Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Seeing Spots!

Hey All! OMG it is a week until Christmas!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH Can you believe it?!?! I did make a dent in my projects, but I have several more to complete! Hopefully I'll have everything done by Sunday. I hope you all are caught up and are where you need to be. If not, I hope it brings you comfort that I'm right there with you! Here's what I've been working on in the last few days. . .
The first project was the gift to my Vet's office and their staff. When I called and asked how many people were there she said "14". I thought your sh***ng me, right? I thought there were only 6 or 7 LOL! So it was double what I thought I had to make! Oh well, 'tis the season huh? I made 14 of my candy sleeves with the "faux" belly band. I made 3 designs and here they are:


Pine branch, snowflake, and holly. The paper is from the Paper Studio, card stock is by Bazzill, and all of the punched images are Martha Stewart punches. I cut the scalloped circles and regular circles with my Nesties, then attached them to the band with dimensional tape. Here is a close up


After making all 14, I put them in a basket and the finished gift looked like this:



I hand tied the big red velvet bow and attached it to the front of the basket, and stuffed the basket with a combination of tissue paper and sparkly red netting. I then arranged all 14 bars in the basket and tah dah! They were very impressed, and loved the gift. I got a thank you note today from the staff. I had also made a card to go with the basket (of course). I wanted it to be "dog themed", but after making 14 of those sleeves, I decided to do a simple card. Here it is. . .



I LOVE this stamp. As some of you may remember, I used it for the first time for one of my Autumn cards. I thought this is so perfect for a winter card. This stamp is from Penny Black, and it has to be one of my favorites. All the card stock is Bazzill, and I stamped the image in Versamark ink then embossed it with white ep with glitter mixed in. Look at the close up below:



Such a pretty effect with the sparkles! Anyway, mounted it on an the Swiss dots embossed card stock with foam squares for depth, then mounted all of that on watercolor card stock. The sentiment is from a $1 stamp, and the snowflakes are from a Martha Stewart punch. Added some bling to the snowflakes and done! Easy as could be.

The last think I have to show you are the "mass produced" cards I did. These are also the reason for the title of this post LOL. I wanted something that I could piece together after cutting all the pieces out for all the cards at once and then begin an assembly line. However, I wanted it to be a little elegant at the same time. So, here is what I came up with:



The stamp is by Hero Arts. I stamped the image on silver card stock using Versamark ink. Then I embossed it with an embossing powder called "gold tinsel". Boy is it sparkly! I love gold and silver together. Here is a close up of the detail of the ep:


I mounted it onto metallic gold card stock from DCWV the metallic stack. The silver section is raised with dimensional foam squares. I then mounted that onto another piece of silver metallic card stock. I stuck every one of those little red sparkly dots on one at a time. Now you understand why I called this post "seeing spots". OMG! They are really small, and I had to lift them off with the tip of my piercing tool, transfer them to the card, and then press them on. I made 20 of these and I'm tellin' ya I WAS SEEING SPOTS when I was done. These are A2 sized cards which I normally don't do. I'm not good at the smaller size, however this design lends itself to a smaller card. The sentiment is on the inside. Below are a few larger square cards that I made to send out too with the same tree stamp:









Again, these 3 designs were done pretty much the same, however they were mounted on card stock that was already pre-embossed. I thought this pattern was really nice.

So, there you have it. That's it for this show and tell. I did manage to get all of my cards mailed out to all of you that I have an address for. Hope you like them. Speaking of, I have been receiving cards from many of you, and I so appreciate them. What I thought I would do is save them and post them all at once as my Christmas Eve post.

One final note. I was very saddened to learn of the death of Joanne Johnson of My Adventures in Card Making. I just went back over to her blog to get the address to link, and noticed that she has 171 comments for the post her husband posted shortly after her death. Amazing. Joanne was one of the most sweet people I have ever met. She had one of the best outlooks on life and was so positive. If you want to read something that will give you such inspiration, read her Friday, November 28Th post. It is a prime example of why I loved going to her blog. Please go hug the ones you love at your earliest convenience. You never know. . .

Don't forget the pic of the week below! I'll see you on your blogs! Thanks so much for coming! I truly am grateful for all of you!

Best,

Curt

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



38 comments:

Jodi said...

OH wow!! I'm first! Yipee! Curt, you are one creative blogger. Those cards you created in this posting are just beautiful. You really know how to make things sparkle too! =) I have yet to finish shopping, creating my cards for Christmas and mailing them out too. I know you will not get your card from me until after the hoidays. (sorry) I have just been crazy busy. I just got done with making my thank you cards for the wedding, now I have to write them and do Christmas stuff! lol =)
Take good care of yourself and don't catch a cold! Sure hope you are doing well!
I look forward to your posts and creations each time. Have a wonderful holiday and the best of the new year...don't worry I'll be back to check you out again when you show us all the pretty cards you got.
Big Hugs!
Jodi =)

Marie said...

Curt! What a post! I really love how you showed us your basket project. How generous! I love how you kept it simple, but truly elegant. I could really feel the Christmas cheer in them. I know how you feel about the projects. It's overwhelming. My cards will just be going out tomorrow... oh my, I hope they make it in time! I had ten to make for family and friends and I decided to do 14 for my blogging buddies. How coincidental is that? The number 14. I hope your holidays go well and your babies get what they wish for on christmas day. For me, I am looking forward to the Photo at Sears, the look on our daughter's face when she opens her presents, and the food! I am now just going through recipes to choose for that special day. Merry Christmas! Hugs, Marie.

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

All of your cards are simple yet very elegant! Silver and gold are very classic - beautiful trees!
I love reading your posts - you always make me smile!
Christmas is next week?! What?! I was finally able to shop for my boys tonight - now I have 8 family members left!!! sheesh!
Your pic of the week is priceless :)
Wait a sec... did you just curse?! lol!
xoxo, margie

Rita said...

OMGosh Curt, these cards are exquisite!!! You are amazing & you blow me away with your gorgeous creations!!! Glad they all loved your candy bar wrappers. Where did you buy the gold EP? I like that one!
I still have 4 more projects to make & wrap all my gifts. Hope to get most of it done this weekend, oh yeah I still have one more gift to buy on Monday & take a quick run into Michael's or Home Depot after I see the dentist. I need to get some sealer for one of my projects. Take care & happy stampin'! Hugs to you!

6 wacky women said...

Absolutley gorgeous cards, Curt.
I truly love them all. Very, very elegant.
I have that EP and I love it. It looks good on the end of Layla's nose after she has been sniffing around my craft room. lol
I love the basket of candy bars. I am going to have to get the pattern for the sleeves from you...they are great.
I did manage to put more ornaments on the tree...I just keep the lights on and you can't see the empty spaces...ha ha!
Take care
Karen x

Catherine said...

WOW! Curt. They're all great adn love them all, and yes I can't believe only a week left 'till Christmas, atleast i'm done Christmas shopping :)

Unknown said...

Holy Crap Curt!!!!!! You've been busy! And you're making me feel guilty. I dropped off a generic tub of chocolate covered macadamia nuts to my vet the other day and was just proud I included a hand-made card!! I decided at the last minute (ummm, probably because at the last minute I still didn't have them done) that I'm sending out New Year's cards this year instead of Christmas cards...and technically they should be easy since I'm designing them digitally with my digi scrap supplies and not stamping them, but I still don't have them done. {sigh}. Oh well. 'Tis the Season!! :-) These cards were all BEAUTIFUL by the way!! TFS (and making me feel like a total slacker!!! ha!).

Lauri said...

Curt you are so thoughtful! I can only imagine your reaction when you heard how many people were in the vet's office...yet I can only imagine how much they appreciated what you did for them!

and so sweet of you to share your favorite post from Joanne; she was truly unique in this world in so many ways, and will be missed in so many ways by so many people. I have visited her husband's post a few times and read the tributes. Paper Craft Planet has a tribute to her as well. Thanks...hang in there! Many of us are more behind than you!

Jami said...

Wow - you have really been busy!! I can understand why you are seeing spots! These cards are all so elegant and beautiful, and I love your faux belly banded candy bars!!
hugs, Jami

Diane said...

What wonderful cards, and how nice of you to give the candy to your vet's office! I was just at the vet with Nellie this week, and it never even crossed my mind...how unthoughtful was that??? But I did go to the animal shelter and drop off dog food, treats, cat food and litter last Saturday, so maybe that will make up for it. I LOVE those tree cards, a tree stamp is one of my favorites to work with, always a pleasing turn out!!! The picture of the week is great....should be framed!!!

Joan Fricker said...

Curt, I love your little gifts for the vet's office. You made them look so special.

Your cards are just beautiful. I love the "dots" in each tree.

Great job and Merry Christmas!!

Joan

DeeDee said...

WOW!!! You have been busy!!!! What a wonderful post of eye candy....you are so good with the stamping thing!!! All of your cards are just beautiful and gosh those candy bar wrappers are so lovely too!!! I love your POTW...that is one cool picture!!! HUGS!!

Cheryl B. said...

Love all your cards and your candy bar sleeves. I never would have recognized that tree as being the same one you used for your autumn card if you wouldn't have mentioned it. Looks great as a winter tree!

I'm still working on finishing up Christmas cards. I planned on finishing them today but it is very icy here and all the schools are closed. I keep all my stuff at my sister's house so unless the roads clear up later, I won't be finishing my cards today.

Erin said...

Curt love love love the cards.. You are so awesome. I bet the vets office just loved your gifts... Happy Holidays.

christina d said...

I love the covers on your gifts. The cards you've done are gorgeous. I love each and everyone of them. I sure can see why you'd be seeing spots! As usual, I love your photo. You have such a very good eye.

Anonymous said...

Wow!! I love all these cards. That tree looks so wonderful in each color combo. I love the gold embossed one. I'm not a fan of gold but it is stunning!!

Sharon Caudle said...

Wow!!! Your cards are GORGEOUS Curt, and I really love those candy bar sleeves! the basket you put together looked so elegant! fantastic job on everything! Thansk for stopping by my blog and for your kinds words! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

dpkennedy said...

That basket is fantastic!! I bet they were impressed alright! All that chocolately gorgeousness! And all of your cards are gorgeous too! Love that tree for the Vets office and your mass produced as simple, but elegant with all their sparkle! Last, but not least, awesome snow photo! I did a series of footprints in the snow when I went to Colorado in Dec of 2004. They just look so cool!

Tammy Hershberger said...

Your treat for the vet's office is fabulous, Curt! I'm sure you made their day so bright when you walked in with that basket! And I love all the Christmas tree cards you made, especially the silver and gold one! That makes me anxious to try stamping something gold on brushed silver cardstock to see how it looks now! AND love the pic of the week, and the banner picture of Shotsy and Gunther in the snow! :)

Janine said...

Curt I had so much fun looking through your post today.. Such a beautiful basket and the cards are all gorgeous... Hope you are going to enjoy the weekend. We have lots of snow already so I think I will be shovelling lots....

The Rubber Maid said...

Love all you did ! Awesome bunch of stamping and the vet's office should have been delighted. Talk to you before Christmas rolls in. Pat

Nancy said...

Wow Curt, great post as always! That gift basket was wonderful, all those wrapped candy bars! Your cards are all beautiful - every one of them.
Love the footprints in the snow!

Michelle Alejandro said...

Oh Curt, all of your creations in this post are wonderful! I love your massed produced Christmas cards with the embossing, totally beautiful! Hope you and all of your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Hugs and aloha,
Michelle

Sue from Oregon said...

Love the cards, the pics of the doggies tracks, and the lovely tribute to JoAnne.

Ann said...

WoW!!! Where do I start with all this gorgeous eye candy??? I LOVE the basket of treats you made for your vet's office. Your cards are all amazing, too! My Christmas card had tiny red rhinestones on it, so I totally sympathize with the seeing spots!!! :D

Stampin' Meg said...

You totally got your $$'s worth out of that tree stamp- love all the glittery EP looks. And your vet's office must love you after that gorgeous goodie basket.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Curt

Scossie Jane said...

Curt, you are so funny - love your reaction to how many people work in the vets - did you swear??!!##??!!##@#

All your projects this post are awesome, where do you get the time?

I'm sending out New Year cards this year as I have plum run out of time.

Have sent the bought Christmas cards out, but the crafted ones are still at the planning stage LOL

The trees are gorgeous, all of them, they are so elegant, and embossing is the way to go.

Love the photo of the week. Footprints in the snow - love it. No snow in Perth, even in winter. We are at the height of summer just now. I haven't seen snow for nine years. Do I miss it - NO!!

But it is nice to look at.

Hugs always
Jane xx

Angie said...

Hey Curt! I got your card in the mail today. Thank you so much! It is so beautiful, thank you!

Julia Aston said...

What a super project for the people at your Vet's office - I hope they truly appreciated the work that went into each and every one!

and I love your embossed trees with the fun 'ornaments'! I've used those little red thingys (only they were hearts) and I know how difficult they are to maneuver!!!

Very pretty cards Curt - I wish you and yours a most Blessed Christmas season - and give your doggies a big kiss for me!

Snugs,
Julia

Sharon said...

Your Christmas cards are gorgeous and your dogs are adorable. Keep up the good work. Take care!

Lauri said...

Hey Curt! Just stopping in to wish you and yours a very very wonderful Christmas! Enjoy!!

Ila said...

Hi Curt, all your christmas and candy cards are Gorgeous!!...and your presentation is Beautiful!!..I hope you and yours all had a Very Merry Christmas and Health and Happiness to you all in the New Year!!....Xmas Hugs, Ila

Jamie Martin said...

Wow, I can't believe all of the cards you made and they are all beautiful!

Denise said...

Thanks for the BEAUTIFUL card!! Have a very Happy New Year.

Hugs, Denise

Scossie Jane said...

Happy New Year Curt - Where are you?

Anonymous said...

Curt I love those candy sleeves... what an awesome idea. And the basket for them and that gorgeous tree card make a wonderful gift. Your Christmas cards are so elegant, too. I'm sorry to read about your friend, Joanne. We can never hug the ones we love enough. You are right, we never know. Life is so precious and just way too short. May God bless you and yours in the new year.

Jules said...

There is always so much meat to your posts! heehee!
I love all your cards!
Especialy your blue background one with the white tree!
Love your snow tracks photo at the bottom as well!
I haven't been blogging much, I was afraid that I had a lot to catch up with on everyone's blogs, but I see I am not the only one!
I hope your holidays were good!
I got a new camera for x-mas so I am off do do some exploring today!
{{big holidays hugs}}

Shirley said...

Wow! I am drooling and wondering how I ever missed your blog until now. I love all of these cards. They are so elegant.