Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, March 31, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR MARCH 30, 2011

Hey All!


Happy Hump Day to each and every one of you!  I'm so happy to see you and I love our visits here on Wednesday night.  I really don't have much special to show tonight however.  Just run of the mill cards, with a few little tricks to share.  So let's get started. . .

I did add a new feature to my blog RIGHT OVER THERE AT THE RIGHT SIDE BAR ----->  I've decided that I would like to know more about us collectively.  So I am going to have a reader poll with a new question each week.  The questions are things that I wonder about and I'd like to get a feel for what you think about these things as well.  So won't you take 5 seconds and cast your vote?  Thanks!

Here is my first card to share:



 The special part about this card is that the skirt is made out of a COFFEE FILTER!  
 Take a look at this view:


When I was at my neighbor friend Nina's house learning how to make flowers out of fabric, she showed me a card she had made with a dress made out of a coffee filter.  She had it hanging on a little hanger, and I thought it was so creative.  So I came home and came up with my version.  I cut out the top by hand, and then cut the coffee filter in half and did a 3 fold on it.  I then took a background stamp with black dots and stamped the dots on the skirt.  Added a bow done with my Bow Easy, mounted the dress on a Nestie oval ran through the CB and done.  Sentiment is computer generated.  I did a search on SCS to see if anyone else had done a dress/skirt out of a coffee filter and didn't find one.  So, great idea Nina!  


My next card:




A card for Spring.  The technique I used on this was the cutting out part of the image before cutting it with an oval die in the CB so that it comes right out of the die cut.  So easy to do, and it makes a big difference on a card.  I colored the image with colored pencils and oms.


Last card is my least favorite.  I hate it when cards don't turn out like I think they should. . .




It just doesn't do anything for me.  And the thing that is so disappointing is that it was a lot of work.  The left and right flower was stamped twice and painstakingly cut out and popped up with dimensional tape.  I just thought it would look a little more dramatic, but it looks like the poppies are on their last legs. . .LOL  Oh well, sometimes these things don't come out like we want them to.  The stamp set is called Poppies from Flourishes.

Lastly, I have to share a gift I received from my wonderful blogging buddy Karen from 1 Wacky Woman.  She is awesomely talented, especially when it comes to coloring images (her book is in my sidebar) and card style.  Here is what she made for me!




 And matching card:




The card front is actually quilted cloth!  Here is how this little quilted caddy cover works.


Take a cup:




Wrap the cup with the quilted organizer and secure it with the Velcro straps:


Then fold in the top half into the cup so that it looks like this:


Then fill all the little pockets with your most used items! :


It's so nice to have the stuff on the outside pockets so you don't have to dig through pencils and markers to get your special pens or small scissors.  I LOVE this Karen and it is sitting prominently on my work desk.  The quality of this is AMAZING.  The stitching is beautiful!!!  I'm so proud to own this!  I really can't thank you enough.

Finally, the "Pic of the Week":


THINK SPRING!!!!
OK, that's it for another edition!  Thanks so much for coming by.  Don't forget to vote in the poll!


Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and a fab weekend.  Take care of yourselves and I'll see you soon!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

47 comments:

Tertia said...

Good morning! That coffee filter dress is amazing. I am going to try that one for sure. Love all your cards and I think your poppy card just needs one or two lighter poppies in the background between them, but I don't know, what I see in my head often doesn't turn out the way I want it.
Have a lovely week!

Patti J said...

Well, sir...you have amazed me again! Just when I think it can't be done, you do it again! lol...LOVE the idea of the coffee filter. How funny - when we were in Florida last week, and I made a pot of coffee, I stood there holding the filter, thinking, hmmmm...there ought to be something I could do with this. I couldn't come up with anything! You are amazing - that card is so cute! I don't see anything wrong with the poppy card, but I know what it's like to have one image in your head and quite another on your project!!! The mug skirt is a fabulous idea! I need to check out Karen's site! She's a very talented gal :) Is the photo of the week your yard? How beautiful! I'm so SO ready for spring! We left 92 degrees, and were told that it was snowing in St. Louis! lol... Have a good night, my friend - hope all is well! Hi to the boys and the momma's!!!

Becky said...

Hi Curt! :)
Just love this coffee filter dress, I must try this. The polka dots and red are wonderful together.

Gorgeous colors and coloring on Happy Spring.

I love how you did the poppy's, hanging on the edges. I know what you mean when you put a lot of work into something and it does not come out as you would imagine. To much work to start over!

Aren't you the lucky one to get this awesome gift. I love the colors and design and that card is smashing also.

Have a fabulously blessed week.

Leigh said...

Your coffee mug gift is fabulous Curt. Love it. I did have a chuckle at the "looks like the popppies are on their last legs" phrase without any disrespect to your card at all, just the way you've said it. I didn't mind your card actually.

The coffee filter dress is certainly effective. Fabulous with the dots on it.
I do like your bird card too. So pretty.

Take care for the coming week.

Krissy said...

Brilliant! Love love love the coffee filter dress! Can't wait to try that myself!

Susan Hogan said...

That coffee filter obviously has never seen any coffee - it is pristine! Very Marilyn Munro, that dress. ALL your cards are great - including the one you don't like - the poppies are great and don't look old at all. The way of cutting and die cutting looks so good - I haven't tried it yet but aim to some time soon! Your tulips are so pretty - such a lovely red. Hope the tornado doesn't eventuate and decimate them. Karen's organiser looks great and the card is really bright and cheery. It certainly is a great idea - why can't I have them!!! Cheers, hope the week is a good one.

Audrey Frelx said...

Wow, Curt!!! How dare you call your cards "run of the mill stuff", they are fab!!! And that dress made from the coffee filter -- love it!!!

What a creative friend you have; I love that little gift she made for you!

Thanks for stopping by earlier. I don't care that it took you awhile, I was just happy to see you; you're always welcome to drop in -- you're at home, so pop in and out at your leisure!!! And, I told my hubby what you said about him being a great guy. He's so funny and he always has a comeback, he said, "I knooooow"!!! LOL! He did say to tell you thank you though!

Hugs, my friend!

Kevin Renz said...

Everything you shared is fabulous! Just wanted to stop by and say hi.

Anonymous said...

OOOOO, Curt, such tulips to enjoy, muse over, become lost in thought surrounded by fresh green swaying in the breeze blooming bulbs. That sight is a month off here, easily.
What a generous pic to share! Thanks.
Keep Looking UP!

Sue said...

Hi ya Curt
you have been busy again fabulous cards, luv the use of the coffee filter, striking card, your bird is beautiful awesome colour work, luv the of the die cut, luv poppys they me fav flowers, again a striking card. A gorgeous gift i luv the bright material great easy to hand storage beautiful card with it, fabby spring piccie, hugs to all, sue,x

Bonnie Weiss said...

Love, love, LOVE your stuff this week! That adorable dress is just like something Olivia Newton John wore in Grease. The fulness of it is something I've not seen done before and makes it so very unique.

Your Spring card SHOUTS Spring ... just one question???Where is it????? We had snow AGAIN, last night.

And honestly, I like your poppy card. I've always enjoyed seeing images placed beyond the edge of a background.

Karen gifted you with a wonderful creation and not only is it practical, well-made and unique but when something comes from the heart like that, it's always very precious.

Hugs to the boys and a hug to Jay too.

Lauri said...

LOVE the mug organizer!!! That is so so cool!!! and I don't think your poppies card is bad at all! I love it! and love the puppies with their bunny ears!

Glittered Paws said...

Just got my first cup of coffee and...well a coffee filter dress - how amazing is this - great creativity - and I don't see anything wrong with the poppy card - but have been there done that - just not happy with the card I just spend too much time coloring but ...someone will LOVE it. And WHAT have you done to those 2 boys on your header - is that flower headbands??? That isn't going to help bring spring any sooner Curt - but I am LOL!!!

Ted said...

Well, Curt...hate to disappoint, but my favorite card of all this week IS the last one! LOL! I love the muted colors of the poppies and the cutting out of the flower-heads is definitely what makes this special. :) Beautiful!

Enjoy your weekend, friend. :)

Diane said...

Oh my Curt...I love the dress...such a cute and clever idea....just will have to give it a try.....have you ever made the roses with the coffee filters...oh so beautiful..if you want instructions...just "email"....love the other two cards as well...and the last one I think is very pretty...you are too hard on yourself....haven't yet tried the "cut out" around the image...if I remember right, you cut it out and then lift it up over the die before you cut??? I did your poll, too...seems I am in the majority...what a good idea..interesting...hope you will post the results...have a nice rest of week....I will be gone...head on over to Joan's Gardens blog(link is on my blog) and make a tag..she has a super prize this week...a doily die...bye my friend!!

Lorraine said...

Coffee filter wow must try that one. Love the gift so useful and clever. Hugs from Jersey. XX

DeeDee said...

Yes Sir! You've done it again! I love the coffee filter dress idea! So COOL! All of your cards are cool of course, but I have to pick out a fav every time! Heehee! HUGS!

Sonja said...

And a Bright Happy Sunny Morning to you Mr Curt... WOWZERS...the coffee filter dress card is so fabulous , striking and beautiful... I had a friend give a class on 4 cards made with a coffee filter but I never got to it : ( Is this a funnel shap filter or regular filter??

The second card is simply so full of Spring, the colors are perfect I have not wrapped my mini brain around it yet, the how to cut it part...lol

the third one is my fav color combo and those posies are just fine...maybe it just needs a few more... : )

and the picture...oh how awesome !...

I have enjoyed our time this morning, and your ability as always is so amazing... and what amazing friends you have...that cozy on the cup. what a fantastic idea and gift !

So I guess I have to wait a week for more : (

: ) til then...hope your week is full of happiness and what ever makes you SMILE

6 wacky women said...

Fabulous cards, Curt
How brilliant is your coffee filter skirt!!! Absolutely love it!! Your Spring card is just beautiful, love how birdie is sitting off the edge, same with your poppies,they look great off the edge of the card. You are so funny..."on their last legs"...no way...it's a beautiful card!! Happy you liked your "stuff holder" and card. Great job of your tutorial here...I might have to borrow it....LOL!!!!

Karen x

Serendipity Stamping said...

Well done again Curt. The dress took me back to my childhood when my mother used to take dolls and make a skirt out of folded coffee filters. You folded them in half and took yarn and tacked them together to fit the waist and you had a full volumne skirt, using ribbon for the top. Bet a lot of you gals out there remember these. The dolls were similar to a Barbie doll size. Keep up the fabulous work Curt. Storming down here the past couple of days. Another one coming in right now.

Carmen O. said...

These are definitely NOT run of the mill cards! I just love that coffee filter dress card and the polka dots are the perfect addition. I still need to try one of those cut out before die cutting. One of these days. Thank you for such wonderful inspiration each week! I voted that I get my ideas from blogs but it's probably from both blogs and sites like sb.com and scs. Have a wonderful weekend!! They say snow here tomorrow morning, but it's suppose to be nice so if it does snow it probably won't last long.

tilly said...

3 great cards for us this week again,....... love the idea of the coffee filter dress and also the bird out of frame.....your 2 poor dogs look disgusted at the headbands you have put on... so would I if you did that to me !!! lol
Have a lovely week
Best wishes Tilly

Jackie said...

Coffee filter! Seriously?? That is a beautiful card, looks just like a dress. Who'd have thunk? Your Happy Spring card is wonderful. I love how you cut the image, makes it pop right off the card.

The poppies....I think I may agree with you on that but it's not you, it's the stamp. The flowers look a little wonky to me.

And that coffee cup caddy is amazing! Does she sell those? She should, I think it's wonderful - what a great idea. I love that fabric she used.

Thanks for checking in on me, I'm doing ok just being lazy :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh wow!! I guess I'll start from the top and tell you that I LOVE that fun dress and how it pops out!! I adore the fun coffee/crafty holder and the colors are so happy and fun!! Such a fun post as is always when I visit you!! Thanks for sharing!! BIG HUGS

Linda said...

Oh my goodness that cup thing is amazing. I love the bright colors. I went right ot here sight and told her so.
Your cards are always wonderful, but I know what you mean about not turning out like you thought. I went wow when I saw it but after reading what you said I thought maybe the flowers could be closer.
Curt I know from your blog you like nature. Have you seen the live ustream of the decorah eagles. It is so cool. The babies (3) may hatch soon.(next couple of days)
here is the link.
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles
I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for the kind words on my blog. I still have a head ache from the 30 first grade kiddoes. LOL

Lee said...

As always, ALL your cards are AWESOME.Poppies are my fav flower,i love the card.WOW,love the Mug hugger jacket,what a fantastic idea,i would love to make one,your mug gave me a giggle too.Love the quilted card too really gorgeous cheery colours.LOVE Tulips,great pic of the week.Huggles to all.xx

Dawnll said...

You never stop amazing me with your talents and creations.
I think my favorite is the Poppie card.
I love the rich colors and your coloring.
You know how I love to fussy cut and add dimension.
Hope you are all surviving the winter and have to ask if those flowers are in your yard?
Oh how I am praying for Spring ,Summer temps to come soon.
Thanks for popping in to my blog and leaving a comment...always enjoy your insights.
I went and voted also Take care and hugs to you and the boys

Ann Schach said...

The coffee filter dress is just adorable! Sometimes it is amazing how clever some people can be. Of course, the desk organizer is just amazing, especially with the matching card! Take care and have a fabulous weekend. Give the boys a treat from the Twins.

Gail said...

I certainly didn't see any 'run of the mill' cards!
Love the dress,the bird, aaaand the poppies!
Your gift is amazing...how cool is that!
Pic of the week is great too!
Took the poll!

Myrna said...

Well Curt another great post. Love all three cards and your poppies look just like they would in the garden. Lovely gift. Your tulips are beautiful.
Got to go and take the poll.
Have a great week my friend.
Myrna

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Wonderful cards and I gotta say my fav is that coffee filter card! It is absolutely gorgeous....and I love how you used polka dots on it!
What a splendid gift set you received too!! Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL POST.........DON;T KNOW HOW YOU FIND TIME TO CREATE.....BUT I'M GLAD YOU DO. LOVED ALL THE CARDS...AND THE CUP HOLDER. LOVE YA, MOM

mark said...

yep - your poppies look pooped out - but it's the crappy stamp, not you! we've got a poppy festival in georgetown (north of austin) and i've drawn a few but haven't gotten them to the rubber stage yet. i'll send you one when they're done... but don't hold your breath!

Terry said...

Love the 'poll'. Great idea!!
The cup holder is awesome.
Love the 'dress' card. And, because poppies are one of my fave
flowers - I like that card too ºÜº

Celeste said...

I love the card with the bird the best! The skirt card is adorable! I do like the poppy card even though you don't...I've said it before...you're too hard on yourself! Have a great week!
PS Cute organizer!

lisa808 said...

Love the dress! That is a fabulous & fashionable card. Awesome gift and matching card from your friend. Fun & creative idea.

Sue Ann said...

Gracious I love that dress ....... oh if my waist could only fit into that dress!!! I might have to go and buy a few filters after this!! ( I do a French Press for Curt so I have not filters and I am total tea girl ) The tulips ROCK my world and of course your other creations are amazing. How fun is that holder ...... the colors are so bold and bright ...... JUST LIKE YOU!!! I know that happy mail put a smile on your face!!! Have a great week!!!

Joan Ervin said...

Your cards are all fabulous, Curt...the coffee filter dress is sooo creative and I love the dramatic colors you used!!! The bird image is beautiful especially with you beautiful coloring and I think the poppies are FABULOUS!!!! I love the fun little card and coffee cup organizer, too...I'll have to look at is closer to figure out how she made it!!!!

Ila said...

All three cards are Fabulous!!..I love the coffee filter skirt..just the Cutest!!..the spring card is Gorgeous..and the poppy card is Beautiful!..It's a classic and I know many people that would love it.
I love the gift and card you recieved from Karen..so useful..and the colors are filled with energy..perfect for a craft space. Have a lovely weekend!!..Hugs, Ila

Macpurp said...

the coffee folter dress is fantastic! and i love the poppy card!

such lovely gifts too, what a clever friend you have.

love to you & yours
teen xx

Shirley-Anne said...

Hi Curt . As usual your post is full of interesting titbits Love all on show here . But your desk tidy looks amazing and it comes with a handle . I love it , lucky you .

Dawn B. said...

These cards are so beautiful.. I think you are way too hard on yourself.. Your stamping is weonderful.. I love the poppies. We have lots of them here in NC along the road. Your coffee mug catty is wonderful.. I love that. Have a super week..

Susan (rainy) said...

Wonderful cards, Curt. The coffee filter is so fun and creative and I love the "out-of-the-box" bird and poppy cards. I actually really love the poppies. If you look at them growing wild they pretty much look just how you have stamped them, and your coloring is divine!
And oh my gosh that caddy is fabulous! What a sweet friend.

Tammy said...

Hi Curt! I absolutely love your coffee filter dress!! The layout, design and colors are all perfect!! The catty is so cute, fantastic bright quilting fabric! Take care! Hugs, Tammy :)

Shirley said...

Boy, have I not been here in a while. What a gorgeous group of cards. The card with the dress is so creative and outstanding!! The bird with the paisley background is just so soft and lovely. The poppies 'outside the box' are stunning and lovely too!

As for Karen, who wouldn't love what she created for you!! Lucky you, my friend!!! Hug those dogs big for me.

Janine said...

Hi Curt!! Great cards, pics and gifts!! Fabulous to look at!!

America said...

wow- one beautiful project after another. YOU ROCK!!!!! That dress filter blew me away!!!! WHAT A BRILLIANT idea from a great creative mind!! youve got it goin' on Buddy!!!