That's right. Totally skunked on the Artisan Award this year, not even making the finalist list! I am happy to say that my buddy Wendy DID make the finalist list this year, which almost makes up for not making it myself. Wendy has gone too long without, so it is her turn.
Of course, that means you, my lovely readers, are the beneficiaries, because now I have 10 blog posts' worth of things to show you! It also means I don't have to spend money on a gown to go on stage with at Awards Night! I don't even have to go to Awards Night if I don't want to and I just may skip it and hang with my buddies instead.
So here is the first card I made with Artisan in mind. It was inspired, actually, by one of the Dowager Countess' outfits on Downton Abbey, this one:
I got totally hooked on Downton Abbey (all Wendy's fault!) and watched it rather obsessively until after the 5th time (or was it 6th or even 7th?) through, I finally got my fill. Maybe. Until season 3 comes out, that is. Anyway, I love the costumes and was very inspired by this one. Lookie:
Ingredients: Stamps - Field Flowers, Frame It, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Paper - In Color 2011-2013 Print Patterns DSP, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush; Ink - Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder; Other - Whisper White Organza ribbon, Basics Jewels Pearls, Framelits Labels Collection, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Ticket Corner punch, sponge wedges, dimensionals.
I also made an envelope to match:
Stamps - Best Friend Forever; Paper - Whisper White Envelope, 2011-2013 In Colors Print Patterns DSP; Ink - Wonderful Wisteria; Other - Edgelits Adorning Accents.
Yes, it's really GOJUS! (YILM!) But just not what they were looking for, apparently.
Even if I don't have an Artisan Award or being a finalist to look forward to, I did receive this from my daughters today:
It doesn't come with $1000, but I am told it does come with 1000 hugs. I am one very blessed mom! Ta!
That is a beautiful card! But the award from your daughters is PRICELESS!!! Blessings!!!
Posted by: Becky A. | June 22, 2012 at 09:40 PM
Do I have to dress up like THAT on Awards Night??? YIKES!! Lovely card, my dear. Glad to have hooked you into Downton Abbey ... methinks I feel another go-round approaching ... "Do you promise??" Beautiful card, my friend!! The only thing that would have made being a finalist better would have been to have you on the list ... You can stay in my house and eat Hatch's on Thursday the 19th if ya want!! :S
Posted by: Wendy W. | June 22, 2012 at 09:40 PM
Wow Jan! This is stunning...and I'm not saying that just because I love purple more than chocolate! I love your work and think you do amazing projects. Hugs!
Posted by: Rita | June 22, 2012 at 09:42 PM
Oh Jan, Jan, Jan, what can I say?? SU has missed the boat this year by not choosing you, but as you've said, WE are now the beneficiaries and we're VERY pleased to see your stuff now, AND on the boards at Convention, as you know they'll be there!! And the award from your girls is just precious!
I think I'll have to go to Awards Night just to see Wendy dressed up like the Dowager lady!! I'm sure she is whipping up her outfit to match your picture on her sewing machine right now! LOL
Hugs to you, my friend!
Posted by: Susan, aka Soozie4Him on SCS | June 22, 2012 at 09:55 PM
Well, you are number one in my book. But that award from your daughters is more precious than anything. Hugs! (And this card is amazing!)
Posted by: Terry Bolender | June 22, 2012 at 09:56 PM
Da yum...that is some card! My gosh, what a beauty....Obviously SU! doesn't care about inspiring me because that card surely does!
Wonderful nod to "Cousin Violet" too. Can't wait to see the remaining 9 beauties...pretty sure I feel a CASE of the envie idea coming on and probably more!
Posted by: rhondag | June 22, 2012 at 09:57 PM
Gorgeous card Jan, and what a precious note from the DJT! They certainly are distinguished ladies who share your sense of humour! Just beautiful. Thanks for entering the Artisan contest again - you are a true artist and I love seeing your entries.
Posted by: Genelle Little | June 22, 2012 at 10:41 PM
Don't know what those SU! judges are looking for if this card isn't one of them. This card is beautiful!!! Can't wait to see the rest of the entries.
Posted by: Barbara | June 22, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Stunning, amazing, spectacular! Both the card (which is a work of art) and the award. Thanks for the inspiration you continue to give us all!
Posted by: Jen Timko | June 22, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Jam I too was disappointed that both of us weren't in the lineup. I am waiting to post my entries in hopes that I might have interpreted what they said a little differently than every one else. They normally keep the 10 separate from the finalists. so we will see. If not they really slimmed down a list of talented people and I think your card is outstanding. Love the purple but the award from the daughters must be heavenly and helped soften the blow. I live in a house full of men and none of them gave me any sympathy at all for not being on the list. You must go awards night and maybe all of us losers can stick together and cheer on the winners especially Wendy.
Posted by: Debi Pippin | June 23, 2012 at 02:21 AM
holy schmoleys, I am gobsmacked that this beauty didn't get chosen to be placed in a gallery somewhere.....people should bow down and toss coins at its feet. it's amazing!!!!
but the award is most certainly worth 1000 hugs, I agree! ;)
Posted by: Jennifer Scull | June 23, 2012 at 07:56 AM
Jan, Shocked that you didn't make it! I share in your disappointment and know JUST how you feel. This card is stunning thought and something to be proud of. Thanks for sharing with us! I will enjoy sharing my entries for the next 10 days as well- at least there is a silver lining, eh?! :)
Posted by: Kristin Moore | June 23, 2012 at 07:58 AM
Gorgeous card! Wow. I can totally see why the Dowager Countess would insist on having a gown made to match it. It's stunning!
Too bad about the Artisan Award. I'm sure you worked long and hard on your projects and invested in materials and postage too. I think it's wonderful that you gave it your best shot (what a great message for your kids) and if they didn't pick you, it could only have been because they have been taken over by some sort of sinister mind-control genius and lost all independent decision-making power. It's the only explanation that fits. I look forward to seeing the parade; I look forward to any post from you in fact! Best wishes from one stamper to another.
Posted by: Karen | June 23, 2012 at 08:23 AM
Dear Susan Lucci of the card world, oh, I mean, Jan Tink,
No one will ever understand what they are looking for with this contest. Your entries, past and present, have been in a stratosphere all of their own, showing the almost magical things that can be done with SU stuff and your stellar level of creativity. Please don't ever stop entering because we are all so inspired by your creations and LOVE seeing them.
You also must have done a stellar job in raising those sweet, loving daughter who are pretty creative themselves to have come up with that darling prize. You are loved by us all!
Posted by: Roseolson | June 23, 2012 at 09:00 AM
This is just beautiful...as are all your creations that you share! Love the colors & matching envelope. Each year I am shocked when you are not picked for the artisan award...you really deserve it in my book! I know you have inspired me countless times over the years. The award from your daughters is just priceless and I'm sure it really helped to cheer you up.
Posted by: Lynn | June 23, 2012 at 09:09 AM
Jan, What an AMAZING card. I'm sure I will *LOVE* all your fabulous entries for the AA. I'm sad that you didn't make the finals this year. I've admired your work for your years. Not to diminish the award for others, but I do think they pick artists that emulate the Stampin' Up! style more closely. Your work is AWESOME, UNIQUE, and INSPIRING!!!! You need to frame the award that your daughters gave you. They are your most fabulous creation by far.
Posted by: Brenda Quintana | June 23, 2012 at 09:54 AM
That award is worth MORE than walking across any stage in any gown on any given day!
Posted by: Pati G | June 23, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Absolutely gorgeous card, Janine! And like the others, I think SU missed the boat - you are an artist of the highest caliber and if they only realized how many SU products most of us order because we're inspired by YOU, they might re-think their decision!
Love ya,girl, and keep on creatin'!!!!
Posted by: Pammy | June 23, 2012 at 02:13 PM
Sorry you didn't make the Artisan finals this year. Not sure what SU is looking for as this card is just stunning! I love the envelope too, that's really a sophisticated touch. The award from your daughters must have been a magical moment, and that's the best award! How very wonderful and thoughtful of them! Can't wait to see the rest of your artisan entries. I know we're in for many days of treats!
Posted by: Debra | June 23, 2012 at 03:36 PM
I agree with all the above. Love your work, the card was stunning, but the wonderful award from your daughter is the best thing you could ever receive.
Posted by: JodyM | June 23, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Yes, that card is GOJUS, and the award from your daughters is something you'll treasure forever! You do outstanding work and we get to enjoy it. Thanks.
Posted by: Joyce Harms | June 23, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Wow! Stunning card!!! Your work always amazes me!
Posted by: Dee in NH | June 24, 2012 at 06:59 AM
Wow! Jan, this is one gorgeous card and envelope! Love your inspiration...I'm a big Downton Abbey fan.
So sorry you didn't make the SU finals...their loss. But that recognition you received from your daughters is priceless and worth far more than any recognition from SU. Yes, you are blessed!!
Posted by: Judy McMullen | June 24, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Awards and recognition come and go. There will always be better and worse...but the award you got? Nothing could possible top it. You raised some very smart children.
Posted by: Jane Harrah | June 24, 2012 at 12:56 PM
Jan...forget the AA you rock our world and don't forget it...hugs
Posted by: Angela S | June 24, 2012 at 06:39 PM
OMG! This card is amazing! You did a wonderful job. I love it!
Posted by: Gilda | June 24, 2012 at 07:53 PM
It's a winner in my book Jan!!! Love that envelope too!!!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Posted by: Jan Castle | June 24, 2012 at 08:07 PM
What are those judges doing at stampin' up! HO.......I know you are a winner......well you are to all of those of us who look up to you daily.....and you can spend the gown money on a pile of choccies!!
Posted by: sharon | June 25, 2012 at 01:05 AM
don't let it throw you, Jan - you are a fabulous artist - thank you for sharing your work with us.
Posted by: Lori | June 25, 2012 at 10:56 AM
The award you received was not the one you were going for, but is much more important! I love your card and your inspiration! Thank you, Jan!
Posted by: Patti MacLeith | June 25, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Keep the PARADE coming! Beautiful work! Looks like the kids were having much fun. Yes, you should YILM!
Posted by: Joyce Harms | June 25, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Beautiful card! And your daughters are very sweet.
Posted by: Teresa H | June 25, 2012 at 04:00 PM
I think I would not want to get the Artisans Award if I knew instead I would get this one - WOW, how heartfelt and special is that.
Posted by: Susan Hogan | June 27, 2012 at 10:24 PM
I absolutely LOVE this card, but even better is the award that you received! TFS
Posted by: Kathy Anthony | June 30, 2012 at 10:45 AM
What a hoot! Love your card.
Posted by: Robin Feicht | June 30, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I have to agree with the other sentiments here already posted.Your card is stunning, over the top beautiful, but the award your daughters presented to you is also over the top and I would take that one any day over recognition from SU. You are a blessed woman.
Posted by: Gail S. | July 09, 2012 at 11:17 PM