Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Saturday, March 14, 2009

DID YA MISS ME???

Thanks so much to all of you who sent me emails asking if I was OK and letting me know that you missed me. I certainly have missed all of you too! I have no real reason for being missing in action. I don't know what had gotten into me. Has anyone felt that it was a forced effort to go make a card? I swear I felt as if I would rather do anything else than go up those stairs and "create". Each day I would say to myself "OK, after dinner, you are going upstairs." Then, after dinner, I would go check my email, get interested in a show on TV, then not go. Am I going through something that any of you have gone through? I'm also an AVID American Idol fan. So, those nights are completely out of the question, because it is too late for me to "start" something after the show is over. And of course, I would have to watch the news too. Geez! Well, the spell has been broken in a big way! I have a couple of new cards to show you, and in my "creating frenzy" over the past few days, I have created a whole bunch of new cards to share over the next couple of posts. I've also gotten several new stamps/sets to play with, so that has me excited again. So, let's get started shall we?

Here is my first card:


This one is for the House Mouse Monday challenge blog. The challenge this week was to create a "Male Card". I thought this image was perfect for that. It was very hard for me not to use ribbon, but I think it turned out OK. I colored the image with my "cheap" colored pencils and OMS, and then matted it with black and then attached it to the DP with dimensionals. The sentiment is computer generated.



My next two cards are for St. Pat's day. This next one is one of my favorites:



The image is Anna Wight's set called "Fish Friends" made by Whipper Snapper designs. Each image you see up there is a separate stamp. I LOVE Anna's work, and this is my first set of hers. I plan to get many more. With each image being separate, you can create any "scene" you want. I colored the images with my colored pencils and OMS. Also, see the photo corners up there? I bought a package of white self-stick photo corners to color. I used my Copics on these to coordinate them with the colors. This is my first "masking" attempt. I had to mask the frog so that I could have him sitting perfectly on top of the mushroom. The "Kiss Me I'm Irish" sentiment was created in Word.


My second St. Pat's Day card is more traditional, and really I'm not happy with it:







I wanted to use the Irish Blessing on this card. So I thought using Celtic squares to go with it would work. Well, it really didn't. I stamped the squares with Versamark onto green cs and then embossed them with black detail ep. There was too much detail on some of the squares that they came out looking to black. I mounted the one inch squares onto Inchie squares and then attached them to cs. The Irish Blessing was cut out using Nesties and then paper pierced. The shamrocks are sparkly stickers. It turned out OK, just certainly not one of my favorite cards. It also weighed a ton.


Well, that's it Kiddos. I also wanted to thank all of you who were so supportive and left such wonderful comments on Gunther's stamp set. You all certainly made me a very proud "Dad".

It's nice to be back, and I'll try to keep it that way. I'm going to spend lots of time catching up on your blogs over the weekend. Can't wait to see what you all have been up to!


Don't forget the pic of the week below! It is so sweet! I took it yesterday right out of my window of my craft room. She was just perched there, and I didn't even wake her when I opened the window! Enjoy!


Take good care all!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

49 comments:

Sue said...

Welcome back Curt, i adore your hm card gorgeous, great St Patricks cards,sue,x

Sue from Oregon said...

Hey glad you are no longer MIA...here's a suggestion...being an AI fan too..stamp and color images while watching! Great time to get caught up!

Lauri said...

Hey Curt, you are back in a big way!! But I know exactly how you feel! I go through the same thing (am right now, as a matter of fact)...and card creating should be fun and an enjoyment, not a "job" or obligation!!

Danielle said...

Great cards Curt! We all go through a mojo 'drought' at some point so don't feel bad! I think it's also the time of the year as you're not alone!! Fabulous work to make a comeback with!! I did miss checking your blog so am very happy you're no longer MIA!!
Hugs, Danielle

Anonymous said...

So happy to see you back Curt!!! I missed ya!

All your cards are fabulous too! You did an amazing masking job with that frog! Love the little scene you created!!!

What a great pic of the week!!!
hugs...

Erin said...

Curt..I did miss you.. I was just going to email to see how you were. Love your new cards.... I expecially love the Irish Blessing Card. When I was in choir we sang a song using those lyrics... Loved IT.. Hope you are doing good. Take Care.
Erin

Kelly L said...

Oh my goodness, Curt!! I am so glad I found the link to your blog on the HM challenge blog. Your schnauzer boys are gorgeous!! Your pictures are definitely $$ makers. I would love to have one or two or three of them adorning my wall. Then you create some adorable cards, too! Wow, what a guy!! :) I will be back. Hugs, Kelly L

6 wacky women said...

Well, its about time you got off your butt, mister!! lol

I just love your house mouse card, the image is colored to perfection, love the vibrant colors of the candy and the dotty paper. Sweet!
Your St patty's day cards are wonderful. Love the froggy one and the celtic squares are very beautiful...they go perfect with the verse. Love your pic of the week....really says SPRING!!

Take care
Karen x

Papier Creatif said...

Hiya Curt! I've been thinking of you too! I thought, if Curt isn't crafting, then I don't have to either! ;) Have you seen the Blogging Without Obligation thingy? Sometimes I feel like that too.

But what I really find is that I'll spend hours looking for inspiration, ideas, and projects instead of actually just doing - but I believe that's because I'm learning so much right now.

I *luv* the "Kiss Me I'm Irish" card you did. I'm drawn to the way you matted it. The classical lines and layout. They are all darling. I really love the celtic squares too! I found out recently that I've got a lotta Irish in me -- explains a lot.

Okay! I need to *create* instead of *type*!

Hug the Boys for me!

{xoxo} Juls~

Carmen O. said...

Good to see you're back in a BIG way! woo hoo those cards are fabulous and I like everyone of them! The HM one is fabulous and when I made mine I didn't use ribbon but a border punch. I really would like to get that stamp that you have there, it sure would make some awesome manly cards. That froggy one is too cute and I love the scene you created. Your sqs. on the last card look fab to me. I really should've made some ST Patrick's day cards since I'm Irish! Oh well hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Yea Curt! It's good to hear from ya! What an awesome come-back :)
These lil House Mice you color are sooo adorable! I love all the colors you used - it's perfect!
Great St.Patty cards too!
... and, your pic of the week is beautiful! I wish that I could take pics like that ;)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
xoxo

Angie said...

Hi Curt! It's good to see you back. I've had those times when creating is just not happening. It's ok to take a break so you can come back and really enjoy your creating time. My kids saw your picture of the week and they loved it. My five year old said "AW!" and my 17month old pointed at it and said "Buh!" She doesn't talk much, so that was something!

theneon said...

Oh, do I know what you are talking about when the creative bug loses in favor of American Idol, etc. I have been having one of those kinds of months and am just getting back to it myself. So glad you are back too! Your new posts are just great -- the HM is perfect with great colors that truly "pop" -- phrase is perfect too, and, great job with your masking on the "Kiss Me...." the other one you are not happy with -- I am happy with! Martha Kay

Sharon Caudle said...

Welcome back Curt!! I love ALL your cards! That mouse lifting life savers is just way too cute! GREAT guy card. LOVE your froggy, and I think those Celtic squares are stunning! Way to come back! Your pic of the week is GORGEOUS!!! So glad to see you back and creating again. And no, you are NOT the only one that goes trough that. It happens to the majority of us. :) hugs!

Diane said...

WOW, Curt, you came back in a BIG way...fantastic cards....all of them, and I LOVE the Irish Blessing one, too....I think "we" creators are just too hard on ourselves! The froggy one, I just love it! Isn't it always fun to get new stamps and paper to play with?? A friend was having a "get rid of" retired SU stamp sets, and I purchased 17 sets and 22 packages of DS paper, plus chiffon ribbon...well, that has gotten my "mojo" off its butt!!! The birdie picture is awesome! and you're not a paid photographer because??? Your work is awesome!
http://www.nelliesnest.blogspot.com

PS...I am a devoted Idol fan, too..so who do you think is a "winner"??

Denise said...

Welcome back Curt! Sure missed your creations, glad to see that you are once again posting some amazing cards.

The Rubber Maid said...

Hey good buddie, love your house mouse card, that is so cute. You rocked on your masking job...toadly awsesome. All in all, your cards are great. Happy green beer day. I'm doing a corned beef for the first time, should be fun. Pat

Heather said...

Hi Curt, glad you're back with some great cards. (I think we all suffer from this dilemma at times).
Love your House Mouse card- fantastic colours and perfectly coloured image.
Thanks for joining in now you're back.
hugs Heather xx

lisa808 said...

Welcome back!!! Your weightlighting card is adorable.

Anonymous said...

thanks so much for coming back to us.. and we all get in these type of funks.. thank goodness they don't last too long. thanks for the card, photos of the week and of course the boys... MaryAnn

Anonymous said...

Getting in 'the non-rubberstamping mood' used to really upset me!!
Now I go with the flow so to speak and it doesn't last as long. ;O)
Love, love, love your cards (as always).
Happy to see the dogs.
Gorgeous pic of the week - I really miss those.

twinkletoe said...

So glad to see you back Curt and with such lovely cards. How do you get the sentiment to go in a circle in WORD? Do you just print them on cardstock?

You don't have to post all the time but just let us know you are okay. I don't have any mojo at all. I just make cards now if I really have a reason - birthday or thanks. I have been stamping for over 20 years so something had to give!!

SweetMissDaisy (Anna Wight) said...

Love the cards, and WELCOME BACK! Nice to see you're in the mood to create again! I have times like that too... it's good to take a break from things now and then, but it seems the longer the break, the longer it takes to get my stampin' rhythm back again.

Elaine M said...

LOVE your pics, LOVE your card, LOVE you. Sooo glad to have you back - you were really missed.

mudmaven said...

Welcome back - you sure have been one busy guy! Love the hm card - so colorful and you did a great job with the aw froggy too! Love the deep rich colors in the SP day card as well. Your birdie sure is sweet too - great pic! ~chris

Becca said...

Curt, this is just adorable. Your doggies are sooo cute.

Rita said...

Welcome back kiddo! We all have some lazy days in us too where we don't want to create.

Your House Mouse card is so cute!Your coloring is amazing, so bright & beautiful! I think I need to get those pencils for myself, a birthday present to me from me, hehehe!!! I just had my kids & hubby spend a small fortune on SU a little earlier so that I could get the free stamps!

I luv your St. Patty's card, so cute, my fav is the frog, love that scene & DP! Hugs to you my friend!

Rebecca Ednie said...

Are your Celtic images clear stamps? Try pressing more lightly and try the black EP again. Pushing too hard can squish the stamp leaving wider lines than intended. I totally know about forcing myself to stamp. I am the So Sketchy guest designer this month and I or a family member were sick almost all of the three-ish weeks I was given to make my cards! It was VERY hard to sit down and create when I was finally well. I got too used to forcing myself to take it easy!! I'm not too sure about giving the weightlifter card to a guy. It is a bit too pastel I think but that is JMHO. Feel free to disregard it. I suppose it might depend on the guy you are giving it too. You definitely need to do some colouring while watching TV. After all, in between songs on Am Idol, there isn't anything to see besides judges you've seen a million times! I wish I could but I have a two year old! Hope your Mojo is back for good, I enjoy your work!

Nancy said...

Hey Curt! Welcome back, definitely have missed you! I was in a mojo slump too a week or so ago, not quite sure I've crawled out of it. :)
Love your HM card...it is perfecto! Your pencils are fab, "cheapo" or otherwise. Both your St. Paddy's cards are terrific, especially like those Celtic squares.
The dove in your pic of the week is so sweet!

Macpurp said...

glad you are ok! good to see you back!
beautiful cards and what a sweet photo you have taken!
love tina x

Judy said...

Welcome back, Curt. I know what you mean about having a dry spell; it seems that is what I am in with sewing and machine embroidery. For some reason, I just can't seem to get motivated to do any. But I have been in a card making frenzy.

I love your House Mouse card. It is just perfect.

America said...

I missed you Curt. Was begginning to wonder about ya my friend! Sooo happy youre back and creating because these cards totally are amazing - each in its own right. Love your coloring - man that coloring!!!! Thanks for being such a HUGE inspiration with your photography too. WOW!!! Would love to get your ADDY. Will you please PM it to me on SCS??

Anonymous said...

FINALLY GOT TO VIEW YOUR BLOG....I LOVE ALL THE CARDS...AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR "IRISH CARD". MY FAVORITE IS THE LITTLE "STRONG MOUSE" CARD...AND THAT SWEET DOVE SLEEPING IS AMAZING....YOUR AMAZING...LOVE, MOM

Janine said...

Hey Curt!! Glad to see that you are back creation and you know that it's alright to take a break now and again..
Have a great week!!!

dpkennedy said...

That House Mouse card is super cute! I love the bright colors and the polka dot dp! Your St. Paddy's cards are great too! I love that set from Anna...I haven't used it enough by any means! The Celtic one is very elegant too! Great pic of the bird...those mourning doves are so sweet.

Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog...you know, I think my boys are the cutest ever too! And you know what? That's a good thing because that's the ONLY thing that saves them sometimes!! I'm still glad they are not girls though...

Deb Neerman said...

Welcome back to Blogdom!! My Mojo leaves town sometimes, too. I've found that if I just enjoy my down time, once I get back in my studio, I'm really excited to create again. Never apologize for taking a "missin' Mojo-break!"

LOVE, love, love your cards! "Be Strong" is just adorable ... LOVE the coloring ... your coloring skillz are really awesome, Curt.

Okay, off to see what else you've been up to since my last visit!

~Hugs, Deb

Jodi said...

Hi Curt! Welcome back, it's always so good to have you with us again! You have been one busy bee, creating such a cute housemouse card, and all the fab St. Patty's Day cards! By the way, that stamp of Gunther looks just like him!! Congratulations on that!
Hugs,
Jodi =)

Marie said...

Hi, Curt! Your cards are fabulous as always! I really love the way you layered that oval scallop. You know what? I have like... at least 30 HM stamps... and I haven't played with them in almost a year??? Anyway, in regards to your feeling of not crafting. I've been there. Still am... in a sense. School's gotten me down. I feel like I'm not doing as well as I should. Anyway, I made a card dedicated to you. I'll have it posted soon. Big hugs, Marie.

Tonniece said...

Hi Curt
I too have been missing in action, so it's good to see you be back and it feels good to be back also.
Happy St. Pat's Day.

Great cards

Michelle Alejandro said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I love that little mouse, so sweet! Everyone needs an artistic break, and you deserve one so much! Glad that you are back! Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Michelle

Anonymous said...

well hun so glad your mojo is back!!!!!!!! I guess there is still hope for me. Love the cards as usual
Hugs, Cheryl

Etha said...

As always, your cards are just inspired and beautiful!! I love coming here to look what you've done and read about your dogs too :)
I know exactly how you feel about "going to the place to create"... I think its normal, sometimes its just not happening!! and I think that is totally ok, we're human ;)

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL cards, Curt! I so love those adorable HM images.. Your coloring is absolute perfection.

Becky said...

Great cards, love the house mouse, they are always my favorite. Sometimes we just need to rest our creative juices. Have you found a job ye?

magic boxes said...

Hi Curt

Great to be visiting again.

I call that stage 'The Nothings' - got it right now - must be a Rooster thing!

Didn't hold you back too much though, these are FAB!!!

Elaine x

Amy said...

Great 'Kiss me, I'm Irish' card Curt... I love the range of greens you used. It's a cute little scene!

Shirley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shirley said...

'Weigh' cute little mouse! Love the colors too! Your frog card is just too cute and pretty too!

Gad, you are hard on you! LOL I looked at it up close and it looks fine to a 'not you' viewer!!. It's a lovely Irish card!! Beautiful in fact!

Where have I been! Apparently not on your blog. Loving the new picture of your guys too!

I got through spurts of no card today. So I do images. Sometimes not even that. I think it's normal.

Terri said...

Hi Curt! This is my first visit to your blog---I loved it! Your work is awesome & I love "the boys"! That is an amazing story with the pic of your Mom!! Terri