Editor Spotlight: Card Therapy + Unearthing the Artist Within by Devon Warren

devon_ edit

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner. The days already starting to get shorter and my daily drive to work has been taken over by the sight of bright orange pumpkins, which are just starting to peek out from under the pumpkin patches that have been growing for the past month and a half. Soon it’s going to be time for corn mazes, pumpkin carving, and glorious turkey dinners with mashed potatoes and peach cobbler. However, more important than all that (yes, even delicious leftover turkey sandwiches) is the fact that soon it’s going to be time to start sending out greeting cards. Although sentiments of appreciation, birthday wishes, and just-because cards should be sent year round, there’s something wonderful and magical about holiday themed cards. Whether you live right down the street or clear across the country from friends and family, this is the perfect time of the year to send those very special people warm reminders of your love and friendship. Besides, who doesn’t love getting a card in the mail?

Today we’re very fortunate to have the new managing editor of Take Ten, Devon Warren, visiting us here at Somerset Place. As a new editor, Devon has some very interesting insights into the world of publishing as well as a newfound love for the art of card making. If you’ve ever only bought ready-made greeting cards during the holiday seasons, let Devon inspire you into trying something new. All you need are a few stamps, some cardstock, some bits and pieces of ephemera, and a willingness to unleash your imagination.

~*~

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Diana Pisanelli and Kris Lancaster

Stampington & Company offers so many wonderful, varied publications that it’s virtually impossible to pick a favorite.  But as one of the newer editors, I was thrust into the colorful world of cards and rubber stamping. The Stampers’ Sampler is our original and oldest publication (a tradition I’m more than pleased to uphold, as I love tradition!), and it has been such an honor to work on this magazine.

As children, many of us enjoy the art form of stamping. Just go ahead and give a child a stamp and some paint — you will probably regret to tell the tale, but you might also be amazed by what happens. My very first inkpad was the ColorBox Tropical Pigment Stamp Pad by Clearsnap (I still remember!), which was mostly used harmoniously with my collection of Ed Emberley drawing books. A curious and enthusiastic toddler, I claimed Grandma’s dusty organ as my arts and crafts station, and proceeded to stamp all over a mini Merriam-Webster dictionary with a rubber butterfly stamp. This action prompted Grandma to sternly ask, “What are you doing to my book? Do you think that’s nice?” No, it wasn’t nice. But these days I think it’s strangely ironic that I became the editor of a publication all about stamping: a bit of foreshadowing there. Also, I feel that it shows our intuition sometimes can be trusted. I always dreamed that one day I would have a job that I loved and now it’s a reality!

 

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Barb Pladziewicz and Kris Lancaster

Like many people, I lost touch with my creative side and not until very recently did I begin to explore that side of myself again. Often when I edit articles or read emails, I realize that I am not alone when it comes to suppressing one’s creative side. Ella Wilson, for instance, a very talented artist who has been published in both Take Ten and The Stampers’ Sampler many times, shares that she has trouble focusing her energy at times. My sister, a talented artist by her own right, once shared research with me that stated around the time we enter primary school, we stop playing with finger paints, drawing, and coloring because either we realize we’re not good or someone (perhaps a teacher, parent, or “frenemy”) tells us we shouldn’t keep pursuing art since nothing will come of it. Obviously, that simply isn’t true. Taking that creative path is not an easy route: It opens us up to doubt and rejection, but it’s also a path of endless potential. Even bad art can be better than no art at all because it means that the artist is still expressing their passion.

 

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Laurie Davis and Mary Walden

Take Ten was the first publication I worked on from day one when I walked through Stampington’s doors to the day when I inherited it from Andrea Rangno, the former editor. All it takes is 10 minutes a day to find your inner artist, starting with making a homemade birthday or thank you card. Of all the publications we offer, I still feel that Take Ten is one of the most accessible and provides an easy introduction to beginners, whether they’re budding fine artists or those who know they can create but don’t know how to start expressing their passion.

Shortly afterward, I became quite friendly with The Stampers’ Sampler, which in the beginning had my head spinning with its intricate and inspiring techniques. It was a phantasmagoria of stamping splendor! One of the most rewarding parts was the realization that something as simple as greeting cards could indeed be artwork. I always marvel at the way card artists blend inks, layer ephemera, and use the same stamp in completely different ways.

 

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Barb Pladziewicz

As clichéd as it may sound, the only way to truly find your potential as an artist is to put yourself out there — to be open to criticism and put time aside to create art. I’m a major advocate of daily projects and monthly challenges because they motivate you to set aside a small amount of time to be you. And why not spread that inspiration to someone else? That’s the beauty of greeting cards; you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to write a note — you can create a card and send them just because! In fact, the majority of cards published in Take Ten and The Stampers’ Sampler are sent purely for that reason. Or better yet, why not create a beautiful card and write a special note to yourself? You deserve it!

~*~

It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know the managing editor of Take Ten, Devon Warren, a little better. Being such a fan of Take Ten, The Stampers’ Sampler, GreenCraft Magazine, and Somerset Home, it’s wonderful to have some insight into the editor’s thought process. Please join me in giving Devon heartfelt thanks for stopping by Somerset Place.

 

Use code BLOG0914 to get $5 off Take Ten

Take Ten - September 2014In addition to our typical array of quick, easy, under-ten-minute stamping projects and colorful card ideas, this issue of Take Ten features a designated holiday section — including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Season’s Greetings, and more — that offer tips to make cards that take less time than grabbing your car keys and driving to the bargain mart.

For a limited time you can get $5 off this inspiring publication by using the coupon code BLOG0914 when prompted at checkout. But be sure to hurry because the promotion ends on September 3oth!

 

 

The Bella Grace Blog Hop

The Bella Grace Blog HopOur latest unlocked link comes from Olga Sledlecka, who shares how she gathers her creativity from the forest floor. Join her as takes a walk under the harvest moon, and discover all the treasures she finds. Leave her a comment for a chance to win a copy of Bella Grace.

 

Click here to follow the Bella Grace Blog Hop

 

 




Posted: Thursday, September 18th, 2014 @ 4:10 pm
Categories: Uncategorized.
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2 Responses to “Editor Spotlight: Card Therapy + Unearthing the Artist Within by Devon Warren”

  1. Ella says:

    Devon,
    I loved what you shared about your humble beginnings, how magical was Grandma’s organ, book and butterfly stamp. My humble beginnings started at about the same age-except I drew stick men and women all over my Mother’s recipe cards. I love that you mention intuition. I too am a believer.

    I was surprised to see my name here-thank you for your kind words. Yes, I did mention a bit about my struggle recently, as an empty nester.

    I wish more people would comment and share. The creative journey is tough sometimes. We have to find courage to face the canvas, the page, start over and begin again. Every time we create-it is a puzzle.

    I love the idea of Take Ten-just 10 minutes can open a portal to an expressive you.

    Thank you, Devon, I love this message-what a difference it can make to know we aren’t alone. Yes, small moments of creativity can change our mood-just because we were brave enough to try.

Jordan Uncategorized

devon_ edit

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner. The days already starting to get shorter and my daily drive to work has been taken over by the sight of bright orange pumpkins, which are just starting to peek out from under the pumpkin patches that have been growing for the past month and a half. Soon it’s going to be time for corn mazes, pumpkin carving, and glorious turkey dinners with mashed potatoes and peach cobbler. However, more important than all that (yes, even delicious leftover turkey sandwiches) is the fact that soon it’s going to be time to start sending out greeting cards. Although sentiments of appreciation, birthday wishes, and just-because cards should be sent year round, there’s something wonderful and magical about holiday themed cards. Whether you live right down the street or clear across the country from friends and family, this is the perfect time of the year to send those very special people warm reminders of your love and friendship. Besides, who doesn’t love getting a card in the mail?

Today we’re very fortunate to have the new managing editor of Take Ten, Devon Warren, visiting us here at Somerset Place. As a new editor, Devon has some very interesting insights into the world of publishing as well as a newfound love for the art of card making. If you’ve ever only bought ready-made greeting cards during the holiday seasons, let Devon inspire you into trying something new. All you need are a few stamps, some cardstock, some bits and pieces of ephemera, and a willingness to unleash your imagination.

~*~

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Diana Pisanelli and Kris Lancaster

Stampington & Company offers so many wonderful, varied publications that it’s virtually impossible to pick a favorite.  But as one of the newer editors, I was thrust into the colorful world of cards and rubber stamping. The Stampers’ Sampler is our original and oldest publication (a tradition I’m more than pleased to uphold, as I love tradition!), and it has been such an honor to work on this magazine.

As children, many of us enjoy the art form of stamping. Just go ahead and give a child a stamp and some paint — you will probably regret to tell the tale, but you might also be amazed by what happens. My very first inkpad was the ColorBox Tropical Pigment Stamp Pad by Clearsnap (I still remember!), which was mostly used harmoniously with my collection of Ed Emberley drawing books. A curious and enthusiastic toddler, I claimed Grandma’s dusty organ as my arts and crafts station, and proceeded to stamp all over a mini Merriam-Webster dictionary with a rubber butterfly stamp. This action prompted Grandma to sternly ask, “What are you doing to my book? Do you think that’s nice?” No, it wasn’t nice. But these days I think it’s strangely ironic that I became the editor of a publication all about stamping: a bit of foreshadowing there. Also, I feel that it shows our intuition sometimes can be trusted. I always dreamed that one day I would have a job that I loved and now it’s a reality!

 

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Barb Pladziewicz and Kris Lancaster

Like many people, I lost touch with my creative side and not until very recently did I begin to explore that side of myself again. Often when I edit articles or read emails, I realize that I am not alone when it comes to suppressing one’s creative side. Ella Wilson, for instance, a very talented artist who has been published in both Take Ten and The Stampers’ Sampler many times, shares that she has trouble focusing her energy at times. My sister, a talented artist by her own right, once shared research with me that stated around the time we enter primary school, we stop playing with finger paints, drawing, and coloring because either we realize we’re not good or someone (perhaps a teacher, parent, or “frenemy”) tells us we shouldn’t keep pursuing art since nothing will come of it. Obviously, that simply isn’t true. Taking that creative path is not an easy route: It opens us up to doubt and rejection, but it’s also a path of endless potential. Even bad art can be better than no art at all because it means that the artist is still expressing their passion.

 

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Laurie Davis and Mary Walden

Take Ten was the first publication I worked on from day one when I walked through Stampington’s doors to the day when I inherited it from Andrea Rangno, the former editor. All it takes is 10 minutes a day to find your inner artist, starting with making a homemade birthday or thank you card. Of all the publications we offer, I still feel that Take Ten is one of the most accessible and provides an easy introduction to beginners, whether they’re budding fine artists or those who know they can create but don’t know how to start expressing their passion.

Shortly afterward, I became quite friendly with The Stampers’ Sampler, which in the beginning had my head spinning with its intricate and inspiring techniques. It was a phantasmagoria of stamping splendor! One of the most rewarding parts was the realization that something as simple as greeting cards could indeed be artwork. I always marvel at the way card artists blend inks, layer ephemera, and use the same stamp in completely different ways.

 

Take Ten - September 2014Artwork by: Barb Pladziewicz

As clichéd as it may sound, the only way to truly find your potential as an artist is to put yourself out there — to be open to criticism and put time aside to create art. I’m a major advocate of daily projects and monthly challenges because they motivate you to set aside a small amount of time to be you. And why not spread that inspiration to someone else? That’s the beauty of greeting cards; you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to write a note — you can create a card and send them just because! In fact, the majority of cards published in Take Ten and The Stampers’ Sampler are sent purely for that reason. Or better yet, why not create a beautiful card and write a special note to yourself? You deserve it!

~*~

It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know the managing editor of Take Ten, Devon Warren, a little better. Being such a fan of Take Ten, The Stampers’ Sampler, GreenCraft Magazine, and Somerset Home, it’s wonderful to have some insight into the editor’s thought process. Please join me in giving Devon heartfelt thanks for stopping by Somerset Place.

 

Use code BLOG0914 to get $5 off Take Ten

Take Ten - September 2014In addition to our typical array of quick, easy, under-ten-minute stamping projects and colorful card ideas, this issue of Take Ten features a designated holiday section — including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Season’s Greetings, and more — that offer tips to make cards that take less time than grabbing your car keys and driving to the bargain mart.

For a limited time you can get $5 off this inspiring publication by using the coupon code BLOG0914 when prompted at checkout. But be sure to hurry because the promotion ends on September 3oth!

 

 

The Bella Grace Blog Hop

The Bella Grace Blog HopOur latest unlocked link comes from Olga Sledlecka, who shares how she gathers her creativity from the forest floor. Join her as takes a walk under the harvest moon, and discover all the treasures she finds. Leave her a comment for a chance to win a copy of Bella Grace.

 

Click here to follow the Bella Grace Blog Hop