Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Saturday, October 24, 2009

MY HOUSE MOUSE DESIGN TEAM FINAL CHALLENGE ENTRY

Hey All!  Happy weekend to all of my favorite blogging friends, and if you are reading this, that means YOU!  LOL

Well, it is time to reveal my entries into the House Mouse Design Team final challenge.  But before I do, I want to thank each and every one of you who left me the most remarkable set of encouraging comments I've ever seen.  Honestly, I couldn't believe how sweet, nice, positive and encouraging you all were with your comments.  Seriously, when I think about all the responses, I get a little watery around the eyes . . . so thank you so much for being so kind.

OK, here they are.  As you know from the previous post, we had to submit two cards using the exact same image on both. . .One had to be very simple "less is more".  So here is my "simple" card:



I thought that you can't go wrong with a clean and simple combination of black and white.  When you throw in a third color (orange in this case for a traditional Halloween color combo) it really makes your image pop with little effort.  When you first look at this, it almost looks like a framed gallery print.  The image is certainly the focal point of the card and not distracted from by embellishments or patterned papers.  You don't know how hard it was to "leave it alone"!  LOL  I so wanted to add "things".  I even stamped the sentiment right onto the card which I normally don't do.  The only "extra" I used on the card was some glitter on their wings:



You'll need to click on the picture to see it better.  I picked this image because my Mom had asked me to do a card for one of her good friends that she is seeing on Tuesday.  So when I made the card below first, I decided to stick with it and use the image for the challenge.  Also, this is the perfect Halloween card for those who are more religious and don't like traditional Halloween images.

So, now for the "over the top" card.  Honestly, it is so hard for me to do that.  I don't like to clutter up cards with a lot of distraction.  However, that is why it is called a "challenge" huh?  So here is the card using the same image:



I photographed it at an angle to show that the inside is decorated too.  I do have a lot going on with this card.  Here is the list:

1.  Black and yellow brads on each side of the computer generated sentiment
2.  A double looped yellow bow with black contrasting stitching
3.  Black photo corners surrounding the image and on the inside framing the writing area
4.  Hand colored yellow pearls added to their antennas for more dimension
5.  Bright yellow checked background paper matted with black
6.  Quadruple matting
7.  Glitter on the wings
8.  Foam squares used to lift the image and sentiment panel from the card for dimension

Here is a close up of their wings which shows the glitter even better than the first:



So, this completes my entry for the DT challenge.  I was going to add a few more things to this card, but decided against it.  I have a certain style of my own, and I didn't want to compromise that.  One of the comments made on my last post reminded me of that and that thought kept running through my mind.
So, I hope these are good enough to get me in.  I would so love to be a part of their team.  Their design team is top notch, and as some of you have commented on several of my posts, that the House Mouse images are my forte.  I appreciate that because I do LOVE these stamps.  I find that the images and the cards that I make with them, make me smile.  And we all need a lot of things these days to make us smile.  I just find a little magic in these images and they bring out the kid in me.

OK, that's it.  I don't know when they are making the decision, but I will let you all know the outcome as soon as I know.  I'm up against some great competitors and I wish them all the best of luck.

Again, thanks so much for being a part of this.  I couldn't ask for better people to be behind me.

Love ya Kiddos!

Curt O'Brien

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

47 comments:

scrapperjulia said...

Great job on both cards, Curt! Love this image! Wishing you the best of luck!

Susan.... said...

Hi Curt,
l have stayed up tonight waiting with anticipation for your cards ! hehe..and its been worth it ! Both cards are fabulous !Good Luck X
Hugs
susan (in Mallorca,Spain ) X

Sue from Oregon said...

I am so glad you stayed with your style...These images are so cute, they pretty much stand alone on a card! You know me...I love the first one with its simplicity! Great job in adding all the extra's on the second card...I do love how you finished the inside as well...that part is so overlooked, except for the recipient! I am rooting for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Curt!!! You did yourself proud with these cards. I'm so glad you didn't make a gaudy, over embellished card. You stayed true to yourself and did a perfect job. Your coloring is outstanding and you are right, that first one does look like a gallery print. Your second card is gorgeous with the yellow and black. You did all of those things you listed and it still came out darling! They will be out of their minds not to pick you! I'm rooting for you here in Montana! You Rock! Michelle

jdm1460@yahoo.com said...

Curt, have checked out your blog twice since I got home from work and you have not disappointed me!! You do have your own style and I think that is the charm of your cards. Whether you make the team (and you should) you are a star to your blogging buddies. GO CURT!!

Lorraine A said...

Fabulous cards Curt :-) I have been waiting to see what you made :-) I only found your blog with this challenge and can't believe I missed you before ! :-)
Both cards are fabulous:-) I wish you the very best of luck and hope we both make the team :-)))) Even if we don't we need to keep in touch,, I am now officially a stalker :-)

Luv
Lols x x x
p.s I have a blog candy that you might like ,,,, :-)

Lora said...

I couldn't wait to get onto the computer tonight so I could check out your cards! You have done a fab job with both of them. As always your colouring is perfect.
I'm so glad you didn't go way OTT with the 2nd card. I think I would of been a bit dissapointed if you did because you have your own distinctive style and it just wouldn't be the real you if you were to stick loads of embelies and flowers etc on (unlike me lol).
I'm wishing you the very best of luck! :)

Hugs Lora xx

Lisa Foster said...

Curt these are both ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for each challenge!!! You've done so WELL and still kept them "Curt's"! Best Wishes, My Friend!
Hugs,
Lisa

Scossie Jane said...

Curt you have done a fantastic job with both cards. The image is perfect and you have shown how versatile it can be - your individual style is there for all to see, and both cards fit the design criteria perfectly - Good Luck my friend xx

Sue said...

Curt, what bright fun cards you have made. Love the colors you chose. I couldn't agree more, about sticking with YOUR style and
not trying to do something that isn't you. I felt the same way. Good Luck with the design team spot. So many great stampers, so few great design team spots..........hee hee.

Leigh said...

Curt, both your cards are fabulous. I love them. Good luck for the final leg of the DT challenge.

Nilla said...

Gorgeous, typically the style of Curt! Which is amazing! I'll keep my fingers crossed! Hugs Nilla

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Hi Curt! Sorry, even thought I've visited, it's been a while since I commented :) I just had to say that I love your style and I am so happy to see you applying again for this DT! You are truly talented, passionate and amazing!
I wish you the best of luck! Your cards are amazing! I really like the "picture" look of the first one! I'll have to give that a try ;) and you're second card is so sweet!
Thanks for the inspiration :*)
Best wishes and hugs!!!
~ margie

Jackie said...

I think they are both perfect and if they don't choose you then they just don't have any taste at all. So there! Seriously, I do love both of those and I do know how hard it is to "leave it alone"! I wish you the very best of luck!

Danielle said...

Wow Curt! You have done an amazing job on both these cards! Your first card is just beautiful and I love how you kept the b&w to frame the image - just stunning! And the dressed up version is beautiful with 'Curt' still written all over it! You should be incredibly proud of the work you've done - I wish you heaps of wishes (don't need luck 'cos your work is amazing!!) in getting the DT spot!
Hugs, Danielle

Kimberly S said...

They are absolutely wonderful cards! Best of luck, though I can't imagine you not being chosen as their new DT member. :)

Dawn B. said...

I too am glad to see you did not change your style.. I think that is what makes us each unique.. You did a terrific job.. Love them both..

Dawnll said...

I have been waiting for this post and couldn't wait to get on-line to see what you have done. Your coloring and skill at the fine details is just outstanding!!! I am so glad Leslie sent me to your site.I am crossing my fingers and hoping you are chosen...thanks for sharing with all of us and giving us inspiration.

Carmen O. said...

Oh Curt! These two cards are Divine! I love them both and I'm so glad you didn't waver on your style. I hope you make the DT but if you don't then they obviously do not appreciate the fabulous talent you possess. I too love HM, HH and Gruffies stamps, they are too cute to pass up.

Best always!
Carmen

Rosanne said...

Curt--You're the Man!!!! Awesome cards--you've given it your all and it shows!! Boy, your cards will stand strongly in any challenge my friend--I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!

Patti J said...

I can finally go to sleep! I've waited 4 days for these two cards to pop up on my screen! You have outdone yourself. I absolutely LOVE them both! The colors on the over the top card just pop, but do so in a glamourous and classy style! And that CAS card rocks! You rock! I just can't imagine you NOT being chosen! Good luck!

berg4 said...

Great job on the cards - best of luck!

6 wacky women said...

WOW!!
Absolutely brilliant cards, Curt.
You have done an amazing job....awesome colouring, fabulous colours and the papers and details are wonderful.
You would be an perfect addition to the HM team!!
Good Luck, my friend!!

Karen x

Ila said...

These are both Super Gorgeous cards Curt!!...Your work is Fantastic...they would be so lucky to have you on their team!!..Good Luck!!..my fingers are crossed too!!...Hugs, Ila

Ann said...

Both cards are gorgeous Curt & the different colour combos & styles show just how versatile your style is!! Wonderful colouring, wishing you lots of luck!! Take care Ann xxx

Lisa Schipritt said...

Your cards make ME smile!!!! Good luck..L

Bonnie Weiss said...

DT or not, Curt, your creativity and talents are appreciated by so many, as is demonstrated by all of the comments you receive. Your distinctive style is what we love about your work and your attention to detail, is always second to none! I look forward to the day that you have your own line of stamps and put out a call for your own DT ... maybe a line of puppy stamps???!!! You have great talent, Curt ...
~B~

Anonymous said...

Okay, first....how did I miss your last post??? Seriously, how did I not read this!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS Curt for getting that far and after seeing these adorable cards you MUST have it in the bag!! These cards are super awesome Curt and I just know in my heart you are going to get this. No one could possibally be more deserving of this. And I hope the folks from House Mouse read the comments we leave for you!!
Hugs my friend!

lisa808 said...

Beautiful cards. The CAS is very striking. Such a cute idea to color the bees for Halloween. Love how you used black/white/yellow for the second entry. Best of luck.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

WOW! They both really catch my eye and stand out! Great job! Same image but the cards are so different and love the effects you did on both!

Christine said...

Hi Curt you have 2 amazing cards here love them both perfect colouring the halloween one is stunning in the bold frame & simple but elegant design..the OTT is again stunning love your choice of colour combo & greeting..best of luck..

Hugs Christine xx

miriam said...

what a lovely cards and a great stamp

best of luck with the compitation


hugs miriam

christina d said...

Oh Curt! They are both just so cute. I'm glad I don't have to choose between the two of them! Lot's of luck with the DT competition!

Janine said...

Beautiful cards Curt! Good luck!

Velta said...

You will probably never see this comment as I think I am number 37 or so...but I still had to comment...I LOVE House Mouse too and you did a great job with these two cards. Good luck !!!

Percy said...

OMG Curt, I love the cards, although I love the simple one more....I am a simple kind of guy too...Good luck you really did a great job with these...if they don't pick you, it is their loss, plus you can always try and try again....Good luck!!!!

Deanna C said...

WOW! I love both cards. The simple one is so striking with just that POP of color. The second card is MY favorite. I love that darling bow and the colors are fantastic. You definitely ought to be picked!

Papier Creatif said...

Hi Curt!

I love both of your cards! House Mouses are sooo adorable! And they are totally your signature! You highlight them so perfectly! Best of luck for the DT spot! I hope you're selected!!

Jane Wetzel said...

Curt..your cards are always very sweet! No matter what..they are what they are...AWESOME..best wishes... J. ;0

kksb said...

Lookin good!
Hope you win!!

Sue said...

Hi Curt
sorry for delay was away in me caravan the weekend.
Two stunning cards uv them both, keeping all crossed for you, you deserve to be on the DT your work is stunning, sue,x

DeeDee said...

OMGosh Curt.....too CUTE! WOW, I love these! You really do know how to color up these HM images. You have just the right colors in just the right places! GOOD LUCK in the competition, I still have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for ya! HUGS!

pinky said...

You have done a great job Curt, loving both these designs, both showing the housemouse stamps to their best! Good luck with the dt call. By the way, love that name O'Brien, sounds Irish to me lol.
Pinky

dpkennedy said...

They are both fantastic! Best of luck! I am crossing my fingers for ya!

Gina Wrona said...

Bravo, bravo, bravo my friend!

Hugs,
Gina

Susan (rainy) said...

These are both so beautifully done, Curt! The competition may be tough for the design team spot, but no one loves these darling little mice more than you, and that love shines through on every creation you make. Keeping my fingers crossed for you! (Figuratively of course cuz it's way hard to craft with crossed fingers.)

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