Monday, August 29, 2011

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!

38 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about CAS card. This card is just as cute as can be. You are sooo clever. Every thing on your card is so crisp and clean - LOVE it.

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  2. Such a fabulously fun card!! Congrats!!!

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  3. It's obvious why it was picked up for publication - it's perfect! The pink stripes, the perfect die-cut, the sentiment...I recently submitted 5 cards for the current pub calls at cards and PC mags...I'm not holding my breath, but went through the same agony you did. When I look at the cards that ARE published, yours included, I realize I still need practice! LOL And, that's ok! I make cards cause I enjoy the creative process.

    God bless,
    Barb

    P.S. I'm not surprised that Chan offered support and tips. Aside from being a ridiculously talented designer, she has a big heart and a giving spirit. She's a doll.

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  4. Great story! Definitely worth the effort! Didn't realize that was your first pub - congrats!
    p.s. I'm a follower... ;)

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  5. Oh my goodness I am in love with those pink stripes! Congrats to you!!!! Some of my CAS "looking" cards have taken the longest to execute and complete! Slow and steady wins the race and it sure has here!!!!

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  6. Congratulations...well deservered. This card is so awesome. You did an amazing job...i love it..

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  7. Jocelyn, For all the struggle, all the thinking, all the agony, all the choices to weigh and consider - it was all worth it! WAY TO GO! I love your card!

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  8. Ok, lesson learned. Do not ask for hubby's advice when sublicating. Do it on your own! LOL It may have taken over a week but aren't you glad you got through it? The thrill of an acceptance is incredible, isn't it? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this card and it looks wonderful in the issue!

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  9. this is so adorable, love it. I'm already a follower.

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  10. Jocelyn! I had no idea this was your first pub! It is so stinkin' cute and definitely jumped off the page to me when I looked through the issue. And I totally know what you mean about being a slow card-maker. I made one card in like 4 hours this past Sunday. Yep. That is my life. Haha Congrats! It looks so good!

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  11. This is AWESOME!!! I love that adorable bow and the stripe paper is genius!
    Congrats on your publication. :)

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  12. Congrats on your publication! I just picked up a copy of magazine and your card caught my eye. I think it was also featured on Moxie Fab world a few days ago. Love everything about this card!! I often ask my hubby's input too. Now we both know the cards that he does not like are the cards got to win :)

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  13. Congrats on being published! I love how you wrote out the whole process. All that work definitely paid off though; your card is fabulous! As I was reading it, I was trying to imagine what it was going to look like before I saw it. That was fun!

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  14. Congratulations on your publication. Your story cracked me up. I can relate. Love your card Jocelyn.

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  15. CONGRATULATIONS...my dearest friend!!!!

    Oh my Jocelyn... you are so clever.. I love the design its.. GORGEOUS... I gotta scream... you are amazing... love this to bits... hugs...xoxo

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  16. Aw.. what a STORY!! I can totally relate to you in some part of it, especially the part about asking feedback from family members (the are sort of helpful, but not really-LOL)!! Congrats on your first pub and I know there will be more to come!

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  17. congrats! Your card is fantastic and well worth all that trouble!!! he he..

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  18. It was well worth all the tears and agony! LOL! It is a kick ass card and I'm so excited for you!

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  19. All the trials and tribulations behind this awesome card -- it sure doesn't look like it! It looks effortless and awesome and a whole lotta fun! Love it here, love it in the issue ;)

    I hope you keep submitting -- it only gets easier, I bet.

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  20. Congratulations, your hard work paid off. It is so delightful to see so many comments of encouragement and congratulations here on your blog. You're going places, girl! So good to see that!

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  21. CAS is not easy...you've nailed it with this card though. Love the pink! And the fun mustache! Congrats on being published! :)

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  22. You have out done yourself! This card is hilarious and darling and simply great!

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  23. That is so funny Jocelyn...you made me laugh as I can so totally relate to your experience!! Congrats on your great card being published. So love the colour combo!!

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  24. This card has the WOW factor! I am not surprised it was selected to be in the magazine. Congratulations! So looking forward to the Print Candee Blog Hop!!!

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  25. Congrats on being published! You're big time now! :)

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  26. Congratulations! What an absolutely fun and gorgeous card:)

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  27. Yay, big congrats on your first pub!!! So exciting right! Well, you knocked it out of the park and I absolutely adore punny cards, so LOVE this!

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  28. Hooray for you! I can't tell you how much I relate to your step by step (by step...) description, including asking for input and advice, but not always taking it! :P You did end up with a gorgeous finished card. That's what matters, right???

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  29. Congrats on your well deserved publication! This card is awesome and so is it's story, TFS!

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  30. Hi Jocelyn! This card is SO very cute!! I love it!! BIG Congrats on being published!!! So happy for you :) {hugs}

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  31. *giggle*
    I think you might be married to my husband. Design opinions come more easily from the kids around here :)
    Humongous congrats on your first publication - see, now, wasn't it worth all the blood, sweat, and tears during the design phase???
    BTW, I love the "Pucker Up, Groucho" idea - but then, I'm weird.

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  32. Oh my goodness I love this card! I think I'll base a challenge on mustaches :)

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  33. Congrats! I know what you mean about all the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make a CAS card! I'm glad all your hard work paid off for you to see your name in PRINT! Awesome!

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  34. Congrats! Your card si super cool, love the clean design :)

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  35. Great card!!!!! It's just too much fun!! Congrats on your publication, no wonder this got picked up it's so fun & cute!!!!! Yay for dreams coming true ;).

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  36. Absolutely love this card. Everything about it and I can so appreciate your story. I don't think I'd be up to the stress of submitting for a call. Congrats to ya!

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  37. Oh how I adore this, kind of gives a vintage circus vibe with the stripes and mustache

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