Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST OCTOBER 28TH, 2009

Hey All!  I'm writing tonight's post with a very happy heart!  I made the HM DT!!!!!!!  I just can't believe it!  I have been pinching myself all day making sure I'm not dreaming!  I'm so excited about it.  It was published late this morning on the House Mouse Monday Challenge Blog.  I have wanted this for months and months and it is finally here!  So, that means that there will still be a Monday post and a Wednesday post just like before!  Can't wait to get started with them!  Thanks all for your encouragement and your good luck wishes and all the fingers crossed.  I just know that helped a bunch!  You are all the sweetest!

OK now that I got that exciting news to you, let me get some of the other projects out to you:

My first project is way outside the realm of what you are used to seeing from me.  It is also something that has been over 2 years in the making. . .that is in my head.  LOL  I've just now got around to getting it out of my head and making the project a reality.  Some will probably think it is silly, but it was one of those things that if I didn't get it made, it would remain in my head banging around up there until it got out.  Here it is and I'll explain it after the picture:



LOL!  What do you think?  I know, some of you are going "What the . . . .?"  LOL  Let me explain what this is.  Every time I would take the boys out and walk them in the woods we would walk through this area where the ground was covered with walnuts.  When I would see the ones that had already been cracked in half, they always reminded me of owl faces.  So for the longest time, I would think to myself how they looked like owl faces and how cute it would be to make a "scene" with one.  I have thought of doing that now for over 2 years!  Now it's done.  Here are a couple of close ups:





I glued the half walnut onto a full walnut which makes the body.  I made the "tree" from a dead branch.  I got one of those round wood bases from Michael's and drilled a hole in the center then used hot glue to secure the small branch in the base.  I then used floral moss to cover the base and attached it with hot glue.  I attached the "owl" to the branch with hot glue as well as the leaves which I got from Michaels.  Really easy project, and it looks really looks cute on the entry table in our entry hall.  I know it's not card related but it is crafty and I wanted to share with you all.  I also have several third degree burns from using that dang hot glue gun!  LOL  Hate those things!

Now on to my cards.  Halloween is right on top of us now and I'm hurrying to finish up on my Halloween projects for this weekend's chili super that I host here at the house with a few good friends and the "Moms".  Here is a sampling of the cards that I'm giving to each with their Halloween goodies I'm making for them:












Do you think I like HM and should be on the team????   LOL  I just went nuts in obtaining these cute Halloween images and thought they would be perfect for this weekend's cards with the gifts.

I also had a very nice surprise a couple of weeks ago.  I got an email from the Official House Mouse Designs website (where you can purchase these stamps direct) that someone had sent me a gift certificate!  OMGosh!  I was so taken aback by it.  It was sent by my very sweet blogging friend Elaine Moore.  She thought I would enjoy the Halloween stamp below so she thought she would send a gift certificate for me to purchase it or any other stamp I would like.  Elaine, thanks so much for your kindness and generosity!  I was overwhelmed!  Hopefully she has gotten this card before she sees it here!  LOL



Yes, I did make a smaller card with this image (in the group above this) but this is one of my 5 X 7s.  I colored it of course with my ccp/oms added the brads and ribbon tied with my Box Easy.  The inside is decorated very much like the outside.  You can see below that I added glitter to parts of the image with a glitter pen:



This is such an adorable image!  Thanks Elaine for thinking of me!  This comes in handy now that I'm on the DT!  I need all of the HM stamps I can get!  LOL  Again, thanks for your kindness.  It meant so much!

My last project is the one I mentioned in an earlier post about the note cards I did for a good friend of mine who is going to Las Vegas with 16 of her girlfriends to celebrate her 50th birthday!  She is making up gift baskets for all of those who are going, so I thought it would be neat to have these note cards in the baskets with her personal note to each guest.



I did the flamingo because they are going to stay at the Flamingo in Vegas.  This is a Mrs. Grossman sticker.  I stuck it to white card stock then punched it out with my Nesties.  I added the really sparkley  scallop also made with my Nesties.  It really gleams, take a look:



The paper is from one of those glitter DCWV stacks.  The background paper is from The Paper Studio.  Once I got the rhythm going, the project went fairly smoothly.  Took me about 3 hours to do all of them.  Here they are as a group (sorry for the bad picture, lighting was horrible):



OK, that's it!  Another gargantuan post.  Next Wednesday's post is going to be full too.  Another sweet blogging friend sent me my choice of any of her stamp sets (and boy that was a tough decision because she has a ton of GORGEOUS stamps).  I'm making something from them, and it will be given away.  So make sure you come back next Wednesday to see!  Also, don't forget the pic of the week below!

Thanks again so much for all of your great comments and well wishes.  I love you guys!

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

55 comments:

Danielle said...

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Curt - that's FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! I am SOooooo happy for you - huge congratulations on making the HM team!! All these cards that you're showing tonight are just fantastic and really demonstrate just how worthy you are of making this DT!!! I feel like I'm going to burst with pride for you - geez, if my grin is this big goodness knows how big yours is, lol!!!!
Biggest hugs,
Danielle x

scrapperjulia said...

Hey, Curt! Love your Halloween House Mouse cards. That was very sweet of your friend to give you a gift certificate! Love the flamingo cards too. Lastly I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS! for making the House Mouse Design Team. I knew you could do it!

Anonymous said...

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST POSTS EVER. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHICH CARD I GET TO KEEP SAT. NIGHT. LOVE, LOVE THAT "TREE" AND THAT LITTLE OWL IS PRECIOUS. I THINK YOU HAVE JUST STARTED YOUR VERY OWN THEME FOR CARDS. CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING CHOSEN FOR THE HM DT,, THEY ARE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU, AND SO AM I. LOVE YOU, MOM

Leslie said...

Congrats on making the DT. You def. deserve it. Love your cards. The coloring is fantastic.

mudmaven said...

Yipeeeeeeeeeeee! It definitely could not have happened to a more deserving candidate. I love, love, love all your house mouse cards and am totally looking forward to seeing your dt work! Love that little walnut owl too - how cute is that? That flamingo card is amazing too - that sparkly paper REALLY sparkles. Huge Congrats Curt! ~chris

Patti J. said...

Isn't blurfing just wonderful? So many wonderful friendships come out of this silly daily routine! Curt, you are so deserving of this spot on the team. You will be, by far, among the best they have ever had! Congratulations, dear friend! Big hugs! I just have one question for you - Is it Monday yet? lol!!! Love your projects! That owl is a 'hoot' (pun definitely intended!) I love that you acted on your thoughts! I've done the same thing - sometimes it's the only thing that will shut my silly head up!!! Your flamingo cards are sure to bring many smiles! Can you just imagine how much fun those ladies are going to have? I think they should make you an honorary member of the Birthday Club and take you along! Have a great weekend, and again, congrats!

Carmen O. said...

BIG Congrats on the HM DT!!!! Your mom's comment leaves me teary-eyed. I guess that's how I feel about my boys too. I love love love all the wonderful Halloween cards you created and how lucky of you to have a sweet friend to send you a HM gift certificate. I think your owl in the tree idea is fab. What a creative mind you have, not like we do not already know that. Your flamingo cards are fabulous too. When I went to LV in 2001 with the girls we stayed at the Flamingo Hilton too. We had our nails done and then had airbrushed flamingos painted on them. The guy didn't just do flamingos he did a palm tree and a beach...all that on our fingernails! I'm sure your friend will adore her cards. She may not even want to give them away! Have a great rest of the week, I'm sure you're floating on cloud nine!

Unknown said...

OH HUGE HUGS Curt - I am so glad you got on the HM team!!!! so well deserved!!!

And my goodness you've been a busy bee!!! all those gorgeous cards, all beautifully coloured!!!! and the flamingoes are so fab!!

Hope you all have a fab halloween party!!!

Unknown said...

oh I forgot to say - I love the owl!! so cute, genius idea!!

sandyh50 said...

Woohoo and congrats Curt! I know how long you have love the House Mouse stamps and you definitely deserve to be on their design team. Love your cards and your coloring. Way to go!

Leigh said...

Absolutely stoked that you made the DT. Congratulations!!

Scossie Jane said...

Congratulations Curt, very well deserved, can't wait to see your cards as part of the House Mouse Design Team - that sounds good xx

Your wee owl in the tree is inspirational - way too cute xx

Congrats again my friend xx

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Woooopeee!!! I'm so happy for you, Curt!!! Your cards are stunning and beautiful! I better go dust my 3 HM stamps off ;)
Awww, and that lil owl is just too cute for words! I love how you created that!
Great work! Can't wait to see those HM challenges :)
Hugs to you and your lovies!!!
~ margie

ps - We're not fans of squirrels right now! LOL! Although, this lil guy is a cutie! TFS your pic too!

Diane said...

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, I knew you could do it...I knew you would get it...how exciting for you and for US, too!!! See how things have a way of working out....love those "mousies"!! Your picture of the week, maybe that squirrel was thee one that cracked that nut for you for the tree...which is a clever idea....love it.....you are going tohave to gets lots of new House Mouse stamps now...darn it...right??? LOL!!!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Curt,
Thrilled to hear you're on the HM team! YIPPEE!!! I absolutely LOVE the trick-or-treating mice! These cards are just such adorable works of art! The flamingo cards are a HOOT, too! Your walnut tree - - - well, I must admit, the nut does look like an owl! I like how you pulled it together and I'm so glad you shared!

Jackie said...

Congratulations!!! I knew they'd choose you - how could they not??? That tree is adorable and your cards are just beautiful. They are lucky to have you on their team and I know you are going to enjoy it immensely.

Kimberly S said...

That's wonderful news...congratulations! The projects are just fabulous, and I love the pic of the week. :)

Jan McConnell said...

Well Curt, there isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said. I am so happy for you that you are finally on the DT as I know you love your little "friends" and so do your fans. You are fantastic at the coloring. What an imagination to see an owl in a walnut, cute, cute.
Waiting to see what comes in the future. Celebrate all week!!!

Dawnll said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You so deserved to be on the design team, your work is really amazazing.So glad I get to stop by and see all your work.Thanks for sharing with all of us. Now I can un-cross my fingers and get back to work!

Barbara M said...

CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!
You earned your design team spot good going. I love yur blog and I will love it more so will get to see even more HM stamps

Sharon Caudle said...

WHOOT WHOOT!!!!! I'm STILL doing the happy dance for you!!!! Congrats Curt! I didn't have a doubt in my head about you making the team! LOVE all your adorable HM cards and the pink flamingo set you made for your friend is gorgeous! And I think that tree is REALLY cool!!!! I really love what you did with the walnut! Fab work my friend! Enjoy the heck out of the rest of your week!!!!! :) hugs!

Sue from Oregon said...

Holy Smokes...I am tickled pink for you! We love our meeces! Your HM creations and all the other ones are just awesome! Keep em comin'!

Sue said...

Hi Curt
i saw your name this afternon,was so chuffed for you, many many congratulations you so deserve it.
Gorgeous selection of cards they all look fantastic, luv the notes just beautiful.
Keep up the great work luv poppin to your blog,sue.xx

Lori Barnett said...

WOW! You have been a busy busy crafter! :) Welcome to the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Design Team!

Heide said...

Congrats to getting on the DT!!!
Your entries were so cute.
Hope you have lots of fun and I will be looking for you on their Blog.

Another set of super cute cards on you blog today.I think the owl in the tree is fantastic.

Lisa Foster said...

Congrats on the HM DT!!! I knew you were in though...Duh...you absolutely ROCK!!!
I'm lovin' your tree with the Walnut owl..that's totally creative, Curt...what an eye! Of course I adore all of your other cards too! You just do awesome work no matter what it is! Ugh...you people that are good at EVERYTHING!!!*sigh*** :)
Thanks, as always for sharing your wonderful talents!
Hugs,
Lisa

lisa808 said...

Congratulations!!! HM is lucky to have you on the DT. Enjoy!

What a cute idea with the nuts. You are so creative.

I'm glad to hear a nice person like yourself has such kind and generous friends.

Gina Wrona said...

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU! And, for me along with all of your other followers because we get to see and drool over all your HM creations!

Everything happens for a reason and believe me, now is the right time for you to be on the HM team.

Hugs,

Gina

Terry said...

Because of you Curtis I have renewed my love of HM.
Congratulations - if anybody deserves this - YOU DO!!!!
Love your owl, tree, leaves - ALL of it. How clever. This is defintely a DIY.
Now get off that cloud and get to work!!! ;O)

christina d said...

Congrats on making the team!!! What wonderful news. Your cards are so cute. I love the one you got with your gift cert. The cards you made for your friend's trip are so cute.

MaryAnn Grove said...

oh, I knew you would do it. Those people would have had to been blind in one eye and not seeing out of the other to turn down your beautiful cards. So happy for you. keep those cards and extra's coming. the very best to you ...MaryAnn

The Rubber Maid said...

My jaw is killing me from the big
toothy smile I have on my old wrinkled face. Great news that you made the DT for HM...so deserving!
Much happiness to you good friend.
Now about the picture of the week, that little guy looks like my Charlie the squirrel who visits my backyard all the time. Did he hop a plane to Indie??? Pat

Percy said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! you sooo much deserve it!!!! WOW, i can imagine the excitement!!!! You will be great in the DT....!! Cant wait to see your creations!!!

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Wahoo!!! That is so awesome!! I am very happy for you! I also just LOVE your style! I am a fairly new follower and these are super great! I even love the tree with the owl nut! :)

Look forward to seeing more!
-Stacie

6 wacky women said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Such awesome news!! You are going to be fabulous...I am so happy for you, Curt.

Love all your cards, but your HM cards are just amazing.
WOW!! WTG my friend...

Hugs
Karen x

A Consuming Passion said...

OK I'm late as usual!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! yeah... good for you and so on and so on!!! You might get to chat to Kath in the UK she's a Scot and by the sounds of her blog a real hoot. She also has a very trusty friend in her dog !!! I think you'll do MH proud and I'm really looking forward to all your posts for them.
Love all these cards - what a lucky girl your friend is to have you make for her trip - sounds like they might have a bit of fun ah! Oh and I love the Owl!! you're right about the walnuts - how clever are you!!
OK going now I'm rambling lol x

Heather said...

Hi Curt - congratulations and great to have you on the team - I'm all excited - I've got new playmates!!!
Fantastic creations, wonderful cards and I just love your little owl in his tree - brilliant.
hugs Heather xx

Sue said...

Congratulations Curt on joining the Design Team at House Mouse Challenge Blog, well deserved, have fun!

Rosanne said...

Awesome news Curt--you worked very hard for this and you deserve to enjoy your victory!!

Your talent and your giving nature are such a wonderful combination--it is a pleasure to see and read all your latest endevours.

Keep up the great work!

designsfromwithinbycharlotte said...

Congratulations Curt! Isn't it such a wonderful feeling getting on a DT you soooo wanted! Fantastic news. Your HM cards are just gorgeous and I know they made a fabulous choice. Hope to see some of them over at Midnight Madness in the future!!
Love the photo of the week! Just adorable!
TFS
Hugs,
Charlotte

Nilla said...

What the....No kidding, just love all in the post and a BIG Congrats! You deserve it, your coloring of the HM stamps are just stunning! Keep in touch! Hugs Nilla

Anonymous said...

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that's me screaming, I'm soooooooo happy for you Curt. Your cards are all so great and you will make the House Mouse company proud!!!!aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh, had to scream again, I'm alone except for my doggie, and she already knows I'm crazy so nothing surprises her anymore!!

Lorraine A said...

Congratulations Curt,,, I would have popped by earlier but as you know I have had a few things to worry about ,,,!
I love all of your cards ,, I saw one of them is featured on the HM blog ! :-) Well done !! :-)
The owl is brilliant too ,, what a fantastic idea ,, I love your photo's slide show too ,,, you're obviously multi talented :-)

I am looking forward to seeing you up there on the Challenge blog :-) Well Done x x
Luv
Lols x x

DeeDee said...

Woohoo! CONGRATULATIONS Curt! I knew you could do it! You are awesome, they know it, so they "hired" you! Nuff said! Your cards are sooooooo ADORABLE! Your coloring is perfect! GREAT job my sweet friend! HUGS!

Nina said...

Big whoohooo and yahoo to you Curt!! Once again CONGRATS! I can't wait to see more of what you squeak out for the HMDT~! first, you little owl tree... too cute and by the way they do make low heat glue guns, I think you only get second degree burns with those!! hehehe... can so relate to that though! :O) Love love love all your micey cards and I haven't seen some of those images... oh la la love 'em! and now those flamingo cards are just so beautiful and what a wonderful idea... just love them all!! of course you know I will still be here every monday and wednesday!! :O) Thanks for sharing your inspirations.. and tear tear... I am already missing you!!

Julia Aston said...

Well it's about time I say Curt!! Big congrats on your HM DT position!!! You have been doing wonderful things with their stamps for EVAAA!!! Love all your halloween cards - and that tree with the owl is just super! - love it - I bet it looks wonderful on your table! what a great decoration! You have been one busy guy!!

Susan (rainy) said...

Congratulations, Curt!!! I'm so happy for you!! HM is very lucky to have such a talented and dedicated designer creating for them. The love you have for these darling images shows in every one of your cards. And I LOL at the walnut owl! Darling project!

Lori Barnett said...

peek-a-boo I see you ;) hee hee hee

Rita said...

Congrats Curt....I knew you could do it kiddo!!! I'm so happy for you!

OMG all of your cards are so beautiful & your coloring Curt is so awesome...cheap pencils totally work...I luv it!

Gina Lindsay said...

CONGRATULATIONS on the DT! You do such a great job with their images so it is very well deserved. Love your cards,

Jean McKenzie said...

Curt, I am so excited for you on making the DT. You well deserve the honour and I look forward to seeing your contributions on the group! Congratulations and best wishes from Australia! I love looking at your blog and gorgeous photography too.

Chris said...

I'm so excited you'd think I was asked to be on the DT. Congrats, that is really great news, have fun with it.
BTW, I bet the followers don't think the owl thing kicking around in your head for a couple years is all that weird. I'm not sure which is scarier the stuff kicking around in my head for years or the stuff sticking around my attic for years.

Celeste said...

Curt, first let me say CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I loved the walnut owl, how cute! Your cards are great, love the coloring on them. You have been busy huh? I look forward to watching your blog and seeing what neat cards you come up with for HM. Best wishes!

Unknown said...

Congratulations Curt! I'm so happy for you. You're so very deserving!!

dpkennedy said...

Super congratulations!!! This is wondeful news! Now I always love your cards, but that owl in the tree is spectacular! I must make one of these! I LOVE owls! We have Great Horned around here and I always hear them but not lucky enough to see them. Love this!!!