Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Challenge Entry

Hey All! Hope your week is progressing well! Today's post is super quick. I wanted to try the House Mouse Monday Challenge over at House Mouse Challenge. This is my very first time doing a challenge with them. You all know how much I'm loving the House Mouse stamps and I'm feeling a little more confident in my coloring abilities so I thought I would give it a shot. The challenge this week is "Let it snow". You are to use at least one House Mouse or Friends stamp on your card and this challenge you had to add snow. So here is mine:




Boy did this card take on a life of its own! Geeeez! I started out with the image stamped on white card stock and colored with colored pencils and OMS. Well, all coloring was completed accept for the tip of the second branch from the top on the right. I was using a blending stump and my dear, sweet little Gunther barked unexpectedly which caused me to jump and smear the color WAY out of the lines! LOL Little monster! My original intent was to cut the image out in a square, mount it, add a few flakes, and done. But Gunther changed all of that. So, not wanting to have to re-stamp the image and re-color it, I had to figure out a way to salvage it. So after much pondering, I came up with the idea of cutting the image out as close as possible which would eliminate the smear. Then I thought I would mount it on paper that I embossed with the CB snowflake embossing folder. OK, so far so good. Then I thought I would simply mount it on the white card add a sentiment and bow and be done. But it was way too much white so I added the green matting. It still kind of looked a little plain, so I got out my Martha Stewart glue pen and dabbed at all the embossed snowflakes in the background and sprinkled them with glitter. That looked better, but still it needed more. Got out the Stickles and dotted the tree with "berries". Looking better, but not quite there yet. Applied the liquid applique for more snow effect and pressed in glitter and heated it with the heat gun. OK, almost there. I had a hell of a time with the bow because I wanted to put it where I have it, but I needed something to tie it around. So I cut a thin strip of the green matting paper and a thin strip of card stock for stiffiness and tied the ribbon around that. The bow just didn't look right, so I added another strip of ribbon which I tied around the middle knot of the bow and cut it. Now it looks like a deformed octopus bow, but I was so done with this card by then. THEN I realized I didn't put any sentiment on it. So at the last minute I created the "Deck the Halls" sentiment on my computer using the Curlz font, cut it out, attached it with the "bend" to give it a 3-D effect (I've seen that on other cards and I like it a lot - see the up close pic below), added the bling and said "That's it, enough, I'm done!" I think that is why I don't do challenges, because I get my self in these tizzies over wanting it to be perfect.



Oh well, I don't think it turned out horribly, what do you think? You can see from this shot that I only attached the cut out image from the bottom leaving the top to stick out a little bit from the background to give it some depth.


Well there ya have it! My first House Mouse challenge. Or shall I say "mine and Gunther's first challenge". LOL


Thanks for stopping by! I'll have another post on Saturday for you. Can't wait till you see the one card I'm just about finished with. Until then, I'll see you all on your blogs!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhh...this is such a cute card!! I really love that image and may just have to buy that one! You've inspired me. Great job with this challenge, I'm really glad you were able to join us and hope you come back to "play" again! :)

Marie said...

You know, when I first look at the finished product... I'm like, "Oh, okay. Another perfect card from Curt." And then, as I read the entry, I'm like, "Wow! What a phenomenal card!" I appreciate the time you take to narrate your posts because it makes the card(s) that much more special. Welcome to the world of challenges. They are quite addicting! Happy Holidays! Marie.

Rach said...

you and Gunther have created a wonderful card Curt, beautifully coloured, love how you saved your image and how it looks raised from the lovely embossed background..
brilliant. thanks for sharing. hugs rachxx

Carolyn Bounds said...

I am SO happy that you joined in on the challenge!!! I was going to say fun, but it sounds like your fun turned into work. From the end result, it looks like all the work paid off:o) Your card is exquisite, and I adore your coloring!!! The ribbon does not look like an octopus...get that thought out of your head. I think Gunther just had a whole different layout in mind; and if he is as spoiled as our dog, he is accustomed to getting his way:o) LOL! All I can say is...I am totally in love with your card!!!

The funny thing is, I am using this very same stamp for the upcoming challenge. As the saying goes...great minds think alike:o)

Hugs!
Carolyn

Macpurp said...

well done you & Gunther and this card! It is beautiful , and I love the 3-d cut out effect on it, good choice Gunther.
I must admit Poppy-dog is getting fed up with me crafting just now, while i try to get all teh Christmas cards done. she has taken to poking my leg, of jumping up , usually while I have glitter or something out!

Lovely card! xx

Lauri said...

I love your narratives!!!! They are so real...I think we all go through that when we make a card but I love reading yours because they are so funny (and so true!!) Plus it points out all the details you put on your cards! Great job and hope you keep doing challenges! Dont' fret too much about them, though!

DeeDee said...

You crack me up!!!! I just love reading your blog...it's like you are sitting right here with me explaining the WHOLE story!!!! Your card today sounds like my card that I posted yesterday. Things happen and we "fix" them!!!! I think your card is GREAT!!! Such a sweet image!!! Well done!!! HUGS!!!

Anonymous said...

you are so good, even when you are bad your good. The card is just great, thanks for sharing your secrets and making the rest of feel better, AND for giving us idea's how to save an error. Give Gunther a hug... He did good...MaryAnn

Stampin' Meg said...

Now why did I never think to put carrots on my tree! Darling card.

Jami said...

Well, I'm glad Gunther was there to help you out, because the end result is gorgeous! I love the little stickle ornaments on the tree!! And you should definitely be confident in your coloring because it totally rocks!!!
hugs, Jami

Anonymous said...

Well Curt,you did it again!!!
Nice save....LOL.
LOVE, LOVE your photo(s) of the day too.
The 'feather in the wind' is gorgeous.
You share so much Curt. You are a super Guy.
Thank you.

The Rubber Maid said...

Very cute little mieces, I love them to pieces. You sure had to go through a lot to get where you got but that happens sometimes and it's a great house mouse card. Pat

Anonymous said...

I THINK GUNTHER IS HELPING YOU BY CHALLENGING YOUR CREATIVITY..AND,.THAT IS ONE OF THE CUTEST CARDS EVER! MOM

Becky said...

I just love house mouse :). And I love this card. You put such detail in this and it shows. Have a great day.

Denise said...

I think that the card is a WINNER!

Jamie Martin said...

Love this card! You are so creative :)

Ila said...

Your really rocked this challenge Curt!! I love how you used the cb background and how you cut out the image.....I would have thought it was not cutoutable (new word..lol)...but you made it lood fabulous here. I also love how you did the sentiment..Fabulous!!....Have a Great Weekend and Good Luck!!

Diane said...

I was cracking up when I read this post.....hey you and Gunther did a fantastic job!!! I was coloring in a bird once, it was an image someone had sent me, so I only had one, was all done and looking good, just finishing the little beak, and my arm got bumped, well, you can see the writing on the walls as they say with that one! But I love the mouse guys...a great card! www.nelliesnest.blogspot.com

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

As soon as I saw your card, I thought - Oooo, I love that bow! :)
Cute image - coloring is great!
Like always - you have the WOW factor! TFS!
xoxo

Dawn said...

Oh dear Curt it's amazing how you start out with an idea in mind then off you go on a different route and it's not right until it's right!!! LOL
anyway you did a great slavage job and it looks fantastic and snowy!
Beautifully coloured too

Catherine said...

this is too cute :)

6 wacky women said...

Fabulous card, Curt. I love it!
You and Gunther are hilarious. Good thing he is around to help you with your cards.

I love the way you colored them.
You should be confident in your coloring...it is perfect!! I love all the stickles too. I didn't know there was a house mouse challenge...maybe I will join in with you some time.

Take care
Karen x

Rita said...

I luv how it all turned out! Your ribbon is gorgeous by the way! Just think, Gunther helped you create this one & you both rocked this card! This will be one great memory one day...maybe a scrapbook page perhaps???

Janine said...

Curt you did a FABULOUS JOB!!!
Hope you are going to have a great weekend.. We are entertaining tonight. Chicken stuffed with sun dried tomatoes and proscuitto, Potato gratin with chevre, parmesan and thyme and roasted asparagus with cranberry vinaigrette. Vanilla biscuits with roasted fruit and whipped cream for dessert...

Nancy said...

Gunther made you do a great job, Curt! :) Loved reading that! At least you were able to save the card, albiet not in its intended form, and end up with a great one! For some reason one day my cat decided to tease my dog - from my craft desk, and she knocked over a glass of water I had sitting there, totally ruined what I was working on. I so wanted to glue her to the wall at that moment. :)
Looking forward to tomorrow's post!

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh Curt, I am so excited to see this creation! Oh thank heavens for Gunther...he may turn into a stamper yet. Got a kick out your whole creative process...That is how I stamp a lot of the time...HM cards seem to take a life of their own, don't they? Thanks for letting me know you posted!

theneon said...

You and Gunther sure make a good team! I can't believe how delicately cut out the images are! Lots of detail and lots of work == but the final results are worth it all! Martha Kay

Judy said...

For all the trials and tribulations you endured making this card, it sure turned out great!

Anonymous said...

I just ***love*** hearing stories like this. It makes me feel more normal! :) You did a fanTAStic job despite all the problems! It's SUPER cute! I love that you didn't attach the top of the image and I love the image on the embossed background. SO cute!

Joan Fricker said...

Curt, cute cute cute! You did a great job your mouse card and we would never have known all the little things you had to do to "repair" job.

Joan

Janneke said...

Great card ;)
Thanks for joining HM&F challenge

X Janneke

Susan said...

Love the card and the fact that your pet helped you make it too! I really enjoyed looking at your photos / photography too!

Els G. said...

Gorgeous card! Looks like you and Gunther are the perfect team!
Els
x

Elizabeth said...

Curt,
This is a very well done card. I think you both did a fab job. The coloring job is amazing. I'm new to the H~M group too.

Mary said...

Curt,
love this card.... and your dogs.

Jan Scholl said...

Awww-this made me miss my bunny Bailee. She died two years ago at 14-as did my cat and one dog. It was a horrible month that October-losing so many of my babies. I got a new desk this week and was cleaning out the old one and found her chew sticks.

I have so many HM stamps but must have missed this one. We just got the first pension check this week-after TWO months. Guess what I am gonna do now???? Buy a stamp ya think??

How is the situation in your area as far as GM goes Curt? Seems the entire rust belt is in dire straights car company or not. Think someone forgot us all??

Heather said...

Great card Curt - I love it and love the image - beautifully coloured by you and Gunther.
Funny how some cards design themselves isn't it? I have help crafting from Chester my cat - he has input on quite a lot of my cards.
hugs Heather xx

Unknown said...

Should I say thank God for Gunther?? The card is beautiful. Good luck.

Diane said...

I found your blog through a comment you left on Juliann's Pixie Too Blog. Since I have a pet bunny I couldn't resist checking out a bunny card! It's lovely! Great image and clearly a labor of love for you. I think Gunther just wanted to provide a little more of a challege for you, and you certainly made the best of it!

dpkennedy said...

Your story is too funny! I love the octopus bow! The image is just adorable and you did a great job coloring and adding all that wonderful sparkle! Thanks for the laugh! Hey, thank Gunther too!

Jules said...

Oh man!!! Don't you just love our pets!!! They are such buggars!!!
You gave me quite a giggle!
I love your card!
Whew! WHat a lot of work, all your cards are like masterpieces! You should enter more challenges!
I love your cartoon too! Great blog header too funny!

Jill Haddad said...

You are absolutely toooo funny!!!! Those big dogs can definitely startle the life out of a person with their barks! Mine rarely barks - but when he does I'm through the roof!!!! Nice card Curt - even if it isn't the way you originally planned it. LOL!

Shirley said...

They are too cute and your attention to detail is really marvelous and beautiful too!

Ellen Taylor said...

I see you have always made fabulous cards Curt! Good thing your Gunther barked, adding his own creative flair to your card! I think this is marvelous cut out and mounted! Love all the sparkle!!