Unbottling creativity, humor, and photography talent has resulted in a successful leisure pursuit for now four-time Hallmark Contest winner Paula Mortimer of Chilton.

"I first learned of the contests when I was shopping for a birthday card for a friend. I noticed one had a little picture of someone on the back and indicated that the card designer was a winner in a Hallmark contest. That is how I found out about the contests and I've been hooked on entering ever since," said Mortimer.

A Congratulations Category contest was Mortimer's first attempt in her association with Hallmark. A photo of her foot with smiley face stickers pasted on her toes and the text of "I was toed you done good" provided her first nod from the largest card company in the world. The contest drew 3,200 entries. Paula's card was one of 30 picked for online sales and later was chosen as one of 16 for in-store sales.

"I have yet to see the card in stores but a friend recently said she spotted it in a Target store in Chicago," said Mortimer.

One year ago this week, Paula was notified of her first win. "It was a very busy month at our office and I was answering many phone calls that day. What a surprise to get a call from Hallmark squeezed in-between the work calls. The Hallmark team was on speaker phone so all the judges can hear the winner's reaction. I was so excited," said Mortimer.

The second contest was titled Remember When – Last Call, with the requirement to incorporate vintage photos. In the mid-70s Paula vacationed with the Kampfer family and still possessed a photo of Laura (Kampfer) Meier posing in front of an army tank at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

"It makes me feel old to think that my junior high photo would be considered vintage," laughs Paula. The photo and simple text of "Tanks a lot!" provided her the second thumbs up from a group of nearly 1,700 entries.

The Tanks a lot! card was one of 40 chosen for online sales and was also awarded the additional merit of being available in stores. Again, Paula has not seen it around the area but an online Hallmark fan club indicated that it was spotted in British Columbia, providing her some fodder about her toes and her friend Laura possessing national and international notoriety.

Mortimer's excitement rolled on with her next challenge, titled Maxine's Crabby Contest. Maxine is the iconic Hallmark cartoon character, illustrated with poofy white hair, aviator glasses, bunny slippers, and is typically spouting off sassy remarks. Paula needed to find someone who would possess the humor and could be disguised as Maxine.

"One night during water aerobics, I realized that my friend Marge Krueger had the perfect hair to work with. Gratefully, Marge agreed to do the project with me," said Mortimer.

Great finds at Shepherd's Attic and some creativity with cutting and pasting items provided the outrageous outfit and backdrop that Paula needed to create her Maxine. Marge, being a good sport, assisted in pulling off a notable photograph.

However, it was Paula's witty text that provided the stamp of approval from Hallmark. Paula's feisty Maxine said, "I thought of buying you a GPS for your Birthday, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who would like to tell you where to go." Hallmark judges found the card hilarious and Paula found herself doing yet another "happy dance" as she tallied her third win. In-store winners for this card have yet to be announced.

Most recently, Mortimer learned of her fourth success in a Hungry for Laughs contest where food held the theme. The funny side of Paula shined through once again as she staged hamburger buns with ketchup and mustard spelling out the word "Nice." The text reads, "Even though you are getting older, you still have nice buns."

"It is great to win money for my creations but it is equally great just to have someone like my ideas. I continue to work on ideas for future contests. Hopefully there will be more phone calls in the future," said Mortimer.

Now with the removal of Father's Day and Graduation cards, hopefully we will see Paula's creations in stores soon. Buyers may also purchase online at Hallmarkcontests.com.

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