Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Saturday, August 30, 2008

4 NEW CARDS!

Hey All! Boy have I been on a roll this week! I found two new types of cards (well, new to me!) and I am so in love with them! So much so, I made two of each type for the post! Now, on to the cards. . .

The first is a "waterfall" card. This one I had glimpsed for the first time on Rita's blog. When I went to the tutorial she provided, I couldn't believe how easy they were to make, and what a cool effect they gave. I love dimensional cards, but this one has "moving parts" and can be done for so many occasions! Here is my first attempt:



This one I made as a "Happy Autumn" card. I used Fallish background paper and then for my waterfall panels, I stamped 4 different leaves and then embossed them in copper embossing powder. I just LOVE these cards!!! For those of you that don't know what they are, when you pull the part there at the bottom with the ribbon, the little leaf panels flip back to reveal each one one at a time! Your card message is on that strip as you pull it out. How cool is that? When you go to Dawn's (Dawn's Stampin Studio) tutorial here, you will see how it works in her excellent video. Dawn's blog is incredible! Go see hers for this tutorial and many others she has. She is amazing! They are really hard to photograph but here are the other two shots:


I started to pull the bottom and you can see how it is starting to "flip" the panels backwards. . .


And at the end, is your last stamped image, and your greeting sentiment. How very cool! OK, the next one is one I've made for Jay's great nephews who were here from Boston a couple of weeks ago. I know, I know "Oh God! Not more Halloween!" LOL Just hang with me for a sec. This is the only one for this post! I just thought these would be perfect to send to kids for Halloween. Zak is 9 and Dillon is 5, so these are perfect for that age. . .






How cute are these for kids? These stamped images are from new stamps I picked up at Michael's and they are part of the Martha Stewart line. They were perfect for this card because they were all uniform in size.

OK, those were waterfall cards, now on to the next two. These are called "Free Standing Pop Up Cards" and I stumbled on these while looking around Splitcoast. Click here for the tutorial. I am just nuts over these cards. They are way three dimensional, and they fold flat to put into an envelope!!!! I can't get over how easy they are to make as well, and the tutorial is excellent! Here is my first attempt:



Is this not a great idea?!?! Can you believe it folds flat easily to slip into an envelope? I can think of 100 cards to do using this technique. And again, it was really super easy to do. Here is a close up of some detail:


I used my Endless Limbs from Pink Cat Studios for this card. The base and tag mat are done with a copper card stock. I used a paper punch to punch out the leaves. OH, and by the way, I punched the leaves out of paint sample cards I picked up at the local hardware store! Talk about an endless FREE supply of color squares to use on your cards!!!! I then cut out the scalloped circle with my Nesties, added some bling and ribbon, and done! Here is my second attempt:


I forget what stamp set this is, but can't you see this sitting on someones desk at work or on someones mantel at home? I really love these, and yes there is a Halloween one floating in my head. Can't you see the tag being made to look like a tombstone? LOL You know it's coming Bwaaaa haaa haaaa haaa haaaaaa. . . ..

Well, there you go. Hope you try these if you never have. Can't wait to make more!

Thanks for all the wonderful things you all said about me last week! My award that I gave really brought some wonderful words back to me. Did my heart good to make all of you happy! And speaking of happy. . .A very sweet Jan Scholl out of the blue sent me a package containing some beautiful May Arts ribbon. I appreciate it so much Jan! Thank you!

That's it for this post! Sorry they are so long, but I just have to share it! Don't forget the pic of the week below. I took this picture of this little guy last week while walking the Shotsy and Gunther. A lot of you have been asking where I take all these pics. Well, most of them come from this wonderful park a couple of miles from where I live. It is called River Road Park. It has trails through these beautiful wild flower fields, and that is where I find most of my "subjects". Take care all! Have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you all on your blogs!

Best,

Curt O'Brien
"God help me be the person my dogs think I am."


35 comments:

Mada said...

WOW! Me spechless again :)

You are so creative Curt, it's amazing to me how you can come up with the awesome themes/layouts of your cards.

I love the waterfall card for Jay's grand nephews, I bet they were (or will be?) thrilled to have those.
The pop-up card with the little autumn tree I absolutely adore - the colours are fabulous!

The photo of the day is fantastic as usual.
Thank you for sharing your talent and imagination with us.

P.S. Can't wait to see the tombstone :-D

Sue from Oregon said...

What wonderful cards! My goodness you have been busy! Better go run up stairs right now and get busy...cool stuff and I really want to see that tombstone card...may have to give it a try myself someday! Keep 'em coming! Love the pic of the day but eww I hate bugs LOL.

Jan Scholl said...

I have never tried these waterfall cards. Saw a bunch done up at the stamp shows but they didn't seem like much. Maybe its because they were ordinary and had no color or dimension. Curt, yours are perfect. SO if I ever get out of my funk, I will try them. I need to use up a ton of scraps so this would be good. Got any other scrap ideas? I have two iris drawers full.

And you are most welcome on the ribbon. I got a share or two a while back and gave some to daughter and still had too much. I think it procreates in the bag when I am not looking.:)

Julie Koerber said...

Wow! You've been on a roll! I haven't done either one of those types of cards and LOVE the way you created each one! I am afraid that waterfall card is too tricky for me!!! LOL! Have a good rest of the weekend!

Diane said...

Love those cards...I might have to try them, they look like as much as I had when I made my flip book...all the cards are great by the way!!

Tammy Hershberger said...

WOW, you've been busy! Curt, these are awesome! I LOVE the pop-up card using Limitless Limbs! And the punched out leaves scattered on the box part of the card... exceptionally creative! Make sure you send that picture to Melissa at Pink Cat to include in the gallery! They're all fabulous, though! I haven't done a waterfall card in ages... maybe it's time to try again! Keep up the awesome work!

Judy said...

OMG Curt, those cards are just fantastic!!!

Sankari W. said...

WOW!!! Those are all amazing and I want to try to make all of them !! Not sure they will ever look beautiful like yours! I love the first one - what a beautiful idea for a fall card and I can't wait to try the pop up card - I saw that on SCS but when I saw your card - I feel like I totally need to make one too!!! Thanks for the great inspirations Curt!!! And I can't wait to see the Halloween card that you have floating in your head....!!!

Love all your cards Curt - you are totally rockin the 3-D cards this week!!!! Hope you have a fabulous labor day!!! Best wishes,
Sankari

Lauri said...

Hey I have been lurking..and thought it was time I commented! These cards are amazing! I have not tried these techniques but I think I will just have to..although your cards are gorgeous. I love your choices of colors and design. PS I added you to my blogroll so I can check in everytime you have an update!

Rita said...

OMGosh!!! I'm so happy that you tried out the waterfall card Curt, they are so much fun! I luv that leaf one that you made & the Fall pop up card is awesome! I haven't tried the pop up card yet but maybe I will now. Of course I'm partial to Fall it's my favorite time of the year, I just luv the Fall season it's so cool & crisp!
Your on a roll & I can't wait to see more! Take care

Hugs
Rita

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

OMG!, these cards are amazing... I'm a new stalker to your blog - I drool everytime I take a peek, I just had to add you to my fave list :) I love the pop-up and all of the halloween cards! I haven't reached the halloween-ie mood yet, but you have just motivated me to check my halloween inventory :)
Thanks for sharing!
xo, Margie

Kristie said...

You've inspired me to try both of these types of cards out...I did think that they looked complicated but if you say they're easy, I'll believe you LOL!!!
BTW: Looking forward to the tombstone one...that will be way cool!

Deb Neerman said...

Just gorgeous, Curt!!! LOVE the waterfall cards and I can't wait to try the pop-up card!

Thanks for sharing your great cards; I'm feelin' very inspired!

Have a great holiday weekend!

~Hugs, Deb

Anonymous said...

Awesome post!! Wonderful cards!! Love both techniques... so unique and fun. And I was mesmerized right from the start just looking at your slide show of all your beautiful photographs. You are incredibly talented!!

Janine said...

HOLY MOLEY!!! Curt these are spectacular... Don't you just love the waterfall card... I make a few at Christmas for special people.
I haven't attempted the other one yet...
Can you e-mail me your address please??
Have a great day!!

Scossie Jane said...

Awesome again Curt, what wonderful techniques, gotta love your style xx

*Linda said...

I stumbled on your site as I was doing a little blog surfing, and I am glad I did. You are very creative! I wish I had that talent! I love your photos of the flowers too!

Anonymous said...

Your cards are awesome. I especially love the cupcake one. I have not tried the stand up card yet.

Anonymous said...

Curt...beautiful cards - thank you.
Given me courage to try a 'waterfall' card and 'standup' card.
LOVE them!!!

Sharon (notimetostamp) said...

Loved your long post!!! I had to chuckle as someone recently told me that men love cards that move or do something - you have so proven them right -- LOL!!! I love your waterfall cards -- especially the Halloween one for the kids -- they will LOVE it!!! Just perfect!!! And OK, you have finally convinced me that I MUST try those stand up cards -- I've looked at them all week, but you sent me over the edge -- definitely on my *to do* list!!! LOL!!! Thanks for a great post!!!

Becca said...

Curt, these waterfall cards and tag stand cards are amazing. I also adore your photography.

You are very talented.

Jodi said...

Ooooh!! I LOVE making waterfall cards! I haven't made one in a long time. You have great cards as always!! I just love this time of year when we celebrate from Halloween on. I am getting married this fall in November and your waterfall card reminds me of the warm feelings of the season. The free standing pop up cards are great too! I have yet to make one.

I do love the photo at the end of your posting. It's truly amazing how you get such clarity in your photos!!

AWESOME JOB!!!

ttys!

Aloha!
Jodi

Jeni Glee said...

Curt....these cards are AWESOME, WONDERFUL and OUT OF THIS WORLD! Great work, my Friend!

Your photo is AMAZING!

Catherine said...

It's been awhile since the last time i made waterfall cards, they're both wonderful and the rest of your creation..great job, Curt =)

Anonymous said...

GOT TO BE THE BEST CARDS I HAVE EVER SEEN, WHAT AN ARTISIT YOU HAVE BECOME, AND THE "PIC OF THE WEEK" IS GREAT...THAT HAS GOT TO BE THE CUETEST BUG I HAVE EVER SEEN//AND I HATE BUGS...LOVE YA, MOM

Jules said...

Beautiful waterfall and stand up cards...like always they are fabulous!
Love the POTW critter! that is quite a macro lens!

dpkennedy said...

All of your cards are terrific! I am realling loving those pop ups and yes, I can see that sitting on my desk! I am looking forward to you making a tombstone one and many more Halloween cards...don't stop until you run out of ideas! Great job on all of these!

Risa said...

Your cards are awesome Curt and I'm loving the cupcake card...super yummy!

Joan Fricker said...

Curt,
I love all your cards! The waterfall and popup are just terrific! You are very creative and do great work!

Joan

Anonymous said...

Hi Curt! I really love your cards! You've given me a lot of inspiration to make some Halloween cards of my own. (I love the one you did with the cauldron and the potions. So cute!) I'll definitly be checking back to see what else you come up with. Thanks for sharing!

p.s. The whole blog setup is really impressive too

Denise said...

WOw, Curt, your cards are always amazing. You were busy I see. I posted more too.

Hugs

Little C's Creations said...

Wow!!!! You have been busy, love!!!! I'm so sorry I haven't stopped by in a while... it's been crazy - but trying to catch up now.... love everything you did here. Those movement cards are the bestest, aren't they!?!?!? Keep up the great work...

Big Hugs n' Aloha,
Jen

DeeDee said...

WOW man what the heck....now I have to add these two styles of cards to my list of cards to make...LOL...I really love the free standing one...too NEATO!!! Cool POTW...I took one over the weekend and when I was snapping my shots...I thought to myself....hey Curt would be proud!!! I'll email it to you!! HUGS! I'm off to Reno in the morning....yippee!!!!

Anonymous said...

Those are great cards! it is so nice to see a guy in this world!!

Jenn Muraoka said...

WOW, WOW, WOW is an understatement! These are all spectacular. So much work!! I can't get over how beautiful and fun they all are. Jay's nephews are such lucky babies to have an uncle like you! What special gifts. I might have to try these cards out too. You're such an inspiration. I'm also so proud of all the attention that you're getting around the card world. It's so deserved and so overdue. You're such a talented and truly genuine man. I'm so blessed to know you and to be able to call you my friend. Hugs, jenn