Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

LOTS TO SHARE

Hey All!  Happy Hump Day to all of you!  I hope that you are all having a wonderful week as you go sliding into the weekend!  Once again, I have a bunch to share with you so let's get started!

The first thing that I want to share with you all today is my entry into this week's HM Monday challenge.  The challenge was to make a card using any of the challenges from the last year's posts.  They are celebrating their 52ND challenge which means 1 year.  I chose the challenge of making a "get well" card.  Here it is:


At first glance, this doesn't look much like a get well card, however I made it for my best friend who just had surgery on his vocal cords.  So the inside sentiment says "Hope you are back to singing soon".  He sings in musicals and the opera, so I thought this image made the perfect get well card for him!  The image is a House Mouse stamp called "Two Part Harmony".  I colored it with my cheap colored pencils and oms.  The background paper is by Provo Craft in a pad called "brights".  I used a glitter pen to go over the light blue areas of the pattern to make it sparkle.  You can see it better here:


The next thing I want to share is the way you can look at the same image, and make two totally different cards with it.  Now I know that may not sound like much of a big deal, but I'm going to show you two cards where I used the same image, but on dramatically different cards.  Here is the first:


Every time I see this hamster I smile from ear to ear!  Is he not the cutest?  This is from Maurie Manning's Digital Pencil Too!  Maurie (she goes by "Mo") is a children's book illustrator and is so amazingly talented.  She is one of those artists that when you see her image, you know it's by her without looking to see.  Such a wonderful style.  Go see her by clicking the link above, you will love her work!  This is her hamster image, and I used it for the typical birthday card (kind of lends itself to that type of card).  I colored it with my cheap colored pencils and oms and matted it with navy blue Bazzill card stock.  You can see there on the bottom if you click on the picture that I ran a strip of the blue card stock through my paper crimper to look like a piece of the cupcake liner.  I put different colored brads in each corner to go with the dotted background paper and then added the sentiment (don't know who's stamps) cut out with my scalloped Nesties.  So you can see that this makes a perfect birthday card.  Now let's look at it in a different light:


Big difference in celebration huh?  LOL  It's funny, but when I saw this image for the first time, I thought to myself "What a cute little cupcake monster".  Then the idea hit me to make a Halloween card using that theme.  Again, I colored him with my cheap colored pencils and oms.  I used Ranger's soot distressed ink to go around the edge.  Again, if you click on the picture above, you will see that I put a strip of black card stock through my crimper to give the look of a piece of cupcake liner paper and then put the computer generated sentiment on that.  Added orange brads and some Halloween printed paper for the background and done.  Both of these cards are 5 X 7, which is usually the size I work with.  This also illustrates the advantage of using a digital stamp.  You can size it to fit the card your working on which is a dream for me.  I find a lot of the stamps too small for my preferred 5 X 7 format.  So, I hope this gives you some thoughts on looking at your stamps and visualizing how to use them differently.

The next couple of cards I want to share with you are two Fall cards.  I'll start with my wreath card. . . here it is:


The colors in this card were inspired by the pic of the week at the end of this post.  This one was, I think, more work than it was actually worth!  LOL  I stamped each of those leaves with either Staz-On or Memento ink, then colored the unstamped parts of the image with my colored pencils.  I then cut all 25 leaves out by hand.  My poor big man hands were cramping by the time I was finished!  LOL  I don't know who makes these leaf stamps.  They were purchased way before I was told that I needed to save that information and supply it to people who wanted to know.

When I make one of these wreath cards (see my winter wreath from last season here)  I always first start with a "ring" that I make out of my Nesty circles.  Using a large circle first then a smaller circle to cut out the center of the first circle.  This becomes my "template" to keep the leaves in a circular pattern and something to glue them to.  The paper is by Pizazz and I used it as the background because it reminded be of an old country door or a barn door.  I love the coppery shear ribbon which I used to make the bow with my Bow Easy, which I'm still thinking it's still not that easy.  Don't know why I have such trouble with it!  It must be my big man hands!  LOL

The next is another Fall shaker card.  This time I used a natural element for the "shaker stuff".  Here's the card:


The pumpkin stamp is by Paper Inspirations and the background paper is from a stack by Me and My Big Ideas.  As you can see, I used real pumpkin seeds!  Here is a close up:


They were such a mix of great colors and really added to the theme of the card.  They really make a good shaker sound too!  The pumpkin seeds were already roasted/salted and I washed them in soapy water before using them on my card to avoid any oil staining the background.  I really love making these shakers, and the people that I show them to really go wild over them.  They are super easy to do and you can  see how to make them by visiting my last post where I provide a link to a great video.

Well that's it!  Are ya tired?!?!  I know I go overboard with how much I share.  I try to tell myself, save the cards and post only one at a time.  But I just can't help myself.  I just want to throw it all out there at once!  Just the way I am.  And besides, the way I've been going at it lately, I'd have enough cards to post for months!  LOL

I hope you enjoyed the post.  I certainly enjoy you coming by and taking the time to read the silliness I post.  And then for you to leave the types of comments you leave is even more heartwarming.  You guys add to the sunshine in my day.  Thank you so much.

One last thing, don't forget the pic of the week below.  This was from last year.  It was taken at a walking path here close to my house.  This is the actual shot.  It was not photoshopped or touched in any way.  We had the most vibrant colors last year, and I'm hoping for the same in this year's foliage.   Take care all!  I'll be seeing you on your blogs later tonight and tomorrow morning!

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

49 comments:

DeeDee said...

WOW! You've been busy! LOVE that POTW! I wish we had tree color change like that! All of your cards are so danged adorable...but that wreath card is WOW, WOW, WOW! You must have been snipping for hours! I love it! Thanks for all the inspirations! HUGS!

Sharon Caudle said...

Holy smokes, hon! You have been a busy boy!!! Love your get well card! It's perfect for your friend! What an adorable image and your coloring is always top notch! Your two different cards with Mo's image are awesome! He's just the cutest little critter!! Your wreath card is spectacular and love, love, love the shaker card. As far as being tired, I could NEVER get tired of seeing all your fabulous creations! And your pic of the week is breathtaking! I moved out here to Reno from Kentucky, and I really, really miss the beautiful colors of fall. We only get a touch of it here as most trees that grow naturally are evergreens. But we do get some. However it's NOTHING compared to what I grew up with. thanks for sharing your wonderful talent with us and have a fabulous day! hugs!

Unknown said...

It's an absolute treat popping in to 'see you' Curt, your colouring is fab and YES the wreath was worth it! and I am loving the shaker cards! Big hugs!

Lora said...

As always I love everything Curt. Love how you used the same image twice and the cards look totally different. I must lean to use images/stamps more than once!
I want to try making a wreath card, it's so pretty and your bow is stunning.
Thanks for giving me loads of inspiration!!
Lora x

Unknown said...

Curt, Thanks for leaving the nice comment on my Blog. I have never been here on your blog and it is a real Treat. I just love all your work. I also just love looking at pictures and you had some awesome one's to look at. I really can't even comment on which card I liked best they are all wonderful.

I'll be back, Linda :)

scrapperjulia said...

Hi Curt, loved reading your post. Love your cards! I love all of the little details that you added. That fall photo is gorgeous!

Jan McConnell said...

Silly, we never get tired of you and really enjoy all your creations and the photos. I love the photo of the tress in fall color. I grew up in Illinos and now in Florida. Really miss the fall weather and the smells and of course the annual Fall Tours on the back roads to see the folage.

Nilla said...

I am going to leave you a short comment, LOL! I LOVE them all! Hugs Nilla

Crystal said...

I LOVE this one man art show !!! All your cards are gorgeous ... what a cute " monster" ... and love the autumn photo...what color!

Patti J. said...

Wowzers Curt, your big man hands must be smokin'!!! What a wonderful post tonight! Your creations are gorgeous, as usual, and that photo is so beautiful! Our trees are just beginning to turn. The weather is supposed to be high of 60's here next week, so we aren't too far behind you! Thanks for such a wonderful wealth of inspiration!

Danielle said...

Phew, you've been one busy crafter Curt! Awesome cards - I really love your pumpkin seed shaker card - how creative of you! Beautiful seasonal cards and your pic of last year's foliage is stunning!
Hugs, Danielle

America said...

Incredible photography my friend!! I always look forward to seeing your beautiful pics and to what else you'll share with your fantastic creativity.Love your fab coloring techniques. Great, FUN cards.

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Oh my Goodness, Curt! What an incredible post!!! I can't possibly say all that needs to be said about these beautiful cards!!!!!

I love the card for your friend that had vocal cord surgery - it's absolutely perfect, and what an incredibly thoughtful card! A real treasure!

I have to tell you that I laughed out loud at the hamster! I love the first card, then I saw the halloween one and it's just fantastic! Very different looking - but both are WAY COOL!!! I look like a hamster when I've got a cupcake, too! ;-)

The wreath is very pretty - and I've babbled too long already. I'll be back to look at this post again - it's so full of wonderful ideas, THANK YOU!

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

Stop it! Do you hear me? JUST STOP IT!! I'm on excellence overload here. Ohhhhh how I love the chipmunk/mouse/critter! You've really highlighted it to the max! Always I love your photography and since I just got a new camera I need some of your expertise. OH MY GOSH! I've not done a HM challenge for so long and I miss it! MY BAD! You've created a wonderful card again.

Hugs to you and thanks for sharing! You are such an inspiration!

Cheers!

minerva said...

somebody else with the same tagline as me! but mine's a boxer. (I have kids as well but reckon it's their job to think bad of me anyway!). Just found your blog - no idea how but wondered if you'd be interested in a guest spot when I get my rubber company started - just starting out, free rubber and a chance to design - SCHNAUZER STAMPS ANYONE? mail boxercreations@gmail.com and I'll give you the info..
Min x

mudmaven said...

What a fabulous collection of cards you shared with us today! I love them all and that hamster really is just too cute. Your Colors of Autumn photo is absolutely breathtaking! I miss all that wonderful fall color - we have green (pines) and gold (aspens) and not a whole lot more. Gorgeous, but not what I grew up with in NW PA! Thanks for all you share with us! All the best to you and Jay! ~chris

Sue from Oregon said...

YOu really have been going to town man! Holy Toledo you have some good "stuff" here! Og course you know I love those meeces, but your MO cards are so totally amazing..that cupcake monster card is a stroke of genius! I would never have "thunk-ded" that color scheme LOL...great shaker card...oh heck I love them all!

Ila said...

Oh My Gosh!!...you have been busy...Your cards are all Amazing!!..I love everyone of them!!..the coloring is Fabuluos..(I would never know they were anything but brand name pencils!!). You did a terrific job of cutting out those leaves and the bow you made looks Wonderful!!...The photo at the bottom is Fantastic!!..Wow!!..such brilliant colors...I love it!!...Hugs, Ila

Mandi said...

Someone's been a busy boy! lol
FABULOUS cards, Curt, loving the sentiment of the first one its just perfect for your friend.

The hamster made me smile too :)

mandi xx

Heather said...

Another set of amazing creations Curt. Your inventiveness truly imspires me. Mo's images are amazing aren't they and I just love what you've done with that hamster. Your shaker card and your wreath are spectacular and as for your HM - stunning, fab colouring and I love what you've done with the dp.
Thanks so much for playing along with us at HM&F.
hugs Heather xx

Joan Fricker said...

Curt, my goodness you have been busy. Very cute cards and it was nice seeing how different a card can look using using differnt paper and embellisments.

Your fall picture shows just how beautiful we have it here in Indina. You certainly captured the beauty!

Joan

A Consuming Passion said...

Wow Curt - you put most of us to shame with your posts!!! Love all these cards - yes I too am a Mo fan and agree her illustrations are easy to pick - such fantastic detail!! Love your shaker card as a member over at STV i saw this but so far have'nt tried ....it's on my list though. Thanks again for sharing your talent hope you're having a great week! x

Diane said...

Wow, I don't know where to start! The HM card is perfect, I bet your friend will really appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into it! I LOVE that cupckae card showing both ways to use it...I have to check out that site! The fall card is so beautiful and what alot of work cutting those leaves....really, really neat! The photo of the week should be framed...what a perfect fall accent piece! Wonderful projects Curt! I sent you a private email, so you might want to check out your "spam" mail....enjoy!

lisa808 said...

Your 'vocal' get well card is adorable. Love the cupcake monster! I'd like to dig into a cupcake right about now! I can sympathize how your poor hand felt after cutting all those leaves, but the card was definitely worth it! Great inspiration from your awesome 'Colors of Autumn' photo. Fun idea to use the pumpkin seeds in the shaker card. Thanks for sharing your great creations.

Sandi said...

my goodness, all this wonderful lush color and precious images. All of them a treasure in their own right. Great stuff. Thanks so much for sharing, Sandi

Gina Wrona said...

OMG Curt!

I just LOVE all of your creations and am glad you didn't hold back and posted ALL of them! I have a dumb question, when you said you colored them w/pencils & oms, what does "oms" stand for? I too am in the same boat with just watercolored su pencils and no set of markers. Your colors are so vivid I could have sworn you used copic markers if not su markers.

Thanks for helping make my morning migraine go away. I truly enjoyed your post and really lol when I say that adorable hampster!

Hugs,
Gina

The Rubber Maid said...

Love your shaker card but why no salted pumpkin seeds??? Your autumn picture is breath taking...such glorious colors. I'm going out today to show mine for Michigan so stay tuned. Hugs, Pat

Jamie Martin said...

Love all of your cards, they are fab as usual :)

Elaine M said...

I just get tickled everytime you mention your "cheap colored pencils and OMS" - I swear, you could draw in the dirt with a stick and it'd come out cuter than cute!! As always, you've shared great card designs with us and lovely photos. Thx so much!! Have a fantastic day.
Elaine Moore mtn.moven.faith@comcast.net

Jeni Glee said...

*GASP* Your photo just jumps off the screen! WOW, that is gorgeous, Curt! I have to go back for a second to see your creations -- the photo just caused me to forget what I read and saw! LOL

Okay, I looked and read again your post...now, I want to say, *GASP* again! Your card with the wreath is just splendid -- I wish I could cut leaves out like that! Your card for your friend who is musical is just perfect! I love it! AND the two cards using the same stamp is "OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!" You are just so creative and I wish I had 1% of your talent!

I am doing well, Curt....Dwain and I are keeping my walking up to help with my balance and to aid me in my recovery (the doc said it would be at least a year for me to feel okay once again.) We walk Monday, Wednesday and Friday at our mall -- it is one mile around and we are up to 2 times, each of those days, in 30 minutes. Not bad -- a 15 minute mile. I am quite proud of myself! My diabetes is still being kept in check (no shots, no meds) with my exercise and diet.

Love ya, Glee

Anonymous said...

I LOVE, OF COURSE ALL YOUR CARDS, BUT THAT PUMPKIN CARD IS GREAT, AND I WANT THAT "WREATH" HANGING ON MY FRONT DOOR. YOU HAVE OUT DONE YOURSELF WITH THIS BLOG, AND I HAVE NOW GOT TO TAKE A NAP FOR YOU. LOVE YA, MOM

Denise said...

OMGosh Curt,
Your cards just get more beautiful everytime I come to your blog!! Love all your creations. Thanks for the email about my BIL, I really appreciate it. Hope allis well with you & Jay.
Hugs~
Denise
Aloha from Hawaii...

Percy said...

How beautiful these cards are Curt, you truly are an inspiration! I love the cupcake monster....he/she is a cutie....

Thanks for sharing again!

Percy

Nina said...

Hi Curt, perfect card for you friend! and I soo love to make shaker boxes!! seriously! great fall cards!! and I LOVE Mo's work, she sure can show personality, which is what I love about her work! great cupcake cards!! I especially love the holloween one! and your potw ROCKS, love that all those colors where still on the branches and all right there for such a shot and more so that you took notice of it to shot it! everything ~ just BEAUTIFUL!

Leigh said...

Fantastic cards. Absolutely fantastic. Love those bows.

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Wow!! What an awesome collection of cards!! They are all so awesome!! I love Mo's images and your HM especially. Awesome coloring and design!

"Kirby" (KrB) said...

Loved your cards, but WOW, that picture-of-the-week is amazing!! Absolutely gorgeous. Wish we could see color like that here. Loved your little versions of Mo's hampster, and yes, he is adorable - no doubt about that. Love the way you presented him in two different versions. Thanks for sharing such great things to look at.

Michelle Alejandro said...

OMG I am in love with that little chubby hamster! Could he be any cuter? Love it! Love how you did two different color combos with the same image. So cute! Now I want cupcakes, lol. Thanks Curt for sharing!

Hugs,
Michelle

Dawn B. said...

You have been very busy. I love your take on the photo of the week. That is an incredible picture. I love Mo's stuff too. Great job.

Chris said...

You've been a busy guy. Love the coloring on your cards.
Now I've got the urge to go get a cupcake.

Anonymous said...

wow Curt, too bad you didn't have anything to share!!!!! hehehe, these are alllllll beautiful

Rita said...

OMG Curt, your friend is going to love this card...it's perfect for him & oh so beautiful!

Wow, you have been a busy bee! All of your cards are awesome as always, you are such an inspiration to us all! Cute shaker card...I luv it!!! Hugs Rita

6 wacky women said...

Fabulous cards, Curt.
I just love everyone of them!! How clever of you to add pumpkin seeds to the shaker card....I love the way you think!!!

The pic of the week is gorgeous, my fave time of ...just can't believe it came so fast....

Karen x

1CardCreator said...

Curt your cards are always so inspiring! I just love how you do those shakers! I have to make some! ~Diane

Janine said...

Hi Curt!! Just love your wreath card. Any time you want to come and put that on my door!!
Hope all is well with you and Jay!!

Leigh Anne said...

OH that hamster sure is cute!! :) love the two totally different looks ;) that shaker withthe seeds is a brilliant idea!

dpkennedy said...

Wow Curt, you sure do present us with a feast for the eyes! Your get well card is perfect! Love that image! You beat me to the punch on the hamster though! I flipped when I saw that and bought it right away. He's only half colored though...I couldn't decide on the cupcake wrapper, lol! Your's are both so stinkin' cute! LOVE HIM! The wreath is so pretty-what a great idea! And, lastly the shaker card is adorable! Love that you put seeds in it!

Ahh, a lovely photo of gorgeous foliage! Love it! Have a great day!

Shirley said...

I love them all, Curt! The last one is just one of the loveliest shakers I have seen. You are so right about stamps and being able to change their whole persona too!

Amanda said...

Hey Curt, Amanda, from your favorite store (maybe, hehe) here! I love this card and your blog! I am going to have a little more time at home so I am officially a follower, can't wait to see more!