Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Friday, August 21, 2009

HUGE, GINORMOUS, POST!!!

Hey All! How the heck are ya? Happy Friday to each of you! I have tons to share with you today! I mean TONS! LOL I don't know what's gotten into me, but I have been one card making crazy person. There are a couple of things that I just can't wait to tell you about, so let's get started!

I have found the coolest challenge site! I normally don't play in challenges, but this blog is a blast, and the owner is such a generous person! It is called "Midnight Madness" and you can see the link over there to the right. They give away really wonderful prizes, cash, and other fun stuff! They have a HUGE give away going on right now that is totally awesome! Click on the picture of all the stamps over there to the right that is labeled "Midnight Madness Blog Candy". There, you'll find all the exciting details. Here is the sketch for this week followed by my card:



I'm really getting into the Fall mood and can't wait for the Autumn season to start. I used my CB to do the leaves in various metallic papers. The card stock is Bazzill and the printed paper is by ProvoCraft pad called "earth tones". Here is a close up of the leaves:


I played in their last sketch challenge for the first time last week. Here is the sketch they had followed by my card:




Is that not a great image??? It is a digital image by McMahon Five Designs. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it and had to have it. I colored it with colored pencils and OMS and sponged the background of the image with distress ink. The background paper is from DCWV Fall Stack . The punched border is a MS punch. I added copper ribbon and dew drops to finish it.

Next, (yes, yet another card to share) I want to share with you a new card technique I found on SCS. Well, it's new to me and I LOVE doing these cards! It's called a "recessed window" card and you can find a wonderful video tutorial here. Here is my card:


I hope you can see the dimension of the card in this pic. I just can't get over how cool this recessed window card turns out. I followed the measurements in the video, but I came up with my own way (easier in my opinion) to do it. I simply cut 2 squares as templates for the recessed window. The first one is a 3 inch square and the inside one is 2 3/4 square. I then simply place the card on a cutting mat, place the first square onto the front of the card and trace around it with an embossing tool. I remove that square then center the second smaller square in the center and trace around it with my embossing tool. Works like a charm (you'll understand better after you watch the video. I made the pumpkin by using my Nesties ovals and cut out 3 and put them together after using ink around the edges for depth. I used punches for the leaf and vine, and free handed the "stump". The leaf is again created from my CB and I added copper glitter to the veins of the leaf. The background in the shadowbox part is done with the Core'dinations paper and a CB folder. I stamped the leaves on the outside of the frame with Versamark ink then embossed them with clear ep. I forget who the sentiment stamp is by.

These recessed window box cards have a million ideas going on in my head. I have a Halloween seen in my head right now that I will be making for the next post. Just got a bunch of new Halloween stamps that will be perfect for this. Can't wait!

Finally (whew), I want to show you is my newest note card set. I can't tell you how frustrating it was trying to photograph these! It's because of one of the materials I used on the cards and the holder. Here is the holder:


As you can see, the background mat and the corners, and the Nestie cut out are all done in "mirrored" paper. This stuff is super shiny and you can actually see yourself in it. I first saw paper like this on Sharon Johnson's blog months ago. What gave me the idea for these cards was that gold, mirrored bee up there. It was on a set of note cards that I bought at Michael's at the beginning of Summer. I'm always buying stuff like this thinking that I can alter it on a later project. Here is the holder open:



You can now see the cards inside. Here is one of the cards by itself:



I cut the embossed bee from the ready made note card set with my Nesties. I then matted it with the mirrored paper that I got at Hobby Lobby. It was actually in the matting section in framing. It was a huge piece (I believe it was 3.5 feet X 2.5 feet). I just cut it down to pieces I could work with. The background paper is embossed with a new Quik Cutz embossing folder called diamonds and dots (I believe). It reminded me of a honey comb, sort of. . .LOL. I then used a honey colored ribbon to give it a finished look. The ribbon is actually darker IRL and does go with the paper. Here is a pic of the complete set:



You can see in this shot how shiny they are because of all the reflected sun shimmering off of them. Working with the mirrored paper is a pain though, because it really picks up your fingerprints, and I was forever wiping them from the shiny surface. But oh so worth it! I wish you could see these in real life. They have such a great "feel" to them.

Well, there you go! I've worn my little self out! LOL I hope you liked what I have shared today. I want to tell you too, that right after dinner tonight I'll be visiting all of you to see what you have been up to. I'm sorry I haven't been by sooner, but with the DT I'm on, the new challenge blog I'm playing with, and the jolt of creativity I'm experiencing, plus taking care of the house, Jay, and the boys, I've had precious little time for anything else. But I promise, I'm coming to see you tonight and tomorrow morning.

Again, thanks so much for stopping by. Sorry for the long post, but I just had so much to share with you, and that's what this blogging thing is all about, huh? LOL Can't wait to see what you have been up to and your latest creations! Don't forget the pic of the week below! Also don't forget that I'll be posting on Monday morning for "There's Magic in the Air". You are going to love next week's image! And again, it's FREE!"

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is the first time on your blog. WOW!! I will keep coming back.

mudmaven said...

Holy macaroni! You have been one crazy busy boy! What marvelous, fantastic creations you have to share with us today. All I can say is WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW - totally great stuff Curt. All I can say about the picture of the week though is EWWWWWWW! ~chris

Lora said...

Wow you sure have been a crazy crafter!
Can you share some of your mojo with me because mine has gone on holiday lol.
Love everything, as always Curt, you inspire me so much.
Lora x

Danielle said...

Oh my Curt, you have been one busy bee haven't you, lol!! Gorgeous creations and I especially love the recessed window card. I just found the tutorial too but have yet to try it but I am itching to get down there and give it a go!
You've done a wonderful job with the challenge cards and I love your boxed set of cards. Your photography always astounds me too - a truly beautiful picture!
Hugs, Danielle

Phyllis said...

Curt: Love your MMSC15 card. Those metal looing leaves are awesome. I will take your word that there is season named "Fall". Here in TEXAS we have HOT Summer and Cool Summer. The Midnight Madness Design Team thanks you for playing in our weekly challenge and we will be looking forward to next week too!!

Phyllis - MMDesign Team
aka SparklePlenty1000 at SCS

scrapperjulia said...

You have posted wonderful projects, Curt! I love the leaf card. Great job with the sketch challenge. I love fall too!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

These are all so great. Thanks for sharing them! I especially love your fall card with the leaves.

Unknown said...

Curt these are stunning - I'm away back to soak up the details!!!

Lauri said...

Wow!!! First, love your photo of the week!! Gorgeous!!! and the cards...first, thank you so much for the tip on the recessed window! I tried it once following the instructions and was not happy with the result, so I will take your suggestions and try again! Next..that mirrored paper is too cool!! and I will definitely check out the midnight challenge! I am into challenges lately and that would sounds fab!!! Hope you and yours are well! Sounds like your DT is very fun too!

Patti J. said...

Hi Curt! Glad to see your 'plentiful' post! Love seeing what you've been up to! One thing's for sure - you don't have time to get into trouble, do you? Your cards, as usual, are delightful! I especially love the first one for the MMSC. (Mine for that challenge is posted today, and was a bit on the 'dark' side - a bit different for me!) I think you will love that challenge. Priscilla is a real sweetheart, and you can always count on some of the MMSC DT folks running right over to comment on your blog! That's always a nice gesture, I think! Ver much appreciated! Anyway, gorgeous cards, great photo of the week, and love the 'kids' on your slide show!!! Hope to 'see you' again soon!!!

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Wow Have you been busy!! What an awesome lot of Fall cards!! Love all the colors and the textures!! The first one with the textured leaves for the MMSC15 sketch is gorgeous!! That is my fave. Thanks for playing with the MMSC and sharing your talent with us!

Jackie said...

You certainly have been busy! I love every single one of them, you are so creative. I'm just pea green with envy (what movie is that from?, seriously! I love Fall, too, and can't wait for it to get here. The colors, the crisp air, cool evenings...ahhhh. I can't wait to see your Halloween card, either, that's my favorite holiday!

V Colbourne said...

Too faboulous!! Your cards are always so freakin' gorgeous, I just love it when you update. You could write for a week and I'd still read every word..hehee...!! Hope you're having a great summer.

Sue from Oregon said...

Yes, you have been busy...I love the window card and I too have lots of ideas for it!

Nilla said...

Gosh, someone has been busy, wow what great cards, so many details and hard work behind, be proud, Curt!! Hugs Nilla

DeeDee said...

Dang dude! You've been cranking out the beautiful cards haven't you? All I can say is WOW...you never stop amazing me Curt! What talent you have Mister! Love the POTW too....COOL! HUGS!

Papier Creatif said...

Hiya Curt!

I really *LUV* the double pumpkin stamp with the curly vines! You know, Xmas is just around the coooorrrnnnnneeeeeerrrrr! ;)

Juls~

Papier Creatif said...

oh geez! I forgot to tell you that the Autumn collection you did is really FAB-U-O-LAH!~

Me~

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Yea! Hi Curt! Love your post! and you've been busy ;)
I adore all of your creations! Those leaves are awesome and so realistic! and your bee set with that mirrored paper is just exquisite! I am floored from it's beauty!
You've really done a wonderful job on these!!!
TFS :*) Have a wonderful weekend!
~ margie

The Rubber Maid said...

Love your collection for today but am really partial to the first card. Awesome for autumn. Very nice going good buddy, Pat

Scossie Jane said...

You have been busy Curt, beautiful cards as always... The bee note set is my favourite, the elegant simplicity is just my style.... The recess card is excellent, never thought of that - altered a wee bit for a layout of course.... Picture of the week - love the flower, not too sure about the worm eeeeek!! LOL.... Love that you're waiting for autumn (sorry, "Fall") Why do you Americans call it Fall? Don't tell me, 'cause the leaves are falling!!! Talking leaves - your leaves on the first card are beautiful, love the metallics... Anyway, you're waiting for "FALL" down here in Oz can't wait for summer - the winter feels like it's dragging on a bit this year, it really has rained far too much this time - now just for a little heat....
Love ya xx

Sharon Caudle said...

Oh nmy goodness, Curt! You have been VERY busy!! I love ALL of your cards! I just found MM myself and made a card for the same sketch tonight. Will post sometime tomorrow (well today actually now I guess - LOL!) Yours is fabulous!! Those leaves are so gorgeous! LOVE them! And the rcessed window cards are out of this world. You've inspired me to give one a go. Maybe I'll try it this weekend if I can! Thanks so much for all your inspiration and sharing all your wonderful talents with us! Have awonderful weekend! hugs!!!

Ila said...

Wow!! What a Fabulous post...and you have been crazy busy!!..All these cards are Gorgeous and so Inspiring!!..I love that recessed window...and the embossed bee is Beautiful!! Thanks for the heads up about the midnight madness blog...
Beautiful cone flower photo...Ugh..Yucky worm!...lol...Have a lovely weekend!!...Hugs, Ila

Diane said...

Wow! You sure have been busy! Love all your creations! I find the mirror paper you used fascinating and now have jotted it down to try out (am going to Hobbylobby today). Just love your fall cards and the recessed window card, too! Glad to have you back!!

Angie said...

Oh wow, gorgeous pic of the week, but I admit it, that little worm kinda grosses me out! LOL. Fabulous cards as always Curt. I especially love those bee cards! I like the shiny-ness!

Becky said...

Hi ya Curt!! You sure are a busy body. Love those leaves on the first card, and those note cards you made are just fabulous, I love this mirror paper and the embossed design.

lisa808 said...

Wow, you sure have been busy!

Your metallic leaf card is stunning and your gift thanks card is so very pretty.

Thanks for the tip re the recessed window card--how brilliant. I also just made my first one following the video tutorial and the toughest part was cutting the window.

Another great note card set!

Anonymous said...

LOVED ALL YOUR CARDS, OF COURSE, AND THE CHALLENGE CARD WAS GREAT..WISH ALL "FALL" LEAVES LOOKED LIKE THAT. REALLY LOVED THE "RECESSED WINDOW CARD". HATE TO ADMIT IT, BUT, DID LIKE THAT LITTLE INCH WORM.."PIC OF THE WEEK", OUTSTANDING. LOVE YA MOM

Terry said...

Wowzers!!!
Great blog as usual....
Glad you decided to do a challenge. You are good!!!
Love the pic of the inch worm.
Thank you Curt for all you do.

Chris said...

It seems you could be me, well I just mean that we like lots of the same things. Your cards are fab.

Anonymous said...

Curt, slow down man, your putting me to shame!!! Love all the creations; you have been on a major card making roll!

Anonymous said...

WOW, Curt! You are on a roll with your fall card making!! These are all gorgeous, and I can't even decide which one is my favorite.

Carol Hurlock said...

Ok, first of all I would like to thank you for coming by and visiting me on my blog and leaving me a comment. Second, when I pulled up your blog I was wowed by your "boys", oh my gosh they are gorgeous and very photogenic. Third, your work is fabulous and brilliant. I was very impressed with your superb creations. Fourth, I'm looking for work too!! lol I don't know about you but I got laid off after 10 years as an AVP/Bank Manager. I have used my creative aspirations to pull myself out of a myriad of depression. That is why the economy is so bad, I haven't been out stocking up on costume jewelry, clothes, make-up, bears, candles, shoes, bath and body, and trinkets. You know Boyds Bears had to sell to Enesco because of me. I swear Yankee Candle will go belly up soon without me with QVC and HSN not far behind them. I'll let you know if I find work so you can buy stock in these companies because it surely will go up when I can get back to my retail therapy. hahahaha Keep up your wonderful work. I will be back.
Hugs
Carol
chocolatecraftsandbearsohmy

Nina said...

Curt, each and everyone of these creations are just stunning, but that never surprises me with you! You always have such brillent and beautiful work. I love those leaves and have not seen those at all, or maybe I just haven't looked for them! the bee set is just stunning and I love how you made your pumpkins and that recessed window card - wonderful! Well, fall certainly felt in the air today and we actually went to a bonfire tonight too and man it felt like fall out there, but great. ALSO... the pic of the week with that worm on that cone flower is AMAZING... I love that worm but I must admit the cone is BEAUTIFUL in vibrant color, those oranges are "wowzer" set off by that pink!!! Great stuff here my friend!! :O)

Jane, at Thepaperaffair said...

Thank you for such a rave review on the Midnight Madness Blog, we love - love all of your excitement!! You just keep coming back, LOL. I enjoy viewing your cards and your take on the sketch challenges. THANKS..

Janem MMSC DT

Teri said...

Hi Curt :o)

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

I love your cards and those beautiful notecards. I love your style a lot .... and have to say ..... that header pic of your schnauzers is an absolute delight! Your photographs are just amazing!

Teri x

Scossie Jane said...

Hi Curt, me again - got a few wee gifties over on my blog for you - although I'm sure you've already got them - I'm a wee bit slow....

Oh, and thanks for your encouraging comments about my card making attempts - you need to try a 12x12 layout now....heehee xx

Love ya mate xx

Shirley said...

Wow! Curt, every card is a work of art. I couldn't pick a favorite. Who makes the leaf emboss and dies? A really lovely bunch of cards.

Janine said...

HOLY MOLY CURT!!! You have been busy!!
Love your creations. The card set is just perfect!!!

Percy said...

Curt, I love all of these creations....I am speechless! Beautiful!

Deb Neerman said...

WoWzA, Curt you've been BUSY!!! As usual your cards are beautiful, v-e-r-y creative, and oh-so-unique!! You are a creative master!!

And that gift set is to-die-for!

Love those leaf dies ... who makes 'em, Spellbinders?

Have a great week my friend!!!

~Hugs, Deb

Michelle Alejandro said...

You have been such a busy bee, get it, busy bee, lol! Okay I need to get out more, hehehe. I can't believe all the fall cards you've gotten done, I need to get going, cause it is right around the corner. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
Michelle

Percy said...

Curt, Thanks for your comments on my blog! Yeah my daughter is beautiful inside and out too! I have a son older than her....:) I 'started young'.....:) Thanks for visiting!!!

Sunshine said...

Terrific cards! Good luck with this weeks contest on MMSC! Hugz, Sunshine of Sunshine's Stamps:)

Judy said...

Wow, Curt. You sure have been busy. I love everything.

Sue McMahon said...

Wow Curt! You have been busy! Wonderful cards! All of them are just beautiful!! Thanks for giving me a shout out too! I appreciate it! :) Thank you for playing with us this week and hope to see you again next week!

Sue
MMDT Member

designsfromwithinbycharlotte said...

WOW and WOW again Curt...do you ever get to sleep??? Fantastic creations you have here, and I don't just mean your cards! My hobby is photography, so I am looking at your pictures more than your cards!!! LOL Sorry!
Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous!
Your MMSC15 is just perfect. You really know how to make those cards look sooo good!
Fantastic job...can't wait to see what you make for next weeks sketch!
Hugs,
Charlotte
MMSC DT

Gina Wrona said...

Awesome! Love everything! Thanks for perking up my Monday.
Hugs,
Gina

dpkennedy said...

Oh my goodness all of your creations are gorgeous! The leaves are just stunning! I am so into all the fall and halloween stuff now! Love the pumpkin card too...the embossed background is fabulous with the punched pumpkin!

dpkennedy said...

Oh your coneflower with the tiny caterpillar is wonderful!