Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine 2014 Editorial Board Meeting

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Go-to-Gals

at the 2014 Editorial Board Meeting

This past weekend I returned home after spending an amazing week in Utah at the annual editorial board meeting of Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine. What is Ed Board? Its a chance for all of the editors and contributing editors (us) to talk about the past year of issues and to plan for the upcoming year. In the publishing world, we always work far ahead. The final issues of 2014 are planned, so it was time to look towards 2015! The talented brainpower involved in these meetings is unreal. I am so crazy excited for all the wonderful ideas we came up with! And how we are going to continue to make the monthly digital issues amazing and along with the print special issues!!

Top left to right, Laura Williams, Heather Campbell, Kim Kesti, Laina Lamb, Besty Veldman, Teri Anderson

Being in a room with people who are as deeply passionate about the same things as you, is uplifting and encouraging and just plain wow. Each Go-To-Gal brings a different perspective and ideas, all creating a very special team. Each of these women floor me. And I am so privileged to call each of them my friend!

Creativity is messy. We cleaned it up, eventually.

The first part of our week together, we created. We sat at a table and shared ideas and product and taught each other. Just look at those talented ladies. I got to sit and make cards with them!!! We also went sightseeing in Park City, where we stayed. A couple of field trips were taken. One to Hazel & Ruby and the other to Fancy Pants Designs. Fun, fun, fun! 

Make and take at Hazel & Ruby. Those reuseable stencils are amazing. Post coming soon!

Make and take at Fancy Pants Design. They have some uber cute lines coming out soon!

One other big part of our meeting is the chance for us to be involved in the editorial submissions judging process. We helped choose the projects that will be in the November 2014 digital issue. It is a verrrrry interesting process to be a part of. I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned from the process with you, an inside look at how to help get your work noticed. 

What I learned in submissions judging:

1. Every single project submitted is fantastic. 

    Every.single.one.

2. Not every gorgeous project fits the call. 

    There are very specific parameters in the call, sometimes the project just doesn't fit.

3. Submit. Submit. Submit. 

4. Take your photos on blank backgrounds (read white or cream). 

    Colors and patterns distract. And can possibly ruin your card's chance.

5. List only the basic supplies, stamps, patterned paper, inks. 

     Only be specific if it explains the cool technique you used to create your card. Too much info causes         problems for the system. 

6. Make sure to use product creatively. 

     Many people use the same images the same way. That goes for patterned papers, dies, and      embellishments too. Especially the popular and trendy ones.

7. Submit. Submit. Submit. 

    I said that already, but seriously, submit. Share your creativity with the world! Here is the link to find the calls Submit To Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine.

The process is all done anonymously, so I cannot wait to find out who created what in the issue! We chose some amazing projects that I know will inspire you!

There ya have it, a brief look at one fantastic adventure! thanks for stopping by!

~kimberly

P.S.You know me pretty well by now, so you can imagine the photo overload on this little trip. If you are curious about all the fun and beautiful scenery, head to Instagram and search #edboard2014. It will link you up to all the mischief work. :)