There is no easy way to do this! I know that I will ruin so many days with this entry. I'm sorry!!
So, I have to offer some consolation, right? Well, there were just under 350 applicants. There are 3-5 spots. So, the odds are slightly better than Vegas, but still not great! In fact, I wouldn't have ever picked myself!! You all are way better than I ever hope to be!
I actually know a lot about this sort of thing. Last year I told you about my college professor walking over my assignment and Creating Keepsakes telling me my layout wasn't cool or hip. So, in honor of tradition, I have another "Let's Hurt Julie's Pride" story. There's soooooo many to pick from. I could tell you about being close, but not good enough for the art sterling scholar (Hi Brett, you really did deserve that one), the foreign language sterling scholar (I had even just returned from living in Spain) or the full scholarship that I was hoping for (apparently I am not a strong leader). But, instead, I will tell you about sewing. I love to sew.
Fifteen years ago, my mom bought me a sewing machine at a yard sale..... an old Bernina. I went to the local thrift store (Eric and I were poor college students) and bought some solid green fabric and some striped pink fabric. I made what I thought were the cutest throw pillows ever. There was just one problem. I didn't know the difference between stuffing and batting and I had never even heard of a pillow form. So, I took some batting and pulled off bits of it, as if it were stuffing, to fill the pillows. They became lumpy and funny looking, but to me they were AWESOME! I was so excited for Eric to get home and see how "domestic" I was. He took one look at those pillows and said, "Julie, promise you won't ever sew anything for me because I don't want to hurt your feelings when I have to tell you I don't like it."
All I can say, is keep persevering. I now sew lots of stuff for myself, my kids and yes, even Eric! I make all his "lounge around the house pants." So, if you're name is not below, take it as a challenge. Prove us all wrong. Fight back! Who knows, maybe next year, you'll be turning us down!
The Finalists:
Hilary Kanwishcher
I really love Hilary's cards. We had quite a few cardmakers apply, but Hilary's cards had unexpected little touches and an appealing whimsical feel that was unique.
Heidi Sonboul
One thing we love about Heidi's style is how she cuts paper to be used as embellishments. Since we are primarily paper, this is especially great!
Can you believe that this is NOT a Snorkel layout, but actually Girl Friday mixed with Early Bird? I love when unexpected things are done!
Laura is another great Cardmaker. I am so sad to say goodbye to Maren, but the prospects of Laura make it a little easier.
Karola's style is completely unique from anything I've seen! Her design is very soft and airy. I'm not entirely sure how she'll do with our brighter lines, but I'd love to see her try.
Emily Spahn (I'm not sure this link will work for you) I hesitated on Emily because her blog requires a username and password..... something we will have to figure out should she make the team. But, I fell in love with her layouts, so much that it was hard to choose just one to show you.
Emilie Ahern
It's too bad these are black and white photos, because Emilie has red-headed children that are almost as cute as my own! I like Emilie's style and have even scraplifted her "Oh Honey" layout for myself..... I didn't tell her 'til now!
Lindsay and I both love this layout by Amy. It somehow feels different from all the other Girl Friday layouts we have seen. The design is especially nice, drawing your eye into the layout while still having some white space for resting.
Wendy Sue Anderson Wendy has a nice, editorial style. I love the pinwheels, buttons and simple, clean feel.
We love Kelly's photography and layouts. Here is just one example of her great work. And, although it feature's that darn Crate Paper circle, it's still darling! (Just kidding Lisa, I love your circle!)
Davinie Fiero We've been watching Davinie for a couple years now and she has really developed her style! I love her entry this year. All her layouts are great.
Megan Klauer
Megan's style is more trendy. She likes to leave some empty space on her layouts, creating more of a focal point rather than filling up everything. We like it!
If you're looking for some cute project ideas, check out Lea's blog.
Stacy is a great designer. I loved this layout, I think it's the flag banners that have me.
I love Gudrun's artsy, loose style. She is fresh, creative and completely unique.
Again, we just want to thank everyone who applied for the team. We hope you feel the experience was worthwhile, even if you didn't make this cut. We'll be sending you all a gift certificate for some free stuff to hopefully inspire even more great work! If your name is above, I'll be sending you some info ASAP.
OH, and I'm sure Lindsay will post his winners sometime soon...... right Lindsay?..... Lindsay?...... are you there?
