Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Life is too Short ...



...  to wait for just the right time to submit your projects to a magazine.  So if you have ever considered doing it, then what are you waiting for??  Just in case you only get my email feeds and haven't actually visited my blog in a while, then I want to let you know that I have updated it with some information that might be helpful in submitting YOUR wonderful works of the heart.  Along the top of the blog are links to pages for the latest calls to some of the magazines and some general information about each publication that you might find helpful!



Afraid of being rejected???  It's not a rejection.  They just can't publish all the projects submitted, so they have to narrow it down.  And ...  it may have absolutely nothing to do with your skill.  Trust me, I have submitted A LOT of projects that were not selected.  But I finally got published because I just kept at it.  Yes, there is some work involved, but I personally think it is worth it.  Today I am sharing a couple of cards that I submitted recently to Take Ten.  I'm hoping to see them again in a future issue.   Now, some of the magazines do not want you to share your submitted projects on your blog, but it is ok for Take Ten and Stamper's Sampler.  I just can't share them anywhere else.  This is just an example of one of the tips you can read about on the "General Submission Info" page I have provided.  Another thing you may notice is that they tend to put cards that coordinate on a page.  So, because I know that,  I have to admit, multiple times, I have submitted 3 cards that coordinate, and twice I have been given a whole page to myself!!  I figure it just increases my odds!  Other tips, know what style the magazine likes.  Go to a local news stand and check out the magazines.  Some of the magzines list calls or challenges.  These 2 cards were created for a catagory that I'm not sure they even qualify for.  It was really hard, "Avante Garde".  That was a tough one for me.  Do you like sketches??  Take Ten is published quarterly and provided a sketch in each issue to challenge it's readers.  Don't want to worry about calls or challenges at all, then mail some of your cards into "Just Cards".  They will not let you know whether you are being published or not, but imagine the fun of picking up a copy, flipping through, and seeing YOUR NAME!  Yes, the other customers may think you have lost it when they see you jumping up and down and hear a little squeal, but who cares what they think! 

Well I hope something I have shared today encourages you to submit and please let me know if you get published so I can celebrate with you!

Have a fabulous day ladies!
hugs,
Melisa

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Project Details

Card #1
Stamps : Layers of Color "Flutterescent" art stamp set
The Angel Company (sentiment), Technique Tuesday (Clock).
Ink : VersaFine Onyx Black by Tsukineko
Patterned Paper : Pink Paislee 365 Degrees Collection
Vellum Clock : Die Cuts With a View

Trim patterned paper and adhere to front of card. Tear a large corner
of the yellow side, ink edges and adhere to front of card. Adhere
vellum clock. Stamp clocks and sentiment as shown. Stamp
butterfly on yellow side of patterned paper and trim. Adhere to
front card.

Card #2
Stamps : Layers of Color "Sent With Love, Acanthus Leaves, Flutterescent, and Butterfly Collector" clear art stamp sets.
Ink : VersaFine Onyx Black by Tsukineko
Patterned Paper : Pink Paislee 365 Degrees Collection

Trim patterned paper and adhere to front of card. Stamp butterfly corners and ornamental image on yellow side of patterned paper.
Stamp butterfly on aqua side of patterned paper. Trim all images
and adhere to front of card as shown. Stamp sentiment.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey again! I love these, you did great! You are so right about submissions too. I get nervous and discouraged at times wondering if they'll like what I make or not and sometimes talk myself right out of not doing it. I am going to do more, thank you for inspiring me! Hugs.

Dawnll said...

Thanks for sharing about submitting- I don't do it very much and I really should.
How exciting to see a project with your name.

AmethystCat said...

Congrats, Melisa!! Beautiful card - love mixing the sentiment with the clock image - fabulous!!! Hope all is well!!

Liz Williams said...

I just bought an issue of a magazine BECAUSE you were one of the contributors!!! Love these cards here on your blog. And congratulations of being published.

Lovely Linda said...

Hello Melisa - congratulations on being published - how exciting - and thanks for the tips on publishing - I have just started submitting, so need all the help I can get! LOL! Love these cards - especially the first one - the combination of clocks and butterfies really appeals to me - love it! Thanks for sharing my friend! {{{hugs}}}

kiwimeskreations said...

Beautiful cards, Melisa. The 'clock' one really appeals to me. I am hesitant to submit because of the cost of postage to the States.
Blessings
Maxine

Sudha said...

Pretty creations Melisa.

Betty Benton said...

Terrific advice and information, Melisa -- you are so good to share all you're learned with others!

Jennie said...

Pretty cards Melisa nad love the color scheme. You are doing great at submissions and thanks for the encouragement to us all.

Shirley said...

I love both of your cards, of course. Great layout techniques, beautiful DP, and great images too!

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