Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

GUNTHER'S GREETINGS SNEAK PREVIEW!!!!!

Hey All! It's finally here! I get to show you the stamp set that was inspired by my Gunther! I have had such a blast making the 2 projects I'm showing you today. As my last post told you, the stamps were designed by Jami Bova of Stamp Happy with Sgt. Stamper. I am just thrilled with the set, but then I'm a little partial. . .LOL! Are ya ready???? Here is the package of the set, then I'll follow that with my projects. Introducing. . . .Drum roll is playing. . . .Gunther's Greetings:





Now, if you take the above stamp set and combine it with this:




You get this:



When I first saw the stamp set, I knew immediately that I would make a set of note cards. Can you believe the container is a Spam can? LOL A good blogging friend sent me a note card set in a spam can that she decorated and I had always loved it. So, I broke down and bought some Spam. I'm surprised that I still like it because it has been years since I've had it. I like to cut it in thin slices and fry it for a sandwich. Yum! OK, sorry, back to the cards. I love how "Gunther" peaks out over the edge. Here is the whole set out of the can:



The set consists of 6 note cards ( 5 1/8 X 3 5/8 ) each with matching envelope (one shown below) I had so many thoughts when I saw this set, but one of the first things that hit me was "She gave him a bandanna!!!! I immediately knew I could stamp it out on patterned paper and give him an array of bandannas just like he has in real life. (I know, you all are thinking I'm a little too nuts over this). So the note cards were born. As you will see below, the paper matting matches his bandanna on each card:





I then used coordinating ribbon for each. There are 5 sentiments with this stamp set (all adorable plays on dog phrases - see package at beginning of post) so each has a different sentiment inside, and one is just a blank note card. As I said, they also each come with a matching envelope here:





I only had a couple of things that gave me issues with this project. It took me some time to find paper in my inventory that had print small enough to show well on the bandannas. I also had a hard time trying to get the coloring down. It was hard for me to color a "black" dog when the lines had to be stamped in black. Drove me nuts actually. After several attempts, I finally decided to stamp the image in Versamark, then embossed them with fine detail ep. This made a big difference, however I still don't' think I did very well with the coloring. I can't wait to see the others designs to see how they colored him. But I don't think mine look too bad, especially with the bandannas. It's just that Gunther is jet black and it is hard to get that when coloring.

My second project involves a couple of items that I bought over a year ago and have never used. They were such a good deal that I couldn't resist buying them at the time. I also intended to use them for "the boys". When I got the stamp set, I new this was the perfect time to pull them out. Here it is:



It is a glass front memory box (or shadow box). You can either stand it up like I have it in the picture, or hang it on the wall. I bought two - one for each of them. They had been originally $24.99 at Hobby Lobby, and I got them on clearance for $5.00 each. They have hinges so the front part lifts up (see below):




The picture below shows the detail of what is inside:



This was like doing a scrapbook page, and that is kind of what I wanted it to be to remember the stamp set. I have always loved this photo of Gunther. There are so many captions you could put with it. You'll also notice that on this stamped image (and one of the note cards) I added a tongue to him! Of the hundreds of pictures I have of him, I have very few where he doesn't have his tongue hanging out. I also added a bowl of food to this one (Gunther is a chow hound).

So, there you go. My Gunther's stamp set! You can go to Jami's blog or to the 2 Red Bananas' blog to see what they did with the set. They may not have theirs up yet (It is now 2:03 AM - I just couldn't wait) so keep checking back.

Thanks so much for coming to see my Gunther's stamp set. I appreciate you humoring me through all of this. You all are so very sweet! Thank you again for all of your support. You'll never really know what it means to me.

Take good care and have a good rest of the week. I'll see you on your blogs!

Best,

Curt

Stamps: Gunther's Greetings 2 Red Bananas
Papers: The Paper Co., DCWV "The Pet Stack", Bazzill card stock.
Ink: Archival Jet Black
Stuff: Ribbon, 3 D stickers, K & Company Letter, colored pencils and OMS

69 comments:

Unknown said...

Great job on the note cards! I definitely love them! :D They are terribly cute! LOL.
That is so super exciting that THAT is YOUR dog!! :D Its so cool! :D

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Curt!!! The stamp set is wonderful! I ADORE your note cards and that shadow box is to die for! You are so amazingly creative, I just love ya! Turning that Spam can into a work of art is such a great idea! Your blog makes me smile every time you post. You are such a talented guy! You make me want to start my own blog! I wish I had the time. Again Curt - AMAZING work! Helen, Arizona

Carolyn Bounds said...

How cool is this!!!! I am SOOOO excited for you and Gunther:o) What a treat!!! First of all, the set is amazing!!! I know you about flipped when you got them!!

Next, both of your projects are fabulous!!! I love the matching bandanas, backgrounds and envies!!! Beautiful!!! The frame is to die for cute!!! You always make the most wonderful creations.

Finally, I think your coloring is perfect!!! Stop being so hard on yourself! I have yet to see anything made by you that doesn't look marvelous!!!

Thanks for sharing these beauties and your joy with us!!! Your elation is infectious...I feel the positive, happy energy all the way in NC:O)

Hugs!
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Curt - these are AMAZING!!! I LOVE how you matched their bandannas to the backgrounds AND the envies!! Your coloring is wonderful...black is always hard, but you nailed it!

That shadow box is too cool. I love how you put the little bowl of food between his paws. And how you made his little tongue sticking out is too cute!!

Curt - you are such an inspiration to me. Every time I visit I fall in love with something new...your gorgeous projects, your beautiful photography, your fantastic sense of humor, and your big heart!! I feel so blessed to call you friend!

Hugs, Jami

Lauri said...

Congratulations!! This is so exciting!! Jami did a great job on the stamp set, and Gunther certainly gave her a lot of inspiration!!

Your note card set is absolutely wonderful..and makes me want to go buy SPAM! Your loves for your guys shows through every project!

Those shadow boxes..beautiful..and what a deal!! $5!

Thanks for sharing all of this Curt! You are such an inspiration to all of us!!

Sue said...

Oh congratulations what great stamps, you must be so thrilled, gorgeous cards you have made, sue.x

Danielle said...

wow Curt - what fabulous projects you did with those new Gunther stamps! The colour coordinated note cards are simply adorable - you've done amazing work! You should be so proud - I'm beaming and smiling for you too!!
Hugs, Danielle

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

Too, TOO Stinkin' cute! OMG! Curt you've completely outdone yourself on this project and truly have done Gunther proud! The noteset if my favorite because I make a lot of dog themed cards and this set featuring your beautiful boy is definitely on my next stamp set shopping list.

Congratulations to you and Gunther. Now how about a followup featuring Shotsy? Come on now...you know ya gotta!

Wonderful artwork!

Cheers,
Jennifer
p.s. Gabe, Paige and Willow send their woofs and slobbers to Gunther and Shotsy.

Nancy said...

Wheeeeeeee...what a great set, Curt! I know you are thrilled, and I can see why. Your card set is so unbelievably cute! Love the bandanas and how you matched them to the cards and the envie liners!
The shadow box is wonderful! Definitely can't beat what you paid for it!
Congrats on the stamp set! Keep on shining!

Jackie said...

That stamp set is adorable and I love those note cards! The bandanna was just the perfect touch. You did such an amazing job on the cards and that Spam can, too cute! Next time we have Spam (we like it fried, too) I will try to remember to save the can and so something with it. Thanks for sharing your wonderful projects!

Maraya said...

You have been BUSY! Your cards turned out great and love the different bandanas. Gunther is adorable!

dpkennedy said...

Your note card set is fantastic! Oh how proud you are of Gunther! The stamp set is adorable and I love all the cards you made! The Spam can idea is great! And I am totally drooling over fried Spam...I can't remember the last time I had it, must be 20 years ago...I remember my mom making Spam and egg sandwiches for us! Mmmmm! I am so happy for you and Gunter-this is just awesome!

On another note: Help in coloring images that are black, go to Marianne's blog I Like Markers following this link:

http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/2008/08/coloring-black-things-with-grays.html.

She has a whole tutorial on this an other amazing techniques, such as how to make white, white! (hint, it's not really white!)

6 wacky women said...

What a fabulous stamp set, Curt.
Awesome job of the note cards, in a spam can no less.I would never have known if you didn't say so...lol! Very clever, I will have to remember that one...but I will send you the spam...yuck! I love all the matching scarves, paper and ribbon. Oh, and the envelopes,
wow!
I absolutley love the shadow box too. The stamp is the spitting image of handsome Gunther. Wonderful little details too. Such a keepsake.

Well Mr....you did an amazing job with Gunthers Greetings!! Your work is always an inspiration.

Have a great day...
Karen x

SweetMissDaisy (Anna Wight) said...

Hey, congrats!! What fun! No doubt you'll treasure that set for years to come!

Wendy said...

I love your notecard set. And the tin they're in is adorable. I got to do a sneak peek with this set too. I had a hard time with patterned paper for the bandana, too, so I just used a small flourish stamp to make a pattern.

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Woo Hoo!!! Gunther has been immortalized! ;) This is an adorable set! Congrats Curt!!!

I am VERY partial to everything you create! but those bandanas are killing me!!! I adore those lil note cards in the spam :) What a fab lil creation to share!

I love using shadowboxes! That is a superb layout!

Great work Curt! I bow to you ;)
TFS!!! xo, margie

Jeanette - said...

Curt - I'm so happy for you and Gunther, Shotzy too :) I LOVE the notecards and the tin. I haven't had spam in forever!!! I too love the bandanas, and your matching envelopes are precious! The shadowbox is amazing! Thanks so much for sneak peeking this awesome set with us.

I agree with everyone, that each time I come to your blog I leave with a smile on my face. You're such a sweetheart, thanks for the inspiration!!
Hugs,
Jeanette

Cassie said...

congrats curt! what a proud day for you to have your sweet doggie immortalized in rubber!! he's simply precious and i love the expression on his face!!

great projects too!

Erin said...

Curt I love what you did with the spam can.love it..lol
Also love the cute note cards and I love the cute little picture frame that you made... I bet you were just loving using that cute stamp...... Take Care
Erin

Teresa said...

Curt thanks so much for sharing your Gunther with us. He looks great in photos and on your cards. I think you did a great job coloring and I love the coordinated bandanas. I used the stamp set and colored the dog brown. Hope no offense to you or Gunther.

Papier Creatif said...

CUUUUUUURRRRT! How sweet is that?! O-M-G!!! Now, this isn't all goin' to Gunther's head is it? Is he prancing around acting all cool? lol ... Now, I realize which dog is Gunther - with the floppy ears. I wish I could hug him! And I *luv* the coordinating cards and container, and shadowbox. Well, I *luv* it ALL!

I'm sure you are the proud Pa-Pa!

Tammy Hershberger said...

How precious! And your projects are wonderful! Congrats to Gunther for being American's Next Top (Stamp) Model!

Joani McDonald said...

Oh Curt, I love it! How cool to see your pup in rubber! I love your projects, they are very nice. You are so talented!

Gunther could (should) be Americas Top Dog!
Hugs,
Joani

America said...

OHMYGOODNESS CURT!!! you must be super excited!!! This great gunther set totally ROCKS!! A MUST HAVE for me. What wonderful inspiration for Jami to have your handsome doggies put into stamps. WOW!! How totally amazing! Love how youve created your spam can into notecards (I love spma too! Those darn Hawaiians turned me into lovin SPAM when we lived in Oahu for 2 years) LOL!! Oh these notecards match beautifully with the puppies bandanas and those great backgrounds. Its the little things that you do and about "YOU" that TOTALLY inspire things in all of us Curt. im honored to call you my friend also. You know Im a huge fan and that I love your creativity and your talents and your puppers. AWESOME!! America

Chris said...

that stamp set is super cute, and what you did with it...ROCKS!!! what a fab gift!! love the spam can...LOL

Michelle Alejandro said...

OMG! This is the cutest! Congrats to Gunther! He is a total superstar now! Will have to get this set when it is available!

Lorraine said...

wow amazing stamps fantastic job on notecards and what a star Gunther is. My Daisy Schnauzer is 15 now an old girl but still gorgeous.

Rita said...

OMGosh!!!! Curt this is soooooo cute! I luv this set & I have to get this when it comes out! You must be over the top excited!!!! Gunther is too cute & these cards are so adorable! Great gift this spam set, hint, hint, hehehe!!! Congrats kiddo! Luv ya, Rita

Macpurp said...

these new stamps are woofytastic!!!

your handsome young man looks fab as stamps! I also have problems colouring in the dog stamps I have like my Poppy with her being a black lab. I need to work that!.
I love your notelets and photo page.
I hope Shotsy is not too put out with his brothers new found fame!
well done you!
love tina x

mudmaven said...

Curt these are totally amazing! Love them, love them! Great job with the projects and I think your coloring is wonderful! Congratulations! ~chris

Denise said...

OMGoodness Curt, that stamp set is so CUTE!!! I love what you created with the Spam can, great set of cards!!

Julie Koerber said...

That is the coolest thing ever!!!! Is Mr. Gunther getting a big head??? LOL! How fun and what a great story for those you give your cards to! Your coloring is just fabulous and you've got to love those paper pieced bandanas!

Unknown said...

Curt this is just priceless!! Everything! the stamp set the spam can the notelets - it's all wonderfull - submit this to a mag somewhere for goodness sake - it's awesome.

Bonnie Weiss said...

OMG...the anticipation was killing me! But it was so worth it. The stamp set is adorable and such a tribute to Gunther. He must be so proud! Your cards and altered tin are wonderful and the frame is just too sweet. I'm sure these are only the beginning of wonderful projects to some, using this inspirational set. Now I'm off to order a set for myself!

twinkletoe said...

Everyone else has said all the good stuff so I just want to say that I agree with all of them. We love you Curt!!

Sue from Oregon said...

Wow, I hope all this hoopla doesn't go to Gunther's head...he is pretty famous now! How exciting for you!

Anonymous said...

How adorable!!! Your cards with the matching paper, ribbon and bandanas totally **ROCK** :)

And the Spam can, geesh who'd ever thing to use that? Guess that means I'll have to pick some up and try to figure out what to do with the contents ((it's not a popular Protein choice in my diet! ha)).

I hope Gunther knows what a lucky pup he is, having his very own rubber images ~ aaaaahhh, I'm so totally jealous. =)

Anonymous said...

these are just the cats meow (oops the "dogs bark") hope the company has enough of these stamps in stock as I have a feeling thsy will be jumping off the shelves. What a wonderful tribute to your great dogs. love the set, love the shadow box, thanks so much for caring and sharing. maryann

Angie said...

Curt, this is absolutely wonderful! I love the stamp set, and I love that it has Gunther's personality to it. WOW! And your note card project is great.I love that everything coordinates! Great shadowbox too. That is the perfect little keepsake for years and years.

Joan Fricker said...

Curt, how exciting! Great new stamp and you have done a wonderful job with your note cards. I love your shadow box too.

Great job on it all and I know you are so happy to have a Gunther stamp.

I love your Spam box too. Spam....now that was a memory flash back. We ate lots of it when I was growing up and you are right...fried and on a sandwich with Mayo.

Joan

The Rubber Maid said...

How fun is that, having a set made
for your dog! Awesome and your note
cards are so cute. Haven't eaten Spam since I was a kid and it was a meal meat, and now we eat steak.
Pat

Skraptacular Designs said...

Your note cards are just too cute!

Hugs,
Priscilla

Jane Wetzel said...

YIKES!!! You are totally talented! the cards, the spam, THE DOGSSSSSS!!!! WOW! Love this!
tfs!

Dawn B. said...

What a sweeeeet idea. I just love it. Found your blog through Jami. You have lots of talent. Keep up the great work..

Ila said...

Congrats Curt!! the stamp set is totally Wonderful...and the notecards are Fabulous..I love the paper pieced bandanas!...and the memory box is Beautiful!!

WhimsicalThoughts said...

OMG, I have to have a set, it's so cute and you did a great job, love the memory box.

Julia Aston said...

How super fun to have a set of your very own doggie!! And I cannot believe you ate Spam so you could get the container!!! LOL!!!!

Anonymous said...

MY GRANDOG IS A STAR...CARDSS ARE "GUNTHER'S GREATEST"..NOW WE'VE GOT TO FIND A "STAR" FOR SHOTSY.. LOVE, MOM

lisa808 said...

Fabulous job on the note cards. They are so cute. Love the bandana detail. What a great set. Does Gunther realize he's famous? Both of your boys look so sweet in their St. Patrick's bandanas. Best wishes, Lisa

neverenoughrubberstamps said...

I just adore your Best Friends!

Absolutely Love Your Blog!

Cheers,

Dorothy

Judy said...

Oh wow Curt!!! Your Gunther note cards are wonderful. That stamp set is just super.

I know Gunther is a Schnauzer but I think the stamp would almost pass for our Annie who is a Terrier mix -- the beard looks just like hers. So I just may have to get the set.

Diane said...

I can see why you are so excited! The stamp set is "fab"...you lucky dog you...LOL! Loved the cards you did, too, I haven't had spam in 30 years, you brave soul, I bet Gunther would of loved that! I just think I will have to purchase this set when available....now only if they could do a Nellie stamp set...sigh!

Scossie Jane said...

Wow Curt, what a long way you have come - I am so excited for you my friend.

To have a set of stamps inspired by one of your boys - Gunther - what an honour.

I love your Spam Notelet Set, how inspirational you are, and the bandanas, way too cool.

Your colouring is beautiful, you have done a lovely job - way to go....

Love ya
Jane xx

Anonymous said...

Really dog gone cute!!!! I love what you did with the note card set and I must get those stamps. The bandanna cordination was really the added touches that made the cards extra specail. Blending those design elements and care is why I am a fan.

Papier Creatif said...

Curt! Awesome photo *Are We There Yet?* ... lol ...

Anonymous said...

Curt these are awesome!!!!! Love love love them all!

Shirley said...

How absolutley adorable and what a great card holder too! Your art is always so inspiring. You have an award waiting for you on my blog. Love your new stamp set too!

Becky said...

This is a cute stamp set, and you did an awesome job making these gorgeous cards,love how you colored coordinated the bandanna's and what a great idea with the spam can :).

Stampin' Meg said...

OMG _I can't believe that you ate SPAM-my in-laws are Hawaiian and eat it all the time- prompting me to pick up a stamp at Viva Las Vegas stamps that says "friends don't let friends eat SPAM"!
But about your doggie and those stamps- that is just fantastic- and the cards you made with them are just perfect ,Curt-You must be one proud puppy pappa!

Jeni Glee said...

Isn't this the "bestest" stamp set???? I love it, Curt! Gunther is a STAR!!!!! The card set is marvelous and using a can of Spam is so clever, my Friend! I love your work always!

Nina said...

LOL Curt you are certainly like a "beaming" bragging daddy!! :O) which is a good thing! Your notes cards are a GREAT set and what about that stamp set? LOL.. yep it certainly rocks and the line drawing is super and I especially like how he is positioned in the stamp and of course the bandana was a must! Now on to the spam can... what a great idea... ummm.. but you DO have to buy the spam! ummm. I wonder if I know anyone that would amit to eatting it... LOL... but my main question is ... do you get the smell totally out of the can? or do your cards smell like spam? LOL.. I totally think I am going to buy some spam now and make a card set to send someone!! OK.. my hoosier friend... again congrats on the stamp set and I am sure you two are in a full glory right now!! have a great kind of day!!

Janine said...

CURT!!! FABULOUS projects and cards.. WE just got back from Tampa and I am trying to play catch up... Looks like all is well with you!!

Gina Wrona said...

Hi Curt,

WOW, I am just speechless! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, very talented & creative! Love all of it!

Carmen O. said...

Curt your note cards are fabulous! I love how they match. It's so awesome to see how excited you are about Gunther's stamp set. What a fun idea to use a spam can for the notecard container. I also love the scrapbook page. What a memory to treasure. Have a great weekend!

Etha said...

Oh my gosh your notecards are just amazing!! so cute, and Gunther is famous :) just love it!!
The spam container is a super idea... hmmm, who do I know who eats this :)

magic boxes said...

Hi Curt

At last - my computer is playing nice!

Fantastic note cards and how brilliant and funny is the SPAM tin!

You must be very proud right now what a fabulous stamp set!!!

Elaine x

twinkletoe said...

Curt - we have not seen you for a while. I do hope you are well. Please let us know you are okay.

Deb Neerman said...

What an adorable stamp set; you must be so proud!!!

And I really LOVE your note-card set! Great packaging and the color-coordinated cards, bandanas, and ribbons are perfection! WoWzA, jess love this project, Curt!!!!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say I love your shadow box idea.