Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Sunday, January 11, 2009

TONS OF VALENTINES/BLOG CANDY!

Hey All! Hope your weekend has been wonderful and stress free! My post today is my contribution to Pat Adam's cause for the children at Children's Hospital of Michigan. Pat was given a very tall request by the administrator there. She asked if Pat could come up with 1,000 valentines for the kids to swap with each other and give to parents and staff. Yes, you read it correctly, 1,000. So I, along with a bunch of other stampers have committed to help with this huge request. So, today I will show you what I made to send. Stay tuned because I'm giving away some blog candy as well as several others if you choose to help with this worthy project.


I made a total of two dozen cards to send to Pat. I made several designs and several of each design. Here is my first one:



I love this sweet image. It is a Stampabilities House Mouse stamp and this one is called "Love Bunny". I thought this would make a perfect Valentine. I stamped the image in Archival jet black and colored it with colored pencils and OMS. The sentiment was computer generated using my favorite font, Curlz. Both the image and the sentiment are mounted with foam squares for dimension. I made 3 of these.

My second design is this one:



How cute is this frog? It is from All Night Media. I stamped the background hearts on a window card. I then used my Nesties to make the little red frame around the cut out. I colored the frog with colored pencils and OMS then cut him out and attached him so that it looked as if he was hanging out of the window. I used a heart punch to make the heart above his head which is attached on the inside of the card. When you open it up it simply says "Happy Valentine's Day" and the heart is above it. I thought this would make a better "boys" Valentine. I made 3 of these.

Here is my third design:



I love these little bugs. This image is from Stampendous. I colored them again with colored pencils and OMS. I used Angel Wings Shimmerz on their wings for the glittery effect. I used my Nesties to cut out the scalloped rectangles and mounted the image and the sentiment with foam squares. Again, the sentiment is computer generated. I made 6 of these.

My fourth design:





Another House Mouse stamp. This one is so adorable. Again, I used my colored pencils and OMS to color the image. I mounted it on a Nesties scalloped rectangle and then mounted that to the card with foam squares. Added a strip of the same color card stock and added the ribbon I got at Michael's. I thought this too was a perfect image for a Valentine's Day card. I made 2 of these.

My fifth design:



This almost has a 50's retro look doesn't it? The tree image is by Artful Inkables from their "Endless Limbs" set. I stamped it with Versamark ink, then embossed it with fine detail black ep. I then stuck on all of those puffy heart 3 dimensional stickers. Attached that to a double matte of pink and black card stock and added the black photo corners. I made 3 of these.

My sixth design:



This is somewhat whimsical. I have this mini envelope punch that I never use, and I thought how can I use a mini envelope on a card. I then came up with this idea. I wanted it to look like the hearts and butterflies came flying out when it was opened. I used the mini envelope punch and a heart punch for those things. I then stamped the flourishes after I had attached my envelope to the card. I stamped the butterflies with Colorbox red ink and then cut them out and attached them. I attached the Nesties scalloped circle with the sentiment with a foam square for depth. I then used my sparkly Gelly Roll pen to do a few highlights. I really do like how this one turned out. I made 2 of these.

My seventh and final design:



I used "Inchies" on this card. This is the first time I've ever used them. For those of you who don't know what they are, they are 1 inch X 1 inch squares made out of almost something like chip board. They are pre-cut. So, I stamped the "love" image on one and embossed it with red tinsel ep, attached one of those stamped and cut out butterflies to another, glued button hearts on 3 more of them and finally attached a small flower and glued a small red gem in the center of that. I then attached them to the red card stock and that to the printed paper and then that to more red card stock which was then attached to the card. This one screams Valentine's Day! LOL I made 5 of these.

Here are all 24 cards together:



I cut the heavy watercolor card stock to A2 size cards, and they all have coordinating colored envelopes.

So, there you have it! It was a lot of work, and at times my hands were cramping from all of the cutting, piecing, and coloring. However, every time I would start to whine, I would think of what those kids must go through on a daily basis, and I shut my mouth very quickly! LOL This was a labor of love and I hope my cards bring these kids some love and smiles. They so deserve that.

OK, now to the blog candy for this project. I'm asking that you make some Valentine's Day cards for these kids and help Pat out. If you do, I will enter you into a drawing for the blog candy below:



It includes:

A complete stamp set that has every season covered. It has 24 stamps in the set.
A Fiskars cylinder punch set with a set of images for making baby stuff (elephant, bear, duck, rabbit.)
A vertical wood mounted "Thank You" stamp.
2 spools of dog and cat ribbon.
2 heart punches.
1 dog paw punch.
3 mini leaf punches.
2 mini magnet frames.
1 Hershey's Cookies and Cream giant candy bar in a sleeve that I made.

Here's what you do: Simply leave a comment on this post (you don't have to send cards to Pat to enter, but it would be so nice if you do).

If you would like to help with this project, please send Pat an email letting here know that you want to help. You can get the details here: Pat Adam. You can send her an email at mrsmiley6@aol.com. I will then put your name into a drawing and I will pull a winner on February 8Th. Deadline for getting cards to Pat is February 7Th. So, please help if you can.

Hope that made sense. . .Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by. You are the best, and I so appreciate your comments. They truly mean so much to me. Especially coming from such a talented group as all of you. Take good care! I'll be seeing you on your blogs! Don't forget the pic of the week below.

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

68 comments:

Sue from Oregon said...

Goodness, you have been so busy with all these wonderful creations...I got to go upstairs and stamp some today too! TFS

Marie said...

Wow! What wonderful creations! I read the part that said, "Donations" and already sent an email, then I came back to read the remaining of your post. I LOVE the envelope card. I will have to commend you on being able to make the same card over and over. I can't do that. My cards tend to look different every time. So, after I've finished making the cards I've promised, I'll come back with a link. Big Hugs, Marie.

Shirley said...

Oh Curt, you are something else. I had no idea the cards could be for adults too! I just found 16 cards I can send. And now for your stunning creatiions! Wow! I am loving them all. I am off to let Pat know a little something else is coming her way. Thank youuuu!

Anonymous said...

What a great cause!!!! I am so happy you are doing this because making Vday cards are my fav!!!!

I will keep you posted once I'm ready to get them over to you!!!

Thanks for sharing- they are really lucky to know someone like you!

:) Sara

sandyh50 said...

Love, love, love your cards and what a work of love! What a wonderful cause and I hope that we can all help Pat reach her goal. I am going to make some right now!

Julie Koerber said...

YIPPEEEEE! Gosh Curt - those rock! I know what you mean about whining! When I was making mine, I started to say - Ohhh, I am tired and then I remembered what it was like to feel so alone and scared in a big hospital after hours when your parents can't be there. The Valentines will definitely bring a smile to a kiddo's face. I personally love the little bugs! Those images are just too stinkin' cute!!

Thanks Curt!!

6 wacky women said...

Awesome valentines, Curt.
They are all done so beautiful...the kids are gonna love them! I hope she gets more than a 1000!!

Love the pic of the week...when we lived by the ocean there was a couple of seagulls that really had only one leg. They were too funny hopping all around on the sand, it must have been exhausting. I got tired watching them. lol

I've posted my cards for Pat, I wanna get in on that wonderful candy. hehe

Take care
Karen x

The Rubber Maid said...

Your Valentines are too cute for words, I love them all and offering candy too! Wow, good buddy you are one of the best. Thanks so much. Pat

Unknown said...

Love your cards!! I've already sent my donations to Pat - you can see them here

Unknown said...

Your cards are so cute! I made over 50 for the cause and will be mailing them out tomorrow morning!
Thanks for the chance to win such great candy!
-Cher

http://stampingwithcher.blogspot.com/2009/01/cards-for-kids.html

jeanie de la rama said...

wow!i'll try to finish someof those cards. :)

Mada said...

As always, your talent and creativity leave me speechless.

AWESOME cards all, but the one with the butterflies is out of this world. Wow!

I would love to be part of this, my only problem is with our postal service - you never know when they lose or 'forget' your cards. And they never make it to their destination.
But it won't stop me from trying, Pat's initiative is fantastic and I would be thrilled to know I helped her reach her goal, and also bring a smile on some kid's sweet face.

Hope the New Year found you and all your dear ones doing well and I hope it will bring you all nothing but good things.

If you have the time, please stop by my blog (HERE) - there's an award for you in there.
Your blog and work are fabulous.

Hugs,
Mada

Tracey said...

Wow, Curt, your cards are amazing!!! I'm making some cards to send to Pat too! It's such a fabulous cause!!

Jami said...

What an amazing bunch of cards Curt!!! They are all so wonderful, and it's so obvious that a lot of love and work went into each one. You have such a huge heart!! YOU ROCK!!!

I {love} #6....that is the most creative and cool valentine I have ever seen!!!

I'm off to Pat's blog to get the info...

hugs, Jami

DeeDee said...

Oh my word!!!!! Look at YOU!!! You are the sweetest thing ever!!! Your cards are all wonderful...my favorite is the bee card. It's so danged CUTE!!! I love that stamp and I think I need to look it up and get one!!!! Okay, I'm gonna try real hard to work this into my LONG list of things to do....I love helping the kiddos!!! THANKS for all the sweet comments you left on my blog....you're so GREAT!!! HUGS!!!

Denise said...

WOW, Curt those cards are all so beautiful!! I love everyone of them. You always put a lot of love into them. Hope you have a nice week.
Hugs~

Sharon Caudle said...

Oh Curt!!! How awesome of you to make so many cards for this wonderful project! Your cards are FANTASTIC although I've got to say I think that frog one is way too stinkin cute and my absolute favorite! Your envelope with all the love spewing out of it is a stroke of genious!!!! I love them all!! I'm working away on some and hope to have a good supply to send to Pat by her deadline. You're AMAZING! Hugs to you!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Curt, I just found your blog thru the Cards4Kids Valentine's project. I am right now waiting for a reply from Pat for her mailing address. I told her I had not planned on making Valentines because I did not feel I had the "right" stamps. Now that I see your beautiful creations, my feelings have changed, and I am making lots to send her. Thanks, and WoW would your blog candy ever help my cause. Linda lsfouratwindstreamdotnet

SparkofWhimsy said...

Hi! I just found your blog from surfing through other peoples. I've been seeing different people participating in this and it always gives me a little thrill when I come across someone new who is doing it. I've made 4 cards so far, which have already been sent and are on my blog. Your blog candy offering to folks is very kind. But I just love your cards, especially the flourishes and butterflies coming from the envelope!

Angelique

Diane said...

Wow~Wow~Wow!!! You outdid yourself this time! These are fantastic cards, I have a few Valentines made, just started really! I love them all, not sure which ones are my favorite, but I love the tiny envelope one, I have that and might have to make one like it...sort of!!! You have given me inspiration an di'm from Michigan, so thank you!!!!! My "card" mostly blog is www.nelliesnest.blogspot.com come and visit!

Jean Fitch from jlfstudio said...

Wow Curt you are one generous and giving guy. Love the cards and love your wonderful Best Shot Slideshow. The kids are really gonna love your cards.

Couldn't help noticing though that several of your doggie pics on the slideshow would make very cute Valentines as well. All that's missing is some text on the picture like "Be Mine Valentine".

Who's the little mop faced cutie on the leash in several of the pics? Too too sweet.

I'll get a brigade started to get more Valentine's out to Pat and the kids. Thanks for sharing your time and talents and especially your heart. - Jean

Lauri said...

So inspiring, Curt! I can tell you really loved making all these cards, and spent a lot of time and thought into their design!

Janine said...

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWO!!!!!
Fabulous cards for a fabulous cause!!!
Have a great day Curt!!

Jules said...

Your cards are just FABULOUS!
I am still working on mine, I am hoping to finish and post this evening.
Such a nice thing for Pat to be doing isn't it, and now she has so many friends involved!
Love your House Mouse cards as always...and the envelope full of butterflies is just adorable, so clever. I think my fav is your rockin' little 50"s heart tree!
Great job!

dpkennedy said...

Oh Curt, you are such a generous man! Your cards are FABULOUS! The kids and parents and staff are going to flip over these...from House Mouse to the hearts and butterflies busting out of the envelope! They are each gorgeous and so thoughtful!

I would really love to contribute and I am going to do my best.

You truly are wonderful. Thank you!

Gina Wrona said...

OMG Curt!

Your cards are awesome! I sent Pat an email today telling her to count me in. I guess I better get my but in gear to keep up with all of you, kwim?

Kindest Regards,
Gina

Angie said...

This is such a great cause, Curt! I hope they get the Valentines they need, plus many many more. I will try to participate, but we are moving today (woohoo!) and I don't know if I'll be settled in our new home in time to make and send out some cards. I'm gonna try though. Your card are wonderful and I know they will make those kids happy.

Laura Davis said...

Awwwww these are all darling! You are such a sweetie!
You have some serious talent going on here! I wish you would come and play at 2S4Y!
Hugs
Laura

Michelle Alejandro said...

Love these Valentine's cards! Especially the little mice, they are the cutest! I am working on my sister's wedding invitations, but will try and send Pat some cards. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Michelle

Danielle said...

This is my first time to your blog Curt and it won't be the last! What incredibly wonderful creations - the envelope card blew me away! God bless you for having such a big heart and helping these kids.
Danielle x

Anonymous said...

Great cards Curt! Each style has a charm of it's own, and the kids will love them! I've already sent Pat 18, and am working on my second set. Wish they were as cute as yours!

Cheryl B. said...

All your cards are fantastic! I love how you did the frog card.

I've been working on some cards to send too. So far I have been able to get 6 done (would have gotten more if it wouldn't have snowed so much this weekend--my stamping stuff is at my sister's house so I wasn't able to get over there until late yesterday afternoon).

I am completely confident that Pat is going to receive way more than 1000 cards.

Jeni Glee said...

Hi Curt,

I have really missed you, too! Dwain said that you were a big help to him while I was in the hospital....Thank you!

Each of your cards are so wonderful, Curt. They just made me smile and say "awww" as I viewed each one. Oh my, you are so creative and I am so happy you are my friend!

Love, Glee

Carolyn Bounds said...

All of these are genuine works of heART and are going to brighten the days of many!!! I am hoping to make a few cards for this beautiful cause, but my energy level isn't quite back to what it used to be. I have some cards to make for my son and I will add a few extra while I am creating his. I doubt I will be able to make 24, but I will try my damndest to get at least 12 completed.

Love and Hugs!!!
Carolyn

Carolyn Bounds said...

Curt...do not put me in for the blog candy. I just want to help:o)

HUgs!
Carolyn

Anthonette said...

Hi Curt,
Awesome cards! I especially love the retro Artful Inkables one and the last card with all the hearts.

I signed up with Pat this AM, made, and mailed 7 cards to her this afternoon. I've never done a challenge so fast. Thanks for offering blog candy. My cards are located here:
http://chavezdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/cards-4-kids-challenge.html

Jewel said...

Curt,
You have a heart of gold and gift of creativity. Both of which you are using to bring joy to others.

Jewel

Rebecca Ednie said...

I LOVE the envelope one. It is gorgeous. What stamp is that?

Rina said...

Aloha Curt,

I have already sent off some cards to Pat. Thank you for your generosity, it's truly appreciated!

God Bless!

BTW...love ALLLLLLL of your cards. Great work!

Cheri said...

I love the cards you made - you've been busy, indeed! =D

I emailed Pat & pledged cards - as many as I can make before the deadline. Thanks for "sweetening" the deal!

kathy e said...

Your cards are wonderful!!! I especially like the frog--it's hard to create Valentine's for boys and I think you captured it perfectly. I have already sent Pat a big box of cards for her ever-so-worthwhile project.

Anonymous said...

Curt these cards are super cute. The kids will absolutely love these!!! You have a big generous heart! I already sent my cards out to Pat!

WhimsicalThoughts said...

Those are some beautiful cards Curt! I already emailed Pat and let her know that I will be sending my cards next week! Love the pic of the week!

lisa808 said...

Gorgeous cards Curt! Great candy too! Thanks for the chance to win such a great package. Here's the SCS link to the three cards I sent to Pat yesterday:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1189756

Julia Aston said...

I love all your cards Curt! the frog is my fav I think - he is so cute and nicely colored too!!

I mailed off 20 cards to Pat and also posted the challenge on my blog...

what super candy you are offering - that is just so very nice of you!!

{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
Julia

Anita said...

Wow! Your cards are amazing! I sent cards to Pat.
anitamocha@sbcglobal.net
If you would like to see my cards, they are up on my blog. http://cardsandcoffee.blogspot.com

Scrapping Donna said...

Wow, your cards are amazing!!

Anonymous said...

Such nice examples. I mailed off 13 cards on Tuesday.

Anonymous said...

I THINK ALL OF YOUR VALENTINE CARDS ARE PERFECT...AMD THE "PIC OF THE WEEK" IS BEAUTIFUL, BUT,SAD....GLAD I'M NOT A "GOOSE", LOVE, MOM

Ashley Newell said...

Curt, your cards are amazing! Yikes! My cards look so sad next to yours. I have 15 that I've made so far to send Pat but I'm hoping to make many many more before the deadline.

Andrea said...

I have only managed one so far, but it is going in the mail to Pat tomorrow. Hoping to make some more before the 7th!

Dolce Deb's Designs said...

Hey Curt thank you for the chance to win some blog candy. I have been working feverishly making cards. I will be sending Patty 50 cards probably on Friday. I think I will make a few more because I am having so much fun making these cards. I hope everyone will at least make a few cards for the kids. Of course Patty also needs birthday cards and we know darn well that we all have a stash of cards we don't know what to do with so send them to Patty.

Hope you have a wonderful day Curt and it is good to see you back.

Debbie/Phx AZ

Lorraine said...

Just found you wow fantastic cards. Such a lovely soul you have.

Tonniece said...

Wow..... Who has been busier then you I wonder. These are all amazing, but that one with the envelope is too darling. Your gift of so many beautiful cards is mind boggling and I know they will love each and every one.

Jodi said...

I will definitely send cards to Pat!! I would more than LOVE to do something for those kids and their families!
You truly do have a big heart Curt! I love all the cards that you created and was so amazed at how many different ones you had made. Thank you for posting this, and sharing it with all of us.
Big Hugs!
Jodi =)

Crazy Creations said...

Im sending my cards out today .Its a great thing you all are doing .Thank you for the chance for the candy to .Sarah ketchum makeacard@yahoo,com

Anonymous said...

Holy Batman, Curt!!! Your cards are ALL so fabulous. You have given me so many ideas I feel like my head is about to explode!! lol I have some inches and have not used any of them yet.. What a wonderful creation you made with them.. Oh and that envelope punch, I have that too and I absolutely adore how you have the hearts and butterflies escaping from it.. SO COOL!! The wonderful coloring.. the darling frog.. FABULOUS!!!

Macpurp said...

Amazing cards!
inspired me to make some and posted them to Pat today.

love Tina xx

Jamie Martin said...

Wow, you've been stamping like crazy! They are all wonderful and who ever gets them will love them :)

Anonymous said...

Wow wonderful creation Curt...very girly Valentine Card..

Thanks for tell me about Pat and I have send her email to ask her home address.

Will send it tomorrow to Pat.

Thanks for the chance to win your candy :)

Monika

cathy said...

I love your valentines and what a great cause!!

Ann said...

Oh Curt - as always your cards are beautiful & you're so generous & kind hearted - what a guy!! Many thanks for your lovely comments on my blog too!! I will endeavour to send some cards to Pat & list your giveaway on my blog too.
Take care & Hugs
Ann xx

Anonymous said...

This was so much fun to send to! I made 30 cards and they will be out on Tuesday.

It's a good life!
Terri E.
territrotter@hotmail.com

Lastel said...

Those are some great cards you made for the kids ! I am sending a bunch of cards off to Pat on Tuesday . Thanks for a chance to win some goodies !

Mom22RedHeads said...

Love your cards, I sent 15 to Pat. Thanks for your generosity.

Debbie H said...

Your cards are so beautiful! I made 30 Valentine's to send off to Pat, had such fun making them. I hope the kids enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them!

Deb H
Alvaton, KY

Deb Neerman said...

OMIGOSH, these Valentines are just adorable!!! LOVE the inchies card ... and the l'il envie one too. Oh, shot, they're all terrific!!

~Hugs, Deb

PaperAddictJenn said...

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help others! I just emailed Pat for her mailing information.