Favourite Cards by Others from 2010!

I wanted to give some big shout outs to the artists in blog land who really "wow'd" me this past year with their eye catching creations!  I found all my favourite creations and contacted each of the artists to ask their permission to post their cards here.  Each one graciously agreed!
These are just a sampling of the cards that have given me "jaw-dropping moments" in blogland.  I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I have!
If you have not ever seen these girls blogs before, I encourage you to pay them a visit.  I have everyones' blogs linked - just click on their names!

Now here is one from my friend Chris Dark.  I have long been an admirer of Chris's work!  We have chatted off and on over the years and encouraged one another in our respective art careers.  Not only do we share the same name, but the same stamp illustration career, same hobby, and our hubby's are both "Mike's" too.  

I have a lot of jaw dropping moments at Chris's blog.  This card is proof of why!  Chris could get her cards framed and put in an art gallery as far as I'm concerned!  Each one is like a miniature painting!

These next two are by Annika.  I am just wow'd by her colouring, whether she uses Prismas or Copics.  And her card construction is just as beautiful with her attention to creative detail.

Here is another one of her beauties!  I couldn't resist posting two of hers! Its linked here.  I love the way she ties the colour scheme together!

Now here is a card by Mary Giemza.  She is another one I've been friends with AND stalking for awhile!!  I love the way she colours too.  And she just knows how to put a card together in such a classy drop-dead-gorgeous kind of way, doesn't she!!  As far as I'm concerned, this card is the quintessential classic vintage Christmas card!!! 

Next up is Zoe McGrath's eye-popping creation.   Does it not look like you will soon hear the tapping of this Diva's foot and see her go storming off the screen?!  Talk about bringing an image to life with colour and shading!  My goodness, this is one delightful card!  Zoe is also famous for making card parts MOVE.  If you have never seen her stuff before, you are in for a treat!!

Now this person's blog was chalk full of cards that I could have chosen, but I settled on this one by Bev at All The Things I Love.  There is something about the way Bev uses all the elements - images, colours, embellishments and sketch to make a masterpiece each and every time.  I just love this one for the subtle greys and creams contrasted with the stark reds and blacks.  Here is the beauty she let me share with you today:

This next artist is someone I just discovered a few months ago, although she may not be new to you.  But I am so grateful I found her blog!  Her style is irresistible and arresting!  Her name is Dena.  Check out this card of hers that stopped me in my tracks! I just love how each element enhances the other:

Now this next lady knows how to colour! (well, all these girls do!)  I have been oogling Melanie Holtz's creations for awhile now, learning a lot about creating depth with darks and lights.  I think you'll be wow'd by this one of hers too -- she has many that make my jaw drop, but I esp. love this one!  Enjoy:

Next up is Yvonne's.  I have long admired and studied Yvonne's work!  Besides her colouring, I find it is the way she uses dies and embellishments that draw my attention.  I have found so much inspiration through visiting her blog! Here is my favourite from her beautiful gallery of creations from 2010. Simply stunning:

Most of you probably know my next guest, Kim Piggot.  Not only does she do amazingly beautiful work, but she is also all over blog land, leaving comments and encouraging others!  This card she did made me sigh.  I just love pink, and she uses it brilliantly on this card. I love the light outlines on all the pink die cuts too.  That's what makes them pop.  And there is just enough sparkle to give it that magical look:

This next card I chose by Jane jumped off the screen at me!  I just love how the nautical theme is woven throughout the entire piece.   Her colouring is great the stamps are oh so cute,  and look at her embellishing!  I love the starfish and life preserver, and how she used eyelets and twine on the white punched piece.  Its just SO CUTE!

Lastly, I met Jerri  back on SCS when both of us had only been stamping for a short time.  I used to pull up a photo of one of her cards and study it for a long time.  Whenever I did florals, I refer back to one of her creations and try to mimic what I saw.  She continues to astound me with the art that she creates!  Last spring she wow'd all of us with her Bridal Collection.  If you haven't seen it, you really ought to pay her blog a visit because you will be floored.  Not only is Jerri a great artist, but a kind and giving friend as well.  Here is a photo of the Bridal collection.  View these creations in their individual posts too, you do not want to miss these!!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing just a few of my favourite creations from around blogland in 2010.  Thank you to my blogging friends who allowed me to snag their photos to post here!  I just thought it was worth sharing all these eye catching works of art one more time! 

If any of these folks are new to you, please don't hesitate to visit their blogs.  I think you'll be wow'd like I was!

God bless and all the best for 2011!!