I want to share with you a cute card by our very own Go-to Gal Jennifer McGuire from our May/June issue that includes a cute bike image!

Thanks for the Lift Card by Jennifer McGuire

So fun! And speaking of Jennifer McGuire, congrats to her and her family! They welcomed a precious new arrival Sunday afternoon. Click here if you want to know more about Lila Grace McGuire!

Now how would you like to win a bicycle stamp? We’re offering up three of this cute wooden stamp from Inkadinkado!

Comment below telling me how you learned to ride a bike, and three of you will win this adorable stamp! All comments must be received by Thursday, May 17th at 5 pm MDT.

Thanks for checking in!

Melinda Ward

I’m a sucker for superfluous and silly holidays. Since its introduction four years ago, I have steadfastly celebrated Pi Day on March 14th* with the exception of this year, when I was on my honeymoon and completely forgot.

My now husband was slightly concerned for my sanity last year when, on a date, I realized what day it was and insisted that all plans stop because we needed to get pie! He was also a terrific sport when I text messaged him on April 12th this year: “It’s National Grilled Cheese Day! We need bread and cheese and whatever else sounds good for a sammich!”

My obscure holiday celebration even served me when I interned at Paper Crafts. (Although I’m not really that into buttons, it was kind of fun to know the holiday existed.) All of this is in preparation to say happy National Chocolate Chip Day!

I have to admit, chocolate is not one of my favorite things, even as a kid. However, my husband is a big fan, and this is the perfect excuse to reward him for being a good sport about my penchant for celebrating odd holidays. I love to bake, so this will be a win-win for everyone!

Photo by Rebecca Siegel

Maybe we should celebrate with some delicious chocolate chip cookies? Or chocolate chip cupcakes? Or do I just skip the “chip” part and go all out with chocolate cake? Any delightful suggestions?

Do you know of any random holidays I might be able to add to my list? Have a happy day, and enjoy your chocolate chips!

*P.S. For the non-nerds: The number pi is 3.14, which could also be written 3/14 or March 14th. Of course, in fraction form it is 22/7, which in Europe would be July 22nd. So technically, we could have two a year. Yep, I let my nerd flag fly right there. (Anything for more pie.)

Holly Anderson

Making cards is one of your favorite things. That’s why you’re here! Well, let’s put that passion for crafting to good use!

Gallery Idol open auditions are going on right now, and you’ve got two more weeks to stamp, cut, glue, and emboss your way to the top!

Why would you want to win this awesome and prestigious title of Gallery Idol, you ask? Well, beyond the bragging rights, that is? Let me tell you.

First of all, winners of our first round (the open auditions round) will win the This is Big stamp set and Cheer Up stamp set as well as Butter Bar and Bubble Gum inks, all from Hero Arts. Our twenty winners will also win the Amy Tangerine Sketchbook 24-pack of ribbon and the opportunity to continue on for the chance to win more prizes!

In round two, our twenty winners will have another chance to win a new prize. The same for rounds three and four! Prizes will be announced as each new round begins, but each prize gets bigger until we reach the ultimate grand prize.

This year we’re excited to provide our grand prize winner with a trip to a 2012 Creating Keepsakes scrapbook convention! From Seattle to Jacksonville and Chicago to San Marcos (with many more in between!), the lucky winner will get to choose from a dozen fun locations with class fees, airfare, hotel, and even spending money as part of the $1,000 prize package. In addition to the trip, there will also be a collection of Fiskars tools for the lucky winner.

Interested now? I thought so!

Will you be our next Gallery Idol?

To make this as easy as possible for you, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions regarding this contest. Read on!

Gallery Idol FAQ

What is the theme of the first round?

Encouragement. Make sure that the card conveys encouragement, because cards that convey any other sentiment will not be considered for this round.

Can I submit projects other than cards?

No. Make sure that you submit cards only. As much as we adore wall hangings, gift bags, tags, and other gorgeous projects, for this contest, we are looking for cards only.

Can I enter cards that I have put on my blog?

Yes. Cards that have been on blogs can be entered for the first round of this contest, but not for the other rounds.

Where can I enter my cards?

Click here to join our flickr group and enter your handmade cards!

Make sure you enter your best encouragement cards here by midnight MDT on May 28th for your chance to make it to the next round!

Looking forward to seeing all of your creations!

Holly Anderson

Hello, there! I hope everyone had a great weekend making cards and other crafty things. What’s that? You didn’t have time to craft? Well, I guess it probably was a bit busy. Maybe this week, huh?

Today I wanted to share with you a little about my weekend!

First of all, I got to craft a little with some of my new goodies, and I had a blast making some cards!

But more importantly, my mother happened to fly in earlier this week, and boy, I was glad to see her. Not only is she beautiful, talented, smart, and funny, she is one of my best friends. And since she knows me only too well, she knew I would just love a little taste of home. I certainly have been enjoying these snacks at work this past week!

Assorted Texas treats

Isn’t she thoughtful? Well, the same day she went to her mom’s house to spend time with her. I drove down to join them Saturday morning. This weekend I enjoyed some time with two wonderful examples in my life.

Anyway, remember how I said I got to craft this weekend too? Well, I made these little treasures for Mother’s Day!

Mother's Day card for my grandmother

Mother's Day card for my mom

And before I left yesterday, they were good enough sports to pose for a picture with their cards.

Two generations of mothers on Mother's Day

A big hug and thanks to all mothers out there. Your influence is priceless!

Would you like to win some fun crafting supplies? Today I will give some Thickers to one lucky winner! Comment below telling me your favorite thing about your mother, and you’ll have a chance to win several packages of Thickers! All comments must be received by Wednesday, May 16th at 5 pm MDT.

Thanks for checking in!

Holly Anderson

Hello, and welcome to the last post of Card Creations week! We really hope you enjoyed our sneak peeks, giveaways, history lesson, and of course our designer blog hop!

Last but not least, I would like to give away some fun and beautiful cards that were published in this special issue.

Would you like to win them? I’ve got them all packaged up and ready to be sent to one lucky winner, along with a copy of Card Creations: Volume 10! Comment below for your chance to win!

A box full of published cards and an issue of Card Creations: Volume 10!

All comments must be received by Tuesday,  May 15th at 5 pm MDT.

Thanks for checking in, and have a great weekend!

Holly Anderson

Good morning, lovelies, and welcome to the Card Creations 10 one-and-only blog hop extravaganza!

So far you’ve heard from P. Kelly showing you the cover girls of this issue, Susan introducing the “newbies,” Windy spotlighting some cute cards, and Jennifer giving you the 411 on the history of Card Creations.

Today, we are going to link to 10 (of course) different designers’ blogs—the designers who got the most cards in this particular issue. They’re going to show you something craftastic all based on the theme of “ten” for Card Creations: Volume 10!

Ready for this? Each designer will be offering up a copy of the magazine on their blog, so make sure to check out all the blogs and enter yourself to win! But also make sure you come back here after, as we have our own fun giveaway!

Ready, set, go!

1. Chan Vuong
2. Kalyn Kepner
3. Amber Daigre
4. Vanessa Menhorn
5. Cristina Kowalczyk
6. Angeline Yong Jeet Leen
7. Emily Branch
8. Emily Leiphart
9. Kelley Eubanks
10. Lindsay Amrhein

Did you visit them all? Great!

Now we want to give away ten different birthday collections in honor of Card Creations‘ tenth birthday! Comment below telling me how you would use Card Creations for a chance to win one of these ten birthday sets from Imaginisce, Simple Stories, Pebbles, TPC Studio, Fancy Pants Designs, SEI, and K&Company!

All comments must be received by Tuesday, May 15th at 5 pm MDT. Also, don’t forget to visit the Moxie Fab World!

Thanks for checking in, and good luck!

Jennifer Schaerer

After my previously scheduled 10-year celebration blog post went live earlier today, it felt a little like I had paraded a large bouquet of birthday balloons past a funeral. Because our industry is nothing without its community and mutual support for one another, I want to take this opportunity to express heartfelt support on behalf of the entire Paper Crafts team to some colleagues across the miles today.

By now you’ve probably heard that one of the largest magazines in scrapbooking is sending its last issue out next month. Even though we’re not about the “Scrapbooks” part, Paper Crafts magazine and our special issues are definitely about the “Etc.” so the news that Scrapbooks Etc. is ceasing publication gave us a moment to pause and reflect. We may be entrenched in a competitive, economically challenging and evolving marketplace, but this is not happy news for us. After all, scrapbooking and card making are segments of the overall paper crafting hobby so it’s like we’re losing a well-loved member of the family.

We wish Michelle Rubin and her very talented editorial team the best of luck in finding new paths to follow, and hope they know we have the highest respect for them — both professionally and creatively.

Holly Anderson

Mother’s Day is at our heels; it’s only three days away! You know what that means. You’ve got to make a card for mom if you haven’t already. Are you stumped?

Pull out your May/June issue of Paper Crafts magazine for inspiration, especially our feature “Found Objects for Mother’s Day.” You’ll find great ideas for sentimental gifts and matching cards for mom, like this Vintage Spool Photo Holder Set by Rae Barthel.

Precious, isn’t it? A sentimental photo, vintage spools of thread, and a card to match—a perfect gift for mom. And there’s a lot more where that came from in the May/June issue of Paper Crafts magazine.

Don’t have a copy? Start your subscription today! When you order a subscription to Paper Crafts magazine, you get access to a free digital subscription as well! You can subscribe by clicking here. Or if you just want the digital subscription, click here. As soon as you place your order, you’ll have instant access to a digital copy, so you can get crafty immediately! And really, what else could you ask for?

Thanks for checking in!

P.S. Stay tuned tomorrow for our Card Creations 10 week finale: a blog hop of epic proportions!