Savannah O'Gwynn <-- You are HERE
Today's post has been one that I've been thinking about since Kim announced that she was closing the Paper Smooches shop. This is my FINAL OFFICAL Paper Smooches project and post. Below is my story and the card I created for Kim. **It might be a long story, but I tried to keep it short!
My story: I followed Kim the moment I saw her creations featured in the magazines and when she was a Paper Crafts Go To Gal. I loved her whimsical designs and fun creations. I was hooked and immediately signed up for her monthly stamp program when she started her company Paper Smooches. Kim had a challenge blog and had a design team call in September of 2011. I decided to submit a card and that's when my entire crafting career changed forever!
I submitted THIS card for the design team call and won a spot on Kim's first SPARKS challenge team! What an honor! I'm still in shock that I was picked to be a part of Kim's team! ❤️
Here's a fun breakdown of a couple of things that I've done using PS stamps/dies/stencils and accomplished while working for Kim and PS:
- I have worked with Kim and PS for 9.75 years
- I have 98% of Kim's product. I'm missing only a few stamp sets.
- I have been published over 100 times, at least 90% using PS stamps/dies
- Each year I number my cards; back in 2011 I made over 500 cards! I have made an estimated 1500 cards and 1350 of those cards using PS goodies!!!
- If you can't tell, I was in LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE with my PS stamps and dies!
- I cannot begin to tell you which card is my favorite, but I can tell you when and where and how I was inspired for each card! I remember details like that:)
- I started creating weekly videos for Kim's Virtual Smooches blog on March 6, 2013.
- HERE is my first video
- I created 170 videos for VS... and at least 25 for Imagine Crafts (featured on their YouTube channel) where I used their inks and ALL Paper Smooches stamps/dies
- Each video (for the first two years) would take around 22 hours to record, edit, take photos, upload, and write the blog post!
- Travis and Olsen were a BIG part of the VS team- Trav wrote the music to my videos (after I was banned from multiple countries using a song by Kari Jobe... copyright issues! LOL! Who knew?!) and Olsen would bark almost every time I hit the record button. LOL!
- Here are some of my FAVORITE videos:
- Pixilated Images
- Anniversary video year 2 and 4
- 3 Christmas Cards
- Olsen's Party Hats
- CAS Cards
- Interview with Trav/Sav
- Bloopers 2013 and Bloopers 2014 **These were always fan favorites!
- I have had at least 5 different backgrounds for my photos... and I *STILL* haven't figured out how to take a good photo! LOL!
- Kim asked me to be the Design Team Coordinator starting in April 2012 (HERE), and EVERY. SINGLE. CHALLENGE. it was sooooooooooo hard picking winners!
- I *FINALLY* met Kim when I went out to CHA (a few years back)! I stayed with her and had so much fun!!! I even got to craft in her studio- OH MY! I never wanted to leave:)
- And finally... one of my dreams came true working for Kim! It's been an honor working with Kim in so many ways!
This list isn't even everything... but I figured I'd stop so I could show you my card that I created for Kim❤️ I went back to my roots and comfort zone of using pattered paper and mixing and matching stamps/dies for this card.
I have two hands (my hands) hugging a heart- my way of saying THANKS to Kim! I don't think there are enough words to express my gratitude. THANKS, Kim! I am forever grateful that you picked me- THANKS for believing in me ❤️
That's it for me today but there are more creations and projects on the other gals' blogs!
Thanks for stopping by ❤️ I hope you have a blessed day!
Sav
ps... THANKS to Jill and JJ for putting this blog hug/hop together! And THANKS to the PS Design Team and Challenge Team members that I have been able to work with over the years! WOW--- what a talented group of ladies! I have been inspired by each of you❤️
Love Kim, Love PS ...... And loveeeeeee the card!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, and your blog post is truly heartfelt! You are so fortunate to have worked intimately with Paper Smooches. I've been card making for almost 3 years so I missed a lot but will cherish the Paper Smooches stamps, dies and stencils I own. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
ReplyDeleteLove the hug hands.... big heart. We'll miss your blogging and keeping us on our toes. (along with Kim's creations)
ReplyDeleteSav!!!!! Reading all this here today makes me soooo happy and wee bit sad all over! :) I always adore your sweet cards and the layers and details I could never possibly accomplish myself. When I think of PS, I always think of you. Your kindness has always echoed and radiated, furthering my adoration of PS! We’ll miss it together but we will always have our stash—but yours sounds like I could easily spend a month there visiting. I hope you won’t mind :) Thank you for all your patience and help in spreading the hugs today—much xx to YOU too!! ♥️
ReplyDeleteLove PS and have enjoyed your cards as well, Savannah!
ReplyDeleteOh, Sav. As soon as I saw and clicked on your name for this hop, I thought I finally would have a good cry. (It didn't happen 🤞😁) Your projects were always on the top of my PS list to come and see. You are always so kind and sweet so I figure, that's you 100% of the time. You have been a big help to Kim and your hard work always showed! Thank you for all you have done. I'll keep my eyes peeled for what you are creating. A gigantic big hug to Kim and all of her hard work, too. I love love LOVE her images and writing style.
ReplyDeleteOh this is full of so many wonderful things! Fabulous card Sav!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your SWEET Card Sav!! I've been a HUGE FAN of your FOREVER!! I feel SO BLESSED to have gotten to have met you through PS and being on the Challenge DT with you as it was some of the HAPPIEST times and I'll FOREVER be GRATEFUL for our Friendship!! THANKS SO MUCH for your Sweet and Encouraging Words and for ALWAYS being there!! THANKS SO MUCH also for sharing and inspiring with your Creations!! I can't wait to see what you create next!! Have a FABULOUS WEEK!!
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