Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

WEDNESDAY BIG POST

Hey All!  Hope everyone's Hump Day is progressing nicely.  I have another full post for you today.  So off we go!

As a cardmaker, I try to use my craft to help brighten someone's day, send kind thoughts, or help lift spirits whenever I can.  A couple of the cards that I'm posting today are specific to that philosophy.  I'll start with the one that I think deserves first attention.  While I was blog hopping, I ran across this blog:  Jennifer McGuire Ink.  There I found the story of Kate.  Kate is a little girl with a very serious brain tumor.  You can read more about her and her story by clicking on the link above.  They have a great gig going on called Cards for Kate.  So I decided to participate and send a card to her.  Here it is:



I don't have many stamps that apply to children, but I thought this would do the trick.  I made it very "girly" with pink and white background paper and printed heart ribbon.  The image is a Happy Hopper and I think is perfect for her card.  Inside it simply says "Sending You Big Hugs".  I hope it brightens this little girl's day.   If you go to their blog (link above), you'll also find that they are giving away a HUGE blog candy package (it is unbelievable!).  Just read on how to enter.  I'm not doing this for the prizes, I just wanted to brighten a little girl's day.

My second card is for a person who lost their beloved pet cat named Elsie.  One of my good blogging buddies had put out a request for people to send a card to her to cheer her up.  Well, you know me and my love of animals!  So today, I sent this card:



I didn't have any cat stamps (big dog person you know), but amazingly, I found this free digital image from Mo's Digital Pencil Too.  How lucky was that!  And it is such a great image.  I colored it with my cheap colored pencils and oms and mounted the center panel on the card with foam squares.  I then used some yarn to continue the yarn in the image there in the right bottom corner to create sort of a yarn frame.  To attach the yarn, I used this great stuff called "fabric tac" that I got at JoAnn's.  It stays stuck, let me tell you!   The inside is blank where I wrote a small note letting her know I was sorry for the loss of her cat.  I hope it brightens her day.

My next card has two purposes.  First, my Mom wanted me to make a card for her new doctor that she likes really well.  She just wanted it to be something that expressed her thanks for such good care.  So, again I went to my HM stamps and created this card:



This is one of my most favorite HM images.  Again, colored with my CCP/OMS.  Now for the second purpose.  See those buttons up there?  I made those.  See side view below:


There is a tutorial on how to make buttons of any size or shape to go with any card.  They are really easy and fun to do.  It's basically punching 5 ovals (in my example), gluing them together and punching two holes in the center and then coating them with something like Diamond Glaze.  The possibilities are endless.  For the tutorial and links to samples, go HERE.   Mine turned out looking either like wood or leather.  I love this technique.

The final thing I would like to share with you today is my very first Halloween project for the season.  Take a look:



I was so excited to find these glass hinged bottles at Michael's.  Even more excited that they were only $1!  To give you an idea of their size, it takes a full bag of M & M peanuts to fill two.  So they are really a great size!  The top of the jar was the perfect size for one of my Nestie circles which I used to cut out the sentiment for each jar top.  The sentiments are all from $1 wooden mounted stamps that I got at Michael's last year.  I embossed each sentiment to give it a glossy look.  The images on the tags I made are from the Martha Stewart Halloween wood mounted stamp set.  I stamped them on Bazzill card stock with black Archival ink.  I cut them out with my oval Nesties and added the scalloped black edge also with my Nesties.  I finished each off with some bling:





I used my Silent Setter to cut the hole in the top and then fed the ribbon through and attached to the jar.  These were so easy and took so little time.  Each are filled with either M & Ms plain or peanut in Halloween colors.  These jars are large enough that you could put all kinds of different candy in them.  They are simple yet full of Halloween charm I think.  

There you have it.  I'm poppin out stuff like crazy.  LOL  It's because of the Fall season, and I love the energy I get from it.  I hope this stuff inspired you a bit.  I love the comments you guys leave and you are too kind in doing so.  Even though my cards and projects are made for others, they are made because of your encouragement and kindness.  Again, I can't thank you enough for what you do to my spirits.

Please take good care of yourselves.  In reading posts this week, I've read of sickness, and husbands losing jobs, and other sad things that are going on.  I'll keep all of you in my prayers and good thoughts.  I'll be seeing you on your blogs in the next couple of days!  I can't wait to see what you've done this past week!  Don't forget the "Pic of the Week" below!

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

41 comments:

Chris said...

Your coloring is fabulous on all the cards. I'm sure your generous spirit is appreciated by all the recipients of these cards.

Denise said...

Curt,
You are such a thoughtful beautiful person, the world needs more Curts!!

Anonymous said...

You are so talented Curt! I can't get over all the things you do so well! Your coloring is amazing, and your cards are truly works of art! I so love coming here, not only because you are talented and inspire me, but I also love your sense of humor and your wonderful heart. You are just such a great guy. Thanks for sharing you with all of us. I can tell by the comments you always get on your posts that so many appreciate you and your spirit. Marybeth, UT

Papier Creatif said...

Curt! WOW! Just read your post & you have really gotten a lot of projects done! They are all fabulous!

The stories you wrote about are very heart warming. I love that you are so caring & compassionate. Wonderful virtues.

That little girl is gonna LOVE her bunny card! You knocked that out of the park! And the card you did for your Mom's doc is perfect! Great idea for the buttons & cool link. What can I say - *Martha, Martha, Martha* - is she gonna wind up ruling the world along with Oprah? LOL!

Terrific projects ~

Also, if you want me to do a digital for your doggie-dogs and add some flourishes, sepia or B&W, etc. Just email the image you want and let me know what size & color. :)

Big Hugs, Big Guy~

Juls~

Papier Creatif said...

Also, awesome sunset! I almost missed that post @ the bottom! Autumn colors too! Just beautiful... nature is truly a work of God's art.

{xoxo} Juls~

Patti J. said...

Fall is my favorite season as well...I love the way it feels, and smells, and looks! The leaves are beginning to change colors, and I really love taking nice long drives with the top down on my little car and a hoodie all zipped up!!! Curt, you never, ever cease to amaze me. You are so kind and generous. You are always doing something nice for someone else. If one of every 100 people was as kind as you are, we could change the world!!! LOVE your projects today! I'd love to know what kind of CCP you use - my choice is Kooh-I-Noor, and they are pretty cheap! I don't have but 4 Copics - just can't bring myself to buy them yet!!! Take care of yourself and that Jay!!! Hugs from Missouri!

mudmaven said...

Holy cow Curt - you have been soooooo busy! Love your new fall photo - gorgeous! All of your cards and projects are just wonderful. You do such a great job coloring - can I come and take a class from you? The card for little Kate is going to be a huge hit - it's perfect and I really love your kitty too! Thanks for the info on those great buttons - got to give that a try very soon as yours are just scrumptious to look at! Happy Fall to you and Jay and the boys! ~chris

Sharon Caudle said...

I could just hug you! You are such a gentle soul with such a giving heart. I love the card you made for the little girl. She is going to adore it! For the kittie card, the way you wrapped the yarn around as a frame was just sheer genious. And the card you made for your mom, perfect! Love your Halloween treat jars too. You're amazing! big hugs!!

Crystal said...

Curt ! Wow ... have you been turning out some fabulous work ! I adore those cards for the children. I know the will arrive at just the right town and make them feel so cared for. Love the card for the Dr. too. Terrific work ! What a sweetheart you are !

Gina Wrona said...

OMG Curt, I am so truly blessed that are paths have crossed thanks to Jen Young who told me about you when you first started blogging. Carol will absolutely just love the card you made for her and if I were her, I'd put it in a frame such a beautiful piece of artwork!
Thanks for the honorable mention, I'm very flattered. If it weren't for your help, I probably wouldn't have started my own blog either.


Have to cut this short, boss is in and I just could't wait to comment & praise your wonderful artwork creations!

Hugs,
Gina

Jackie said...

You always do the coolest things! Those cards are bound to make them smile and I love the Halloween project - wonderful idea!

scrapperjulia said...

I really love all of your cards and projects, Curt. They will certainly brighten their days! Love your buttons too, what a cool idea!

Nilla said...

Curt, your cards will touch the childrens heart, just as you touch mine with your writing. You are a really caring person, I can tell! Love the other projects too, of course! Hugs Nilla

Carmen O. said...

Curt, Curt, Curt you are so fabulously talented! I love all your cards!!! You color them so beautifully your recipients will definitely feel the Love that you put into each creation! I love that HM stamp. Could you give me the name so maybe I can search for it? My oldest is working at a new hobby lobby that just opened today. I was hoping for some different HM stamps, but was disappointed :(. I really wanted either Halloween or Fall ones. I got the bunny in the old fashion tub, the bunnies in the rocking chair reading and a sentiment. 50% off is hard to pass up :D. Thanks for encouraging me and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers it really means so much to me! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!!

Sue from Oregon said...

What wonderful inspiration Curt...you have really been stamping up a storm these days and your creations are just motivating me to get upstairs and get to me meeces!

Ila said...

You're Amazing Curt!!..All these creations are Totally Gorgeous! The halloween jars are so fun...The cards for Kate and Elsie are Beautiful..I'm sure they will brighten their day..You have such a kind and warm heart!..
The Pic of the week is Fabulous...I love the colors you've captured in this sunset...a true harvest sky..TFS!...Hugs, Ila

Elaine M said...

Boy! There's nothing new I can add to what's already been written ... great cards for great causes. You are truly a kind soul and we all love ya!!

Lisa Schipritt said...

Thank you Curt....cards will be in the mail...beautiful House Mouse Cards...keep up the great job....Lisa from RI

Leigh said...

Fabulous projects and cards Curt. Love them.

Sue said...

Hi Curt
as ever such an amazing amount of work, luv your cards all perfect for the reasons they were made, beautiful colouring and layouts as always, i luv looking at your creations.
Keep up the good work, hope you & yours are keeping well,sue.xx

Diane said...

Well, you sure have done it again! Amazing work! I know that Kate wil love her bunny card, and that cute kitty with the yarn...so sweet (I have 6 cats by the way)...so that image "speaks" to me...love the HM one....your coloring is fantastic! the buttons are cool, too...another project to try....and the Halloween jars.....neat~neat~neat!
I am still working on my cards for Kate....I hope others will join in as well....I read her "journal" everyday and that poor little one is going thru so much.....thanks Curt....oh...the sunset pic is WOW!

The Rubber Maid said...

The best part of all this work is that it's done for some wonderful reasons . Bless you for thinking of others, this proves you ARE the person your dogs think you are!
Love the Picture of the week...awesome. Pat

A Consuming Passion said...

Hi Curt.......well look who's been enjoying himself!!!
Love your cards all very appropriate and your Halloween treets are fantastic - wish we had that shop here - I'm of to our equivalent SPOTLIGHT to see if they have anything interesting tomorrow!!! TFS you've inspired me to get busy. x

dpkennedy said...

Love all your HM cards...they are always so sweet! I have to head to Mo's for a free digi image (as if I didn't buy enough there already!) but that cat is so sweet! Your candy jars are da bomb! I love those, but couldn't find them last time I was at Michaels. You are so thoughtful in all that you do...you are a very special person! Thanks for sharing with us!

lisa808 said...

Wow, how to even begin to comment on these fabulous 'Creations by Curt.'

Your card for Kate is so sweet--the image is precious and the heart ribbon just finishes it off beautifully.

The yarn on the cat card is a great touch. You always have such wonderful ideas.

Love the 'sick' image on the card for your mother's doctor. How thoughtful of her to want to show her appreciation to her new doctor.

I love creating projects for Halloween. Your finished jars are so 'yummy.'

And, lastly, the sunset photo is amazing.

Percy said...

Beautiful cards Curt....

I love them all, the coloring on them is fabulous!

I have to go to Michaels to get some of those jars...they are adorable, you can use them for anything, not just Halloween...but your project is a cute one....

Thanks for sharing as always!

Velta said...

Awesome!! Love the girly card and the others are so very appropriate for those you made them for.

Judy said...

Oh Curt, everything is just wonderful. Your talent never ceases to amaze me.

The card for Kate is just perfect for a little girl.

I love the way you used the yarn on the kitty card. Wonderful idea.

And that card for your Mom's doctor---precious image.

Hugs,
Judy

Gypsy said...

CURT--you ROCK! Totally--you are such a beautiful spirit!
I LOVE LOVE the cards--the yarn around the cat one--how incredibly clever!
Those Halloween Treat jars--I can't wait to jump into the car tomorrow and run down to Michael's.
The buttons--I swear I thought they were wood--very very cool. I bet if you crimped them, they would look like corduroy.
JUST AWESOME!

Hugs,
Gypsy

Julia Aston said...

Boy - what a jam packed post Curt! I hardly know how (or remember) where to begin! Love your card for Katie - so cute in the pink and the digi kitty is adorable wrapped up in the yarn... love the HM card you made for your mum and the Halloween treats are super! gosh - I'm out of breath!

Anonymous said...

Curt, these are all beautiful and you have such a beautiful giving spirit!!!

Jane, at Thepaperaffair said...

Sweet cards Curt, great work. Nice to send those cards out, that is very nice. Love your Halloween candy Jars, I made one on my blog a week or so ago.

Jenny Gropp said...

Curt -- these cards are fabulous! So well done! I love the yarn on the Mo's cat -- but of course -- I'm kinda partial to the kitty cards!!! And each is so perfectly appropriate for each situation. No doubt they will brighten they day of all who get them!!!
Now -- on to those cute little treat jars -- Do you need my address????

Janine said...

Wonderful projects!!! I think you are just an amazing artist!!
Have a great weekend.

1CardCreator said...

Wow Curt, you are so talented! Thanks for all the referrals to all the great sites in this post. Your cards are beautiful, especially the one you made for Elsie, I love the yarn on top of the card. Thanks for sharing. ~Diane

Jodi said...

Oh Curt!! You are just amazing with your cards! I love that you have made them all for a great reason and cause. You are for sure a "sweetie"... but I already knew that!
I love the coloring you do, it is just so pretty and realistic!
I am sooo glad that you started to create treats for Halloween, and I just can't wait to see more!!
Hugs
Jodi =)

Rita said...

Your card for Kate is beautiful, she's going to luv it! That stamp is perfect, I'm sure she will feel all the hugs!

I luv what you did with that cat card, adding the yarn around the card was the perfect special touch!

I luv that HM image for your mom's doctor, how perfect is that...I luv it & what a great job on the buttons!

Cute Halloween jars!

Hugs Rita

Susan.... said...

Hi Curt,
My name is Susan,l am english but l live on an Island in Spain !
l have just read with great interest your wonderful blog.Your projects are superb and very inspirational !
l love your dogs too!
l wish you both all the good things in life...
Hugs
susan X From Mallorca

Kimberly S said...

Wow, you've been busy and all of your projects are just lovely. That sweet little bunny card is really just the cutest! Love the buttons you made as well. Such talent! :)

Shirley said...

Wow! Curt, where to start! You make the sweetest, adorable, and pretty cards! Your jars are perfect! for giving!!! The heart ribbon and your design are perfect for one another. The yarn is just too creative, and the way you did you buttons on the last card is wonderful too!

xoxoxo ~Lori said...

Very cute! :)