think fast

submission tips

Hello there! And a special "hello" to those hopping over here from Paper Crafts Connection. I'm posting over there today and sharing a few tips on submitting to the magazine.

Here are my top five tips for submitting in general:

1. Be original. I know, easier said than done, but try to mix it up a bit. Don't always use patterned papers from the same collection. And, it's okay to mix different stamp companies on the same card (someone asked me that, once). Be punny, be funny, be YOU (don't copy someone else's style).

2. Don't hoard. I used to be afraid to cut my brand new paper, or even open my fresh pack of Thickers. Just do it. Here's my challenge: use the very last thing you have purchased on your next card. You bought it, you use it. Hee.

3. Try a different size or orientation. Sometimes I get in a rut, so I do a tent fold card; or make a shaped card. It's a great way to get inspired.

4. Take great photos of your card; invest in a light tent or make your own. If you want professional photos, using the right equipment will help tremendously. Do I mean you won't get picked up without a light tent? No. But, it's far less stressful for me knowing I can get good photos after the sun has gone down. 

5. Go easy on yourself. Pick a few of your favorite categories for each call, relax and create. I've found that the cards which are picked up for submission are often my last minute "I'll make one more card for this call" projects. Don't overthink it.

Okay, enough of my blabbering. Here's a shot of my light tent in action.

(Check out my before and after card posted at Paper Crafts Connection today). The light tent you see is linked in tip #4. And no, I'm not being paid to recommend it. Ha.

Here's a close up of my neutral background. If my card base is completely white, I would probably use a Kraft paper for the background.

And, here's a card that was published in Paper Crafts Card A Day. I thought it was quite appropriate since today IS Lucky Penny Day! Awesome.

Please leave a comment or question about submitting and I will answer in Friday's post. Go ahead - ask away!

Later.

car dilemma

So, here's the dilemma. Wouldn't you know it, no sooner had we purchased the new Suburban...and yep, Keith's car died. Died as in stopped on the interstate dead in its tracks. I had the fun job of towing it home. Ugh.

So, tell me what you know about a reliable, guy driving 50 miles each way to work type of car. We wanted a Chevy Cobalt, but we really need to NOT take a loan for this car. Check these out:

We got your basic Chevy Cavalier: white, plain jane, $4400.

Then, we've got your basic Ford Focus, grey plain jane, $4800.

Both have about the same mileage, have cold AC (mucho importante here in Phoenix), etc. So, opinions?

And, thanks for helping me test my comments last week. I think we are all figured out. Oh, and one more thing - help me out with the consumer reviews today and I will post a fun consumer review for YOU tomorrow. Deal?

Later.

test post

Okay - been having a few issues with folks being able to comment. Can a few of you leave me a comment so I can test it out?

Here's a card I made while visiting the awesome Doodlebug facility. Leave me a comment if you have ever used buttons on a card! Hee.

Later.

mom's new ride

Okay, so maybe technically it wasn't a Mother's Day gift. But, when the Mom, chief taxi driver, and chauffeur gets a new ride, I think it counts, don't you?

Yep, another Suburban. It's the fourth one we've owned. Crazy, yes? But, we really love how they drive, how long they drive (our tan 'burban has 232,000 miles on it), and how easy they are to maintain. We briefly entertained downsizing to a Tahoe, but when this beauty came up on Craigslist, we jumped. It's the fanciest one we've ever had, fully loaded with all kinds of goodies. Seriously can't wait to hit the road this summer.

Happy Mother's Day to me. Hee, hee.
Later.

little people rule the world

At least according to Eloise. She loves her Little People!

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! I will post a photo of my fabulous gift tomorrow.

Later.

mother's day

Happy Mother's Day to all those Moms and Moms-to-be (I know several of those) out there. This holiday is very near and dear to my heart being a Mom of eight. And, of course, I have the best Mother and Mother-in-law possible. I feel very blessed to have all these wonderful women in my life. Hats of to you!

What is the best gift you have ever given or received for Mother's Day? Most moms will tell you that it is "time". But, I will add that photographs are the next best thing. My kids were cooperative enough to pose for this beautiful photo:

I love that they are sitting on a vintage afghan - and that no one matches - and that they are so casual. This photo totally reflects who they are. It was a no brainer to have it made into one of those handy dandy canvas art prints. I used Easy Canvas Prints and couldn't be happier. In fact, I ordered another canvas a few weeks ago (for Tristam's birthday) from one of his favorite shots taken in Japan. (Will have to take a picture of it hanging in his house).

Anywhoo- you know it's not too late to order one up for your special Mom. Check out their facebook page; once I added them as a friend I got a code for 40% off (or maybe even 50%, can't quite remember). Check it out.

Making progress on the trailer, hope to do more this weekend! So, watch for an update next week.
Later. 

happy birthday clara

Our: Clarabelle, artist, fashionista, smartypants, sammy the seal, always hungry, and yes, a little bit nerdy Clara is seventeen today. Wow. Adult life is just beginning.

(Now, can you hurry up and get your driver's license? Mom's taxi service is ready to retire).

Happy Birthday, Clara!
Later.

fiskars winner

Thanks SO much for letting me get my ducks in a row. Harrison picked the winner of the Fiskars/Jenni Bowlin punches and here she is:

My favorite tool that I reach for time and time again in my crafting is definitely my cuttlebug. I love embossing and diecuts!

Posted by: Lillian Child | April 10, 2012 at 08:19 AM

Lillian - looks like your email is not shared with Typepad, so I will try to contact you in my comments (does that make sense?)...otherwise, shoot me a note and I will get your address. Thanks so much for all the fun comments. You guys surely love your tools!

A quick trailer update for you:

Here are all the cushions loaded up in my Suburban to go off to "Kim's Interior Sewing". No, not me. Another Kim here in Phoenix. I figured she must be good with such a cute name. Heh. The teal vinyl (great embossing, right?) is for the five table/booth cushions. And, the awesome stripe with the vintage flair is for the long sofa in the back of the trailer (that folds into a bed). So, what do you think? Good choices? I'd love your opinions. And, give me ideas for curtains/blinds. Is one better than the other?

Thanks, again!
Later. 

life update

*Maybe I should be rethinking my decision to NOT start Project Life this year. I've been terribly bad at taking photos all year long. The scrapbooker in me feels mighty guilty.

On to today's post.

I've had several folks email wondering if I dropped off the face of the earth. No. Just normal busy life. That coupled with my lack of photo taking makes me stress about writing "fun and cute" blog posts. Does that make sense? But, I really miss posting, so I shall prevail and hope that the urge to snap photos will follow.

Last week was a blur of activity. It all started two weekends ago when four of us hosted a church fundraiser; a crafty weekend full of food, fun, crafts and twelve super lovely ladies.

See? I tell no lies. Here are eleven of them. Jessica had to leave a little early to enjoy a day in Sedona with her family. Everyone decorated these cute aprons with ruffles galore and worked on other crafts, too. My cousin Deb orchestrated the BEST food and we had such a good time. I've had several requests to "add my name for next year's weekend". Will do.

I had no sooner arrived home from this fun weekend when I left the very next day to Utah for the annual Board Meeting of Paper Crafts Magazine. Whew. Just repacked my suitcase and took to the skies.

Another group of lovely ladies. On our second day there, Doodlebug Design hosted a little field trip/tour of their facility and we even had a chance to craft some cards. So awesome of them!

We also did lots of brainstorming, issue reviews, planning and pre-planning. I can't share too much, but let's just say "hold on to your hats"! The magazine is growing and has many, many exciting plans to teach and inspire. I'm so lucky to be a part of it. I will be sharing a post a little later about our submission process (the Go-to Gals helped one day with judging and it was a super learning experience).

On the non-business side, we ate and shopped and ate and cupcaked and shopped and gabbed. A lot. Good times.

So - bear with me one more day for the Fiskars winner. I know. I know. I have a few more updates to share tomorrow! Stay tuned.

Later.

two-peat

Is there such a thing as a two-peat? Well, if there is - our Clara has done it!

The Congressional Art Show was last night and Clara took home Best of Show. But, it was a bit of a nail biter. Let me explain.

We arrived at about 5:10pm and the introductions were underway. Eek. Last year the reception was held from 5-7pm, and the winners were announced around 6pm. Not so last night. The introductions were over as we attached ourselves to the very back of the crowd. Next up, Honorable Mentions...then Second Place winners. Whew. Getting nervous really quickly. Then, First Place was announced in the four categories: Painting, Mixed Media, Photography, and Drawing. Clara was entered in the Drawing category. Yep, First Place in Drawing category is - Clara Kesti. Well, that's awesome and also a tiny bit disappointing for her. We figured First Place would eliminate the possibility of Best of Show, so she gets a quick hug from us, then battles her way through the crowd to accept her certificate. She barely makes it back to our group when Best of Show is awarded...Clara Kesti! What?

Of course, much giddiness ensues. She again approaches the podium and gets a "Well done, and way to go" from Ben Quayle. That ends the announcements, so we quickly grab some photos - it all seems like a blur. Wow.

Long story short, we are awfully proud of Clara - she has a wonderful God given gift and it will be so exciting to see where it takes her. This summer, it will take her (and maybe her sister Meghan) to Washington D.C. They also inform me they are planning a side trip to New York City. Hmmm, maybe they will have a tagalong! Hee.

Thanks for letting me share. I promise to announce the Fiskars winner tomorrow and give you an update on our busy lives. Be back!

Later.