Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR JANUARY 19, 2011

Hey All!


Here we are at another Wednesday.  Wanted to thank those of you who sent me their address and birthday info.  I have paper copy now so if my computer eats it again, I've got a hard copy backup.  For those of you who requested my info, it's on the way.


Thanks too for those of you who went to visit Katie. . .I just came from there, and let me tell you, I had to wipe the tears away several times.  My heart just aches for her and her struggle.  I've seen several of your comments to her and it means a lot to me, as I know it does to her too.


Before I get on with my cards, my friend Karen over at "1 Wacky Woman" has written a book on water coloring techniques using markers.  Here is a pic of her new book:




Karen is so talented, especially when it comes to coloring her images.  I have always marveled at  her talent.  She has a video on her blog HERE giving a demo of her coloring.  Be sure to take a look and click HERE for info on her book!  You'll love this!


OK, I've got a treat this post (or maybe some of you might not think so).  Instead of the normal 3 cards I usually post, I have 5!  I fought with myself to save a couple for next post, but lost the fight with myself. . .I'm a little scary aren't I?  LOL  On to the cards:


First one:




I found this simple sketch (can't remember where - looked at so many) and I liked its simple, elegant look.  The "Pic of the Week" below, actually inspired this card!  I added red Stickles to the branch berries and used my Bow Easy to create the double loop bow.


Next. . .




Staying with the red/black/white theme, this is a simple Valentine that I came up with.  I used a Hero Arts background stamp (musical notes) and drew in little red hearts with a marker.  Super quick, super easy.  I call it "Love Notes". . . LOL  I'm such a dork!


#3




Here's another Valentine.  This Gruffies image is a natural for Valentine's Day.  I just love him.  The sentiment and the chocolate candy heart is from a very talented lady and my blog friend Elaine over at Crafticious.  She has posted there the BEST sheets of backgrounds and pieces of candy and chocolate sayings.  They are all free to download and are just amazing.  Thanks Elaine!  I colored this image with colored pencils and oms.


# 4:




I have had this stamp for over a year and never have used it.  Well, this card takes care of that issue!  I colored this with Bic markers!  That is a first for me.  The only thing that wasn't colored with marker was their pink mouths.  That is a colored pencil.  This is a Penny Black image.  I made it for my Mom to give to one of her friends.


Last card. . .




Once again I've used the Deadbeat Designs "A Tree for All Reasons".  I sponged the background with distress inks and the "snow" on the branches was created with liquid appliqué.  Birdhouse is from Artful Inkables, bird from PTI, and sentiment from Crafty Lounge.  


Pic of the Week:




I picked this photo because it reminds me of the stamp I used on the first card above!


Thanks so much for coming by. . .I'm still waiting for that magical 250 followers to offer my blog candy package which is growing bigger and bigger. . .thanks to those who have deemed me worth following.  It means a lot to me.


OK, I'll be coming by as I always do each week to see what you all have been creating.  Can't wait to see what you've done this past week.


Hugs to all of you and your families!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

46 comments:

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Gorgeous Cards! I love your black, red and white combo for the first two. The Gruffies image and sentiment 'crack' me up! Love it! Adorable birthday card using those cow ladies. And you are definitely have fun using the tree image you finally found to be the 'perfect' one. Very lovely. The sky is just right for a winter scene. And what to thank you for the links for the House Mouse images! Have a great week!

Susan said...

OMG! Your cards are so delightful! Thank you for losing the argument with yourself and posting all five of them. You are so talented.

Anonymous said...

I'm so bad about coming here, looking at your beautiful work but rarely leaving you a comment. Your cards tonight are awesome Curt! I love the first one's color combo and the bow is BEAUTIFUL! That Gruffies is so adorable and I love that sentiment you put with it. You are an artist when it comes to using your pencils. I love coming here, it is always a bright spot for my Wednesday. You have a big heart and you are such a great guy. Wish I lived in your neighborhood. OK, I've made up for not commenting in the past. Just know that I love your work even though I don't tell you as often as I should :P Mica, Seattle, WA

Gina Lindsay said...

Wow Curt, these are all just great. hard to pick a favorite, but I love the last one because I really love tree images for some reason. Great photo too.

Patti J said...

Hey there, dear Sir! I have to say that this is one fun post! I know that you don't like Valentine's Day, so these cards were probably not the easiest for you to create. However....they rock! I am a ginormous fan of red, black, and white, and your cards make me happy! Your mom will be thrilled with her card, and whoever receives the others will likewise be tickled! I love the Deadbeat tree! That tree is so versatile! I may have to order that one :) Okay, I've jabbered enough! Great job with the Bic markers, by the way! Have a great weekend! Hello to Jay and the boys, and your momma's!!!

Gail said...

OOOOHHHHHH!
Beautiful cards!
Love the pic of the week card!
The 'love note' is perfect!
The Gruffie's so cute!
The heifers are adorable!
And that's one awesome tree!
Great card & sentiment!
Keep up the great work!

Tertia said...

WOW! Your cards are beautiful as usual. I love the first two. Not really a Valentines freak myself, so i find them hard to make. Your photo is quite something too.
Have a great week.

Ted said...

Curt, it seems like you were quite in a gingham mood this week, weren't you? I love gingham - it's one of weaknesses (along with argyle!) I love all of these cards, but the first one made the biggest impact. Well done! :)

Sue from Oregon said...

oh my my MY...You have been busy again this week! I am loving these cards...just the right touch of detail and CAS look! Perfect again!

Jean McKenzie said...

Curt, You know I always admire your cards. They are neat and beautiful and so interesting to look at as you are always coming up with something different. I admire your talent so much. Great picture of the boys with their snowball!! Hugs

Shirley-Anne said...

What a treat for us is this post . So many wonderful creations . All so worthy of being favourites . I sent you my address hoping one day to get a little treat from you BUT will have to wait a whole year as my Birthday was 2nd January . Love the photo at end of post , eerie that it is so close to first card.

Diane said...

Great post again...those cows made me laugh...love the image...and Bic Markers...wow...pretty neat...the red and black cards are perfect Valentine cards....the chocolate one, well that could be me eating all that chocolate...lol...thanks for the tip on Katies blog....I am making her a card to send...and giving her name to my friends church,they do a prayer chain at the end of the service and I think she needs all the help she can get....my daughter was in Indie last Saturday...did you see her...LOL....you all take care..and give those "boys" a big pat on the head for me!

Bonnie Weiss said...

You have been B-U-S-Y!!! Black, red and white ...always been a classic - always will be (for me, anyway). The Gruffie ... I hope that's what I look like on Valentine's Day, as I am indulging in my Valentine chocolates! And as for the tree ... I have now added it to my wish list! That card is so simplistic and stunning. I always look forward to Thursday morning, to check out what you have posted and I am never disappointed, Curt.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Wonderful cards again! I really like the white, black and red color combo. I think it could easily be one of my favs! The Gruffies card is just too adorable...I am really going to have to remember that sentiment of being "chocolate enriched"! LMAO!!
I am amazed at how good your cow card looks with Bic markers! You really are great at coloring with anything!! And the birdie card....it just beams with winter! The scenery just looks perfect...kind of like what we are experiencing in our neck of the woods today. School is cancelled so I get a play day at home! YAY!

Take care!
-Stacie

DeeDee said...

Hey Curt! WONDERFUL cards Sir! I really like the black, red and white combo.....my very favorite of all to be exact! Your cards are always so crisp and clean and make me SMILE! HUGS! :)

Becky said...

What fabulous cards Kurt. I must say the first one is my favorite, I just love this with the dp and that fabulous bow.

I am loving the Gruffie, awesom layout and that heart looks like real chocolate. Which reminds me, I am hungry :).

The 3 cows are so cute, I have this set, I might brush it off.

Tree for all Reason is just a warm CAS card, love how you did this in snow.

Wonderful pic of the week,reminds me of the first card.

Have a fabulously creative week.

Lauri said...

Your cards are beautiful as usual! The tree is absolutely stunning! I will be casing that for sure!!

mudmaven said...

Whoa - you have been cranking out the gorgeousness dude! All of these are just spectacular. I think that black, white and red is one of my all time favorite color combos and WOW have you ever done it justice. Just lovely - all of them and I love that pic of the week. ~chris

Myrna said...

Curt
What is there left to say but 'AWESOME".
I really love all these cards and of course there are a couple that stand out for me. Love the gruffies and the tree is soo gorgeous. Of course the music one always gets my attention. Love music sheets for cards. The heifers are cute and the pic of the week is great.
I sent you an email and forgot, in my haste to get back to your blog, to ask for your info as well. If you don't mind.
Myrna

Jackie said...

I'm glad you lost the fight with yourself :-). I love all of them but my favorite is the first one. The red, white and black is so pretty together and it just caught my eye. The double bow is gorgeous - I need to remember to try more of those. Happy Thursday!

Anonymous said...

LOVED THE WED. POST...ESPECIALLY THE VALENTINE BEAR EATING CANDY. LOVED ALL, BUT REALLY LOVED THE WINTER ONE WITH "RED BIRD"...WELL, GOT TO GO, AND EAT "CANDY". LOVE YA, MOM

6 wacky women said...

Absolutely gorgeous cards, Curt
Each one has such an elegant touch!! Love the sentiment on your Gruffle card...too cute!!

Thanks so much for the shout out for my book!!
You are the best!!

Hugs
Karen x

Lee said...

Curt you are a talented guy the Wednesday Evening Post i can't wait to see,because of your creativity.Your cards are AWESOME,Pic of the week is too.I love your blog,and i quite like you.x

Sue said...

Hi ya Curt
im late slap me legs, had to do me wii fit this morn im tryin to be good! lol
Gorgeous selection of cards as always, luv them all, but the snowy tree is beautiful, fab piccie, hugs, sue,x

Anonymous said...

Oh my word Curt!! How in the world do you make your perfect bows?!! Sheesh!! I am in love with that bear and the chocolates!! :) YUMMY and I had to look again at that heart....it almost looked like I could take it from the screen and eat it!! LOL!!

Thanks for all of your inspiration here!!HUGS

mark said...

damn... guess i'm going to have to invest in some liquid applique!

Linda said...

Oh my, wonderful card and I love the video. Thanks so much!! It is so helpful. She is amazing.
There is a blog hop at my blog with prizes. If you have time I would love to have you stop.
Hugs,
Linda
http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com

lisa808 said...

Curt, of course I love this week's treat of five cards! The first card is especially striking. As for the chocolate card--that little guy w/his box of truffles is just too cute!

Celeste said...

FIVE CARDS????? Oh Baby, send some of your energy my way will ya? I love them all (as usual). My fav, if I had to pick one, would be the first one. I love how your picture mirrors the image, too cool! I love the Gruffy, so adorable. I love the Penny Black one (got a ton of her hedgehogs!)

Oddesigns said...

I'm a new follower - hoping you get to 250 soon. I just love your cards. I already find myself looking forward to Wednesday nights.

Serendipity Stamping said...

Another set of beautiful cards. Hard to pick a fav. And, you are not a dork!

magic boxes said...

Hi Curt - what can I say without writing an essay?

Fabulous, fabulous cards, all of them!

The 'red, white & blacks' are stunning & the link to your 'pic' of the week is amazing!

I LOVE what you've done with the chocolate & quote. Your wonderful sense of humour shines through - long may it reign!!! Thank you so much for the mention and link.

Your last card is, quite simply, BEAUTIFUL.

Honoured to be called your 'Blogging Buddy', you are the best!

Hugs, Elaine x

Kelly said...

Curt I love these cards. Thanks for pointing me to Elaine's blog and Karen's book.

Add one more follower to your list. Don't know why I didn't do it before LOL

Hugs!

Lorraine said...

All five amazing as usual. Hugs xx Jersey. U.K.

Macpurp said...

amazing crds again, and as always such an varied selection.
I love the music note card.
so classy!

love to you Jay and your boys.
Teen & co xx

Unknown said...

Hello, may I say I love your work...I am a friend of Kelly's and I know she has great tastes in crafts... I am "Wow'd" by what I see... Yes I have wanted that bow maker forever, never can seem to remember where I can order it from...

I hope to stop in regularly... your dogs are awesome... mine is just a little ShihTzu,,,8 pounds of love MY DAISY GIRL... maybe I will show case her this week on ,y blog...

take care... I totally enjoyed my visit here !

Anonymous said...

A lost fight with yourself is sure a win for us:) Did that make sense..dunno..but I'm so excited that you posted 5 cards!!! I like coming to your blog because of the creative inspiration and because you lift our spirits with your crazy sense of humor and your kindness towards others. I like all of the different ideas you came up with for your cards on this post, but my fav is the snowy tree w/the little red bird and birhouse. It's a beauty;) Kathy

Erica said...

Hi Curt, I so know what you mean about making the decision as to weather you should post all your creativity at one time or wait. I've had a very productive month, and I want to share everything, but I know there'll be a slow month so I need to hold-off. Your cards are all lovely. I especially like the music notes (psst. I have that stamp, so may CAS).
Be well and keep the cards coming.

Audrey Frelx said...

Hi, Curt!!! As they always are, your cards are stunning!!! And, you're right, the pic of the week is amazingly similar to your card!!!

Sorry, I didn't get here Wednesday, I've had a nasty lil "bout" with a flu bug!

I'll be seeing you!

Sue Ann said...

Here it is Sunday morning and I am just able to comment because I have to look again and again so I keep marking you unread in my google reader so everyday I can come back again ......

I will say first I am not chocolate enriched I am an overachiever :) That card just cracks me up because I would just love to be that Gruffie ....

The first and last cards are so beautiful with the birds and you really do that tree from DD justice ..... just beautiful. I would love to have a craft day with you!!

I love those cows ....... and of course they are so perfectly colored .....

And love notes ...... simple and perfect.

Great post young man!!! And now ...... I am being summoned to come watch Return of the Jedi with Anton ....... HELP ME!!!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt!
I'm thrilled with your post - such fabulous ideas for valentines cards - and this year I actually need one! LOL

Hugs!

Sonja said...

Hello again, thank you for the kind words on my blog...I did not know how else to reach you...thank you for that link...my left arm is paralyzed so bow making just does not happen...lol I think I can do it with the bow maker...
My passion is scrap booking, but I have 4 beautiful grand children , and that makes it easy...I have scrapped since 2000, but I am so far behind... but I love looking back and my albums are me...

oh and the name of my blog was "given" to me by a dear friend... my crafting area is actually in an enclosed front porch of our house...windows all around, so the lighting is awesome... When my friend came to visit one day, she said "you should name your stamp room Soni's Front Porch so there you have it !

Again, you are too kind with your words... I hope to get more pics of my family up on my blog... soon
thanks so much for stopping in...take care now...

Ruth M said...

Lovely cards Curt! Black white and red are always a fave of mine, the Gruffies card is adorable, who could resist?!, and the winter tree card is stunning. Thanks for sharing!

Susan (rainy) said...

5!!! fabulous cards, Curt. Love the red, white and black themes, LOVE the chocolate enriched sentiment hehe, and the snowy tree card is such an elegant design. Love them all.

Ann Schach said...

Curt...I LOVE your style! Classy! I am so glad I discovered your blog!

Lorraine A said...

more gorgeous cards :-) i love them all ,,,, but ,,, Gruffie !! well he has to be my fave :-) I love the papers,, thanks for the link I will go to have a peep :-)

beautiful photo ,, too !! :-)

luv
Lols x x x