Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Photo Inspiration

Hey All! Thanks for coming! Today's post has a new idea for me which I'm excited to share with you! I also have to tell you about another wonderful RAK I received. So, on with the post!

Lots of you have been so kind in complimenting me on my photography. It is something that I have loved doing for the past 4 years or so, and I am always looking to improve that art. When I look at some of the pictures I take, the first thought that comes to mind with some of them is "Wow, that would make a cool card!" Well, I took another one of those pictures the other day, and I decided instead of "thinking" I would use the photo as the basis of the idea for my cards. That's why I'm calling these cards "Photo Inspirations". Here is the first photograph, and then my interpretation of it as a card. . .



And the card. . .



I love this new stamp I bought (bird on weeds). It is a Penny Black, and I am getting so addicted to their stamps. I used my Cuttlebug embossing folder for the embossing, and my Nesties to do the scalloped oval. Added ribbon and the pearls, matted everything in black and mounted the bird on the weeds image with foam tape. The other bird image is by Inque.

OK, the next photograph. . . I loved the colors of this tree, and how they contrasted so beautifully with the bright blue sky. The leaf colors were stunning:



And the card it inspired. . .





The tree stamp is another Penny Black stamp that I picked up a few days ago. The minute I saw it, I had a ton of card images in my head. I stamped the image in dark brown Colorbox ink on a speckled tanish paper, then sponged the top of the image with yellow, orange, and red Colorbox ink. I mounted it on brown and orange cs and then gave it some depth with foam tape. I cut the leaves out in the corners from a printed piece of paper and stuck them on with glue. I used the corner of a petal from a flower punch to get the corners cut then added the brads. I then stamped the acorn image onto orange cs with the same dark brown Colorbox ink. I cut it out with the scalloped Nesties, added a dark brown eyelet and attached it to the ribbon with some metallic copper cord. The acorn image is by Inkadinkado.

This was so much fun to actually put the photographic image into a card form. I'm going to do this more often. If any of you would like to try this, feel free! I would love to see what you come up with on these two pictures. Give a link to your creation in the comment section below. I would love to take a look. I had thought about making these a challenge, but then I think there are so many challenge sites out there that one more would just be silly. So, if you want to play along with me, that would be great. I'm just kinda doing this to inspire some cards for me. But if my photography inspires a card for you, go for it!

Last but not least, I got the most wonderful RAK in the mail a few days ago. It came from my very new blogging friend Karen at 6 Wacky Women. You have to go see the blog! When you see the card she sent me below, you will want to jump over and take a look at all the other great creations she has posted! I had seen a card she had made featuring the stamp set she ended up sending to me as a gift, and just had to have the set! So I emailed her and said I wanted to order it. She said their store had one left and she would get it out to me. I asked her for the price and how I could pay for it, and she never answered. So, a few days later, I sent an email to her asking again how much and how to pay for it. The little sneak emailed me back and said she hadn't gotten around to typing up an invoice, but she would send it soon. A few days later the package arrived and it had THE MOST ADORABLE CARD included with the stamp set stating that it was a gift to thank me for telling people about their blog. I was stunned, then burst out laughing that she had me fooled the whole time! Thanks so much Karen and Cathy! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness! The card and the stamp set are below:



Is this not adorable????



Look at that little face!!!!

Here is the stamp set she sent me:



It's by Magenta and it is called a puzzle stamp. Is it not wonderful??? I'm a lucky guy!

Well, that's it for this post. Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget the pic of the week. I just have to be a proud dad and post this year's Autumn picture of my boys. Take care all, and I'll see you on your blogs!


Best,
Curt O'Brien


"God help me be the person that my dogs think I am."

32 comments:

Mada said...

AWWWWWW!!! Look at those two cuties ready for enjoying the fall season. What a gorgeous photo and 'kids'! :)

You kill me with your imagination and creativity. I don't know where you get all the ideas from. It has to be "natural born" because I definitely don't have it and there's no significant sign I'll ever get it.

Love, love, love the elegant birdie card and the tree card is fantastic - so perfectly put together.
Does it hurt to be so talented? ;)

Hugs,
Mada

Marie said...

Curt, what a wonder set of cards you've created. I will definitely have to try out your photo inspiration. You know how much I love blog challenges, and would be happy to join you if you ever decide to turn this into a challenge. Great artwork, beautiful details, and excellent imagination! As to your friend, what an awesome gift and great card!

6 wacky women said...

AWWWW..you are so sweet. Thanks so much for the "plug". Your cards are fabulous, as are your photos!!
Talk to you soon.
Karen

Lauri said...

Your photography is amazing! I love coming here and seeing what new photos you have! and your cards are fantastic..I especially love the tree card and how the photo inspired you!

Sue from Oregon said...

Holey Toledo..so much to catch up on! Wonderful cards you made from your own inspiration...the are beautiful Curt! And to have such wonderful stamp fairies sharing with you...it is amazing the great friends we make through these blogs isn't it!

Catherine said...

both cards are just beautiful!

Ann said...

Stunning photo's & beautiful cards too Curt - your work is so inspirational, Enjoy your RAK, that was really kind!!!

Ann xx

Anonymous said...

Fabulous card, Curt! That black and white photo and photo inspired card are both breath-taking!

Erin said...

Just love your dogs. They are just two cute. My dogs will never stand that still.lol.. Also love your card. i just love fall. And the card shows one of the main reasons why I do. The pretty leaves. I hope to have a few more things up on my blog later this week.
Take Care
Erin

DeeDee said...

WOW!! What an idea you have going on right here...that is amazing Curt!! These cards and photographs are GORGEOUS...Love the POTW of the boys...they are so adorable!!! Can't wait to see what you make with your new stamp set...HUGS!!!

Anonymous said...

THIS IS ONE OF YOUR BEST "BLOGS"...WHAT A GREAT IDEA FOR YOUR CARDS...THE WORLD OUTSIDE IS WAITING FOR YOUR TALENT...YOUR CANVAS WILL NEVER BE BARE,,,ALL SEASONS AWAIT...YOU JUST NEED MORE HOURSTO CAPTURE THEM.LOVE YA, MOM

Theresa Momber said...

Curt, I am so glad to have found your blog. Wow, what gorgeousness to be found here. I love your inspiration cards.

Janine said...

Curt these cards are FABULOUS!!! I especially like the one of the bird in the trees. How wonderful did that turn out???

Michelle Alejandro said...

Your two babies are total super model material! I can't believe how cute they are in their autumn neck ties! Too cute! They already have a pro photographer at their disposal too!

The fall leaves photo is breathtaking and the card is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing and your inspirations! Aloha!

Jeni Glee said...

Oh my goodness, Curt....I love how you have used your photos for inspiration in creating cards; wonderfully done, my Friend! You are the best!

Jamee said...

your pictures and cards are really nice!

Judy said...

Your photo inspired cards are absolutely marvelous. I particulary love the black and white bird card. It is amazing how close the stamp that you used resembles the actual photo.

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable! You are so very talented! These cards are so stunning. The bird stamp used on the card is so close to your actual photograph it is almost unbelievable! Your ability to translate your photographic talent into a card representation is fantastic. I have visited hundreds of blogs, and have not seen this before. You are so talented and creative! I can't wait to come back to see more of your art! Jane - Billings, MT

Mari said...

Wow Curt! This is my first visit (thanks for visiting me!) and I am blown away by your b&w bird card. I never got that folder, just couldn't imagine what I'd do with it... you're changing my mind! I love the effect, elegance personified.

Tonniece said...

Hi Curt
Just found you through Mels blog, and I just spent the last hour or more enjoying your creations, photos, and your babies.
There are so many talented people out there in blogland that I aspire to be like, and you are so amazingly talented I have added you to that list.
Thanks for sharing

Have a wonderful Monday

The Rubber Maid said...

Hey good buddy, your bird picture and card are just stunning. What a beautiful job. I put your toad card up on my blog as I think it is toadally awesome. 3 more days and I'm off to Montana. Pat

Jamie Martin said...

Hi Curt, love your photo inspiration cards! Wow, they are amazing and so artistic :)

Tammy Hershberger said...

Awesome inspired designs, Curt! I actually did take a picture of some bright pink wild roses back in September thinking I would make a card based on them but have never gotten around to it! Maybe this week, since you're posted such great inspiration!

Unknown said...

Wow - Curt that's quite the talent - well two talents - the cards are fabulous and the photography is stunning - you have a great eye and terrific style. And two cute little doggy folks.

Julie Koerber said...

Oh my gosh! That bird silhouette card is the prettiest card you've made so far! I had to pick my jaw up off the floor!!!

Jodi said...

hi Curt! I love the cards you created with the photos you took, I really LOVE the pics of the boys at the bottom of the page!!! Super cute! I love how they pose so perfectly. =) Are ya ready for Halloween?

Anonymous said...

Your cards are incredible!! I always look forward to see what you will do next. I love the cuttlebug embossing folders too!

Have a godo night!

Sara

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

Absolutely heartstoppingly beautiful work. I love that you use photos for inspiration. And your layouts are stunning. The black and white bird card: breathtaking elegance and that lovely tree! What intensely gorgeous colour. Pure inspiraion! Love that RAK too. How adorable is the frog with his little bow under his chin!? Thanks for the inspiration! :O)

Denise said...

Curt,
Those pictures, and cards are awesome, great talent! I want to 'case' that bird one.
Hugs~Denise

6 wacky women said...

Hi Curt.
I left something on my blog for you!!
Have a great day
Karen

dpkennedy said...

Where do I start?! Your photo inspirations are fantastic! What a wonderful idea! I love the combination of elements on the bird card and the tree has such beautiful colors! What a great RAK too and wonderful stamps. I love Magenta! I can't wait to see your awesome artwork with them!

Cheryl B. said...

I thought I commented on this post before but I must not have.

I just wanted to let you know that you bird card is absolutely gorgeous (more so IRL). All the cards you donated were great, but I think this one was my favorite.