Paper Crafts

I like the magazine, except for all the prefabricated items required, and the number of projects which absolutely require a particular rubber stamp to complete. I'm not into rubber stamping. It's a good magazine for inspiration, just not a whole lot of "do it this way" ideas because I don't have access to many of the products.

Warning: If you want any of their special publications, order them from a trustworthy site like Amazon, if they carry them. Never seeing the special pubs. in this small town, I happily went to the mag's website to order 4 of them. May 24th I ordered, and they charged my credit card right then. (showed up even at Citi's website that they'd processed the payment.) 3 weeks passed, and the "order info" link on their site never showed any update other than that they had received the order. I tried to contact them using their web forms - they gave error screens. I tried using the email addresses and phone numbers to contact them, provided in their "thank you for ordering, here's how to reach us" email - email returned as a bogus address, phone numbers called out that the extensions provided were phony, and asking for live help got you a voice mail and your call never returned. Finally called the subscription center instead, and they told me the order hadn't even been processed after 3 weeks because they were concentrating on some kits first. They'd get around to filling my order, they said. It is their standard policy to take payment and hold off on completing your order for 4-8 weeks. Found out after I'd placed the order... not before. Another week later I called and they told me fedex had it. I thought, couple of days, it'll be here. They "gave the information to Fedex" on June 16th... and I "might" get the order by July 1st. I'd never order directly from them again. They do not return calls even when you ask to speak to a supervisor, and they do not believe that orders should be filled for current publications without waiting a month or two first, without notifying the buyer they just don't care to do anything in a reasonable time.

I really LOVE paper and I enjoy scrappbooking - but this magazine doesn't offer me much - paper's used are very trendy - I prefer a more traditional and romantic look. Lot of card projects and other projects not very many scrapbook pages.

Paper Crafts Magazine is a fun way to learn about new techniques and trends in the paper crafting industry. It is a colorful and vibrant publication that leaves you with a desire to try the projects instead of just reading about them. Part of the fun of the magazine may be that the projects are simple and easy to follow. Consider it a good inspirational boost to getting started.

Paper Crafts has five standing columns in each publication:

"The Joy of Card Making" has samples of cards, tags and bags that are colorful and fun, and fairly simple to make.

A new column, "Moxie Fabs" is written by Cath Edvalson. This column explores new trends that can be incorporated into your paper crafts. In the February 2008 issue she discusses the many way to use a chandelier rubber stamp or downloaded image of a chandelier.

As the name infers, "Paper Crafts 101" covers basic information about paper crafting. The February issue covers the many ways to deal with cutting paper. Samples using windows and cut borders can embellish your work to a new level. Die cuts and punches, layering, pop up tape, and stitching all add to a wonderful project that are briefly discussed in this column.

The "Photo Finish" column discusses how to use photos in your cards and layouts, and "Get Inspired" offers even more ideas with colorful photos and layout ideas.

Paper Crafts Magazine offers simple projects to give inspiration. From there, the artist can use the techniques and tools and take it to whatever level they are comfortable with. It is a good resource to stay up with the trends and learn what new products are out there. If you enjoy fast projects you can simply follow the samples, or if you enjoy creating original works of art you can spend days making your projects as intricate as you like.

Paper Crafts Magazine is published 8 times a year by CK Media, LLC. The newsstand price is $4.99 per issue ($5.99 in Canada), but there is a large discount for annual subscriptions.

I have had a subscription to Papercrafts in the past and loved it. I actually got this particular subscription for a lady at work who loves crafts. I absolutely love all the neat projects in the magazine. Wonderful ideas for gift wrapping, card-making, scrapbooking, party supplies, etc. Just unbelievable. I think that anyone who loves papercrafts and creating wonderful things for less than you would pay in the stores would love this magazine.

I enjoy the magazine, however, I was unaware of the $5.00 bonus. I can't wait for the next issue.