Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR MAY 25, 2011

Hey All!


I hope you all are doing fine.  I've sure missed you, and hope you can forgive my absence from your blogs this past couple of weeks.  THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the heartfelt comments you left for my and Jay.  You honestly don't realize just how much they meant or how much they were really appreciated.  Jay has been transferred to a rehabilitation hospital and will be there for the next 10 to 14 days.  He is doing much better, so those thoughts and prayers you were sending sure did help!

I have forced myself to take some time and make a few cards.  I need to make a bunch more, but I'm not going to beat myself up over it.  I'll get them made as pressing issues allow.  So here are three I've completed this week:

I wish I had the time to take a picture of the painting I saw in a store front that inspired this card. I can't get over how close I came to it.  I'll post the painting on the next post so you can see.  The square card is my favorite shape card.  I have more room to create.  I created the colored panels by masking each panel and sponging distress inks.  But before I did that, I stamped the swirly image with Versamark then embossed it with clear ep.  I then stamped the script writing in walnut stain distress ink and also embossed it with clear ep.  Then I did the masking and sponging and wiped the ink off of the clear embossed images.  I then stamped the "weed" image with the same walnut stain ink and embossed it again with clear ep.   Stamped the sentiment with the same ink and popped it up with foam tape.  Add the ribbon and bow to complete it.


SUPPLIES: Inks: Distress inks (walnut stain, tea dye, old paper).  Stamps:  Swirl (unknown), script writing-Stampendous; Weed-Stampabilities; Sentiment-Studio G.


Here is my second card:




I made this card with the inspiration of the new punch I purchased from EK Success.  It reminds me of a trellis and this is the card I had in my head.  The flowers were made using two different punches, and the leaves were a punch as well.  I cut very narrow strips of green paper to use as the "vines" and wove them through the trellis.  I just realized looking up at the picture and describing it, that the only stamping is the sentiment.  I used an embossing tool to draw the lines in for each leaf.


Last card:


I've been looking for a good Eiffel Tower stamp and finally found this one at Michaels.  It is by Inkadinkado.  I added the flag by cutting it from a piece of card stock.  I created the diamond background with my Score Pal scoring lines every quarter inch then flipping the paper and repeating the scoring the other way.  I wanted the card to have a simple look, so I didn't add a lot.    I created the sentiment on my computer.  The stamp actually has a banner across the tower that says "Paris", but I covered it up with the sentiment panel.  I kept it as a monochrome look.  I wanted it to look like a vintage postcard.


I also received the nicest surprise from my very sweet blogging buddy Linda of Scrapcat Cards.  Thank you so much Linda!  It is so awesome!  Instead of showing it, I thought I would let you see the wonderful You Tube video she made:




Well, there you have it.  I'll start tomorrow making my rounds of your blogs.  Thanks again for your patience.  It took me forever to write this because I kept having to take the boys and go for cover because the tornado sirens keep going off.

I hope you have all been safe from these horrible storms that we have been having all over the country.  I actually teared up watching the coverage of the tornadoes in Joplin and Kansas.  I can't imagine that kind of destruction and loss.  I don't know how those poor people get through it.  My heart breaks for them.

Again, thanks so much for your support.  You have been wonderful and I am so appreciative of all of you.


PIC OF THE WEEK:
BIG SNAPPING TURTLE
I took this a couple of weeks ago.  He didn't think I could see him!


Don't forget the new poll for this week!  I can't recap the last one because of the stupid blogger issues that we all experienced last week.


Hugs to all of you!


Curt O'Brien


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

54 comments:

Ted said...

As always, beautiful creations, friend. :) I'm happy to hear Jay's doing better. Thanks for the update!

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Beautiful cards you have created! Excellent collage for your first one. Very pretty flower trellis on the second one. Glad to read that Jay is on the mend and will be home soon. Take care yourself. Enjoy your zipper pouch. What a thoughtful gift!

Tertia said...

Its Thursday morning half past 5 in the morning here. I woke up and couldn't sleep -hate that! Very cold here.
LOVE that first card and as usual all your cards are great.
So happy to hear Jay is doing better, still kepping both of you in my prayers. Look after yourself, we don't need you to get sick from sheer exhaustion.

Patti J said...

Great cards, Curt! I think my favorite is the first one! It truly looks like a work of art to be hung on the wall! The second is fun and whimsical - the punch is going to be so versatile - you will love it! The Eiffel Tower card is just a perfect thank you card! And what a nice package you received from Linda! Isn't it nice to get happy mail??? Linda, if you are reading, this is an awesome project! Curt, you try to have a few good days now, and don't worry about our blogs - they will be there whenever you are able and feel like getting back into the groove! Take care...hugs and blessings!

Gail said...

Hey Curt!
Great to see you this week!
Glad to hear that Jay is doing better.
The cards are wonderful!
I'll have to watch Lindas video another day, my internet is acting up!
Still thinking of you & Jay...stay safe!
Talk to ya!

Audrey Frelx said...

Your cards are beautiful, as always!

So glad to hear Jay is feeling better!

Linda said...

Oh I am so happy to hear things are under control. Wishing Jay a speedy recovery.

I love the turtle. I caught on fishing once and hubby kept saying I had a log but I said that log keeps swimming away. When I got it to the boat hubby quick cut the line. LOL
He was huge and now I am afraid to swim in the lake. LOL

I really love that first card. It is really amazing.

Thanks for posting my video. Someone already came to my blog and told me. I get an email when you post but it doesn't come until Thursday for some reason.

Stay well my friend and enjoy your weekend.

ursula Uphof said...

Curt, just checking in after my holiday. Sorry to hear Jay has not been well, but good that he is on the mend now. You take care as well. Especially love that first card. Warm wishes, from a cold South Africa.

mudmaven said...

Oh my - I missed blurfing for a week and didn't find out about Jay till this week. I hope that he is doing well at the rehab facility and can come home very, very soon. As always, your cards are absolutely fantastic!!!! I just love them all. I'm glad you had a chance to find some relaxation time and get creative. Big hugs and all the best to you, Jay and those adorable boys. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!!!! ~chris

Becky said...

Glad to hear Jay is doing better.
Your first card is just stunning, love the different shades of color and love the design.
Birthday wishes is so Spring, beautiful colors and love the butterflies with their cute little buttons.
So wonderful that people care so much about you Curt.
Have a wonderful week.

Elaine M said...

Great cards as usual - but that first one just knocks my socks off! I am soooooo going to CASE it. Stay safe during this stormy time of year. Blessings to you, Jay and the boys.

Diane said...

Glad things are looking up for you and Jay...beautiful cards...love the first one and all the details on it.....always fun to see your posts....as for the weather I have had about enough midwest weather that had me thinking that winter wasn't so bad after all!! We will see if I can post this...blogger is having issues again and I haven't been able to comment much! Take care!!

Heide said...

Curt,
Happy to hear Jay is doing better and still sending you prayers until he is home.
You cards are so wonderful! I don't know which one I like more. I love seeing you post on Thurs mornings. You always have so much to see and read about. Thanks Curt!
Hugs, Heide

Lee said...

Hi Curt.It's so good to see you posting.I LOVE all your Beautiful cards,they are soooo clever.WOW,love that zipper pouch,what a talented lady she is,you deserve some treats.Fantastic pic of the week as always.Oh dear i am so very sorry to see all the terrible destruction in the U.S. it is heartbreaking as you say.Here's a Huge hug for you and Jay and of course Huge Cuddles for those gorgeous Big Furry Boys.xx

Jackie said...

Oh Curt, your cards are so beautiful. The first one is just awesome and I can't wait to see the painting that inspired it. It is a work of art in itself! Your trellis card is so pretty and cheerful, it reminds me of a lovely porch with flowers trailing up the trellis. How clever of you to cover up the Paris banner on that Eiffel Tower stamp - love that card, too. I'm so glad to hear that Jay is doing better and that you are doing better, too!

Stay safe, I hope the storms pass you by. They have been particularly awful this year, I think.

Debbie B said...

First of all I'd like to say that I am glad Jay is doing better and that you had some time to make these cards. What can I say --- they are beautiful!!! I love all of them. I especially like the first one because it's masculine and one can never have enough of those!! It could be used for several occassions as well. I also watched the video that Linda sent you. That was so sweet of her to make that project for you. I hope it cheered you up!! She did a wonderful job on it too. Keep up the good work and I hope Jay continues to get better. Debbie B

Miranda said...

Awesome cards! Glad to hear Jay is doing better. Keeping him and you in my prayers!
Miranda

Mary Marsh said...

3 awesome card curt-love the thanks card and your sponging is a gorgeous touch
I love the trellis card-so summery

Celeste said...

I love all your cards but the trellis card really caught my eye as my garden is just starting to show some blooms here in Central New York. I hope Jay is doing well. We have a pond in a nearby town that has a 2x4 floating on it. The baby turtles sit on there sunning themselves. So cute!
I cannot believe all the tornadoes and all the damage.

Myrna said...

Curt
Thinking of you, Jay and the boys.
Love your cards, all three of them are fantastic.
So nice to receive happy mail, isn't it?
Pic of the week is so cute.
I am still not doing much in the card department. Oh well soon, I hope.
Myrna

Gina Wrona said...

Glad to see you back and to hear the good recovery news for Jay. I loved all your creations and the flower one really does look like a trellis was my first impression.

Take care & many hugs to you and the boys,
Gina

Ink Bug said...

I hope Jay gets better soon and I hope you can have an eased mind and less worries. I really love the first card so I will have to steal - er, copy it. Hearts & hugs to you. Always be happy! =] ~Robin

Krissy said...

I'm so glad to hear that Jay is doing better - I will continue to pray for him. I always love all of your cards, but today I LOVE LOVE LOVE the first card! It is absolutely stunning!

Thanks for sharing!

Sue said...

Hi ya Curt
lovely to see you, glad to hear Jay is doing well.
Gorgeous cards as always, luv the top one, its beautiful very elegant, the flowers look fabulous on the trellis, very pretty card, luv the Eiffel Tower stamp.
Lovely piccie of the week, hope the weather there soon improves, hugs to you both, take care, sue,x

Anonymous said...

I am glad that Jay is doing better. Your three cards are beautiful, can't choose a favourite between them! Blessings to you, Jay and the boys and take care.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Amelia

Sue Ann said...

As always beautiful creations. I am happy you forced yourself to do this because you have to take care of you too or you are NO GOOD at helping Jay ....... got it young man :) And do not forget to smell the flowers. I am happy to read Jay is doing better and I know the next few weeks are going to be crazy ...... I will be thinking about you!!!

Susan said...

First, I am glad to hear that Jay is doing better, and hope that he continues to improve in rehab. I continue to keep both of you in my prayers. Next, your cards this week are - WOW! The collage is so beautiful. I love the different panels and the embossing and...! Your trellis is so bright and cheerful. And I love your Eiffel Tower. I hope that you found peace and pleasure in your creations. Love that silly turtle, too.
Finally, the weather. I have been watching it all closely, and thought of you when the tornadoes were in IN yesterday, hoping that you were safe. I kept thinking that you just didn't need one more thing to worry about. I live in KS and my daughter and family live just outside Joplin. They are safe, and didn't lose anything. But I know that their lives are changed forever because of what has happened to their community.
May God continue to wrap His arms around you and Jay and the boys. You are a special gift of joy and encouragement to so many of us.

Ann Schach said...

Hi, Curt! I am happy to hear that Jay is better. Your cards are fabulous this week, especially card #1. I loved watching Linda's video. How unique and clever! I can relate with taking the boys to the basement. The sirens sounded here in SE Iowa, and we were under a tornado warning. The Twins and I headed to the basement. Of course, they thought it was all such fun! That's a Boxer for you! Luckily, nothing major happened. Take care this week!

Heartwarmers from Vicki said...

I especially love that first card. Do you mind if I case it at some point?

Anonymous said...

Hello Curt!! Your cards are very elegant and the layouts are stunning on your post this time hun!! Such a beautiful job and thanks for sharing the photos too!! :)

lisa808 said...

Curt, so glad to hear that Jay is doing better. I hope you is out of rehab soon and back home with you and the boys.

I absolutely love your first card. The swirl, script, colors--everything! Your second card is very bright & cheery. Love the punch and flowers. Great Eifel Tower image.

I'm thankful you only had a tornado warning. It is so sad seeing the devastation the past few weeks.

Sue from Oregon said...

Wonderful and thoughtful Thank you cards Curt! I know you are thinking of those that are taking care of Jay. So happy to read that he is on the mend. A tough time for you both. Hope he will be home soon. Love the Happy Mail you recieved! How cool is that!?! ♥ Sue K

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt -
So glad to see your post - yes, I do look forward to hearing from you every time! Your cards are wonderful but the best is the news that Jay is improving. You are in my prayers dear friend - both of you.

The envelope is amazing - what a fabulous gift! I will be visiting her blog, too, for more inspiration as I can see she is not only loving and kind, but talented, too!

Hugs!

Glittered Paws said...

Great cards this week - and glad to hear Jay is doing better. Blogger has been giving lots of people fits (me included) unable to comment most of the time - who knows what is going on. Love how you used your new punch - beautiful and your work of art card is stunning, have a super Memorial Day weekend and relax and enjoy.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

WOW! Even with all you have been going through your cards are simply amazing! You always have the neatest techniques and designs!

The pouch Linda sent you is sooooo cool too!

Hope you are able to enjoy the weekend storm free! Those sure were scary storms! Did you see the damage Greensburg got?? I am only 15 minutes away! I have family and friends there but luckily everyone is okay. I did have one friend that got blown off the road on his way home and he actually had to take cover in a ditch and he got pummeled with hail!! He was very shooken up but atleast he came out of it alive! I feel for those that weren't so lucky in other areas.

Okay, I have written enough!
Take care!
-Stacie

dndfletch said...

What a gorgeous card! Love all the stamping, it truly looks like a work of art. Glad Jay is feeling better. Thanks for taking the time to post your lovely cards. The trellis card was very pretty. Take care.

Krissy said...

Just thought I'd let you know that Stampendous is looking for new BlogStars. I think they would love your beautiful creations! More details here http://stampendousblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/blogstars-design-team-call/

Good luck if you decide to give it a try!

~Krissy

Unknown said...

Hey I am going to try this again... I love the first card, it is beautiful and simply perfect... the second one is just as great , in a different style... the third was quite nice, in a more clean line form...
your work is always so awesome, thanks for Sharing...I am so happy to hear that Jay is better, more prayers for continued improvement...

Soni B

Macpurp said...

good to see things are improving for Jay.
love your makes, the first one is so beautiful. I love all the elements on it.
great Turtle photo! Love the idea of him hiding on you!

love Teen xx

America said...

CURT, your cards are soooooo beautiful! I love each one for different reasons! WOW!!! Great colors and details and designs! Also, your photography is AMAZING! You must have a super super pumped up camera to go with your incredible eyes. :)

Lorraine said...

Good news about Jay. Love the gift from Linda such a kind lady and thoughful. Your cards are as gorgeous as ever especially the first one. Hugs from Jersey U.K.

Susan Hogan said...

Three beautiful but so different cards. Glad things are looking up -keep safe and warm and take some time to look after yourself.

Serendipity Stamping said...

Good morning Curt, I am so happy to hear Jay is getting better.
As usual I am so impressed with your cards. You have such a wonderful imagination. No hurry about stopping by as I am always here somewhere. Best wishes and take care.

Shirley-Anne said...

Hello Curt . I hope that Jay is continuing to improve .
What different themes and styles these cards are today . All beautiful .
Love the lot but first is my fav. Just love the Autumn hues , the swirl and script .
Stay well and happy in Faith .

Susan said...

Hey Curt: Just checking up on you to see if everything is okay. I hope that Jay, you, and the boys are all well, and that you just got carried away with a spectacular project. Sue from KS

Audrey Frelx said...

Hi, Curt! I was so glad to hear from you; I was so concerned and couldn't get on my blog to find out what was going on. I hope Jay is doing much better; I said so many prayers for him!

Again, thanks so much for stopping by; I always love seeing and hearing from you, my friend! Now I can rest a bit easier about the 2 of you guys!!!

Leigh said...

Curt, all your cards are great, love the Thanks very much card the best.
I'm so sorry to hear about Jay. Hope he can be home soon. Take care.

Lauri said...

Curt! I hope all is well...worried about you...and Jay...and the boys....and your mom....take care!

Susan said...

Praying for all of you guys, dear friend.

Anne Marie Hile said...

Hi Curt! I am sorry I haven't stopped by in a while. I hope all is well with both you and Jay I just wanted to say hello and let you know I was thinking about you. Hugs! :)

Anonymous said...

from flood repeated eastern Rocky Mountain front....Keep Looking UP!

Becky said...

Hey Curt;
Hope all is alright with you and Jay..
Sending
hugs & smooches :)

Kevin Renz said...

Hi Curt,

I knew something must be up and I'm glad I stopped to visit so I could tell you that I'll be thinking of you and Jay. Please say hello to him for me and that I am hoping for a speedy recovery. Hospitals suck, needles suck, etc. etc.

All fabulous cards, but LOVE your first one. I adore embossing.

Take care!!!

Susan said...

Hi Curt,
Just checking in with you again. You and Jay are ever in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that we hear good things from you soon. Hugs. Sue from Kansas