- P. Kelly Smith
Welcome to Magazine Monday! Today we’re spotlighting the super talented and super sweet Dawn McVey. This stampy chic recently graced the cover of Stamp It! Cards with one of her five fantastic projects in this publication (see picture below).
Dawn got into paper crafting by making cards for her friends and family. After awhile they started asking if they could purchase them. Two short years later she had sold 2,000 cards! And since then, she hasn’t stopped! Her resume of published projects is nearing 100!
So without further ado, let’s get to know Dawn McVey a little bit better!

Dawn McVey
1. What is your favorite thing to paper craft and why?
Definitely cards because they’re a bit of instant gratification. They don’t take a super long time to create and as a bonus, you’ll feel awesome when you give them away!
2. What is your most difficult paper crafting challenge?
My most difficult challenge these days is just finding enough time to get all of the things made that I’d like to. I work full-time besides all of the paper crafting I do, so I find that I have to manage my time wisely in order to not miss a magazine call…or a birthday!
3. What is your favorite paper crafting supply?
Well, I’ve always been a paper girl at heart, but I do have to say that in recent years, I’ve developed quite a love of stamps as well. You can just do so much with both!
4. Name three Paper Crafts designers whose styles you like and tell me why they appeal to you.
- I have loved Nichole Heady’s style for years…clean & classic. I love how even her ‘fun’ cards have a sophistication about them. So classy!
- Melissa Phillips is a designer whose style I absolutely love because her designs are so soft and wispy and dreamy. Each one is a little masterpiece filled with so many eye-catching details!
- And I love Betsy Veldman’s work for her use of bright colors and fun color combos. She creates such cheery works of art that I can’t help but smile when I see them!
5. You’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of different publications. How do you keep yourself organized?
I have a large bulletin board in my studio where I post all of the current calls I’m working on, in order of their deadlines, so I can see them at a quick glance. And I also have a to-do list in my iPhone that I keep updated with everything that I need to get done in priority order, so that wherever I am, I can always check and see what’s next on the agenda when I get back in my studio.
6. Do you have any advice for someone who’s never been published or who wants to try submitting for the first time?
Submit, submit, submit! You’ll never get published if you don’t start submitting! And beyond that, pay close attention to details…both in the work that you’re submitting, as well as in how each magazine handles submissions. You want to be sure and submit your best work and follow directions for how to submit properly. That’s your best chance at getting a project accepted.
7. What design teams are you on?
I’m on the design team at Papertrey Ink and I’m a stamp designer for Papertrey as well.
8. How would you describe your style?
I think my style is generally pretty clean and simple. And definitely colorful and cheery!
9. What do you like about working with Paper Crafts magazine?
I love the sweet editors who make this process so enjoyable. Each one has been an absolute dear to work with. And I love the thrill of seeing that happy little acceptance e-mail in my inbox. It’s still so exciting and I consider it a huge honor to be published in such a well-loved magazine. (Thank you, Paper Crafts!)
10. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.

Here's Dawn's bright and cheery Connect the Dots Card from our May/June issue.

And here's Dawn's elegant Happy Birthday Card, also from May/June.
So hopefully you’ve enjoyed getting to know Dawn McVey a little bit better. Since Dawn and stamping go hand in hand, why not learn from the master? Leave a comment for Dawn and three lucky winners will each take home a copy of Stamp It! Cards.

Dawn's cover project is the orange Birthday Celebrations Card.
All comments must be received by midnight on Tuesday, May 19. The winners will be announced on Wednesday’s blog.
Thanks, Dawn!
Kelly
P.S. It’s time to announce the two winners from my Freebie Friday – Calling All Procrastinators post! Here they are:
1. Renee (May 15, 10:06 a.m.)
2. Trish Smith (May 15, 11:32 a.m.)
Congrats, ladies! Each of you has won the holiday-inspired prize package from Papertrey Ink! I will be e-mailing you shortly for your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left so many great procrastination stories!
116 comments
Comments feed for this article
May 18, 2009 at 4:16 am
Cat
i’ve been a fan of Dawn’s for a while, and i just love the Stamp It issues from PC. what could be better? 😉
May 18, 2009 at 4:48 am
Maureen L
I’ve been following Dawn for a while now. I jsut love her use of patterns and colors! And now with teh Raspberry Suite color challenge she is teaching the resdt of us how to do some of that too.
May 18, 2009 at 4:51 am
Gracie
Wow your cards are gorgeous Dawn! I love their elegant look.
May 18, 2009 at 5:10 am
Sara Shinker
Dawn, your cards have a great look. I especially like the Thank you cards, pink & brown together is one of my favorite combinations!
May 18, 2009 at 5:14 am
Hanne
I love Dawns blog! Always cheery and happy and I don’t know how she can manage it all!
May 18, 2009 at 5:14 am
StampinCathy
Fabulous cards and just love Dawn’s creative style. Dawn is one talented and super inspiring crafter. Thanks for a chance.
May 18, 2009 at 5:16 am
Christy
I love Dawn’s cards – the cards always look so elegant even if they are simple cards. Plus, her Damask Designs set just swept me away when that was released by PTI. I’d love to win this magazine – thanks for the inspiration, Dawn!!!
May 18, 2009 at 5:24 am
Ramona West
I have added your site to my FAVS! I can’t wait to explore all your designs. Thank U for letting us get to know U. Plus, thanks for the tip on submitting. I have been thinking about that a lot lately so I am going to start now. Submit submit submit.
May 18, 2009 at 5:28 am
Kate
I’ve been following Dawn’s blog for a while. I love both her and PaperTrey. Her Damask Designs set is the BEST!
May 18, 2009 at 5:30 am
Lori Y
I LOVE Dawn’s style! I started following Dawn’s blog when I was introduced to Papertrey Ink back in Feb. I love her simple and clean style and her color combos are fabulous. The stamp sets she designs are fantastic as well. Thanks for being such an inspiration, Dawn!
May 18, 2009 at 5:30 am
Luci
I love Dawn’s simple, colorful and clean style! Definitely and inspiration! Congrats on being highlighted in PaperCrafts – Well deserved!
May 18, 2009 at 5:43 am
tape
Hi Dawn! Your cards are absolutely beautiful!
May 18, 2009 at 5:57 am
Liz
I’ve been following Dawn for awhile now. I love how bright and cheery her cards are…they go along with her cheery personality!
May 18, 2009 at 6:04 am
Sammie
Thanks for the interview with Dawn. I’ve been a huge fan of her work for a long time! Her blog is the first place I go for inspiration.
May 18, 2009 at 6:07 am
Lynn Ghahary
I absolutely LOVE Dawn’s style – clean and fun! I visit her blog often to see what she’s been up to.
May 18, 2009 at 6:13 am
eRika
Hi Dawn, congrats on your interview. I loved seeing the family photos on your blog the other day. 🙂
May 18, 2009 at 6:19 am
Leigh Ann Baird
Who doesn’t love Dawn?! She’s one of my stamping idols!
May 18, 2009 at 6:54 am
Jeni
I love the stitching on your cards shown here! I’m also a big fan of your stamps & work for Paper Trey. Congratulations on your spotlight here!
May 18, 2009 at 6:58 am
Ellie Augustin
OH THIS IS SOOOO AWESOME!!! I love Dawn I’m her #1 Blog Stalker I mean..fan..lol.. She is so amazing and so sweet and talented! 🙂 You know it was cause of her that I was brave enough to send in a card for a contest sure I didn’t win but with Dawn’s push it made me give it a go! 🙂 DAWN you know you ROCK in my book girl! 🙂 ((HUGS))
May 18, 2009 at 7:08 am
Kim M
Your cards are gorgeous, so nice to get to know you better!
May 18, 2009 at 7:09 am
Bethany Paull
Congrats on the cover Dawn! I just love stopping by your cheerful blog each day.
May 18, 2009 at 7:18 am
Stephanie Smith
I have been a fan of Papertrey Ink and Dawn for sometime now. It all started with Lauren Meader, and slowly went to all the girls on the PTI team. Thanks for the chance to win.
May 18, 2009 at 7:18 am
Jingle
Dawn, I really love your work! You make it look easy! Thanks for sharing pieces of you with us here today!
May 18, 2009 at 7:24 am
Summer Braxton
oh my goodness, that birthday card with the rich satin ribbon and the stitching!!!! <> See, my little brain could never have come up with that, so I’m so grateful for great designers like you sharing your creations.
May 18, 2009 at 7:27 am
Carol (ScrapMomOf2)
Dawn is adorable and talented! I love these features where we get to know a very talented artist better! Beautiful cards!
Congratulations to the winners!
May 18, 2009 at 7:28 am
Kara
I’m excited to have someone new to add to my bookmark of blogs. It’s always fun to find someone who’s style is something I can actually picture myself making. Thanks!!
May 18, 2009 at 7:28 am
tina
Very talented! I love the birthday card and the beautiful stitching on it!!! I feel some inspiration coming on!
May 18, 2009 at 7:30 am
Smahrty
Thank you so much for sharing with us! Since you work full time and still find time to be creative, I have no excuse. your cards are beautiful!
May 18, 2009 at 8:04 am
Tracey Kuzniak
HI Dawn! I have been a fan of your for some time now…just really love your style 🙂
May 18, 2009 at 8:21 am
Kay
Dawn is so inspiring and I’ve been a fan since the first time I laid eyes on her beautiful cards!!
May 18, 2009 at 8:25 am
Nancy L.
I already follow Dawn’s blog! She is just amazing!! Love everything she does!!
May 18, 2009 at 8:55 am
Katie M
I have always enjoyed your work for PTI. I will look forward to seeing more of your creations coming up in Paper Crafts magazine.
May 18, 2009 at 9:43 am
Leesa
I am a daily follower of Dawn’s work on her blog! She is so stylish and elegant with her cards. She is definitely a trend setter! Love her work!
May 18, 2009 at 9:58 am
mloukirby
So great to meet such a wonderful, happy creator!! I love your color choices Dawn and have used your designs for inspiration for myself. I love to stamp because of all the variations in design. I love to sew too so I was inspired by your use of sewing in your cards. Thanks for sharing your talent and love for card making with us!
May 18, 2009 at 10:02 am
Margie C
Beautiful creations, Dawn! Congrats on the Stamp it! cover 🙂
I adore Dawn and her work! Very inspiring to me!
May 18, 2009 at 10:04 am
Maria Gurnsey
Dawn I love your clean style even though I can’t quite acheive it as beautifully! I love lots of stuff 🙂
May 18, 2009 at 10:32 am
Michelle H
Love your amazing cards, Dawn! I checked out your blog and see that I could spend all day on it as it has so many fabulous ideas. Who needs food and clean clothes any ways? Not me! 😉
May 18, 2009 at 10:36 am
Harley
I love the stitching detail on your cards. I love combining paper with my other crafting mediums 🙂
May 18, 2009 at 10:49 am
Lindzie H
I really love the stitching on your cards. I haven’t tried that yet, but want to.
May 18, 2009 at 11:07 am
cjs
Very beautiful work Dawn!
May 18, 2009 at 11:22 am
Jessica Canham
I love Dawn’s style and I love to read her sweet blog, which I have on my Google Reader so I never miss a post! Thanks for the chance to win!
May 18, 2009 at 11:23 am
Courtney
I love Dawn! Her style and blog are both amazing!
May 18, 2009 at 11:26 am
Tifany D.
Beautiful cards, Dawn!
May 18, 2009 at 11:27 am
bzyPTmom
I’m with you Dawn–I love making cards–started with scrapping but cards are quicker and I love the response from the receivers! Keep up the good work–I don’t know how you do it, with full time job and card making! Way to go girl!
May 18, 2009 at 11:40 am
nina
I always enjoy reading Dawn’s blog, so it’s nice to see her and her work featured here! She has such a wonderful style.
May 18, 2009 at 11:44 am
Debbie
Great cards!!!
May 18, 2009 at 11:50 am
Toni Storie
I adore Dawn’s stamping style, but I think the one thing that stands out is her genuine sweetness!
May 18, 2009 at 11:54 am
Beth F
What an awesome interview! I as well feel that card making and stamping go hand-in-hand!
May 18, 2009 at 11:55 am
Sara Mac
Yay Dawn!!! I’m so excited to see you in the spotlight here. I love your cards and read your blog everyday.
May 18, 2009 at 11:59 am
SMK
I love your color combinations and clean but elegant designs 🙂
May 18, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Heidi Myers
Wow, Dawn! I love your simple and elegant style. I love the hand stitching! Congrats on the mag cover!!
May 18, 2009 at 12:15 pm
isabel
your card Dawn is so elegant, love it !!
May 18, 2009 at 12:16 pm
alexandra
love the color combo … you have so great inspiration !!
May 18, 2009 at 12:17 pm
zaza
Love to read your blog and have some inspiration
congrats Dawn
May 18, 2009 at 12:18 pm
isabella
all your cards are so amazing, thanks for inspiring us !!!
and thanks for the giveaway
May 18, 2009 at 12:22 pm
joannp
I just love Dawn’s work!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great giveaway.
May 18, 2009 at 12:24 pm
kimmie
i think i need that magazine. Im trying to stamp better (can you get better?) I run out of ideas with what stamps i have.
May 18, 2009 at 12:32 pm
jan farnworth
what awesome creations dawn your very talented lady.
May 18, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Staci Miserlian
Dawn is one of my heroes! I like her advice to submit more. I need to get on that!!
May 18, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Joe Nathan
I always enjoy looking at real art.
Joe
May 18, 2009 at 12:45 pm
MelissaS
I read Dawn’s blog and can’t wait to see each of her new creations! They are all so cheery and beautiful. Thanks for letting us get to know the person behind the cards 🙂
May 18, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Caroline
I’m a big fan of Dawn and her work, and her blog is one of the few that I check every morning. She has an amazing gift of style & color! and she’s just one of those “really nice people” in the world. She has personally answered several of my emails when I had a question. Thanks for the giveaway.
May 18, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Morgaine
I’ve been a big fan of Dawn’s for the past couple of months, and her work has truly inspired me to make more simplified but nice cards. I love her cards! So cute!
May 18, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Heather
Your cards are very elegant and clean style. They are beautiful!
Thanks for the ideas you give. Heather
May 18, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Scrapycandy
I love Dawn’s style. Not only is her work inspiring, but she is so inspiring! I see lots of originality in her work. Thanks for the link to her blog!
May 18, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Debbi
Yay Dawn! How fun to see your interview.
May 18, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Alexis
I am a huge fan of Dawn’s and read her blog daily!!!! Her cards are always fabulous and her colors or delish!!!
May 18, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Char in So Cal
It’s so neat seeing Dawn on PCC!! Isn’t Dawn work FAB?! And how about that beautiful smile?! Yah the girl has got it ALL!
Thanks for the op to win some YUMMY blog candy!
Char in So Cal
{scrampaddict} {at} {cox} {dot} {net}
May 18, 2009 at 2:35 pm
CB
Congrats on being featured, Dawn! Your work is impeccable – so neat and crisp, and I love the touches of ribbon and stitching you seem to work in effortlessly into your cards. Thanks for the inspiration!
May 18, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Ananya Gupta
Dawn, i love the way your cards are. They have been done in such a clean manner. Totally perfect. I’m so glad you got featured. You are so inspiring!
May 18, 2009 at 3:12 pm
sharonw05
Love your cards, Dawn! Those bright colors make me happy! {{{hugs}}}
May 18, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Yvonne C
Congrats on being featured today Dawn! I have been following your blog for awhile and just love your cards!
May 18, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Geralyn
Dawn’s cards are beautiful! Love the little interview and I’ll be following her blog from now on.
May 18, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Deanne K
I have been following Dawn’s blog – awesome work!!
May 18, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Cyndi J
OMG! I love Dawn’s cards. The stitching she does on them is so darn clever!! Thanks for sharing.
May 18, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Laura Stewart
great looking mag !
May 18, 2009 at 4:26 pm
NWFlamingo
I’ve been following Dawn for a while now. Love to read her blog and see her work.
May 18, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Adrienne F
It was great getting to know you, Dawn!
May 18, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Carolyn Mcavoy
Beautiful Cards Dawn…you are very talented must go check out your blog…tfs
May 18, 2009 at 5:06 pm
mtnbikechk
Dawn has a beautiful style. I love that she pays attention to the details…but also knows when to stop with her cards. Love them. So…definitely will be following her blog as well as her favorites! Thanks for sharing!
May 18, 2009 at 5:28 pm
angie/craftyscrapr
hey dawn!!!…congrats!!!…i comment enough on your blog, so you know what an awesome card maker i think you are!!!…you totally ROCK!!!…
May 18, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Chris S.
Love your sweet smile, Dawn, and your “grassroots” story. Isn’t it nice that what started as giving love to your family and friends turned into giving the rest of us so much inspiration!
May 18, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Stephanie
I have been stalking Dawn’s blog for quite some time and just love her simple yet always adorable cards! Also, she is just so fresh and keeps us entertained with Tales from the Treadmill!!!! And the vacations i take when i tag along the photo journeys!!!!! Yes I am a stalker….
May 18, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Jenn Fontaine
Yay Dawn! You are awesome!
May 18, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Heather Dietz
Hi Dawn! Your cards are beautiful!!!
May 18, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Rachel
I love the stitching on your cards! Thanks for sharing!
May 18, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Janet Zeppa
It was great getting to know Dawn a little better!
May 18, 2009 at 8:17 pm
cards4ever
I love the look of your cards Dawn. They are so classy looking.
May 18, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Shanna Vineyard
Love yer style and yer stamps Dawn! Fun getting to know you better! ♥♥♥
May 18, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Carol M.
I really enjoy seeing your work, Dawn. It’s easy to follow your style and I’m sure anyone receiving soemthing you”ve made is very fortunate indeed. I’m going to follow your blog now for more inspiration!! Thanks a lot for sharing!!
May 18, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Jen H
I love your clean and simple style!
May 18, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Renee
Pls don’t include me in the giveaway since I just got lucky.
Just wanted to say that I love the cards.
Gotta go find that magazine!!
May 19, 2009 at 1:36 am
Shanon Gibson
The cards are so cute. I was admiring when I paged through my issue. Congrats on all your success!
May 19, 2009 at 3:45 am
Kathleen
Dawn—Congrats on being featured today! What a thrill~You already know you are one of my favorites!!! Hugs to you!
May 19, 2009 at 6:03 am
Bernice
It seems everywhere I look, I see “Dawn McVey” written beside yet another beautiful card. I love your work!
May 19, 2009 at 7:13 am
Dana F.
Dawn, congrats on your spotlight!! Your blog is my daily inspiration!
May 19, 2009 at 8:33 am
Angela W
Dawn’s cards are awesome, I can see why people would want to buy them! I love the Stamp It Mags!
May 19, 2009 at 10:36 am
Cassi, San Diego
Dawn’s work is amazing and she deservs the spotlight!
May 19, 2009 at 10:52 am
Nellie
Yay Dawn! You are so talented!!
May 19, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Jessica K
This is why I love the PC blogs – I get introduced to artists I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Dawn – your work is fantastic!
May 19, 2009 at 2:15 pm
kristie larsen
I have a crush on Dawn… its been going on for awhile now. but I am not ashamed, I loVE HER!!! So glad to read the spotlight!
May 19, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Sandra Shelton
Dawn, I love your cards. They are fabulous. I think my favorite is the connect the dots one.
May 19, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Cass
Dawn is my absolute favourite cardmaker at the moment. Her blog is a constant source of inspiration!
May 19, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Alyssa S
I love Dawn’s style and flair for color! Her color challenges are always fun and have such great inspiration photos. Thanks Dawn! Looking forward to whatever else you have up your sleeve! 😉
May 19, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Tricia Dee
Dawn is a sweetheart and makes such colorful, cheery cards! I’m a fan!
May 19, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Lori R
I enjoy visiting Dawns blog from time to time…..it’s so cheerful!! 🙂
May 19, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Pat S.
Hi Dawn!
I really like the designer paper that you created after seeing that little deck of cards…very striking pattern and colors. I appreciate the little lessons that you include on your blog, like the one you shared about that paper…color coordination.
May 19, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Melisa Waldorf
Hi Dawn! I love your projects. Congrats on your publications and highlight here. I’m sure we will be seeing more of your fabulous art work in future publications!
May 20, 2009 at 4:05 am
With the Pros Wednesday – How Crafty Are You? « Paper Crafts Connection
[…] It’s also time to announce the three winners from Kelly’s Magazine Monday – Meet Dawn McVey post! Here they are in no particular […]
May 20, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Kimberly Trevino
I just LOVE Dawn…..she always makes me smile and just feel better when I look at her amazing work & talent!! She has become one of my favs to watch and learn from! Great article…..and its sooo true! She is soooo sweet!!! 🙂
Love the stiching on your cards! Awesome!!! 🙂
May 20, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Sue
I found your blog as a new stamper about a year ago and I just love to see your bright and cheerful cards. You have such an upbeat attitude and it shines through in the cards that you create. It is always refreshing to see what you come up with. I just love your style, Dawn. I’ve told you before and I reiterate it here, you’ve got amazing talent and a delightful personality.
May 20, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Karen
Dawn’s creativity, cheerfulness, and inspiring color combinations are all characteristics that keep me coming back to see what she is up to! As for her current cards that were picked up, they are beautiful! I’m glad I popped in here to see them and read the interview with her! :>
May 21, 2009 at 5:42 am
Nina
Very cool, thanks for the interview! Love Dawns stuff, have been watching her blog and gathering inspiration for quite some time now. And thanks for the chance to win 🙂
May 21, 2009 at 7:43 am
Linda E
I’m a big fan of Dawn’s work. Reading her blog is part of my morning routine!
May 21, 2009 at 1:47 pm
E. Simpson
I love visiting Dawn’s blog for inspiration! She always has the cutest color combinations and card ideas! Thanks for the chance to win!
May 21, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Susan H.
Congrats Dawn! I love your cards. They’re bright and cheery.