In the Works...

The 'To Do' List

I can never understand anyone who says she's 'bored' because I always have something to do.  In fact, my physical and mental lists of things I need to do, or want to do, or hope get to 'someday' are endless...

Such is the case with sharing this recently sent in, as in several weeks ago, card by smART Cookie, Giovana.  It was made using the CMS-06 Wreath Kit stamp set, and sharing it has been on my main 'to do' list since before Thanksgiving.

Giovana sent in Merry & Bright Holiday Door with a packet of cards, so of course, that meant 'time to update her gallery'.  I actually completed the gallery update quite promptly, but due to a myriad of the unanticipated, and time out for the holiday, I seemingly never managed squeezing in a post to mention it.  Sorry, Giovana. 

It wasn't easy to choose a single card for highlighting Giovana's work because her packet contained some really beautiful cards... so this time my choice was made by virtue of two things: 

1.  Simplicity at it's finest, and
2.  Cleverness in using the stamp set.

Giovana's execution of the door card -- 
Four rectangular pieces were cut from white stock and their edges were inked in gold. Using foam squares, these panels were then adhered to the front of a top-folded card base (edges also gold-inked).  The wreath was stamped and embossed in gold, cut out, and again, using foam squares, adhered to the card.  A red bow was added to the top of the wreath, and a cabochon was added as a doorknob.

The inside of the card looks like this, and ties in the 'merry & bright' of the title.  I think it also ties in nicely with the wreath because to me a wreath on any front door speaks of 'merry & bright' inside the house. (Stamp from CMS-16 Merry & Bright)

Next on that 'to do' list???  A packet of cards from Peggy.  I'm waaaaaay behind on that one too!

Susan T.

Monthly News

I can't believe December is already here!  So much to do!  So little time!  So let's dive right in, and get going with the current news --

Updated smART Site:  This means the Spotlight Special and monthly project (card shown at left & featured through Dec. 31), as well as Overstock Central sport new listings.

The smART-Word Challenge:  A new month means a new word, and this one, chosen by smART Cookie, Giovana, is 'Christmas'.  For all the details on entering the challenge, and to see 'Christmas' creations from Giovana and Donelda, just click on the title link.  What's the prize this month?  Well, like all the best 'Christmas' presents, this one's under wraps... In other words, it's a surprise.

Upcoming Holiday Hours:  smARTworks will be closing at noon on December 22, and will reopen on the 28th.

An Unexpected Glitch:  Recently smARTworks has been experiencing technical difficulties with some of its essential office equipment, so until things are resolved, and running back up to speed, the paper catalog (and all catty updates) will not be available... The goal is to have these problems solved by the New Year.

See you soon,

Susan T.

Gratitude Winner

Today we have another winner's announcement!  This time it's for November's smART-Word Challenge, the prize is a set of WD-200 Daily Bread (shown here), and the contact information I need is from Sheila D., the winning name randomly selected by Donna (this month's smART-Word hostess).

There were also two mail-in entries for the 'gratitude' challenge.  Each of these stampers used the prize set on her card, so I'm suspecting that's why the entries were mailed... These gals wanted to play along, but opted out of the drawing.

The first card is by Mary D. (seamom at SCS).  It had a note attached that said Mary likes the adaptation of the set's prayer because it includes all we are thankful/grateful for - not just food.  In case you're wondering, Mary added the dove image to her card to represent the Holy Spirit's presence.  I find this profoundly symbolic since none of the things we as Christians should be the most thankful for would even exist without the work of the God's Spirit.

The second card arrived via snail mail from Sarah Stainback, and also had a note enclosed.  Sarah said this was the first time she had applied ink to these images, and that while she was creating this card, she thought of several other ways to use the stamps... Sarah often has work published in national stamping magazines, so maybe we'll see some of those ideas in future publications...

Note: Mail-in entries are not eligible for the challenge giveaway, but as with all entries, if they incorporated rubber exclusively by smARTworks as these did, they are eligible to earn smART Bucks. 

Big thanks to Mary and Sarah, and to each stamper who participated in this month challenge.  While there could be only one giveaway prize, every card entered, was a truly a winner.  All cards can be view by clicking on the links found HERE. 

Signing off for today,

Susan T.