Late Night Cyphering (How Anal Am I?)

So, last night I sat down to look through my new issue of Just Cards that came in the mail yesterday. Within the first 3 pages I became aware that there were already several artists who's names had been repeated..

I've been accused of having a very analytical mind before. I suppose that must be true because the next thing I knew I was driven to find out just how many repeat artists there were, and what the ratios were. LOL

So, at 10:30 last night (on a work night, no less!), I pulled out several sheets of clean paper, started over at page 1, and started making a list of every artist in the magazine, and tallying up each piece of art they had published. I worked at this until 2 am this morning, all the while telling myself what a retard I am. grin. Anyway, here are the results and my conclusions:

The Numbers
327: Pieces of Art in the issue
74: Artists with only 1 submission
40: Artists with 2-4 submissions
16: Artisist with 5-9 submissions
1: Artists with 10 submissions (Erin Kellogg)
1: Artists with 13 submissions (Virginia Miermaster)
1: Artists with 18 submissions (Beverly Sizemore)

Ratios:
Pieces of Art by Artists with 1 entry: 74/327 = 22.63%
Pieces of Art by Artists with 2-4 entries: 106/327 = 32.42%
Pieces of Art by Artists with 5-9 entries: 106/327 = 32.42%
Pieces of Art by Artists with 10 entries: 10/327 = 3.06%
Pieces of Art by Artists with 13 entries: 13/327 = 3.98%
Pieces of Art by Artists with 18 entries: 18/327 = 5.5%

Conclusions:
If you are dying to get published, you can increase your chances substantially by submitting 5 or more entries. Roughly half of the magazine came from people who were published with 5 or more pieces of artwork.

Congratulations to the 3 artists noted with 10 or more pieces of art! What an accomplishment! While we are at it, congratulations to our very own Pamela of Firecracker Designs who was published with 1 entry, and Etha Schuette who had 2 pieces, and Barbara Hardeman who also had 2 pieces, one of which used FCD stamps! (edit 12/23/09: Congrats also to Heather Lee Reppen, a past FCD DT member, who was one of the lucky ones with 5 cards published! I'm adding this note from work since my oversight was pointed out to me; I'm going from memory here, so please don't fire me if her numbers or more or less than 5! LOL) Way to go, Ladies!!

(My son just told me I am "so weird." hee hee) Thanks for joining me today! :o)

As always, thanks for stopping by! Happy Stampin'!
Ursula

Card from a Layout Sketch

Only one week left; are you ready?? I finally finished my Christmas Cards tonight and got them all written, stuffed, and stamped! Whew! :o)

I made this card based on a layout sketch in the january 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes. This is from the sketch insert that has front & back sketches. It's sketch # 4, titled Pieces Of me. I thought it looked like an easy sketch to turn into a card, and I was right! I love the results! It was easy to duplicate too - I made 6 of them this evening. :o)



All stamps from Firecracker Designs By Pamela. I used the Shepherds Snow Family for the shining star, the lamb, and the smaller stars. I used Christmas Phrases 1 for the awesome Magic phrase! There is a spot of Polar White Flower Soft on the tuft of the lamby's tail, too. :o)

What I really love about this sketch is that it let me use some of my ribbon stash in such a lovely way. I am totally ribbon challenged!

By the way, FCD still has an awesome End of Year Blowout Sale going on. They are currently at 60% off on all items on the sale page (prices reflect the sale already.) You can get some really incredible stamp sets - that's whole sets, people - for only $3.60!! That's insane! better hurry, though - qty's are limited! Next Thursday (Christam Eve, no less!) the prices will drop again down to 70% off! Items will be removed from the sale as they sell out, so don't wait too long. (PS: They are on holiday until Jan 2nd, so you can shop, but no shipments will go out until they re-open.)

As always, thanks for stopping by! Happy Stampin'!
Ursula

FCD018 Sketch Challenge

Pamela at FCD released another card sketch today, and challenged us on her blog to use it and post our results with Mr. Linky. So, here's my interpretation of the sketch. Hope you enjoy!

For this card I used the Misteltoad Set (sold out, but you can order and she will ship when it comes in). The DP on the left was made using Color Wash Spray in Raisin, and several shades of Glimmer Mists. I made a bunch of these pieces last weekend, and was eager to work one into this sketch. :o)

The frog is colored with Twinkling H2O's, and his hat is trimmed in Polar White Flower Soft.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Happy Stampin'!
Ursula

End of Year Inventory Blow Out!!

Help FCD make room for next year's rubber!!

As of today, all items on the Sale page are already discounted 40% off. Every Thursday in December they discount will increase by another 10% until 70% off. Disocunts will remain until stock is depleted or December is gone. Most of the sets are being discontinued so get them while they last!

Many colors of Flower Soft are included in this sale, as well as some fabulous stamp sets!!
Here's a taste of what you can find on sale:











Aren't these great sets? You know you need them!! Better hurry before they are G-O-N-E!!!

And with FCD's new stream lined shipping rates, your check-out is even EASIER than ever!!! Yay Team!!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Happy Stampin'!
Ursula