Today is a day of mixed feelings. I have so many wonderful memories associated with PaperCrafts magazine and many special friendships that have some connection to the publication, but I'm also sad that they are closing and feel like in some ways it represents the end of an era in the paper crafting world. I wish the current editorial team nothing but the best and know there is a silver lining out there waiting for them all to discover.
PaperCrafts was the first magazine that I started to work with regularly. The first month I got up the nerve to submit some projects I was completely clueless and sent a dozen or more items for them to consider - most of which had nothing to do with the issue/season they were looking to fill! I was thrilled (and looking back on it - shocked!) to get an email from Valerie Pingree, the magazine's founding Editor-in-Chief, telling me they wished to publish a few things.
Even though it would be months before the August/September 2004 issue made its way to store shelves, I couldn't help checking every time I visited the grocery store or book store. Back then, it was easy to find the latest PaperCrafts and Creating Keepsakes - most grocery and general stores seemed to carry them. I was beyond excited when a friend called to tell me she had spotted the issue and had bought me a copy.
That was the beginning of turning my hobby into a paying job - one that I've been doing ever since. I'm so thankful to PaperCrafts for giving me a start in something that has allowed me to be home raising my boys while satisfying my need to be creative, not to mention all the wonderful friendships and memories that have happened as a result during the last ten years.
I spent two years on the Editorial Board of PaperCrafts and have so many fond memories of my trips to Utah. Love this photo from one of the early board meetings with (back row left to right) Nichole Heady, me, Alisa Bangerter, Susan Neal, (front row left to right) Kim Kesti, Teri Anderson, and Valerie Pingree.
(thanks for sharing the photo, Nichole!)
Love you PaperCrafts & Scrapbooking! Thanks for everything!!
You should have arrived here from Lisa Henke's blog. Next up is someone who helped shape PaperCrafts into the trend setting publication we all love - someone who I feel lucky to have been able to spend time with over the years in her beautiful home and will always consider a friend - the sweet, talented, and moxie fab Cath Edvalson.
what a beautiful post. Loved reading about your direct contact with the magazine. THis all really hits home for you, then. Hugs!
Posted by: Lisa Henke | December 03, 2014 at 08:35 AM
I will never forget all of the good times we had at those editorial board meetings! I count our time together as a true blessing and I am so glad that I can call you *friend*. Thank you for all of your contributions to the paper crafting industry! xoxo Nichole
Posted by: Nichole Heady | December 03, 2014 at 08:39 AM
What a fun post...thanks for sharing your memories!
Posted by: ~amy~ | December 03, 2014 at 12:30 PM
Such a fun and sweet post!
Posted by: Shelly | December 03, 2014 at 05:05 PM
So fun reading all the wonderful stories and memories. Your card and note pad are adorable.
Posted by: Kim Heggins | December 04, 2014 at 12:28 AM
Hi Alice,
It is sad that Paper Crafts Magazine is closing, but the inspiration and the creativity will live on! Your story and your memories are so touching...and that is a GREAT PHOTO!! See you soon!
Posted by: Starqueen | December 04, 2014 at 12:18 PM
Wow, these are so beautiful
Posted by: Holly AKA KopyKat | December 05, 2014 at 02:57 AM
Such a nice tribute to the magazine & how you got started Alice. Even tho I haven't been crafting for several years, it's sad to see another chapter close. I'll be thinking of you over the holidays & am even sending out a New Years card. Not one of my best efforts but at least something!!! Hope you have the merriest Christmas yet & a healthy, happy 2015. Love you girl!
Posted by: Kathleen | December 17, 2014 at 10:51 PM