Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Sunday, June 14, 2009

NEW NOTE CARD SET


Hey All!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I want to start this post by saying a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who sent Jay a get well card. WOW they were wonderful. And a couple of you were thoughtful enough to include a little something for me! LOL You are all wonderful! They really meant so much to Jay, and he said he couldn't believe that people who didn't even know him would send him cards. He told me to be sure to let every one know how much he appreciated the well wishes. I'll be posting them next post. For some reason, I'm having trouble getting them from the memory card to the computer. All the other pics uploaded fine, but this batch of your cards that I took this morning for this post won't upload no matter what I've tried.

Today, I've got a note card set to share and a card using a new technique (new to me) that I saw at Stamp TV with Gina K. So, on with the post:

Here is the card I made using the technique called "Pullin' Pastels". Take a look:



This is kind of fun to do. You take a dark piece of card stock and and rub it with different colors of chalk (not ink). Then you take silhouette style stamps, ink them up with Versamark ink, and stamp the image right on the chalked card stock. The Versamark on the stamp literally pulls the chalk off of the card stock which creates the image. This card has an almost Asian feel, and I love how it looks like the images are silhouetted by twilight. I used EK Success chalks on black Bazzill card stock. The hummingbird stamp is by Stampabilities and the rest of the flora stamps are from Inque. The set is called Silhouettes. I don't know what the deal is with the color of the border. This photo was taken in direct sunlight outside, so the "yellow" border you see is actually the color of the pale green you see in the chalked area. You can find the video tutorial here.

My next project is another note card set. I made this for a neighbor who was so good to us during Jay's recent illness. She came over to offer to plant my flowers for me, and brought us food after Jay came home. She is wonderful and a wonderful cook too! Here is the set:





I call this one the "Summer Notes" card set. The note card holder is the same design I used in my last note card set, and again, you can see the tutorial here. I LOVE this card holder so much. I altered this one a little by not using the eyelets on the inside sleeves. They really have no purpose, and you really have to be careful to cover them up on the front. So this time I simply used red line tape to secure the flaps. I love how this turned out so bright and cheery. I wanted the outside to reflect "summer" and the note cards inside to reflect "summer things". Here are the inside cards:


The image is from Happy Hopper from Stampabilities. All the images for this project were stamped with Archival Jet Black ink. I colored it with my cheap colored pencils and OMS. I used my Nesties Labels dies to do the mat. I wanted to get the feel for home plate and these were close. I took white brads and used a red Sharpie marker to make them look like baseballs. Don't laugh, it is hard for a guy to work with small pieces! LOL I then added the corner brackets which I punched out and put those on DSP that resembles a grassy field.



This is also a Happy Hopper image. I colored it like I always do and then used my Nesties to cut out a frame for it. I used a black colored pencil to draw in the watermelon seeds on the frame and then attached it to watermelon paper. This paper came in one of those "stacks" but it wasn't by DCWV. I don't know who makes it, but it was perfect for this card. Added the rhine colored ribbon to finish it off.



Again, another Stampabilities House Mouse image this time. Colored it like I always do and then matted it with a piece cut out with my rectangle scalloped Nesties. I used foam squares to attach it to the card. The lemon paper was from the same stack above. Again, it was perfect for this card. If you look close (click on pics to make them bigger) you can see the "droplets" of water I added using Diamond Glaze. I also attached the yellow dew drops to each corner and then added my ribbon.



The last one is also a Happy Hopper. How sweet is this bunny eating an ice cream cone??? This is simply matted and attached with chocolate brown brads, attached a strip of DP matted with chocolate brown card stock, ribbon added and done!



Another shot of the whole set out of the holder.

Well, that's it for this post. I hope all is going well in your worlds. Again, thanks to all of those of you who showed such kindness to us. I'm such a lucky guy to have you! Don't forget the pic of the week below. I'll be seeing all of you on your blogs! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving comments! They mean so much!


Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

49 comments:

Sue from Oregon said...

Wow, you have been busy! Wonderful card set you have made for your neighbor...maybe she will make you some cookies now LOL just kidding!

6 wacky women said...

Awesome cards, Curt.
The hummingbird is just amazing and I love your note card set. No one colors the HM images better than you...they are all fabulous!!
Great pic of the week.

Karen x

Jackie said...

What a wonderful gift! I'm sure she will love it, your work is always so beautiful. I hope Jay is feeling much better and you both can get out and enjoy this lovely summer weather with those adorable dogs.

Joan Fricker said...

Curt, your note cards are just adorable. I know your neighbor will so happy to receive them. I love the summer colors too.

I am glad Jay is doing so much better. I haven't been able to make a card in weeks due to our redecorating my craft room. So, I am so sorry I didn't get a card sent off to him.

Have a great week!

Joan

Diane said...

What a perfect Summer Card set! Makes me want to buy all those Happy Hopper and Mouse stamps! Glad all is better for you all and "we" hope we can hear from you more often...LOL!
http://nelliesnest.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Oh My, they are all so cute, I just love the ice cream one! I wish I was your lucky neighbor!
Good health to you both!
Sandra B

Danielle said...

Gorgeous cards Curt! That chalk technique is superb and the result is quite stunning ....! I just love your "Summer Notes" set - each card is so beautifully done! Your neighbour will just love receiving these I'm sure!
Hugs, Danielle

Patti J. said...

Well Curt and Jay! It sounds like your lives are somewhat back to norm. So glad that Jay is feeling better, and that you Curt, have posted some more beauties for us! Great job on your neighbors cards - she will absolutely LOVE them! Have a great Monday!

Anonymous said...

LOVE THOSE NOTE CARD....EACH THEME IS BEAUTIFULLY DONE. I ALWAYS THINK YOU CAN NEVER OUTDO YOURSELF, AND, THEN YOU DO. ALSO LOVE THAT "HUMMINGBIRD" CARD TOO., HOWEVER, I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE ABOUT YOUR "PIC OF THE WEEK". LOVE YA, MOM

christina d said...

I love the set you made your helpful neighbor. I'm glad that Jay is doing better. Can't wait to see the get well cards!

Sharon Caudle said...

Love that card set, Curt! Isn't it wonderful to have nice neighbors??!! And that hummingbird card is awesome!! Love the look of it, and will have to try that technique! Thanks for the link! Hope things are going well for you today!
hugs!
Sharon

Becky said...

What a wonderful card set, and you coordinate your cards so well. The humming bird is awesome. It is wonderful to have great neighbors. I live in a small town where every one knows you and would give the shirt off their backs for you. I am glad Jay is doing better, maybe next time you should do this for his birthday-have every one send him a card :). You two take care of yourselves. O--by the way--have you found a job yet??
Blessings
Rebekka

mudmaven said...

Oh my Curt, that set is just wonderful! Love all those images! It's so bright and cheery! ~chris

America said...

Hi Curt! Thanks for the Versamark & Chalk technique!!! I can always count on you to provide us with lots of great resources. Gotta give that a try! Also, your super CUTE HM set is JUST toooo adorable! LOVE your color choices and perfect coloring!!!! :)

Macpurp said...

so many fantastic makes! that chalk card is amazing, will be trying that out.
sorry to hear Jay has been poorly. Hope he is feeling better.
I love the new picture of your boys at the top of the blog.

love tina x

~MudpieMouse said...

I really like the the first card you created. You're right about the Asian look to it. I love, love, love the card set. The card holder is gorgeous and the cards are too cute! Keep on stampin' on!

p.s I hope Jay is on the mend :)

Jodi said...

What a pretty card you made with the chalks!! Love it! I also love that set of cards you created for your neighbor. Very pretty coloring and adorable images!!
I am in the process of creating a card for Jay and just have not had a chance to complete it. It will be done this week I promise!!
Miss you Curt!
Hugs
Jodi =)

Michelle Alejandro said...

Wow Curt you have been busy creating such wonderful cards! The set for your neighbor is just so sweet. You are the best at coloring the House of Mouse images! I am glad that Jay is feeling better and that you are able to craft a bit. Have a wonderful week!

Hugs and aloha,
Michelle

Etha said...

beautiful cards Curt!! Love that silhouette one, I'm running to my desk this minute to try this tech :) Your notecard set is amazing, what a wonderful gift!!
I hope Jay is doing much better now :)

Percy said...

Beautiful cards for your neighbor! Lucky her!!! I love those house of mouse cards.

The card where you used the pulling pastels technique is beautiful!!!Love it

Glad to hear Jay is doing better.....He is still in my prayers!

Scossie Jane said...

Curt, you're Summer Note Card set is beautiful, your stamping and colouring to perfection as always...

Love the Hummingbird Pullin Pastel technique, you're always full of inspiration...

Regarding my last Cricut Club stuff, I had to give up my job at the Scrapbook shop because my shifts as a nurse are just so all over the place. I had a two year break from nursing, allowing me the pleasure of working in the shop, but now, something had to give... Guess which one pays more money, and doesn't cost me a small fortune every time I go to work !!!

But I still have loads of projects from the Club to post over the coming weeks - you need to get yourself a wee Cricut machine Curt.....

Love ya - glad to hear Jay is doing OK....

Anonymous said...

Curt, I Love your summer note card set, super cute hm images, wonderful colouring on all of them.. your neighbor should absolutely love recieving this. I am going to have to try the chalk/versa mark technique - I really like the effect it gives.
hugs... Pat Rose

lisa808 said...

Love the note card set. The holder is so pretty and summery. The images you used for the cards are adorable!

Sue said...

Wow Curt what a gorgeous setof notelettes, lovey pressie for someone. Thank you so much for your words of encouragment i am 30/40 a day!!! Did it many moons ago for 6years!!! I will do it again. Many thanks sue.xx

The Rubber Maid said...

Hey Curt good to see you on post again and thanks for reminding me about the chalk technique...haven't done that one in ages. Very nice cards, especailly love the hummingbird as I have a thing for that little bird. Pat

Sharon said...

Curt
These are beautiful cards. I discovered your site from another blog pal. Look forward to seeing more of your work. I am a Indiana girl myself.
BTW your pups are adorable!!

Carmen O. said...

Wow your notecards and holder are fabulous! You really are rockin out the creations. The Pullin' Pastels card is cool, I'll have to give it a try sometime. Have a wonderful week!!

scrapperjulia said...

Hi Curt, I have been to your blog before, you are very artistic! I live in the Southern part of the state. I have been to Carmel several years ago for one of my kids ball tourneys. I love this technique, it seems pretty easy to do, I will have to try it! Love the card set too, you know I love House Mouse cards!

Jeni Glee said...

Fabulous cards, my Friend! I always smile when I come here -- your blog is just so HAPPY!!!!!

{{{HUGS}}}

Fab said...

Gorgeous cards Curt, thanks for the compliments on my Christmas blog, and there's the clue...I can't help it, I have to make Xmas cards for my Christmas challenge ! LOL And believe me when I tell you that I struggle to come up with new stuff every week.

You're extremely talented Curt, keep following your bliss ! XXX Fab

Dawn B. said...

You did a super job with this fun summer set. She is going to love them I am sure of that. Your holder is really great. So glad that things are back on track. Take care..

Sonya said...

Great cards...I especially love the Happy Hoppers...those little guys are my favorites. I need to get mine out to play I think. Or perhaps my House Mouse...tons of those who have not seen any paper in forever.

Sonya

Susan (rainy) said...

I love this note card holder and just checked out the tutorial for it. Fabulous! Thanks for the link!

You've made a wonderful set of cards for your neighbor. (LOVE the red sharpie on the white brads for baseballs!! Genius!!)

Mandi said...

Fantastic hummingbird, but the notelets are so bright and cheery..SOOPER DOOPER

Theres something for you on my blog
have a good day Curt
mandi xx

Julia Aston said...

what a fun technique card! love the colors you used on it - and your card holder and beautiful house mouse cards are just super - what a great way to thank a neighbor!

Lorraine said...

Wow Curt love the note set what a super gift, you other cards are just wonderful. Hugs xx Lorraine

Joani McDonald said...

Oh Curt ~ those cards are just lovely! I'm sure that she will greatly appreciate them. I'm so glad to hear that Jay is on the mend. That's great news!
You take care too!!
Hugs,
Joani
OH! And I love the new picute of your doggies *Ü*

Deb Neerman said...

LOVE, love, love your cards, Curt! How sweet of you to make your "Summer Notes" set for a gift to your neighbor!

I'm so happy to hear that Jay is feeling better!

Papier Creatif said...

Curt!

As if you don't have enough awards, I left you yet another on mine! You are so deserving and I appreciate all your warm hearted posts and fabulous creations.

I also enjoy watching your harem of followers grow! You chick magnet!!! ;)

{xoxo} Juls~

Michelle B. AKA JustPaintingAround said...

Love that note card holder! What a great idea!

Crystal said...

Oh, my goodness -in-glory, Curt ! These cards make me smile ! They are so cute and you color them and spiff them up just beautifully ! How are the " boys" by the way ? Love the new blog photo . Hope Jay is doing better .

PaperAddictJenn said...

Sue mentioned on your blog that you just had a birthday--HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

dpkennedy said...

Oh Curt, this set is fantastic! The themes and how you matched the paper and brads by altering them to go with the images is wonderful! Your neighbor will absolutely love these! And how nice it was of her to do those things for you! I am so glad to hear Jay is feeling better and I wish I had sent a card-but best wishes to him and you! Have a wonderful day!

Elizabeth said...

Very beautiful cards Curt. I hve left a Award for you at my blog please come by to accept it.

Hugs XXX Beth

Anonymous said...

sweeeeeet set Curt, you do those mice proud my friend!!

Nina said...

Curt, these are just wonderful!! I especially love that orange and yellow, it just screams "Cheery" all the cards are super duper stinkin cute too!! and love that technique, will have to try it out!!

Also, I left you a blog award back at my blog "Great Attitude and Gratitude" you certainly have both!! I am glad you have gotten to know you!!! keep on bloggin and craftin dude!! :O)

Nina said...

Hi ya Curt, I sent you an email to the addie that is in your profile, let me know if you did not receive it... Thanks (giggle giggle)

Nina said...

ps.. feed your puppy while I was here too! :O)

Shirley said...

Curt, I am thinking you should sell your cards and make a mint! I love all of these and really could not pick a favorite!