Many of you have already heard the recent news that Paper Crafts magazine will be publishing it’s very last issue this coming February. Admittedly, when this announcement was made, my career as a paper crafter began flashing before my eyes. I reflected on what an important role the magazine played in my professional journey and how much gratitude my heart holds.
(Thanks for Everything Card, dedicated to all those that have worked for PAper Crafts magazine: supply list provided below)
It all began in early 2003, I was browsing the internet and found a call for handmade cards to be used in a brand new publication called “Card Creations”. I remember getting an amazing feeling deep down, that “I had to do this”. So I stamped my heart out for two weeks, coming up with several projects that could be considered “my best”. I submitted them shortly after, and checked my email at least 20 times a day, waiting for some kind of message from them regarding my cards. (Come on, admit it, you've checked your email repeatedly after submissions too!) Then it finally happened. I had three cards accepted! I was so unbelievably excited, I could hardly contain myself. Shortly after that, Crafts magazine made its transition into Paper Crafts magazine, with Valerie Pingree as their founding editor.
It is interesting to look back and see how this change to a paper crafting focus really revolutionized the industry. They were one of the first publications to focus exclusively on paper crafting and card making rather than just scrapbooking. Back then Paper Crafts magazine was *THE* place to get inspiration and check out new product. Pinterest and blogs didn't really exist yet, so we all relied on new issues of the magazine to showcase techniques and trends.
(Valerie Pingree's editor's note from the very first issue of Paper Crafts magazine, February 2004)
Valerie definitely gets much of the credit for giving me my start in this industry. My first published cards were accepted by her during the infancy of Paper Crafts magazine. She saw something in me that I'm not sure I saw myself at the time. She gave me my first "tough assignment & deadline" (I think everyone in the magazine biz can identify with *their first time* LOL!). I had my doubts as to whether or not I could complete what was needed in the time allotted, but I pressed on because I wanted to be a success for Valerie and somebody the magazine could rely on.
(created back in 2005 for my Paper Crafts 101 column, this polyshrink American Sign Language card is still one of my favorites)
Not long after the first issue, in February 2004, Valerie emailed regarding the extension of a concept covered in a CKC class I had developed for them the previous year. She wanted me to take over their Paper Crafts 101 column and I couldn’t believe it. I was being offered a permanent “job” with the magazine. It was a dream come true. Actually, it was more than I had ever dreamed of. So I continued creating the artwork behind PC101 for over three years. In January 2006 I was asked to join their Paper Crafts Pro Team, just to add to my blessings.
(CHA 2007 with Megan Hoeppner and Cath Edvalson)
Being a part of the team was such an incredible experience from beginning to end in October 2007. I have *so* many happy memories with the editorial staff at Paper Crafts magazine during my time there, including Megan Hoeppner, Cath Edvalson, Jennafer Martin, P.Kelly Smith, Brandy Jesperson and Stacy Croninger. And of course the other Paper Crafts Pros as well. The creative brainstorming, the travel and adventure (even with baby Ethan in tow!), the laughter, the limo rides, the Ed. Board meetings and brainstorming, the late night Sonic runs, the many CHA's and *sore* feet, the amazing fun, chats into the wee hours of the morning and so much more. It is truly a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with all of these incredible women and to credit Paper Crafts magazine for developing me into the person I am today within this industry. I am certain that many other designers feel the same sense of sentimentality, which makes it that much harder to see the last issue arrive. It’s like the end of a chapter that you are truly not ready to finish. This post has already become much longer than I intended, but I want to close with one of my favorite quotes that seems perfectly appropriate…
"Goodbye may seem forever,
Farewell is like the end,
But in my heart is a memory
And there you’ll always be."
-The Fox and The Hound
Be sure to check out what other paper crafters from around the world have to say as we send off this magazine in style. You should have just come from Yana Smakula's blog and from here you can go onto visit the Altenew blog. If you want to start at the very beginning of the hop, visit Jennifer McGuire here. I appreciate you allowing me to share my Paper Crafts story today so that I could fully express my gratitude for all they have done for me.
xoxoxo
THANK YOU CARD SUPPLIES
- all supplies from Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted
- STAMPS: Wet Paint, Garden Grace
- INK: True Black, Pure Poppy, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Tropical Teal, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Simply Chartreuse
- PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Raspberry Fizz
- FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
Nichole, I remember seeing your work from the start and you were (still are) one of my paper crafting idols! Thank you for your inspiration!
Loved that paper magazine! And still have every copy. So many ideas, techniques, and so much inspiration.
Your card is gorgeous! And your post is a wonderful tribute. The end of an era. Sigh.
Beautiful card & lovely to read how you were inspired and started your paper crafting journey. Hugs Bev x
The close of Paper Crafts is such a loss. Thanks for a lovely tribute and letting us learn a bit more about you.
Beautiful card and memories:)
what a great post…love all that you shared, including your gorgeous card for the hop.
Memories will continue–I remember looking for the magazine anxious to see what was new and all the ideas. I have the memories they sit on a shelf and still refer back for ideas when my mind goes blank. Thank you for the memories and may all who have worked or shared their creations continue to create with lots of enjoyment and love.
It was fun taking a trip down memory lane with you. Your card is absolutely stunning. 🙂
You have filled in some of the beginnings that I didn’t know. You’ve had one amazing journey and I love the card you’ve created for the hop too x
That was poetic and so engaging, Nicholl! Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with PC&S!! Hugs, Darnell
Nichole – That your artwork here is beautiful goes without saying. It always is, and I have been a PTI fanatic since the get-go. I wish my funds were huge so that I could fulfill my backlogged wish list! But my comment here is inspired by your words. I’ve been following the blog postings for Paper Crafts Magazine all morning (sniff…it is so sad to see them go, and so many of our paper creation inspiration publications are gone now…I miss getting those glossy pages to pore over each month). Your words here are so heartfelt and so well-spoken that it brought tears to my eyes. I knew you were fabulous with paper, with color, with design, with inspiration. I didn’t know how poetic you were and how well you could convey such emotion. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and even more for sharing your heart!
I don’t understand how they can’t stay in business with so many of us wanting actual magazines in our hands. I never did get that acceptance e-mail, but sure had fun trying! This is so sad.
What a lovely dedication to Paper Crafts. That’s where I first started following you & your amazing journey in the paper crafting world and so many other creative, wonderful people. We will all miss them & hope that everyone at Paper Crafts finds a new adventure. Thanks!
That magazine is where I found Dawn McVey’s beautiful pieces, they spoke to me and I followed them to PTI. It’s sad to see it end, technology is changing so much of our habits. I am glad this experience led you to where you are, I so love PTI products!
What a beautiful post!
Very pretty!!
What a beautiful heartfelt post, Nichole! Your card is so lovely and fitting. PC Magazine will be missed by so many of us and definitely will leave a void. I started my subscription many years ago because they were so dedicated to card makers and their pages were filled to the brim with inspiration, new trends, tools and ideas…still have my very first issue!
I do remember seeing your work in PC magazine, thanks for sharing your story, love your card. TFS
Absolutely GORGEOUS card! I love seeing these older issues…it just reminds me how long I’ve loved this magazine!
Absolutely, gorgeous card! And such a sweet post!
Beautiful post, Nicole!!
Gorgeous card too!!
Beautiful card, beautiful post. YOU should start a magazine with content not available on the internet. I’d buy it!
Good gracious, I LOVE what you wrote/did for this farewell hop! I had no idea you started your crafting journey with them. You said it all so beautifully. I just doubled my adoration for all things paper crafted and PTI! (That’s huge, btw). Wonderful post, Nichole!
beautiful Nchole!
I was SO sad when they went digital only. I totally loved my paper magazines as they could be right at hand in my studio or they traveled many places with me. Great companion on an airplane or the pedicure chair! I cancelled when they went digi only…guess there may have been too many of us that we’re not interested in that format. I am sad all over again. Thanks for all that everyone did to bring the greatness of PC magazine to all of us!
What a lovely tribute, Nichole! I really love your colourful card, too!
So fun reading how you got your start and your card is simply stunning too.
Love this post. I also never knew your background and found this post so interesting, and touching. And of course that card is gorgeous!
Nicole i so enjoyed reading this post and learning more about your start in this industry we all love so much!!! Thanks for sharing it with all of us! Blessings! Jill
Beautiful post, Nichole!
Nichole, I remember those 101 pages well. I was always so excited when my PaperCrafts mag came in the mail. Had to browse thru it right away & then savor it later when I had more time. I still have a lot of those mags & love them. So sorry they are closing up shop.
IT WILL BE SO VERY HARD TO SAY GOOD BYE…MY SHELVES ARE FILLED WITH YOUR MAGAZINE…WHEN I GO ON VACATION I PULL THEM OFF THE SHELF AND READ THEM ON THE TRIP!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCREASING MY CREATIVITY WITH ALL YOUR CREATIVITY…YOU WILL BE MISSED.
GOOD LUCK ON ANY OF YOUR NEW ADVENTURES
Wonderful post!!!
Wow, this is so pretty
Goodness gracious but what a beautiful and eloquent post, Nicole!
Beautiful post and Card! It was fun learning about how you started. Goodbys are always hard.
What a beautiful tribute to the PaperCraft team. They saw in you what we all see – a very talented and creative eye. Thanks for sharing your story!
When I was new to paper arts, I’d study current & back issues of Paper Crafts Magazine, and go back time & again for techniques & inspiration. They will be truly missed, and thanks for sharing your journey with them as well.