Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, December 10, 2009

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST DECEMBER 9TH 2009 (on Thursday! LOL)

Hey All!  Finally got my SD card to make up with my computer again!  Electronics really drive me nuts sometimes.  As some would say, "short drive. . . ."  LOL  OK, on with the post!

I tried two different things this week.  One was something I saw on SCS and thought that it was simply genius.  It was one of those things that when you see it, two things happen.  1.  You think to yourself "why didn't I think of that?" and 2.  You run to your craft room to give it a try.  Here is my card using this cool technique:



I love how this pine tree turned out!  I got the idea from this person's card here.  This tree was made obviously from punched out branches.  My punch is from McGill.  I punched out a ton of these little branches in two colors of green to give it more depth and a more real color look.   Here is a close up:



Yes, it was time consuming to glue each of those branches to each other, but I think the end result was worth it.  I stuck glittery dots on it for ornaments, then mounted it with foam squares to the matting which I ran through the CB with the Swiss Dots folder.  I stamped on the card stock strip running behind it a pine branch and pine cone motif (stamps by Hero Arts) and then mounted the main image onto that with foam squares.  The background was created using my CB again with the snowflakes folder.  The sentiment is a K & Company piece.  This card has a lot of great dimension and texture.

The next thing I wanted to try is a new product from Impression Obsession called "Shake It".  These are pre-formed plastic molds so you can easily make a shaker card.  Here is my card:



I like this product a lot, however I was not happy that the plastic form did not match any of my Nestabilities round dies nor any of my circular punches.  Luckily, I had a circle cutting set that I bought a long time ago from Making Memories and it was the closest fit.  Here are some close ups so you can see the product better:





They do make great shakers and are much easier than having to make your own.  You just stamp your image, put your shaker material on the center of your image, peel off the adhesive strip that is on the back and plop it on.  It forms a super seal.  For my shaker material I used sugar!  Sugar has a natural sparkle, and doesn't tend to stick to the plastic with static cling like glitter does.  Plus it is heavy enough to really make a great shaker sound.  The image is from The Craft Lounge, colored with colored pencils, and the paper is by Paper Pizazz.  I made the base of the snow globe by hand and embellished it with punched out snow flakes that I colored with a Gelly Roll glitter pen.  I then added pearls to each.  I chose not to use a sentiment because the background paper said what I wanted the card to say!  The bow was made with my Bow Easy.

Now, I need to announce the lucky winner of my "duplicate stamp" that was up for grabs in the last post.  Drum roll please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and the winner selected randomly by Random.Org is. . . . . . .Lorraine A!  Yea Lorraine!!!!  Can you send me your address so I can get it out to you?  Congrats to you.  I'm sorry everyone couldn't win!  I swear, when I win that lottery, you guys are gonna be so blessed!

So, there you have it.  I'm planning to use the snow globe cards in one of those boxed card sets I'm making to sell next year.  They make great winter note cards.

Again, thanks so much for visiting.  I hope I made it worth your time.  I so appreciate you coming by and leaving the comments that you do.  My plan tonight is to grab a glass of wine and sit in front of my computer and visit each of you to see what you have been up to!


Don't forget the Pic of the Week blow!!!!

Hope you are all well and safe.  Until later!

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

46 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Curt
glad you made it and got your card sorted,wow that tree looks fantastic well the the time it took, may have to have a go at the weekend, lovely shaker card never thought of using sugar! duh. I have had some of those plastic shaker things for ages!!
Enjoy your wine, cheers Curt, hugs sue.x

Diane said...

My package came today...yeah...yippe...oh boy!!! Think I am excited....yes...yes...thanks so much...look for a post on it tomorrow!!!
I LOVE your tree card, and I saw the same thing yesterday on SCS and printed the info on it....I have to try it, too...have a great idea in the works, but I LOVE yours, so full and fluffy and pretty! The snow globe card is great, too....what a great idea to use sugar....those Xmas sugars would be good, too...one for ST. Patty's...hmmm.......the "boys" look so happy.....great pic of them!!!! Thanks again!!

Lisa Foster said...

I LOVE these cards, Curt!!! The pine tree is genius and ou did an amazing job with it! I love the red "ornaments"...Your shaker card is superb! I never thought of using sugar!!! What a great idea!!
Hugs,
Lisa

Sharon Caudle said...

Both cards are awesome, Curt!! I did one of those trees last year as well as a wreath and they're a LOT of work, so I know what you went throught to do this one. I love how it turned out, so it was worth the time and effort! You did a beautiful job!! And your shaker card is awesome! How creative to use sugar! I never would have thought of that. Thank you! You're a constant source of inspiration! Hope you're having a fabulous weeek! hugs!

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous!!

Lorraine A said...

Oohh wow !! Curt ! Thank you so much for this stamp :-) I tell you what though ,,, please go to the Simon Says Stamp Store and let me know which stamp you would like :-) I will buy it for you snd have it sent to you :-) I am sure you need a few more :-)

I love the cards you made ,, the tree is fabulous and the globe is lovely ! What a brilliant idea to use sugar ! :-)

Luv
Lols x x x

Lorraine A said...

p.s I am doing exactly what you're planning ,,, I have a glass of chilled white and am visiting friends all over the world ! :-)
x x

Kimberly S said...

More gorgeous cards Curt! The Christmas tree came out beautifully, and your shaker card is such a cute idea! (I would not have ever guessed that it was sugar in there!) Your puppies are as cute as ever, seemingly unaffected by the snow and cold. :)

mudmaven said...

Holy Cow! These are both just awesome Curt. I love the dimension you gave the tree using two colors - I think I have a MS branch punch that I am going to have to dig out so I can try this - just gorgeous. I love that shaker card too. I wonder how kosher salt would work? It has some variety in the size of the pieces that might be interesting - we'll see! Thanks for all the great inspiration - as always! Best to Jay and hugs to the boys! ~chris

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Oh so wonderful! I love how you used just plain ole' sugar...very good idea!

Patti J said...

First...your boys are adorable in the photo of the week! They are such great 'posers'!!! Did you teach them that, or is it a natural love of the camera? My furball runs when she hears the camera come on! Love your cards, Curt! As usual, you blew me away - love that you thought to use sugar on the shaker card! How smart was that! The card with the leaves, believe it or not, I saw the same card on SCS, ran out earlier this week to pick up the MS punch, and have about a dozen punched. Then I got busy with other things. So...now your amazingly gorgeous card is my incentive to continue! Beautiful work once again, dear friend!

Jackie said...

I love, love, love that tree!! And your snow globe card is just adorable. I haven't bought any of the shaker thingies yet but my friends has, so I sent her your link. Is that mud that the boys are sitting in?? I sure hope they like their bathtime. We have 4 cats and they freak out when it's a little drizzly out and their fur gets dampish. I gave a kitten a bath one - and still have the scars to show for it. Self-cleaning...one of the many advantages to kitties, at least for us. Your boys are beautiful!

Anonymous said...
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The Rubber Maid said...

Aww....sweet tree! So what if it's a lot of work, when you see the end result, it's worth it. Love IO's new globe thingies, makes doing shaker cards so much easier.
Happy weekend good buddy. Pat

V Colbourne said...

Wow. You have some serious patience, but it certainly did pay off, that tree card is A-MAZING!! And the shaker card is super cute too of course. I love popping by and seeing your creations!

Helen F. said...

Love your version of this tree, Curt ~ I wanted to run to my craft room to try it also :o) AND, your shaker card is super cute~love the sugar idea, it's really sparkly.

Danielle said...

Curt, your cards are amazing! I have seen the tree branch idea and want to give it a go too - you did a fabulous job and I love how you used two tones of green for added dimension! The shaker card is awesome and I love how your 'shake' is sugar - very sweet!
Thanks so much for sharing your incredibly inspiring projects!
Hugs, Danielle

Jan McConnell said...

Oh Curt, you have so much patience, that tree is beautiful!! I don't do many shakers, you did an amazing job. The boys look like they have had a nice walk or run and are taking a break. They appear to be very well behaved. Give them a pat for me.

Jenny Gropp said...

The punched tree is FAB-u-lous!!!! What a brilliant idea you found.... I will have to try this too! And sugar.... another brilliant idea!! I had no probs mathing up my circle nesties with my shaker pouches from IO... I thought they all matched up with Nestie sizes. Will check in to this. I do love the slimness of the pouches!

Becky said...

I love that punched tree, it is truly a labor of love to make this but it was well worth it,the card is just fabulous with its bling.. And the shaker card is just adorable.

Lesley F said...

Cute cards...love that Christmas tree!

Gina Wrona said...

Happy Friday Curt!

Congrats to Lorraine! You sound a lot like me Curt when I say if the only condition for me to win the PCH is to share, I'd gladly share with everyone,kwim?

Love your cards & that tree is just priceless! Well worth the wait my friend. I've never made a shaker card, but I will definately remember you used sugar instead of glitter. You are so smart!

Hugs,
Gina

lisa808 said...

Curt, You have outdone yourself yet again! The tree card is magnificent (I can't imagine how your hand feels after punching out all those branches!). Sugar in the shaker card--brilliant!

I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award. You may pick it up here:

http://craftingwithprincesslisa.blogspot.com/2009/12/kreativ-blogger-award.html

Celeste said...

Curt, you blow me away! The tree card is to die for and the snowman is great using the sugar!
The "boys" look adorable with their bandannas on. They wouldn't want to be here in Central NY today. It is 22 out and the wind chill is -10. Have a great week.

Sue said...

Hi Curt
have just read your comment on Lorraines blog, i like to still look at the card im commenting on as i have a bad memory!lol. I think i have changed mine now so i hope you get a pop up box when you next visit. Didnt know why some had them n some didnt! DUH. hugs sue.x

Nina said...

Curt I soo love that tree card, I soo need that punch, I fell in love with it a long time ago! just beautiful.

and I love your shaker card! wheree did you purchase the "shake it" from? I would be interested to know. I love making shakers, but not necessary the box it self! :O) soo fun and lovely!

Also, make sure you stop by we are in full swing of with our blog hop over at TMITA, plus my store will be open soon! can't wait! great job my friend!

Jessie said...

Wow Curt these are gorgeous! Especially love the tree card, the baubles/gems are so pretty on it!

Anonymous said...

I JUST LOVE THAT LITTLE PINE TREE..YOU CAN ALMOST SMELL THE PINE, AND THAT "SUGAR SHAKER CARD" IS SOOOO NEAT. AND, THE "PIC OF THE WEEK" IS GREAT.....THOSE GRAND DOGS ARE GREAT IN ANY WEATHER. LOVE YA, MOM

Nilla said...

Oh, I love that tree and the sugar what a perfect idea! Hugs Nilla

Ila said...

So Glad your SD problems are sorted. Your tree card is Gorgeous...and well worth the work!!..I love the snow globe card as well...and what a great idea to use sugar for the shaker.
It's always a treat to see a photo of your kids..and the one below is just the Cutest..I love those snowflake bandanas!!....Have a Wonderful Sunday...Hugs, Ila

craftimamma said...

Just found your lovely blog following a link from Shirley's (Card Art, etc) and have so enjoyed my visit.

I love these two cards especially the tree (must have a go at that) and you have some fab projects way back. I love the stationery box with the notebook and stamp pocket.

Your photos are all pretty wonderful too. I will be back!

Lesley Xx

Teresa Kline said...

Curt,

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting, I wish I can blog and comment all day. Sorry I have not been to your lately, believe me, it is a time factor.

Your cards are so wonderful, you are a very creative man. You remind me of a guy I went to school with, we where best friends in school. I give him the credit for tapping into my creativity...(smile) After graduation he moved far away and I have not seen him. I miss him very much!


Anyway, amazing cards, luv the punched tree one, so clever. If I do not get back here before Christmas I truly hope you have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.....big hugs!


Teresa
enjoy *~*

Anonymous said...

These are great Curt, love the shaker card and the time trimming tree was well worth it!! NOW, speaking of trees.........you put that coffee pot on cause I'm coming to your house and we're gonna discuss this whole tree thing!!!!!! (Sugar cookies would go nice with that coffee)

Dawnll said...

Oh my God I can't believe you hand punched and glued those leaves! You have more patience then I do. It is really a wonderful card and idea. I also love the hint about sugar, I never thought of that. The last time I used a shaker I filled with spider cut outs!LOL
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. All my best

Michele B. said...

Truly wonderful cards, but I especially love that fabulous tree! (Wow...that's a lot o' punchin'! But definately worth it!)

Shirley said...

You know I am a lover of your frist card. Your details are fantastic and I peeked at the SCS one too. The sencond card is wonderful. I too found that the Spellbinders and pucnes didn't work. I used a plastic temoplate sheet I had that had 3" circle. I love your snowman and the sugar is a great idea, unless you use beads. Beautiful, Curt. If I don't see you between now and Christmas, you and Jay have a good one. The weather is freezing here in NC too.

Janine said...

Great work Curt!! Love the tree!

Joan Ervin said...

OMG, what a fabulous pine tree, Curt...who woulda thought the fern punch could be used like that!!! I have seen the wreaths made with the ferns but the tree is awesome!!! I love your little shaker card, too...great idea to use the sugar!!! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a sweet comment...love your blog and all the wonderful inspiration!!!

Jean McKenzie said...

Curt, I haven't had the time to visit for a while but wow I sure have enjoyed my visit today. You have more gorgeous cards up there and what fantastic ideas you have used. Just love another use for the branch punch - that is such a great tree!! And I would never have thought to use sugar in the shaker card. Perfect!

I love your furbabies and the cutest photos you have of them. Dogs make beautiful companions that is for sure.

Have a wonderful holiday season, a very happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful 2010.

Cheers, Jean

Leigh said...

Curt, I love your Christmas tree card made out of the fabulous branch punch. Your shaker card is fantastic too.

Cibele Glazer said...

I LOVE this tree!!! I will have to make one but maybe next year. :)

Jamey said...

Just looooove the little (time consuming) Chrissy tree! very cute and unique!

Unknown said...

All of them are awesome. Very neatly designed flourished with beautiful colors and designs.
Plastic Card

Velta said...

Curt ~ Both of these are such fun!!! I would love to try your 1st technique out...Oh to have the time...Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

America said...

AMAZING creativity!!!!! I too sooooo LOVE these creations Curt!!! The pine tree is awesome with those ornaments...Your shaker card is adorable!! I LOVE the XMAS picture of your doggies and all those incredible photos!!!! It's one of my favorite areas to visit here......:) Thanks for ALL the great inspiration my friend!!! :)

Laura Lipe, Pisgah Forest, NC said...

I LOVE the tree from punched branches. Great job. It's a happy, happy card!! Great idea. Thanks for sharing!! Smiles, Laura