Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Monday, January 3, 2011

SURPRISE POST!

Hey All!


HAPPY NEW YEAR to each and every one of you.  I hope you had a great New Year's Eve and I wish you all the best that this New Year has to offer.


I was asked to join in as a "Guest Designer" by my former Teamies over at House Mouse Monday Challenge Blog.  They are having a beginning of the year blog hop and wanted me to join them.  I was more than honored to be asked so I said yes!  The theme of the blog hop is "New Beginnings".  I love this theme idea and I think it is so perfect for the New Year.  So the challenge is to make a card that represents a "new beginning".  Obviously, your card must be made using a House Mouse, Gruffies, or Happy Hopper image.  Here is my inspiration card:




I have always loved this sweet image.  This is the kind of image that you just can't help but say "awwwwwwww" when  you see it.  I used a pinstriped black background paper to give the card a formal feel from the groom's point of view and outlined the image with some beautiful white lace to represent the bride.  The very sweet America sent me a care package before Christmas that included this lace.  This is the FIRST card I have ever used lace on!  I colored the image with colored pencils and OMS.  If you click on the picture for a closer look, you'll see that I added a row of tiny pearls to her veil.  I used red on his cumber-bun, bow tie, and her flowers to symbolize their love for each other. . .sappy huh?  LOL  The sentiment is computer generated, and I added two more pearls to tie it all together.  The card base is 5 1/4 X 5 1/4.

OK, now it's your turn!  Here are all the deets to play along and get in on the chance to win some awesome prizes!  You'll need to upload your creation on the main blog HERE.  Then follow the blog hop in order, leaving comments on each blog as you go.  Some of the blogs have HIDDEN blog candy, so be sure to leave a comment on all of them to be in the running for those prizes as well!  All of the details can be found on the House Mouse Monday Challenge Blog.


You should have arrived here on my blog from CHRISTINE'S blog.  Your next stop should be:  HEATHER'S BLOG.


Good luck to all of you!  You could start off your new year in a great way by winning some great blog prizes!!!  I hope you do!


Thanks for looking and playing along!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

124 comments:

A Consuming Passion said...

Happy New Year Curt!!!
Its been a while I know but then this is the silly season right!
Love your card and you should use more lace this is lovely such a sweet image and perfect for the theme!

Lee said...

Hi Curt.Great to see one of me fav images LOVE House Mouse.Really gorgeous card,love all the little details.Thanks for stopping by my blog and your lovely comments.THANKS for introducing me to Blogland.I adore the pic of the boys in the snow,Shotsy is soooo posing for that pic lol.Love the Blog background too.Hugs to all.xx

Renkata said...

ohhhh what an adorable card.
Very romantic!
Happy New Year!

Diane said...

What a perfect card for the challenge!!!! Great idea to add the lace edging and the pin stripe paper for the groom! How fun to be invited back for "the hop"...I'll have to check it out!

cowboydutrem said...

That card is awesome! Love the image and the lace, that black background makes them stand up beautifully!

petra,s cards said...

wauw gordeous house mouse card!!!!
xx petra

Tertia said...

I just love the House mouse stamps and just got my first one in the post today. do you think using it for the first time will qualify as a new beginning?
Love your card and the lace is perfect.

Christine said...

WOW Curt awesome creation Lurve the Veil & Pearls..& the lace makes it sooo special..
stunning take on the New theme chall..so pleased you could join us I will make a wish lets see if it comes true..mmm

smiles Christine xx

Anne said...

Gorgeous cad...so sweet.
Love, Anne x

Ted said...

This is a wonderful card! I love how you incorporated the groom's pinstripe with the bride's dainty lace. :) Good use of lace, by the way. I never have much luck with it. As always, you created a beautiful project here! Happy New Year to you too!

Lorraine A said...

Fabulous card Curt ,, I love the masculine paper with the lace ,, so striking and absolutely stunning !! :-) Brilliant !! :-)

luv
Lols x x x

Lorraine A said...

oops ,,, pressed before me p,s

so lovely to have you back with us,, maybe you will reconsider ???? :-)

Happy New Year my friend xx

tilly said...

Wow, this is so cute, love you colouring and the lace
Tilly x

kristyk71 said...

What a beautiful wedding card! The simple and elegant background really makes the image pop.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Awww, so cute! I think it is sweet how you did the the red to symbolize love and the lace looks really good framing the image!

Jenny Gropp said...

Super cute..... congrats on the lace first time!!! It is perfect on the little wedding mice!!!!
Happy New Year!!!

XxJULESxX said...

Hi Curt well i adore that image it's so cute!!! and how gorgeous you made the card!!!!!

shaz earl said...

Fabulous card, love the doggies too, great video, Happy New Year to you xx

Sue said...

Hi Curt, so glad you decided to join us. Love the card. The black and white and lace and pinstripe with that pop of red is wonderful! Happy New Year to you and yours!


Hugs, Sue Drees

Heather said...

Hi Curt - I'm so happy you could join us!!! Sometimes see you on Google - will stop for a chat before too long!!
Love your card, this is such a cute image and the way you've incorporated the black pinstripe (groom) and lace (bride) in nothing short of inspirational !!!!!!!!
hugs
Heather xx

Patti J said...

Beautiful work, Curt! SO so so happy to see you with a House Mouse card! You are such a natural with the HM images - I think they were created just for you! YAY! I love surprises!

Jennifer Dove said...

Great Card...So wedding-y

America said...

Oh Curt, this image is precious all by itself but then you colored it to perfection and made this incredibly gorgeous with creativity. Love those little perfect details that make this such a BEAUTY!!! Congrats on your first use of LACE too! WOW!! You should be using LACE much more often my friend! LOL! Oh and we couldn't be any happier at House-Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge having you on board for our NEW YEARS HOP!! (actually, we werent gonna take 'NO' for an answer ya' know!!) LOL! heheh :) Maybe you'll even consider coming back as a floating DT??? mmmmm.... LIGHT BULB just went off!!!!! love ya!

Carol's Ink Spot said...

What a pretty card! Love the lace and the little accents on the mouse couple. Happy New Year to you!

Whimcees said...

Hello!

I love the lace with the pin stripe design of the paper! The pearls are a lovely added touch!

I love magic boxes and the ones you created for your mom and sister are wonderful! I loved your photo album and will be back again soon!

Wishing you a Happy New Year and a nice day today!

Barbara Diane

Jackie said...

This card is adorable but I had to giggle. As soon as I saw it I did say Awwwww....and then I read further - LOL! The lace is perfect for this card and I love the red accents - it is a beautiful card. Happy New Year to you all, and here's to new beginnings!

Becky said...

WOW!!! What a fabulous card. I love that lace, so creative and the pinstripe is so perfect for this image.
May you have a wonderful & creative New Year Curt.
hugs :)

Meretekj said...

What a pretty card.
Happy new year!

Queen Mary said...

Curt, I love that you used green for the groom! It really makes the card so special!

mudmaven said...

Happy New Year to you too Curt! This is just adorable - as always. You do such a wonderful job with the HM images. ~chris

Ardilla said...

Very romantic card! Great for a romantic begining :)

agapanthus said...

Love the mix of pinstripe and lace - brilliant! A great card, curt! Best wishes Karen.

Paula (PEP) said...

Hello Curt - I love the symbolism behind your creation. The alce & pin stripe paper are such classic wedding elements & your use of the pearls is just so tasteful & not overdone. I was almost in tears looking at it - also love your use of the pencils - I've just been given 120 Derwent Artists & so shall see if I can acquire some of these mousies & friends to work on colouring. All the best for 2011.
Paula (PEP)
http://pepcraftchallexp.blogspot.com/

Lori Barnett said...

HELLOOOOOOOOO CURT!!!! So glad you joined us for the Blog Hop! Now...maybe you will join us for the rest of they year? :) hee hee hee. OK...I just LOVE your card. Lace and all! LOL. I'm not a big "lace on card" person...so completely understand! ha ha ha Hope you have the best year EVER! I look forward to your creations AND stories! (((hugs)))

Cat said...

LOVE your card today, Curt! those marrying mice are the cutest anyways - but i love how you showcased them with the lace border.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THE "HOUSE MOUSE" COUPLE CARD, COLORING IS BEAUTIFUL. BY THE WAY, I WANT MY "POLAR BEAR". LOVE YA, MOM

Elizabeth said...

Gorgeous and adorable card. love the colors. Happy New Year.

Seafield Jo said...

Fantastic card. Love the image and I think your use of lace makes the card extra-special. I've never used lace on a card, may just have to give it a go - thanks for the inspiration.

Vivi Casale said...

adorable card!!
Happy New Year!!
xxx
Vivi

Linda said...

Curt, your card is great! Great job with the lace, especially since it's your first time using it! It's perfect.

Eve said...

You are absolutely right; "awwww" whenever i see this image... or maybe all the hm images i see! LOL! anyways, luv the colors you chose for this image & "new beginning" challenge! Happy New Year Curt!

Tracy said...

I love your creation, the lace is a fabulous touch. Nice to work along side you on this hop.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Anonymous said...

Hi Curt!! Couldn't be a better celebration than a wedding!! :) This is just adorable!! I'm loving that lace behind the images!! Wonderful coloring!! Thanks for joining in with the hop!! so fun!! ;)

Krafty Kows said...

Yeah love it - you're right awwwwwww! Fab image - another one for 'my want' list. Happy New Year. Jeanette

Anne said...

That pinstripe background is an inspired choice, what a gorgeous wedding card!
Anne
x

Lynne in NI said...

Awwww, what an adorable card! Love how you used the lace doily too!

Dawnll said...

This is Fab Curt! Love that wedding couple and all the details.
Hope your new year is off to a good start.
Hugz to you and Jay and the boyz
Love the picture on the top of them building the snow man!

scrapperjulia said...

I love this wedding couple, Curt, and the lace looks great! Terrific card!

Anonymous said...

Yay...surprise post!!!! Cute new photo of the schnauzers in the snow, and I am liking the holly/snowflake background. The little happy couple card is very sweet w/ fab details! They do make you go "awww!". Made my first trip to the ol Hobby Lobby in your town/city..um..whichever it is. Nice store, and it's a pretty area. I enjoyed it:) Happy New Year! Kathy

Marilyn L. said...

Love your dogs - what a great blog!!! I never used lace either - can't wait to try.

Amanda R said...

I think that striped paper is a great idea! Definately a great choice for this card and the lace looks lovely!

Audrey Frelx said...

Curt, Happy New Year!!! And, congratulations on your design team call!!! How wonderful for you!!!

Your house mouse card is just adorable!!!

marilynwillauer said...

Precious! Love the added lace and pearls, great touch.
Thanks for sharing such an adorable card.
Happy New Year!

6 wacky women said...

Oh Curt, your card is absolutely gorgeous!! Love the lace and the pinstripe paper....and of course your amazing coloring of these little darlings!!

Karen x

lisa808 said...

Happy New Year!

That sure is an 'awwwww' card! The image is oh so sweet. The striped paper couldn't be more perfect for the card. Love the lace trim and pearls.

Dawn Frost said...

Adorable couple, lol! Great colour and love the lace.

Shirley-Anne said...

Really is a very elegant card! Hi Curt . Love the image will have to look for them for they are a " must Have item " Love the idea of background paper for groom and lace for bride ... so apt.
Thanks for visiting my blog too.

Graphicat said...

OK...so I watched both of your video's (Awesome job Gunther!) and checked out your photos (Beautiful) and became a follower (cause I think you rock)
Your card?!? Adorable!
Cheers
Cheri

Glenda Atkins said...

An adorable card, what wedding couple would not love to recieve this card!

Happy 21001!

Bonnie Weiss said...

So, I just freaked out ... when I saw your posting come up in my Yahoo mail, I panicked and thought ... "OMG, it's Thursday!".

This card is absolutely perfect. You have mastered how to create a project without taking it over the top and yet the end results are stunning. It's little wonder that you were invited to be a Guest Designer for House Mouse Monday Challenge!

Happy New Year and can't wait to see your future creations, Curt!

Laura (sandytoz) said...

beautiful, mixes masculine & feminine so well, 1st card with lace huh? Great job!

Divinewoman said...

Curt,
Congrat's to you. You make some awesome cards and the Wedding Card is so adorable. Thank you for sharing with everyone.

Idas Höns said...

Here's little me & want to join the blog-hop.
The first time I do this so it's a bit exciting ...
I love your beautiful card! Finest bridal couple of years!
Thank you for inspiring me!
Hugs scrappida

Gina Wrona said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIEND!

Love that lace on the card & Congrats on the Guest Designer spot!

Hugs,
Gina

Myrna said...

Curt
Happy New Year to you and yours. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments.
As always your card is perfect. The attention to the tiny details is perfection itself. You are soooo talented. Love the boyz on the snowball. Looks like you had to really scrape to get enough snow for that snowball. lol
Myrna

Macpurp said...

this is so so beautiful! I love the pin stripes and lace.

Happy New Year to you, Jay and you boys xx

Sandra1968 said...

Happy New Year!
Your card is beautiful and stylish and I love that image.

Sharman said...

I love this card. So sweet and meaningful. I love the black pin strips most of all. Gave it a formal look to such a sweet card. Thanks.

GeminiJen said...

Fabulous card. I love his little tux.

Gail said...

Hey Curt!
You should do a surprise post more often!
The picture of the 'boys' is great!
Your card rocks, I'm going to check out the rest of the 'hop', cause I LOVE House Mouse!
Cheers!

Veronika said...

'Hop'-ing around loving all the house-mouse cards so far.. This wedding theme is wonderful, just fabulous!

Veronika in Sweden

pinky said...

Curt its lovely to see you back at HM even if its only for a short visit, have missed your lovely projects:) This definitely has the aaahhhh factor lol. Love the delicious lace which frames it. Of to have another hop:)

Sharon said...

Loving your card.
Sharon x

gila said...

Was für eine schöne Karte, sehr edel
lg gila

Rosietoes said...

Hi Curt,
I've just discovered your blog and I have really enjoyed a good old browse today.
Love your cards and no wonder your Mum and sister were delighted with their magic boxes - they are beautiful.

I'm sure I'll be back to see more of your creations,in the meantime have a Happy new year.

Edna x

Sue said...

Hi Curt
lovely to see you back with us, we do miss you loads ya know.
Totally gorgeous card, awesoem colour work as always, i luv the lace detail tis beautiful. Happy new year to you, sue,x

Rita said...

Sooooo darn cute! Luv the lace around the oval!

Celeste said...

Love it! How did you get the lace to lay so perfectly? Happy New Year to all you guys!

Teija said...

Happy new year Curt !
Fabulous card!
-Teija

Cathy said...

Beautiful wedding card, and i love the lace.
Cathy xx

Tracy said...

Love this! That pinstriped background paper is absolutely perfect for this image and the lace is such a pretty touch. Happy New Year!

Heidi Brawley said...

omg!!!! your card is totally amazing!!! and so adorable too!
Have a Happy New Year!!!
Heidi Brawley

Anonymous said...

Love the card, and thanks for the heads up on the black paper with thin stripe it does look very elegant!!!

Anonymous said...

Love the cards and the dogs...they don't need words. They are adorable. Sylvia

Loraine said...

Great card!

Anonymous said...

Skootin' over to third cousin's wife's blog to send her here. She'll go gaagaaah! Another House Mouse high! Such an great coloration touch, Curt! This card is a gift of thought and talent. Thanks for perking us all (grey skies here w/ pending storm) this day.
Keep Looking UP!
mt23stamperatyahoo

Sparkly Engineer said...

Love you card. That is one of my favorite images. I always enjoy seeing your cards and your dogs.

Lynn said...

I just love these blog hops 'cause you get to catch up with some talented crafters!! Your wedding HM card is wonderful!! Love all the detail :)
Have a great New Year Curt and may all your crafty dreams come true ..
Huggs
Lynn xx

Dina Kowal Creative said...

Great card, Curt! The pinstripe DP is perfect. Thanks for sharing, and for helping give us a chance to win so many great prizes!

dmbennett said...

A wonderful card. Love the pinstripe paper and the soft creamy colors. And the image, awwwww.

Nela said...

Hi, gorgeous card, lovely image & colouring!
Nela

Shirley said...

How abolutely adorable and pretty at the same time!!! Wow!

Anonymous said...

A belated Happy New Year Curt and it's great to see you back at House Mouse & Friends. Love your card, mine is #26 on the main blog.

Brenda

Olga said...

Cute bride and groom! Happy New Year!
Прослушать

Leonie said...

What a beautiful card Curt!! Love this cute stamp! The lace looks great!

I've made a card with a new beginning for this great challenge too. You can find my card here!!

Leonie xx

Wuzimädi said...

Absolutely cute! I like your lace-surrounding, that fits perfect, very festive!
All the best for 2011!
Michi

Paddington fan said...

Wow Curt, what a fantastic card - I love everything about it. Especially like the idea of the black pinstripe for the groom and the lace for the bride!! The colouring is amazing too. I'm really enjoying the hop!! Happy 2011 to you and your gorgeous doggies, love Jacky x

Mareikje said...

Hi,
your wedding card is so cute. I love everything about it.
Thanks for the funny blog hop.

LG
Mareikje

Debbie Johns said...

Hi Curt,Lovely card, striking and cute.Love the colours.Thank you for the opportunity to win in this fab blog hop.All the best.Debbie Johns x

Anonymous said...

Great with elements for both the bride and groom!

Dorothy aka etsdas

Debs said...

Hi Curt
Love this wedding card - the lace is stunning!
Thanks for a fun blog hop.
Debs xx

Stressed Stamper said...

Love it - lace works so well on it. Congrats on the DT. Off hopping
Sarah - Stressed Stamper

Stempelfan said...

Stunning wedding card. The colors fits so well.

Hugs from Germany
Sonja

Cornelia said...

Hi Curt,
thats a lovely bridal couple :-)

Greetings from Germany
Nelli

Kendra said...

It is a sweet image! Love the formal look with the black pinstrip background!

Crealin said...

Hi Curt,

your card is so cute with this little couple, your lace border fits the dress of the little lady mouse perfectly!

Hoppy hugs,

Lins x

Doris P. said...

What a sweet image! I love it!
Hugs Doris

ribenaruby said...

Absolutely stunning card! Love th pinstripes and lace. Ruby x

Nannieflash said...

Hi Curt, this is a gorgeous Wedding Card, love the lace around the edge its so pretty. Your colouring is fabulous to. With hugs Shirleyxxxxx

Yvette said...

Such an adorable image, and a very beautiful card!

Spyder said...

Oh wow those dogs ARE big, aren't they gorgeous!! Love your card, Happy New Year! Great blog hop!

(Lyn)
(Ps, I've entered my card too!)

Mrs.B said...

Great card, love the pinstripes and lace .
Avril B

Dorte said...

Gorgeous card Curt, adorable image and the papers are beautiful. I am enjoying the blog hop.
hugs Dorte

RachelH said...

From babies to weddings! It's pulling on my heart strings. Very nice!

shaz earl said...

Love this card! Beautiful colouring.

Victoria said...

lovely card and adore your dogs
vicky
ps my hm card is here http://angeldrummer.blogspot.com/2011/01/house-mouse-new-baby.html

Natalie's Crafts said...

Cute card!

Kat said...

Love your card Curt. The stripey paper and the lace work perfectly with that sweet image.

Kat x

Deloris said...

Fabulous card!

Katie said...

Great card! I love this stamp, the little mice look so cute. Wonderful lace detail!

Best wishes to you!

Katie

Katarina said...

What an elegant card. I love the lace you've added and never would've guessed it was your first time. How fun to see a guy enjoying cardmaking. Glad I stopped by.

Grenouille Greetings said...

Awwwwwwwwwww!
You're right - this image just makes you go "Awwwwwwwww". Love the lace too! Warmest wishes, Lesley

Anasbastelecke said...

Simple, Elegant & Perfekt.
Kiss
Ana

Sonja said...

Oh how beautiful, SAPPY nope not at all...just a realistic look at love and life !

your detail choices simply amaze me... I will be looking at all of your old posts now !...this is my HEW Happy Place to Look when I need a jolt...

thank you for sharing all that you do...you are so Blessed with creativity and an eye for crafting...