DECEMBER - Monochrome Christmas

Hello again Artists!  Welcome to our fourth monthly challenge where we like to play WITHOUT WORDS - we were thrilled to see you enjoying our November Bright Colours challenge so much, and we hope that you will enjoy this one too!

This month, which is DECEMBER, our challenge is MONOCHROME CHRISTMAS.

A quick word about Monochrome - the strict definition of it is tones and shades of just one colour BUT, we will make an exception for skin and hair only.  However, if you want to brave the full monty then we would be more than pleased.  If any other colours are seen sneaking in then we will have to discount your entry.

We've had a few entries that are really not complying with our CAS ethos and it is such a shame to have to ignore such gorgeous creations because someone hasn't bothered to check what is acceptable.  It really is simple, all we are asking for is

A CLEAN AND SIMPLE CARD

WITH THE FOCUS ON A HAND COLOURED IMAGE

with MINIMAL or NO embellishments.

Sentiments are allowed.

Follow the theme for the month.

Right then, nagging over, let's get back to the fun.  Last month I mentioned some exciting news ... when the challenge started it was a for-fun-only challenge but I am thrilled to share with you that we now have a wonderful collection of sponsors on board for the coming year and, this month, we are proud to start the sponsorship with:

RICK ST DENNIS

offering a prize of two digital images

Rick's Etsy Shop

Designer of over 100 theatrical productions, Rick St Dennis (Donald McAfee) is also the author of 4 books on decorative painting and contributor to at least a dozen national magazines on crafts and art.  He is one of a handful of designers to have designed TWO productions of AIDA, Verdi's massive Egyptian opera spectacle.  Currently living in the quiet beach comminuity of Seal Beach, California he writes restaurant reviews and theatre reviews between assignments for web designs, logos and creating art for local shows.  St. Dennis has appeared on such TV shows as Home Matters with Susan Powell, Aileen's Crafts and others.  He was Crafts editor for Country Folk Art Magazine and sold his artwork nationally through galleries and shows.  Among numerous awards he won a presidential commendation in 1976 for his contributions to the bicentennial year including the design of the west coast premier of William Grant Still's opera BAYOU LEGEND.

We are looking forward to seeing what you make of this one and viewing your fabulous Christmas creations.  Please remember to follow our CAS definition and the theme of this months challenge for your entry to be a valid one, and we are going to be strict on this.

Once again, our very talented Design Team have created their usual high standard of magic to inspire you, some of whom have used a couple of Rick's images to fire your imaginations.  An awful lot of time is spent by the team in creating these mini works of art so don't forget that it would be nice if you have time to visit their individual blogs and share the love.

COOPS

CURLYBEAR

DELPHINE
Feeling poorly so not able to join us.  Get well soon hunny!

LISA

JANE

LORRAINE

SQUIRREL

And just before we go, the Winner and Top 3 for November have been posted on our Without Word Stars  of the Month page - don't forget to pop back and check it out, it could be you!

The most important thing to remember?  Relax and have fun with colour!

The December challenge will end at 6.00pm (UK time) on 30 December so we would like to take this early opportunity to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!  See you all again in 2013!

Squirrel and the Without Words Team

LINKY TOOL HELP

The one thing that we all have problems with from time to time is the link tool going missing.  If you find that this has disappeared from the challenge, please try refreshing your page.  If the link tool still does not appear then you can link your entry via your comment.  The HTML code for linking your entry will be:

<a href="link to post"/>text to be seen</a>  

If you are still not sure, here is an example of what it should look like

<a href="http://squirrel10.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/luv-ya.html"/>here is my entry</a>

(just copy and paste the address bar from your published post)

The space between the first <a and href=, and a space after the last a>
are essential for the link to work.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REMEMBER

A CAS card with focus on the hand coloured image
Minimal or no embellishments

Sentiments are allowed