Wouldn't this decorated Christmas Tree be wonderful in your own home where you could enjoy it all season?  The handmade ornaments were lovingly created by a talented group of Artella members from all over the continent - everything from Nina's First Place "Angel Baby"  to Lori's "Angel of Hope", from four "Christmas Tins" by Cynthia to Gretchen's "Altered heArt", among many others.  It is truly a celebration of art and christmas cheer!  Congratulations to everyone and here is a keepsake of the entries.   It's posted in the Creativity Contest Gallery at http://artellacafe.com/photos/weekly_creativity_contests/picture6444.aspx

- chameleon

Chameleon:

This is the best keepsake yet!  What lovely work you do -- and how generous of you to share it with us!

Thanks!  Warmly, Aunt Bobby

Hi Chameleon,

This is the best collage!  You do such great work!  Is it OK to print it (and the others)?

Thanks,

CWiist

Thanks so much for your special comments, Aunt Bobby and Cynthia.  I am delighted to know that you would like to have the artworks for yourself, Cynthia, and that is exactly why I call them keepsakes!   My hubby jokingly commented that I spent more time decorating the 'Artella Tree' than our own.  He knows how much I truly enjoy my computer (who is lovingly nicknamed "Mrs. Dell") and making art.  I see that we have shared a number of contests together, Aunt Bobby and Cynthia, with your latest creations absolutely stunning.  I loved your "Tiny Angel Banner" in cross-stitch, Aunt Bobby (my, your eyes must be strong).  I was so inspired by your 'Christmas Tins', Cynthia, and have saved a number of different-sized lids that I now know what I can use them for. 

Hugs from chameleon

This really is my favorite (yet) of your keepsake collages!  Thanks Chameleon for all the hours you must have put in on this - especially the cropping around some of the details (yikes!).  It's lovely!!!  I'm sorry for your husband, but glad for all of us!  I'll have you know I'm going to print one out and pin it up proudly on my "wall of fame" cork board of inspiration. 

Thanks again!!!  And I really do enjoy looking at your avatar everytime I see it...

Hi harqn2,

Your comments are very appreciated, harqn2.  I love the idea of the keepsakes being pinned to your corkboard - I have them printed and displayed on a shelf just for them in my studio.  Being surrounded by a variety of colorful art completed by myself as well as so many talented artists keeps my activity level upwards and onwards!  My avatar was entered in the Creativity Challenge #5 Maps (http://artellacafe.com/forums/t/2061.aspx) and is also a self-portrait at the same time.  My hubby took a photo of me some twenty-five years ago that seems to have captured a certain 'something' of me that I liked at the time and still do.  After I saw your avatar, harqn2, I almost changed mine to a child pic because I love the idea of our artist 'inner child'.  Now, that reminds me of a quote from Picasso:

- chameleon

Chameleon -- I am SO glad you liked my tiny angel!  My daughter has nothing but angels on her Christmas tree, and I did this one for her. 

Aren't the contests fun?!!!

Warmly, Aunt Bobby

Your daughter's Christmas tree must be beautifully decorated with individual angels and especially ones made by her mother!  I know how much I cherish the decorations made by my mother-in law - everything from crocheted angels to a painted Santa lightbulb, miniature knitted christmas stockings to a tiny leather mocassin.  I've also saved my mother's christmas ornaments from over fifty years ago - some are quite small and handpainted.

Each and every creativity challenge from one to nine have been rewarding learning experiences, Aunt Bobby.  I've improved art techniques in different media, exchanged ideas, shared practical and inspirational information about all kinds of artmaking, and feel energized when I've completed a project.  It is only limited by my imagination! 

"Stay young by taking inspiration from the young in spirit who remained creatively active all their lives:
Goethe completing Faust at 80; Titian painting masterpieces at 98; Toscanini conducting at 85; Justice Holmes writing Supreme Court decisions at 90; Edison busy in his laboratory at 84; and Benjamin Franklin helping to frame the American Constitution at 80."    - Author Unknown

- chameleon