This week. {Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking magazine}

I just recently sent this card to someone I adore an awful lot. I hope it brightened her day! 

It's been a WEEK, friends. Seriously. The paper crafting world is reeling from the news that Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking is ceasing publication. It's amazing how a magazine has drawn people together, created friendships and connections and been such a huge life changer for so many people. Sweet, crafty folks like you and me (well, I'm sweet MOST days) have been changed. We've had an outlet for our creativity. It made our hobby feel LEGIT - didn't it? People who don't craft, don't really GET us sometimes. But when we say, "Yeah, I create stuff that's been in magazines." Well - they GET that. When I started submitting, I just thought it would be cool to see my name and artwork in print. And it is seriously cool. The novelty has never worn off. I didn't expect that I'd make friends all over the world, participate in blog hops, work with amazing designers, and companies, and even get to sit in THE office at Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking. Being a Go-to Gal wasn't even something in my realm of dreams, but it taught be to dream a bit bigger though! 

It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. Behind the scenes of the magazine, there is WORK. Occasionally, there are tears and private hissy fits. There are projects that are redone (and sometimes redone again) and sometimes they are thrown in the garbage. There are last minute deadlines and phone meetings and schedules to keep. We had fun beyond words, and we laughed like crazy people, but it wasn't always easy. We worked our tails off, especially the editors and staff, to create a magazine that would inspire, and educate. It's hard to understand that one day we're all cranking along and working on the June issue . . .and then, well . . . .we're not. 

Some have voiced their strong opinions and frustrations about this week's news. But please, be kind. . . .please remember there are a lovely, talented, and tireless group of people who lost their full time JOBS in this situation. Whether you felt sunshine and roses about the magazine or not - people have worked their TAILS off to create it. We've poured our hearts and souls into it - and there's a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than I even understand. So think before you type. Be kind. On the flip side, there have been so many kind words. We've been comforted by our stories and memories and connections, haven't we?!

I'm feeling a little lost this week, as I know a lot of us are. My calendar was mostly wiped clean, and I've just looked at my desk wondering what in the world to do with myself. This was sudden - it wasn't something any of us were expecting, and it's going to take a while for the new normal to set in. The good news is - we're all still connected by social media and blogs, so let's work together to maintain the crafty, creative connections we have. And hey - maybe I'll spend some more time blogging now. Thank you sweet friends, stay crafty!!! I'd love to hear your thoughts and favorite things about the magazine if you feel like sharing! xoxo

Card details: I used Elle's Studio Shine Collection and Shine journaling cards. (affiliate links) This collection is so bright and cheery! I love it!