Mustaches, Tears, and Publications

I've got to tell you, CAS isn't always simple. At least it's often not for me.

About 6 month I was toying with the idea of submitting a card to Paper Crafts magazine. I "talked" back and forth with Chan Vuong about it, and she encouraged me to go for it (with a few tips, too).

So I looked at the call, which was for the sketches issue. Hmmm....which sketch to submit? I spent a few days thinking about the sketches.

Okay, I settled on three sketches that might work and some general ideas. I decide to use an Imaginisce mustache die cut--but which of the sketches? I play around and sketch out the card in all configurations. I ask hubby...he says they all look "great" (Translate: How long until I can go back to reading?). I settle on Sketch #36.

There are stripes in the sketch. But which colors to use? Orange and white? Black and white? Maybe patterned paper? Throw in the towel now? Nope, pink and white. It only took me about 2 hours to decide.

What can I put beneath the mustache? A bow tie. That was easy. But I have to figure out how to integrate the three small elements. I play around with the bow tie and get frustrated with what to add. I cry and tell my husband I'm not going to submit this stupid card. I go to bed mad.

The next day, the rhinestones idea hits me . Whew! For the sentiment, I wanted to use "Pucker up, Groucho" but my husband thought it was weird. Okay, "Pucker up." My hubby thinks that's creepy too. I get irritated with him. I think on it....for a day. Finally I settle on "Pucker up" but don't have a stamp. I search for a digital stamp--no luck. Consider buying and overnighting a stamp but decide that's ridiculous. Think about crying. Instead settle on spelling out the sentiment with my Lawn Fawn stamps.

I play around with whether to include a background for the sentiment. I die cut and pilot with and without. Decide on with.

Finally I'm at the assembly stage. Card is done and photograph it. Hmmm...it doesn't look "right." I decide the background strips are too narrow and the card must be remade.

I remake the card in about 25 minutes (I'm pretty slow), saying a few prayers as I tear off the mustache from the first card. Yeah! It's done! So it only took me about 1 week and 25 minutes...

So here's what I made. It's my first publication (in Paper Craft's Card Ideas for Papercrafters):

It looks so simple! LOL!

If you're not totally aggravated with me for my super-long post, come back on Wednesday for the first Print Candee blog hop! I've gotten a preview of some of the projects, and wow, are they fabulous! And if you haven't already, check out Print Candee's blog. They have some really fun ideas!

Also, this is the last week for my blog candy....I'll be drawing on Saturday. Just "follow me" on Google and leave a comment. Easy as pie!

Thanks for looking!