Birthday Card Gallery

In November 2004, to celebrate Artella's First Birthday, we held a Birthday Card Contest! Top honors were awarded for "Best Juxtaposition of Words and Art", "Best Artistic Design", and "Most Creative". These three recipients will receive a snail mail prize package.

Our judges also offered Distinguished Honors for four additional cards, the creators of which will receive a bundle of electronic prizes via email.

The beautiful winning works are shown below. Enjoy!!

Best Juxtaposition of Words and Art -- Gloria Page

This incredible piece features three individual collaged panels, each 8" square, attached together with canvas, that unfold to reveal a feast for the eyes and imagination, a journey through words and art! The text reads, "The Voice, The Heart, the Song of the Human Experience...Words & Art through the Ages...And now...the WALTZ!" Enjoy the three views, shown below:

You can see Gloria's work at www.impressionsart.com and read about her book, Holy Moly Mackeroly: Reflections on the Business of Art and the Art of Life at www.holymolymackeroly.com

Best Artistic Design -- Stephanie Chao

This card arrived in an envelope that was quite astounding on its own (see below right). The card itself is hand carved and hand stamped by Stephanie. The character means "Longevity", which was such a wonderful sentiment for Artella's birthday!

You can reach Stephanie at schwan272@aol.com .

Most Creative -- Faith Harper

Faith's birthday card was an adorable pin made from polymer clay. This colorful envelope holds a birthday message that says, "Happy Birthday Artella, Happy Birthday to You!" Faith's comment about her card was, "If something can be made into jewelry, I'll do it!"

You can see Faith's jewelry at www.namaste-designs.com. She also hosts the Jewelry Making site at BellaOnline.com.

Distinguished Honors

For Creative Wordplay - Frances Norton Honich offered this beautifully-fashioned paper fan with the note, "Dear Artella, I am, indeed, a fan of yours so sending you this birthday fan is my way of saying Happy 1st Birthday!"

For Fine Craftsmanship - Jody HagamanShields sent this beautiful card, along with a perfectly-rendered oragami box with a pair of origami earrings for Artella's Editor!



For Unique Interpretation - Jolene Elliott's card takes the form of a star-shaped ornament that says, "A Year Ago You Reached". The edges of this metallic star are lined with a vintage tape measure, and a personalized "Artella" shrink plastic medallion graces its front.