Thursday 21 January 2010

Exciting news...

I've been published in Papercrafts Magazine's special stamping magazine, 'Stamp It!'  And I am thrilled.  I never imagined when I started making cards 16 months ago that I'd end up INSIDE one of the magazines I was devouring for inspiration...  I still can't quite believe it.  I probably won't fully believe it until I see the magazine in the flesh :)  Can't wait for it to arrive on my doorstep...
 
And the icing on the cake is the fact that the card is my first EVER digital creation: Birds on a Branch, using my all time FAVOURITE digi image - Vintage Skyland Birds.
Supplies: Vintage Skyland Birds. Image, Stamp and Notecard- Hero Arts; Paper - Little Yellow Bicycle.
Thank you Papercrafts - I am honoured.

 And I've been meaning to do this for ages... so:
I get lots of questions about my cards, and although I try to email people with the answers, I know I probably miss a few.  So I thought I'd post a list of a few of the most commonly asked questions and my answers.

1.  What products do you use for printing digital images and papers:
      I just have a regular Epson colour printer, designed for photo printing.   I usually use cheap, white cardstock - what ever's cheapest - but recently I've been using some ultra smooth, quality 120gsm cardstock from an office supply store, and I've noticed a difference.  It really helps with coloring images in too.  So although I like to save money (and spend it on pretty products instead) I am now realising that it's worth spending a bit more for a smoother finish.

 2.  How do you keep stitching so straight:
      Thanks! Truth is, I am not sure.  I have my machine switched to a slow setting, and I just watch the foot like a hawk...  I often turn the side knob manually rather than using the foot control - it takes time, but gives a much neater line.  If I can ever bring myself to make another video, I will do one on stitching.

3.  How do you finish the inside of your cards:
     Honestly... I don't.  But my favourite tip is to sew everything before sticking to the cardbase.  This means nothing shows inside.  But generally, I don't really mind a bit of neat stitching showing in the card.  It's nice to have that handmade touch ;)

4.  What string do you use:

The string I use on pretty much EVERY card (very boring...) is just crochet thread.  I bought a ball of thread for about £2 ($3) and it will last me forever I think. Love it.

And finally today... the winner of my last giveaway never claimed her prize, so I redrew, and have a new winner:
JILLIAN FOSTEREmail on its way Jill.

37 comments:

mj said...

CONGRATS on being published ... that is fantastic! :) i really hope you can "bring yourself to make a video" on stitching. i've ruined too many trying to stitch i gave up! lol ... what's the secret!!! :)

Gabriela said...

Huge congratulations to you Lucy. I adore your Vintage Skyline Birds image too. Your publication however, comes as no surprise whatsoever because your work is superb and head and shoulders above the rest. Congratulations! (and I'd love to see you produce a sewing video too).

Lin said...

Congratulations, my friend, on being published! So proud of you! And thanks, too, for answering these questions....I was just wondering the other day what kind of twine/string to use, as mine is always too droopy :) Hugs!

Kelly Booth said...

Congrats Lucy.....You will be published over and over...you are a wonderful card maker....I so love that card!!

Karen said...

I bet you are on cloud nine. Congratulations, can't wait to go buy a copy of the magazine. That is a beautiful card.

Tanis said...

You are TOTALLY deserving!!!! Congrats! Your cards are amazing and the magazine was smart to pick you up :)

Anonymous said...

You should be chuffed! CONGRATS. Your work is beautful and worthy of every magazine!
Rosslyn

Dwita said...

Congratulations, Lucy!! You deserve it.. Your cards are always stunning...
Dwita.

Sarah M said...

Big congrats, Lucy! LOVE that card!

Piali said...

Congrats Lucy!!! Your cards are amazing..thanks for answering all the question.I always wonder how neat your stitching is..love it.

Anonymous said...

wowee!!
i must say that this is an ESPECIALLY amazing card. :)
BIG congratulations, lucy.
you SO deserve to be in print!!

Eveline said...

Congratulations Lucy, you deserve it.
Eveline.

Unknown said...

Congrats on being published. GREAT card!

Virginia L. said...

I'm happy for your publication, Lucy! You certainly deserve that spotlight! Thanks for taking the time to share your tips! I love to learn something new everyday It's always nice to know how other people "do it"!! Congras!

Rhonda Miller said...

Yahoo!!! Congrats. That's so great. I love your card.

Pegg S said...

Congratulations - what exciting news! I have long admired your beautiful cards and am not surprised at all to hear that you've been published! I wish you continued success in 2010!!

Dotty Jo said...

Thats great news Lucy, so pleased for you! Thanks for the info, Jo x

Nancy said...

I'm so happy for you Lucy! Your success is so well deserved (can't believe you've only been making cards for 16 months). Thanks for including the tips too, it's always nice to know how the "super-designers" work.

Tiffany Ervin said...

Beautiful and congrats on the pub! so glad to see the card that was featured, how exciting!

Stamping Cafe said...

Congratulations, Lucy! So excited and happy for you, you deserve the spotlight! Love your work, I'm a big fan of yours!! Hugs!

Laura.K said...

Congratulation. I'm really happy for you.

Denise said...

Wow, I can't believe you've only been creating cards for 16 months. You do such a wonderful job. Congratulations on being published. You deserve it.

CinnamonSally said...

Congratulations Lucy, I have always loved your cards, you have such a unique style that is easily recognised. You really deserve to be published as your work is so inspiring.

keith webb & david kahauolopua said...

hi there, great job! i am a big lover of cardmaking as well. i incorporate a lot of antique fabric scraps and all sorts of embellishments. i am about to launch my site sparklestudio.com and i have a blog as well. let's connect on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparkle-Studio/189688473385?ref=ts and here is the link to my blog http://signofthemonkey.blogspot.com/ in the meantime i'll be looking at more of your card creations, i just stumbled on your blog last nite!

Pelusa said...

Congrats!
You deserves it!!!

Your work is really inspiring!

Hugs!

Ashley M said...

Congrats Lucy! You SO deserve to be published! Hope this is the first of many to come!

Lynn said...

Congratulations Lucy...I'm sure this will be the first of many publications for you...you are so talented!

Jill said...

HUGE congrats on your pub! I can't think of a more deserving stamper! All of your creations are so polished and beautiful! Loved the Q&A on this post. So fun to read more about how you create, you all-STAR! And THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for the generous blog candy! It's my lucky day! :)

Spardha said...

Congratulations!!.. wow!... grt tips too.. thanks soo much for sharing! :D

ivy said...

congrats on getting publishe! and how special is it that it was your 1st digi card!
i know we will be seeing a lot more of your cards published in the near future!

Josephine said...

Congrats Lucy, your cards are always inspiring.

Anonymous said...

I am sending BIG congrats on being published. I love your work so much! Thanks for sharing on your blog!

Momiji said...

congratulations Lucy! so well deserved.. the first of many I'm sure. Your cards are fantastic.
I too would love to see a video on stitching sometime!

donna mikasa said...

Woo hooooo! Congrats on being published, sweetie!
We all know it won't be the last time, and the first time's always special...You rock!!

Deirdre said...

Congrats on being published... so exciting. Thanks for sharing your hints and tips. Loved the video too...

Jane said...

YAY!!! CONGRATS! So exciting!!! So deserving too!
xo

Sue McRae said...

Congrats on your card being published Lucy!