It's Not All Black and White

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Happy Anniversary To Me!

And "THANK YOU" to you! Today is my one month blogging anniversary. I'm so glad I started blogging a month ago. It's given me a little bit of focus for my stamping, a reason to stamp, a place to share just a little bit more of me and my creations than at Splitcoast.

I feel like I've joined a fabulously friendly community. Bloggers really band together, don't they? And I have so much appreciation for my readers and especially those of you who leave comments. You all ROCK! And so, I'm giving away my first blog candy to celebrate my anniversary and your kindness.

You'll get this thank you card and the stamp set pictured here. It's by See-D's. There are 23 die-cut rubber stamps on two (approx. 4.5" x 5.5") sheets of rubber. So, these are pretty big stamps. It even includes a CD-type storage case. I was kind of excited when I saw these in the store today. And they're even a fun, beachy theme for the upcoming summer. The stamps can just get stuck (I use temp. two-sided sticky tape) right to an acrylic block or you could mount them on cling foam.

How can you win? I'm thinking of subscribing to a stamping / card making magazine. Give me your recommendation. What do you like to read, whether you subscribe or just pick it up at the store? Thanks for visiting during this first month of blogging. It's not required, but if you'd like, let me know what you like, dislike (kindly please), might improve, etc. about my blog. I'll pick a random winner from your comments sometime on Tuesday, probably in the morning.

Here are some details on this card. I finally bought my Versafine black ink pad. And I really do like it a lot better than StazOn for stamping on paper. It's more crisp, darker, and stays wet on your stamp longer. I stamped these poppies by Stampendous, then colored them with markers, including a sahara sand shadow and bashful blue outline. I also edged them with my Sakura gelly roll glitter pen. The papers are from the Dutch Girl line by Crate Paper, as well as basic black and ruby red. The "thank you" and the polka dots on the thank you are from the Paper Tray set by Papertrey Ink (see link on right). "Thank you" is layered on the back of the red Crate Paper, then on a ruby red 1 3/8" circle with white dots from the signo white gel pen. I finished with some paper piercing in the top right corner.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampendous, Papertrey Ink
Ink: versafine black, sage shadow, markers: real red, ruby red, mellow moss, sage shadow, sahara sand, bashful blue
Paper: Dutch Girl by Crate Paper, basic black, ruby red, whisper white
Other: paper piercer, circle punch, sakura glaze pen, signo white gel pen

71 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi and Happy Anniversary!
Love your blog and your latest card is awesome!
I subscribe to CardMaker Mag and have since it started, I love it...it has great pics, tons of cards and techniques and good instructions! Hope this help, it gives me good inspiration...
God Bless
Linda Gilliam

Beth Thomas said...

Happy Anniversary! First, your card is beautiful! I love the shadowing and the colors of the flowers! I really like the Cards and Paper Trends mags. but they are a bit pricey so I consider them an occassional splurge as opposed to a subscription option. I scrapbook, also, and get a lot of card inspiration from Creating Keepsakes.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the one month of blogging. Love your blog and check it everyday. Great blog candy and the card is truly beautiful. I am new to stamping and have not yet settled on a magazine that I like enought to subscribe to.

doverdi said...

Congrats on your 1 month blog anniversary! I am sure that you are going to have many months of successful blogging. Your creations are great and I am enjoying your blog.
I don't buy any card or scrapbooking magazines, I use to but now days get so much inspiration from galleries, blogs, etc I don't feel the need to. Occasionally I will pick up Paper Crafts Magazine as I like the cards & inspiration in it.

Joan said...

I'm not going for the blog candy, but just wanted to say that I LOVE this card!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I am really enjoying your blog -- your cards are always fabulous, and you have such a great way of talking about what you do! I don't subscribe to a mag, but I occasionally treat myself to CardMaker -- it has a wonderful variety of projects and techniques, with great photos and instructions!

Anonymous said...

paper Crafts is definitely my favorite! I don't let my subscription run out on that one!

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary! Love reading your blog! I get one magazine, Paper Crafts - I like that there are lots of pictures although they are not all stamped projects you can get lots of inspiration!

Pegg S said...

Happy Anniversary!! I love your work and it's always such a nice way to start my morning -- seeing your cards. I think your blog works very well- nice and big pictures of your cards, with a good descriptive style and also that your supplies are listed out separately. I think that's ideal for me in a blog!

I went overboard on magazine subscriptions (travel, home, fitness) but am paring down. The only magazine I've bought is Paper Crafts. I think that's a nice one!

kathy said...

Happy Anniversary! I try to read most of the magazines out there but I think I buy more of the papercraft magazines then any of the others. Great Job on your blog. I love coming here everyday to see what you have done.

Anonymous said...

Hi & Happy Anniversary to your blog! I'm a new subscriber & just love the way the pictures of your cards are nice & large (no problems seeing them). I really like that! Also like the ingredients listed as you have done, and that you take the time to tell how you made the card. I enjoy your style of cardmaking!!! I don't subscribe to one magazine in particular, but when in the store, I tend to buy one more than any other - Card Creations.

michelle sturgeon said...

Happy One Month anniversary!
Your card is so LOVELY!
Well, my very fave that I subscribe to is PaperCrafts...it was the first mag about stamping/scrapbooking that I ever saw and I was hooked! I also sub to Scrapbooks Etc... and Memory Makers. Scrapbooks Etc...is awesome because it has a center pull out with sketches that were used on all the Layouts in that issue. Memory makers is a mag I probobly will not renew...it is just mediocre.

ThreadCatcher said...

Congrats on a month of blogging! I like your latest card, I may have to try to do something like that myself. I don't subscribe to any card type magazines at this time. I used to get Take Ten but it just didn't live up to it's title and it was very expensive.

Soguesswhat11 said...

Okay, first of all this card is ADORABLE! Love how rich the colors are!! Next, I read PaperCrafts magazine, and it's the only one so far that I don't want to be without, so I totally recommend that one. I've learned techniques, tips, and gotten plenty of ideas from it. It's A+ in my book.

Oh, and happy 1 month! I think I'm coming up on mine soon too - maybe blog candy is a great way to celegbrate! LOVE THIS!

Linda SS said...

Happy Anniversary on your fun blog. My favorite magazine is Paper Craft, I also purchase the majority of their special issues. The rest of my inspiration comes from wonderful blogs, like yours, that give me so many great ideas and laughter.

Scott Franson Photography said...

I agree, Paper Craft is awesome. Congratulations on the blog, I'll be back often.
Claudia F.

L8ybug2 said...

Happy Anniversary! I was directed here by Allison. You are now in my favorites so you know I'll be back. I really like your blog.....The magazines I get regularly are Card Maker and Stamp It. I get a lot of inspiration from them, but not as much as I get from the blogs I visit daily. Thanks for the great candy. I have some See D's but I've never seen this one.....Rita

Anonymous said...

Congrats to your first month. Your doing a great job. I am new to stamping and get most of my ideas from stamping ups catalogue.

Anonymous said...

Great blog, I have been reading everyday and really love all of your cards! I just recently started subscribing to Paper Crafts because they have some of my favorite designers working for them (including Nichole Heady - fabulous!). I really love the Cards magazine which is more like a book but I don't like the price!!
Geny C.

Allison Rankin said...

Hey there...if I do pick up a magazine, it is usually Paper Crafts (but at 7 bucks a pop, I usually just look to the blogs for inspiration!). Your card, as always is wonderful! As I said when you started up, your SCS gallery rocked and I was so glad you started blogging!

dawnmercedes said...

Hey! Between Splitcoast and all the many blogs I browse, I am able to get much inspiration, ideas and projects. Save your $$...search around the internet. Then with the saved $$, offer up more blog candy or buy some embellishments!

Happy Anniversary!

Melissa said...

Holy Moly - 6300 in one month?? That's awesome!

I subscribe to Papercrafts Magazine and am NEVER disappointed!

Congrats again!!

Alyce said...

Hi Bethany,

Happy Anniversary! You're doing a great job. Your blog is fun, informative and the work you do is wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

I currently subscribe to Cardmaker, Paperworks and Papercrafts. I really don't know why as I (like many others here) get most of my inspiration on line at SCS or from my favorite blogs. I probably won't renew my subscriptions with they come due.

That said, if I do subscribe to another magazine, it will be Simply Sentiments. I love that mag, great cards and the sentiments they provide in each issue are wonderful. I used to by the magazine at a LSS but they went out of business and I cannot find another local store that carries it. So I am considering a subscription.

Keep up the good work and thanks again for sharing your ideas!

Alyce said...

Well, shoot, I should learn not to post without doing a preview first. Sorry for the grammatical errors in my previous post. I will do better in the future. GRIN!

Anonymous said...

Hi Bethany,

Happy Annivesary! Love your blog and you KNOW I love all your cards! This one's no exception;

At this time, I only subscribe to Papercrafts! I used to get Cardmaker but Papercrafts has so much more!
Have a great weekend! Kathy

Adelina said...

Happy Anniversary! I really like all the cards that you have on your blog. I check it often and enjoy your ideas. I subscribe to Creating Keepsakes because I really like Ali Edwards. Her ideas work great for cardmaking and scrapbooking.

Anonymous said...

Great Blog!!! Happy One Month!!! The card is gorgeous!!! I agree with the majority, Paper Crafts is the one to get!!

Lori B

Karen Lindsay said...

HI! I highly recommend Rubber Stamper. I love the articles, some of which are written by a personal friend of mine, Julie Koerber (inspirations), and the photos with great instructions.

Thanks for letting me play. :)

Karen

Hey Hey Paula said...

Congratulations on a month of blogging. I enjoy your blog and visit it regularly. Your card is beautiful and I'd love to get it. Not many of my friends or family are stampers so I don't get hand stamped cards very often. As for magazines, I don't subscribe to any but sometimes I buy Paper Crafts.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I have a subscription to Cardmaker magazine and I love it. I have gotten many ideas from them.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog since shortly after you started...I enjoy checking in to see what new cards you have made. I like your style!
I subscribe to PaperCrafts Magazine and Cardmaker Magazine. I really do like both of them...some months one is better than the other...but,I wouldn't give up either one.

Jill said...

Beautiful card!
I don't subscribe to any magazine currently but I always enjoy looking through Paper Crafts if I can pick one up. Lots of fun ideas in there--not just for cards, but other projects as well. Congrats on a month of blogging!

Anonymous said...

Hi Beth! I have always enjoyed your stuff on SCS and now I check your blog daily! I have a subscription to Paper Crafts and love it. I like that they keep up with the trends and always have a section on new products. I also love Take 10 - but don't have a subscription. Heather J.

Rebecca said...

Hi Beth!
Congrats on your first month!

I like PaperCrafts (have a subscription) and I buy Take Ten at the local store.

SmilynStef said...

I have really enjoyed your blog and your creations. I think the magazine that you subscribe to depends on what kinds of ideas you are looking for. Cards and PaperCrafts for cards with very little stamping ... Rubber Stamper and the Take Ten issue for more stamping-focused creations.

Kristine Reynolds said...

love your blog! I would recommend the Stampington "Take Tens" or paper crafts. I haven't subscribed to any yet. I just pick them up when I am in the store.

Kristine

Charlene Austin said...

Hi...Great Blog. I am excited that it is so new as I know I will be visiting your blog daily and can watch you celebrate many more anniversary's!! I don't subscribe to any mags but now that I have read so many people commenting on what sounds like some great one's I want to go buy some!! However my inspiration comes from many blogs and good ol' SCS of course!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversay!!! I love all your cards and get such inspiration in my own card making from them! My favorite magazine is Paper Crafts, i have found over the past year that it has evolved into a much better mag, IMO, with a ton of great ideas. Hope you find the one(or two...) that works for you. Thanks.
Wendy

Ruth said...

Hi Bethany!
Congratulations on your one month anniversary!

I just started blogging myself last week and I love it.

On the card....it's absolutely beautiful! My favorite colors are red and black so to me...the card is magnificent! :)

As for a magazine, I don't subscribe to any, but have occassionally grabbed a Papercrafters magazine for some inspiration.

I find most of ideas through SCS and blogs.

Anonymous said...

Hi Bethany!
Just love the card you did. I have found I really like Papercraft Magazine. I do get a few others but I always love to go back andloojk at back issues of Papercarft. Happy Anniversary also.

Elaine said...

Congrats on being a month old blogger! Also, your card is fabulous!! I love the colors, composition and everything about it!! Thanks for the inspiration! :)

My recommendation would be CARDS - the square publication that is made by Northridge Media. They have some really cool ideas. It is pricey though. I had a subscription but let it lapse after 6 months. Here's the link if you want to get just one month's worth to try it out:
https://scrapbooktrends.securesites.net/shoppingcart.html?Category=cards

Also, you mentioned that you got the black versafine ink - I also got that one recently and one called Pallete ink...you should try Pallete ink in noir (black) as well. It is so incredibly black and waterproof...I love it!

Jen said...

Papercrafts is by far the best magazine for stampers, they have tons of card ideas, alterable ideas, etc. I love this magazine, it is my all time fav!! Love your blog candy and I love your blog, I put it into my favs right away!

Anonymous said...

Congrats and Happy Anniversary! Love your blog and beautiful card ideas. The mags I like are Cardmaker and Paper Made Easy. They both have great cards and gift ideas. I used to subscribe but they have now are a bit pricey so I now like many others spend time on SCS and blogs and occasionally treat myself to these favorite mags.

Amy said...

Congrats Bethany! I'm so glad you decided to jump onboard the blogging train! You have so much to share. I only recently started subscribing to a card magazine, Papercrafts, so that's all I can recommend. They have beautiful ideas! In fact, I need to go browse through my new one right now!

Amy

Angie Z ~ Duckwaddlequack said...

Yay for you! Happy one month! I don't buy many paper craft mags but when I do I ususally get a special holiday or seasonal edition that's mainly devoted to cards.
~Angie

Jan Scholl said...

I love most of the card/paper crafting mags-but one I just love a lot is Vamp Stamp News. This is a one woman project and so affordable and so much info in it. Its more a zine but I have never seen a bad issue and its been going on for forever now. try the website and see what info is there.

T. Whitesell said...

Great card and Happy 1 month Anniversary!!

I love the Paper Crafts magazine but I really like to look at all of the crafting mags for inspiration and ideas. Good luck in deciding.

Anonymous said...

I like the magazine "Take Ten" it is full of beautiful cards and familar names too.
I love the card you have just made because it is red...love red!...the design is so pretty too!
Patty

Anonymous said...

I think you will do well with your blog cuz from looking at this card, your are very good. I don't subscribe to any magazines, but do buy Scrapbooks, etc once in a while
I get so much inspiration for my cards here online. There are so many places to look and so many talented people (bloggers) who share their work for inspiration, plus Yahoo groups, SplitcoastStampers, Patstamps, Stampin Up and so many other stamp companies that have galleries set up. Good luck and look forward to seeing more of your fabulous creations.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you started a blog!!! I was stalking your cards on SCS. I loved your card with the bookmark in it. I have used your bookmark idea sooooo many times. It is my favorite. Keep up the great work and I will be checking in daily.

As for the mag I love Paper Crafts.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I was on another blog that had a link to your blog. I am sooo glad I clicked on that link! Your cards are awesome! BTW, don't you just love the Super Joanns! You should sign up for there ads, they always send 40% off coupons either in the mail or on line.

Diane said...

Hi there,just subscribed to your blog! Got it through Cards well said,I buy some scrapbook mags once in awhile,what I look for is cards ideas and techniques. Can't wait to go and check your blog,I'm off to do it now,thanks for the chance for your goodies!!

breeze7 said...

My favorite is Paper Trends. Happy Anniversary!! I love your work.

Mary

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I love the cards I have seen on your blog!!! I am quite new to this whole blog thing. I don't have one of my own, but I love checking out everyone else's. Your card today is really beautiful! Thanks for sharing your creativity and talent!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary to you...!
I only subscribe to Creating Keepsakes, but I pick up various mags and idea books in the LSS, Amazon.com, etc. I guess if I were to subscribe to another monthly mag it would be Paper Crafts. But, I want to recommend to you my fav idea book for doing cards "Joy of Card Making" and "Joy of Card Making-A Second Helping".
Since I am brand new to stamping, but not so new to scrapbooking in general, I have found that I look through my old mags and idea books with new eyes now because I am looking to see the stamping products and techniques that I overlooked before.
HTH, Stacy :)

Lisa Silver said...

Congratulations on your Anniversary! I love your blog!

I enjoy reading PaperCrafts magazine... and quite frankly I'm looking for other options too. I'll be watching what your readers have to say.

Thanks,
Lisa / Silvergirl

Michele Kovack said...

Congratulations! I just recently found your blog and love it! I love Paper Crafts magazine! The cards aren't too artsy or anything!

happy4u said...

Hi and Congratulations! I have been enjoying your blog and love the latest card. No complaints from me.
I subscribe to Rubber Stamper and pick up Take Ten when they are on sale at LSS.
Keep up the good work.

Denise said...

I have thought about subscribing myself but reecently I have so many blogs I subscribe to it's like reading a magazine! But I have enjoyed Cardmaker in the past...

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary to you! I love your blog and your latest card is gorgeous. I subscribe to Paper Crafts, but I really love the Take Ten magazine, which comes out quarterly. I make sure I pick it up as soon as it comes out. The next issue will be out on June 1st.

tyrymom29 said...

Hi there and Happy anniversary!!! My favorite magazine is Paper Craft,I love their Ideas!!! Not TOo much advert too I love it!!!

Dina Kowal Creative said...

Happy monthiversary!

I used to subscribe to the Rubber Stamper - just too expensive now to ship overseas, and there's so much online. I've considered Technique Junkies, but haven't taken the plunge yet.

Thanks for sharing!

Dina
dini from SCS
http://mamadinis.blogspot.com

Pat said...

Paper Crafts in my favorite hands down. Love all their great ideas! Congrats on the success of your blog and thanks for a chance to win some great blog candy!

Pat

Anonymous said...

I dont buy any stamping mags that often since SCS is the worlds largest/best stamping resource around, I know I wont find anything as good in a magazine but when I do get a wild hair I buy Paper Crafts:)
I cant wait til your 1 year bloggin' birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I am so glad you are blogging as I am a great fan! I will be visiting often! Thanks for all you share and all that you add to the stamping community!

Have a happy day!
Teresa

The Z-Pack said...

Nice blog! This is the first time I've visited, but I'll be back for sure :) After going through several different magazines, my overall favorite it PaperCrafts. It's the only one I'll subscribe to. I can find more inspiration in the pages of PaperCrafts than in any other publication like it.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!! Love the blog candy! Looks like you've got some wonderful creations here on your blog. I subscribe to Paper Crafts and really haven't looked at other mags that are out there. I enjoy PC but get most of my inspiration from blogs and SCS.

Anonymous said...

OMG!!!! A month already??? I remember when you and I chatted about starting a blog. It's still on my "to do" list but look at how wonderful you have done! I love your blog and check it often...now, I subscribe to Paper Crafts only because it has more of the type of cards that I like. Of course, whenever I go to a bookstore and see others, I get those as well...heehee.

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!!! Here's to many more months...no, years of wonderful blogging and those beautiful, beautiful cards!

Go Steelers! :)
Isabel

Anonymous said...

When I'm at the craft store, I like to pick up Paper Crafts, and Stamp It, which is put out by the same publisher. I like the professional pictures and new ideas, as well as looking at the artist to see if I spot a fellow SCSer's name!

Cheryl B. said...

I like Paper Crafts also. I don't subscribe to it because my sister does. I just read hers and save my money for supplies. The best deal for Paper Crafts that I have found, you can get through Ebates (http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?id=24202062) which is free to sign up for. Then if you go to Magazines.com through Ebates, you can get 8 Paper Craft issues for $11.92 and get $2.62 cashback on your Ebates account AND Ebates will credit your account for $5 when you place your first order through them. So really, you are getting 8 issues of Paper Crafts for only $4.30!

I have you in my favorites so I will definitely be back to check out your artwork.

Kraftin' Kimmie said...

Wow!! Congrats on your anniversary but WOW, that card is gorgeous, girl!! Very lovely!! As for magazines, I subscribe to Creating Keepsakes (I am a scrapper as well as a cardmaker) and Papercrafts and I bring Memory Makers home from the library every month!! They are my top 3 faves!