[Artsy22]

Dear Paper Crafts Designer,

There is a surprising chill in the air. Trees, bare after their latest transformation, are silhouettes against a snow-threatening sky. Gardens lie dormant, patient in their season of fallow. Smoke wafts from chimneys as cars are packed, kids are bundled, and pies are guarded from harm. Grandmothers wait over rivers and through woods, in anticipation of their homes filling with family, achieving equilibrium once again. And even (can you hear it?), the whisper of a Christmas carol, off in the distance, somewhere aloft, lingering in the breeze.

It’s November at Paper Crafts magazine. We can’t wait to begin the season of giving!

Please send us your fresh, cool, and innovative ideas for projects based on the following themes. Increase your chances of being published by using fun products, the coolest techniques, the finest execution, and a style that’s all your own.

1. Gifts for Women in Shelters

Please send us your ideas for holiday gift bags and/or bag toppers with coordinating tags or cards that can be filled and dropped off at your local shelter for homeless and/or battered women. The idea is to fill the bags with much-needed toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and little tokens of care, etc. that any woman finding herself in such a difficult situation during the holidays (or any day) would appreciate. Please send photos/scans of the project only. The items inside do not need to be included nor embellished.
Subject heading: Charity


2. Table Settings

Set the mood, and the table, for your holiday dinners in style. Send us your ideas for place cards with coordinating invitations and favors for all occasions and holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, formal dinner parties, birthday parties, and popular theme dinners such as sushi or fondue. (And these are just for starters!)
Subject heading: Table Settings

3. Texture

When November comes, it’s time to get out wool sweaters, crocheted scarves, and polar fleece jackets. What better time to cozy-up our cards and other paper crafted projects by adding a layer of warmth. Snuggle up to projects that incorporate products that are textured including felt, fabric, flocking, velvet, lace, crochet, etc. We’re looking for projects that are occasion-based (thank you, birthday, friendship, etc.) as well as seasonal to the winter holidays.
Subject heading: Texture

5. Calendar Corner

Create a 12" x 12" calendar topper that is seasonal and thematic to November of 2007. Whether it includes photos or not, it should encapsulate all that November means to you.
Subject heading: Nov Calendar

6. Joy of Card Making

Here’s your chance to be published creating a project following one of Wendy Johnson’s NEW card-making recipes! Check out the recipes posted on our website at www.papercraftsmag.com/mag/submit.
Subject heading: Nov JOCM

7. Get Inspired!

This issue’s object of inspiration: Sweater, hat & scarf combo, mittens, something knitted, or another item of clothing that has texture to help keep warm
Create a project of your choosing with texture that inspires you! Please send in a photo of your inspiration along with a photo or scan of the project you created, giving us a statement as to why and/or how the object(s) you chose inspired you.
Subject heading: Nov Get Inspired!


NOVEMBER ISSUE DEADLINES
Idea/digital picture deadline: Monday, April 16, 2007
Project acceptance from Paper Crafts editor: No later than Thursday, April 19, 2007
Completed project deadline: Thursday, May 3, 2007
E-mail submissions to: PC.submissions@yahoo.com or use our online submittal form www.papercraftsmag.com/mag/submit

WHAT WE NEED WITH YOUR SUBMISSION

When you submit an image of your design, please make sure it is clearly photographed or scanned. Make note of items or techniques we may not be able to see. Send the finished size of the item and a list of supplies used plus any notes about unique techniques you used to create the project.

Remember
-If we accept your project we will need a detailed supply list so please pay attention to what products you are using when creating your projects. A detailed list will include the name/description of the product, the brand name or product line, and the manufacturer.
Examples:
Faded Bracken patterned paper from the Leaf Memory collection by Scenic Route Paper
Silver heart charm from Sweet Nothings by Scrap Happy
Party Hat rubber stamp from Let’s Party set by Stampin’ Up!
Baby bottle cutout from Paper Pizzaz by Hot Off The Press

Send your ideas in the form of digital pictures or scanned images (300k or less). Do not send completed projects until accepted.
-All ideas must be copyright-free and not have been previously published or a variation of one published.
-We are unable to personally respond to each submission. You will receive an e-mail from us only if we decide to use your tip, idea, or project.
- If you use professional photos, be sure you can obtain a photo release for publication.
-If you use templates or other published items, be sure that you have the permission of the copyright holder and include a credit line for the copyright holder.
-Please do not share this call for submissions with anyone without prior written permission.
If you have any questions or ideas you’d like to discuss in advance, please feel free to
e-mail me at editor@PaperCraftsMag.com
Thanks for all of your support. We love working with you!

Yours truly,
Cath Edvalson
Creative Editor
Paper Crafts magazine