Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR JULY 28, 2010

Hey All!


Happy Hump Day!  Hope your week is progressing nicely with no bumps in your road.  The heat here has been unbearable.  It is so hard on people and animals.  I think I hate super hot/humid weather as much as I hate the bitter cold weather we have.


Before I continue, I want to share a little exciting news with you. . .I've been asked to be a guest designer over at High Hopes Rubber Stamps!!!!!  My very good blogging buddy Karen over at "1 Wacky Woman" actually tracked me down and called me from Canada to ask!  I am so flattered.  I will design for a 3 month period starting in August.  I'm so very excited.  I hope you'll check in to see how I do.  I'm very nervous!


OK, on with the post.  I have to WARN YOU!  I have several things to show you as usual, but there is one very DISTURBING Halloween card that I made that might creep some of you out!  LOL  After all, isn't that what Halloween is all about???? hmmmm????  I've saved it to the last so be forewarned!  BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHA.

Now, the first card is a cutie.  I made this as a thank you card for a very talented and super nice neighbor lady named Nina here in my neighborhood.  She has a crafting room full of stuff to die for.  I went over to her house for the first time last week, and our intent was to just share ideas and have a look see at all of her wonderful supplies.  Well, almost 6 hours later, I couldn't believe how fast the time flew!  It was so much fun.  She had this stamp that I just fell in love with and she was nice enough to let me borrow it (she doesn't know how lucky she is that she got it back LOL!)  I stamped off several of the image to tide me over until the one I ordered arrived.  Here is the card I made with it:



Is he not the cutest???  His name is "Fuzz Butt" and he is from Bugawumps.  By the way, I called and placed my order and the lady that answered (owner) is one of the nicest people to talk with.  We share a huge love for Schnauzers, so you know I love her right?  LOL  This stamp was fashioned after their Miniature Schnauzer named BJ.  Their current Mini's name is Bella and she is adorable.  I stamped Fuzz on white card stock and colored him with colored pencil and oms.  I stamped paw pads on the background strip, added the ribbon loops (they remind me of leash material), and used a sentiment that was computer generated.  I can't wait to get him in the mail!
I also wanted to make her something to express my thanks for her hospitality.  I'd just seen this project on SCS as the project for the week and I thought I would give it a go.  It is called an accordion card holder.  Here is my attempt:





As you can see, you make little divider cards with labels for the types of cards you can store in it.  I put 10 cards in it and they held beautifully.  You can see the accordion sides there in the pic.  I deviated from the original design a bit.  It was supposed to have a flap lid that closed with a magnet in front.  However, I didn't have a magnet so I made a slide over box lid which works just as well (Keeps the dust out better).  The card stock I used was really heavy so the box was much sturdier than using standard card stock weight.  The card stock is by Gartner and it is called "Bon-Voyage Postcards". For the dividers, I used glossy photo paper and computer generated the index names.  If you would like the tutorial for this box see it HERE.  

OK, to the first of my 2 Halloween cards for this week:  Here is the first:



When I first saw this stamp, I immediately pictured the card I would make with it in my mind.  And sure enough, it is just like I pictured it.  The stamp is from Hero Arts and is called "Distressed Frame".  I stamped the image with Archival Jet Black ink.  I then sponged the background masking off the area for the big glowing yellow moon.  Stamped the spider and the bats, added bling to the spider, matted it and done.  The inside says "Hope You Have A Creepy Halloween".  I love it when cards turn out exactly like you pictured they would.  It doesn't happen often with me, but it did this time.

WARNING * * * WARNING * * * WARNING!  Here comes the disturbed, twisted mind card. . .




LOL  How sick is this?  ROFL  This card did not start out this way, I swear it.  I ran the piece of black card stock through my CB with the spider web folder.  I then used Kraft White ink from SU using the "pad to paper" technique to highlight the webbing.  I punched out the spider using a MS punch and used fuzzy brown flocking powder to give the spider some fuzz.  So while I was flipping through my stamp catalog deciding what else I could use for the card, my eye caught this butterfly from Stampendous and, as they say, the rest is history.  LOL  I used white embroidery floss to wrap around the butterfly.  The inside of the card says "HOPE YOU GET ALL YOUR FAVORITE TREATS - HAPPY HALLOWEEN".  LOL   I guess you have to have a twisted sense of humor to appreciate why I love this card!

Well, that's it.  I'm so glad you stopped by to visit.  I really enjoyed all of your creations that I viewed this week!  That is why I appreciate your stopping by each week.  I still can't believe that all you talented people take the time to stop by and look at my "stuff",  let alone comment on it.  I love you guys!

Have a great rest of the week.  Don't forget the pic of the week below!

Hugs to All of You!

Best,

Curt O'Brien

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

32 comments:

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt!
LOVE the little doggie card - it's so YOU! The Accordian card holder is wonderful - what a super gift idea! Great job on that one.

Your halloween cards are VERY SCARY - wowie! I do like the first one better (I'm very soft-hearted so the captured butterfly made me worry!) but honest, I do know it's just a card. LOL

Hugs!

Patti J said...

OMG Curt, I nearly LMBO at your last card! You are so funny! I'm going to drop you an email with some Halloween info...be watching! I love the other cards - Fuzz butt is absolutely darling!!! I know exactly what you mean about time flying in friends' great craft rooms! When I go to my friend Shirley's house, it's like that! Fun, though!!! Love your pic of the week! Take care!

Jackie said...

You are too funny! That is a creepy card but I love it! And dontcha love it when a plan comes together like it did for your spider card? That rarely happens to me, I have to say. Congrats on your new gig, too - they will love you just like the rest of us do. Your accordion folder is da bomb, dude.

Shirley-Anne said...

Firstly ,Curt, CONGRATS!
Love the doggy image and your card from it . The card box , well I will check that out thank you and your Halloween cards are amazing especially spider and butterfly . I have goose bumps now just thinking about it .

Barb said...

Fabulous cards, Curt! Patti J. told me to high-tail it over here and check out the Halloweeniness... SO glad I did! Absolutely LOVE the butterfly caught in the web... wonderfully creepy. But if you think that is disturbing, you might want to pop over to my HauntedDesignHouse.com blog... all kinds of freakiness goin' on over there :)

Deb Neerman said...

Congrats on the GDT gig, Curt! You'll knock 'em dead!

LOVE your fabulous projects ... and the last one ... tooo funny! Only you would've thought that up and I love it!

Hope all is well with you, Jay, and the boys!! Sending hugs!!

Dawnll said...

Yes that is a creepy card but I would laugh also.
I love Mr Fuzz stamp, he is so cute. I am always thrilled to pop in and see what else you have been creating. I always get inspiration and a great story or funny thought.
Hugz to all of you

Diane said...

I don't know to say it Curt, but your blog just gets better and better, like if that was really possible...but really each week you seem to amaze all of us with all your creativity!!
Congrats on your guest designer event...the cards are great..love the doggie.......the distressed frame stamp really caught my eye, too...might have to get that one...had a great laugh at the spider web card...I have your kind of mind...warped...love it..LOL....all your projects were wonderful as always...great pic of the week too...I took an awesome pic of an UP North sunrise...and for me I have to "brag" it turned out pretty nice...take a peek!!

Tertia said...

Congrats on your Gdt spot - well deserved I might add. Nothing to be nervous about at all! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
That disturbing card is my favourite one so far! I think we share the same sense of humour.
All tha others are wonderful too. We have a miniature Schnauzer living a few doors down. Her name is Daisy and she thinks that we are her grandparents, so she comes for a visit every now and then. Maybe I should get hold of that stamp to make a card for her 'parents'.

mudmaven said...

OMG that pup is just the cutest and I just love, love, love that accordian folder you made - as always you did a totally smashing job! I really like that first Halloween card, but eeeewwwww - not really it's very cool too. My dgs would totally love it! Every year I have to use that spider web for his card or he gives me a ration! Headed east tomorrow morning and am hoping to at least be able to pop by and see what you are up to while I'm on the boat. All my best to Jay and hug those boys too. ~chris

Sue from Oregon said...

ummm...I was a little nervous to scroll down your blog after that scarey warning LOL! all great creations Curt...and I am so jazzed about your HH GDT! How cool is that??!!

Sharanda said...

Curt, there are all SUPER great! The butterfly card isss a bit twisted (lol) but I think it's appropriate for the occasion. LOVE the accordian set!! Oh, and CONGRATS on being selected for a guest designer spot!!! Maybe one day I'll be so lucky...lol. Have a great week/weekend!! :)

A Consuming Passion said...

Hi Curt!
Love your mini Schnauzer card.......this little image was sure to find it's way to your desk!!! Your card holder made with the dp you used, is great....have to try one of those too.... No comment of the spider's web card!!!!! Actually I've just finished seeing the dt's cards for Waltzingmouse's new release OMG bottled eye balls festering fingers you name it!!!!! Must be that time of year. I love your distressed frame card ready for Halloween .......very clever!
Boy oh boy have you been busy! Congrats on the GD position looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Take care. x

Bonnie Weiss said...

So, you know I have to get that schnauzer stamp!!!! It looks just like my "Lily"!

Oh, and that poor butterfly ... your mind really does work in overdrive!

Congrats on your guest designer position ... it's well-deserved and well-earned!

Heide said...

Okay, I thought how disturbing can a card be.....well when I saw that it was a butterfly, I knew you did it! It also made me laugh. Congrats on the Guest spot for HHS, so very exciting! You doggy card is just adorable! Fantastic coloring with pencils and OMS.

Danielle said...

What fun creations Curt!!! I LOVE your accordion card box - you made it up so beautifully! And your schnauzer card is sooo cute! The Halloween cards are fab - and I guess I have a twisted sense of humour too 'cos your spider web card is fantastic - very creative (even if it is a bit warped)!!! LOL
And huge congratulations on being a GDT for High Hopes Stamps - what fantastic news for you and you're so deserving of it! Enjoy the 3 month stint my friend!
Hugs, Danielle x

Jane Wetzel said...

OMG...Curt...you just get better and better...wow! I HAVE to make that Acc.card box and these cards are ALL to die for! So glad I stopped in!! Thanks for sharing all!!!

Serendipity Stamping said...

Morning Curt, pretty cute little doggie card, just your style, wish I had a friend to stamp with & visit. I am stunned at the shading for the moom. The scary card - we just know you always come up with something original. AND congrats on your HH adventure. I love their stamps and they are so pleasant to work with. I almost missed the Pic of the week. When you can take the time to really look at a dragonfly, provided it will stay still long enough, you just have to be amazed at the lovely iridescent colors. Have a great week & stay inside if you can.

Becky said...

Hi Curt; I just love your Wednesday post.:)
Isnt it great to have a neighbor who has so many goodies, and time does fly by when your having fun.. I just love Fuzz Butt what an adorable card, and how kind of you to make this fabulous card holder as a Thank you. I have never done a Halloween card yet-can you believe it!! These are fabulous and love the details with the spider web, that is just gross and awesome at the same time :)..
Congratulations on your guest design team, I know you will do wonderful things with their stamps.
Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING ASKED TO BE ON THAT DESIGN TEAM...JUST A MATTER OF TIME, AND YOU WILL BE FAMOUS ALLOVER THE WORLD. LOVE THAT "FUZZ BUTT" CARD....AND DON'T LOVE THE SPIDER,BUTTERFLY HALLOWEEN CARD..BAD BOY. DON'T MAKE ANYMORE OF THOSE CARDS...ONLY SCARY PEOPLE ONES. LOVE THE "PIC OF THE WEEK". LOVE YA, MOM

Sue said...

Hi Curt
congratulations on your guest Dt post, fantastic news. Luv the box gift set, beautiful gift for someone, as ever gorgeous cards,well the doggie one is! lol. Great halloween cards, your spiders web is brill. Have great day, hugs, sue,x

Gina Wrona said...

Hi Curt,

Everything is absolutely perfect!

Love it ALL!

Hugs,
Gina

NancyK in WI said...

Hi Curt,
Very nice stuff...It's so nice of you to share your sense of humor as well as your talents.
I think your last card was a "recycled" dead butterfly to feed our wonderful spiders who help us keep those flies from taking over the world. Wink,Wink...lol.
Love your blog.

berg4 said...

Great pix of the dragonfly. Love the thank you card! Oh the Halloween cards - they are creeptacular, nicely done!

scrapperjulia said...

Hey, Curt! Congrats on the guest design team spot! Love the dog card, that stamp is awesome! I had to chuckle at the spider/butterfly card. I make to many pretty butterfly cards, it was fun to see spooky Halloween card using a butterfly. Have a great weekend!

Celeste said...

Congrats on the guest designer spot with High Hopes. Love the doggie card :-)
The accordian file is great, I'll have to try it. The Halloween cards are great and I DO like the butterfly one and the sentiment you used.

lisa808 said...

Oh Curt, what a twisted mind you have and web you spin! I had to start with the last first. That poor, cute butterfly!

OK, back to the top. Fuzz Butt sure is cute. Love how you added the 'leashes.'

I just love the paper you used for the accordian box. Beautiful creation.

And, the first Halloween card is fab.

Until next time, stay cool & inky! btw, the boys look like they are keeping cool!

dpkennedy said...

Woo Hoo on the High Hopes GD spot! Their images are so much fun to color.

Your cards are great, especially the box! Great idea!

You are, however, one sick puppy! Clever idea, but sick!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the Guest DT spot, Curt! Your cards are great (I LOL at that last one). Your photography is fabulous as well! Keep up the great work!

~Korin

Percy said...

Congratulations Curt, on your guest spot!!! I am sure you would do great, you are very talented!!!
I love all the cards, they are beautiful cards, even the Halloween ones are gorgeous! Keep the inspiration coming!!!!

Janine said...

Hi Curt!! LOVE your Halloween cards!! Well all your work is fabulous!! Have a great weekend.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Love all your work especially the accordian box! Also saw you won over at Inked Inspirations! Congrats but I am totally jealous! LOL!
Take care!
-Stacie