Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, December 23, 2010

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR DECEMBER 22, 2010 THE CHRISTMAS POST

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


How the heck are ya???  Worn out right about now????  Even so, you are all looking absolutely gorgeous!


Since this is my Christmas post, I've composed a little tongue in cheek poem for you all that I've put at the end of the post.  I hope you enjoy it.  It actually pokes a little fun at yours truly.


Also, I'm just going to show you the pics of the last of the Christmas cards that you haven't seen yet.  I'm also not going to go on and on about technique or supplies on each either.  I'm just going to "show" and very little "tell".  Then it is on to the poem I wrote for you this evening.  So here are the cards:



 This is an example of using a stamp set that is not intended for Christmas.  This is from Flourishes called "Do It Yourself Topiaries".






 It has been such a long time since I inked up my Gruffies, Happy Hoppers and House Mouse Stamps.  All of these are colored with a water brush and Tim Holtz distress inks.





 With these stamps, I always keep the card simple as to not distract from the image.  These images are so wonderfully illustrated, that they don't need much.




Can't see it very well, but this is a shaker card.  The ribbon is actually sparkly silver.  And the last card to show you:


I'm so disappointed in the photo of this card because it is so sparkly in real life.  I embossed it with silver tinsel ep, and boy does that stuff sparkle.  It is so beautiful on dark blue card stock.


Well, those are the last of the Christmas cards.  Next Wednesday's post will have a couple of special 3-D projects that I made for my Mom and my sister.  I didn't want them peeking at the blog to see them before I give 'em to them on Christmas.


OK, on to the self poking fun at poem I wrote.  I'm sure that most of you will relate.  It is a take on 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.  Here goes:


'Twas a few days before Christmas,
with music playing in my house.
I'm still working on cards
and drinking like a souse.


My blogging buddies have sent me
all their Christmas cards on time.
But here I sit with some vodka
and a little wedge of lime.


All of their cards are so beautiful,
sitting up there on my shelf.
I grunt and I grumble:
"You're such a bad little elf!"


I dutifully was up late,
night after long night.
Working so hard on my cards
to get them just right.


But what could have happened?
Why am I so late???
I once again grumble:
"Why must I procrastinate???"


So what's to be done now?
I'm so out of time!
Now I'm searching the counter
for another wedge of lime.


I reach for the vodka
'cause I ran out of beer.
And I think happily to myself,
"What the heck, there's always next year!"


So there is the little poem I wrote for you all.  I hope it made you giggle.  Just so you know, I wasn't drinking vodka, however I am known to have a glass of wine or two during my creative sessions.


I want to thank all of you who sent me cards and special treats.  I cherish them all and have them proudly displayed throughout my house.  Your talents are endless and I'm so very lucky to be the recipient of such beautiful artwork.  I'm such a lucky guy!


Here's wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases and the brightest and joyous New Year.  I treasure all of you and think of each of you during this holiday season. 


Pic of the week:  The Boys in Their Christmas Finest       LOL!!!!!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

35 comments:

Becky said...

The boy's look adorable in their Christmas outfits.;)

Your poem is too funny, I can just imagine some one drinking as they are stamping, embossing and coloring. I align things crooked when sober, if I had a sip everything would be going down hill quick.
Wonderful cards and loved the one you sent me. Thank you.

Of coarse I waited so long I had to run out and get store bought (36) to mail out to family and friends. I told myself last year to start in July, but the time just flew by.

Well you and your family have a most fabulously Blessed Christmas.

Lorraine A said...

Wishing you and yours very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :-)

fabulous cards as always :-)

the poem is brilliant too ,,that could well be written about me !! I am way behind ,, I haven't made enough cards and am now thinking ,, there is always next year :-)

Gorgeous photo of the boys too ,, they do look very handsome :-)

luv
Lols x x x

downrightcrafty said...

Hiya
Love the poem gives us a real insight into your Xmas and wow the boys look good in their hats at the top and here too. Love all the cards and can imagine the tinsel effect
Have a great Xmas and a Happy New Year too
Hugs Kate xx

Lauri said...

Hey Curt! Merry Christmas to you! and I absolutely relate...no booze here though but believe me I will start earlier on my Christmas Cards next year!

Sue Ann said...

The first card is my FAVORITE :) The ribbon is so pretty and my mom is trying to pack it away. Funny poem ~~ I LOVE a wee bit of wine or a whole bottle at dinner when my parents are here!! I hope you have A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt!
Your cards are beautiful - and I have some idea of how pretty the tree card must be now that I've seen your tree card from an earlier post in real life - OMG it is the prettiest card ever!! Thank you!! I had to go back to that post to remember what you said about making the background. Just delicious!

The poem is a HOOT! I'm going to try to make a dozen Christmas cards each month during 2011. Then I'll be ready for the season next year. (I'll just think of it as a "swap").

Your portrait of the boys looks like something out of Home & Garden! They are so handsome in their sweaters. The entire room is beautiful and the artfully arranged presents are darling. Excellent work, dear friend!

Now - put the glass down and put your feet up - enjoy your Christmas!

Hugs!!

Heide said...

You Have been one busy guy! Look at all your great cards, I like the HM one's best and how you have the image stand out. The boys look so very handsome in their Christmas outfits.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Serendipity Stamping said...

Oh Curt that is a very cute poem and I tried to picture tipping the goblet! Very funny! Your cards are so fantastic! And look at the boys sitting there patiently waiting for Santa. Christmas blessings to your whole family today and every day. Say hello to Jay for me. Hugs! #70

Dawnll said...

Oh the boys never looked cuter!
Happy Holidays to you Curt and I thank you for my beautiful card, so glad you liked mine.
Hugs to all of you

Ted said...

Hey Curt... beautiful cards, as always! :) And, while I enjoy the poem, you're not off the hook. ;) I sent you a card so I definitely want to hold in my hands a "Curt Classic". ;) (even if I get it in January or February! LOL)

Praying you and your loved ones have a wonderfully healthy and happy Christmas and may 2011 be one of great promise. Take care!

Myrna said...

Curt
Wonderful cards and great poem. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Myrna

Bonnie Weiss said...

I would need a lot more than a couple of glasses of wine to complete a poem like yours! It's too funny!

Your cards are enjoyable, as always.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with love, happiness and very special memories, dear Curt.

Jackie said...

Your boys are too adorable in their Christmas outfits! Your cards are beautiful and I just love your poem! I don't drink vodka either but I sure could use a beer or two right about now! We are hoping, fingers crossed, for a white Christmas here in NC, I am so excited!!! This Florida girl has wanted one since I can remember. Merry Christmas to you, Jay and the boys!

Carmen O. said...

Oh my Gosh leave it to you to be so creative! The poem and the wonderful cards. Your work is fabulous as always. I only made 4 Christmas cards this year. But only took pix of three.

Wishing you and Jay a very Merry Christmas and many Blessings in the New Year!!!

Thanks for taking time to stop by now and then...it sure means a lot to me!

Hugs,
Carm

Sue from Oregon said...

Did my heart good to see all your fun cards (esp the gruffies and HM). I am late in thanking you for the wonderful creation I rec'd this week in the mail!!! THANK YOU! I am smilin at your poem...may have to test it myself!

Gail said...

Awww Curt!
Gret job on the cards....love them all!
Poem was too funny!
I'm drinking beer & Clamato juice as I speak!
Kids will be home tomorrow!
The boys look awesome!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Shirley-Anne said...

Love your post again , Curt. great cards as usual . That poem gave me a chuckle alright . Thank you for sharing photo of boys in the Christmas spirit .
Merry Christmas to you and all you hold dear.
See you in the new year, when I hope to be organised with hubby home and a routine that allows for some craft time .

Ila said...

Merry Christmas!! The boys look Fabulous! Your cards are Amazing and Gorgeous as always!! And your poem gave me Big Chuckle!! thanks so much!! I wish you and yours a season filled with joy and a Happy Healthy New Year!!!..Xmas Hugs!..Ila

Scossie Jane said...

Love this card Curt, the bow is to die for....

Merry Christmas to you and Jay from Down Under...

The boys are toooooo cute in their outfits.....

Hugs xx

Brenda said...

Curt,
The cards, as always are just beautiful. You did a good job on the poem. I know how I got behind -- Did a lot of cards for my church (edu dept and for a charity) and when I looked again, it was time to do my personal cards. Many of which are not complete but I'm hoping the receipents will understand and appreciate them when they get them in the mail.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and thank you for all the inspiration.craftn@64

Patti J said...

Great cards, as always! Don't know about you, but as usual, 'the day' has slipped up on me! Can't wait to see what you created for mom and sis, and hear all about your holidays! Those boys look perfect in their holiday attire! I'm sure that Santa will be very good to them :) DD may be getting a puppy for Christmas - we will know in a little while if it's still available for adoption! LOVED the poem! I can truly envision you slurping down those drinks! lol... my cards would be found in the 'humerous' section if I drank while I worked - tee hee. Have a wonderful Christmas, dear friend. Wish the family all well for us! We have fresh snow on the ground this morning - sure is pretty! Hugs!

Stamper on the Edge, said...

I just discovered your blog today thanks to Mark Jetton of Deadbeat Designs, and I absolutely love it! What creativity! It's a pleasure to read and look at all of your creations. Mark's blog directed me to you for instructions on how you made the fold-out box (back around Halloween on your blog) and you mentioned to email you for the instructions. i couldn't find a place on the blog to link to your email, so I thought I'd just post a comment in hopes that you see it and respond. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2011 to you and yours. I've got your blog bookmarked now and i will certainly check back often now that i've found you.

P.S. - I love the doggies in their Christmas finery. Schnauzers are such wonderful family members.

Anonymous said...

Curt, those ep trees on dark blue zazz any space with greeting effectiveness. Great go! Those mouse stamps brought back were a buzz from the past with great coloring. I agree, those need to be clean and simple to accent all the work detail.
Keep Looking UP!
mt23stamperatyahoodotcom

Anonymous said...

Curt, those ep trees on dark blue zazz any space with greeting effectiveness. Great go! Those mouse stamps brought back were a buzz from the past with great coloring. I agree, those need to be clean and simple to accent all the work detail.
Keep Looking UP!
mt23stamperatyahoodotcom

Celeste said...

Merry Christmas to all of you! Curt, you are a hoot! I loved your poem! I love the cards you made. I am really lovin' the one with the trees. I have that stamp and never thought of doing the silver on blue with that...love it...I'm casing it...LOL
The boys look great, all ready for Christmas. Have a great holiday, can't wait to see your cards for your sis and mama!

lisa808 said...

Curt,

Your poem was so cute. Thanks for the giggles. The boys look so festive in their Christmas finery. I hope Santa is good to them.

Who would have thought the Flourishes stamp wasn't meant for a Christmas card! The House House images are all so cute.

Merry Christmas to you and Jay, your moms, and the boys! And, enjoy a glass of wine--you deserve it.

Anonymous said...

If you did not mail one of your wonderful handmade cards to everyone you had hoped to, I believe it is because you put so much TLC into each card that it's no wonder you couldn't finish them all. When you make several of the same design, it always takes the longest to do the first one, right? But you just kept creating new amazing designs, and that takes time;) I'm sure everyone who received one loved it! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Kathy

Audrey Frelx said...

Dropping in to wish you and yours a very wonderful holiday!!!

I'll be back to catch up on all the wonderful projects you done that I've missed these last few weeks!

Missed you!

Happy holiday!

Wendalyn said...

The cards are great and I just love the pictures of your dogs it's too cute. Hope you and yours have a great Holiday Season...

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

LOL! LOVE THAT POEM!!!! Your so talented! Thank you also for the lovely card you sent me! I of course showed it off to everyone that entered my house! :)

Sally Cicada Designs said...

Cute poem Curt!! I try never to drink when I am crafting--hee hee--I remember a certain scrapbook that needed a heat gun intervention because I knocked over my bottle of water all over it just hours before I was supposed to present it to a teacher...eeeeeeekkkk :oO LOL!! Anyway hope you had a great Christmas--these last minute cards you made are fabulous--esp. the House Mouse ones!! Hope you have a Happy New Year & that 2011 brings you great prosperity, peace, health, & happiness!!
Hugs,
Sarah :o)

Gina Wrona said...

Curt,

Everything is perfect that you posted! Especially the navy card since I was the lucky receipent and it is so beautiful irl!

Hugs,
Gina

Audrey Frelx said...

Dearest Curt, I am so glad I got back to catch up on your wonderful creations! Of course, all the cards are magnificent, however, it's the boys in their Christmas attire that has me in stitches!!! I just love that picture and it'll have me smiling, I'm sure, the rest of the evening!!! Thanks so much for sharing that one!!! It's special!!!

Hugs!

America said...

Loved you FUN poem and that picture of your sweet Puppers is INCREDIBLY ADORABLE!!! Gosh they almost dont seem real because they are just soooooooooooo darn CUTE & perfect!! Now about your cards....I missed all of these fabulous Christmas cards too. Love the coloring and details and layouts!!! Of course my heart strings pull more towards the house Mouse & Friends Christmas ones for sure! heheh. :)

Shirley said...

I just can't get enough, but I have to get on to other blogs. Hope I don't stay away and miss your wonderful art and those two buddies of course. I love everyone of these cards and why not, they were done by you!!