Hello all! Today I'm pleased to announce the winners of the Oxford Impressions Christmas Card Contest! First, I truly appreciate everyone who entered. I know it took a great deal of time and effort on your part. It can also be so hard to send your personal creations off to a stranger. So, thank you, thank you for taking the time to make me a card. Believe me, I will treasure your art. Watch your mailbox for your free stamp!
In no particular order, the winners are:
Deb Corder
Marion Bockelmann
Gail Hart
Connie McGinnis
Petra Tillman
Beautiful job, Ladies! Congratulations! Be on the watch for your gift certificates!
Any time I have to "judge" art, it makes me a little uncomfortable. Art is so personal and so subjective! However, there were some things I looked for when choosing the winners, and I'll share that those criteria with those of you interested.
Initially, I looked at what appealed to me overall, without consideration of complexity. If the basic composition and color worked well together, those cards were considered first.
Secondly, I looked at execution. That means if layers were mounted, they were straight. Stamps were crisp and embellishments well attached.
Speaking of embellishments, it is important that they accent the overall design. There is a tendency for most of us to overdo the glitz - myself included. Sometimes the 'extras' actually detract from the overall look. I think about what my mom always said about accessorizing - get ready to go out and then take one thing off. There is also a quote about art being finished when nothing else can be removed without detracting from the piece. Anyone know that one? Let me know.
Lastly, I looked at technique. All winning cards had some type of SLIGHTLY advanced technique, meaning the card had texture or the images were hand-colored with multi-level shading. Only one card chosen was very elaborate, the others were simple, elegant and well-executed.
Best wishes for the New Year!
Suzanne