Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR JULY 20, 2011

Hey All!


How the heck are ya?  I hope this post finds you well and happy.  I have to start by apologizing for my little rant in my last post.  But all of you came to my rescue to try to help me.  Alas, I had already tried most of everything you all suggested to no avail.  I have not revisited the machine, but plan to this coming week.  If I can't resolve the problem, it is going back.  I have 60 days with receipt.  Nuff said. . .

To make up for the lack of projects last week, I worked really hard this week to provide you with stuff to look at, so here we go. . .I hope you like!


See this little tiny stamp?:


And yes, that is ink on my finger. . .Anyway when I saw this tiny little stamp a card set popped into my mind.  So I brought this little fella home and it created all of this:
This is the box I created to hold the "note" card set created by that little stamp.  The box is one of my favorite projects from Gina K. Designs and you can find the tutorial for it HERE.  Now, let's open it up:


Let's see what's inside. . .
See what one little, tiny, single stamp can do???  LOL  This is my "Just a Note" set.  And this was pretty much what was in my head when I picked up that little guy.  Here are a couple of pics of them:
These were quick and easy to do and incorporate the clean and simple style.  The single stamp is by Stampendous, the music page stamp is by Hero Arts, the sentiment is by Stampabilities, and the piano keys stamp is by Stampabilities, (yes, the little guy needed a little help).   Hope you like my set and that it gives you some ideas for that little stamp that is sitting around in your collection waiting to help you with your cards!


Next on the agenda. . .get ready. . .it's coming before you know it. . .prepare yourselves . . .
EEEEEEEKKKKKKKKK!  Hey!  If people can post Christmas cards already, I certainly can start my Halloween cards. . . .right?  LOL  Now I know that this looks really simple and doesn't look like much. . . ahhhh but that is the intent.  For when you slip off the belly band, this is what you will find:


What do you think???  This is a "pop-up stage" card which was the highlighted technique on SCS last week.  You can find the tutorial HERE.  I so love how this turned out!  I used a combination of stamps/sets here.  I made the floor from scratch by using a piece of mottled paper then scoring the "planks", and then drawing the lines and "nail holes".  The wall paper is DP, the chair (stamped on DP and cut out), the picture on the wall, the fireplace, the witch's hat on the bear's head, and jack-o-lantern are all by There She Goes Stamps.  The bears are all from one stamp from the Gruffies line.  Everything was colored with my cheap colored pencils and oms.  You can count on more of these to come in future posts.  I have a ton of ideas for this card style!


Now to a couple of cards that have sad stories. . .


This is a Mo Manning digital image that I just love.  It is really the only "cat" image that I have to use for "cat" cards.  I was at my local Archivers store this past week and found out that one of the young ladies that works there had to put her cat to sleep.  So I made this one for her.  If you are reading this Kacy, this card is on its way to you.  (Myrna, I wish you would get yours soon!) My very sweet blogging buddy Myrna also lost their sweet cat as well, and I sent her a card weeks ago and it still has not arrived (she is in Canada).

And on the dog side. . .
Our very sweet neighbors across the street from us lost their beloved "Jake".  He was the sweetest dog, and became ill very suddenly.  I wanted the card to be simple and only highlight the sentiment.  The sentiment is a Northwoods stamp that a friend of mine got for me awhile back.  I took the card over to them and talked about Jake and cried.  Jake will be so missed by many. . .

OK, that's it for this week's post.  Hope I made up for the "bitch fest" I laid on you all last week.  LOL  I still sneer at that damn machine each time I walk by it!  But I thank you all for your wonderful attempts to help.  With or without the machine, next week's items will incorporate fabric!

Until next week, take good care of yourselves and be happy!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Wish I could serve you some "cyber beverages" while you are here!  Thanks for always leaving such awesome comments.  I cherish them, I really do.

Pic of the Week:
Such a sweet little beauty stopped to pose for me this week.  Love that it casts a shadow on the leaf.


Hugs to all of you!


Curt O'Brien


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

54 comments:

Gail said...

YIPPEEE! A Halloween card!
Loved it!
It really is my favorite holiday!
I know you were making faces in my direction when you mentioned the Christmas cards!
I wonder if the gadzillion people I send Christmas cards too, would mind if they got Halloween instead!?hmmmm?
The 'note' cards are just lovely!
I'm going to check out the tutorials later!
Your pet sympathy cards were wonderful. Too bad they're needed for sad occasions.
Great pick of the week.....and you can have a rant anytime if this is the stuff you churn out after!
Talk to ya later!

Myrna said...

Hey Curt,
Look at that!!! Seems I am first to comment on your fabulous projects this week. Oh my goodness you have really done some gorgeous stuff. So sad about Jake and Kacy. I, too, wish the d--- snail mail would let your card get here.
That little guy sure does look like he posed just for you.
I so enjoyed our chat. :)
Hugs
Myrna

Kacy said...

Oh my gosh...Curt - you are the so sweet. I felt so bad for unloading on you like that the other day at the store, but some how I felt more at peace after talking to you. This card is beautiful and embodies Skittles in the most beautiful light. Thank you for the card - I look forward to seeing it in person!

Ted said...

Curt, I LOVE those "note" cards...and that piano key stamp I must find... I am glad whenever you write down your "supply list" as it helps me be inspired to buy. Never a bad thing. ;) Glad to see you back to your cheerful self, buddy. :)

nise said...

OMG! I have that note stamp AND the piano keys - - - EEEE! I could totally CASE this and be just amazing to everyone I know! I like what goes on in your head and comes out of your hands! Then there is that incredible pop-up card - - your floor is WOWZA! I was flying until I got to the family loss cards - - sorry you needed them and even more sorry your friends needed to get them. Wishing you all the best with that machine you cursed about last week. Thanks for the inspiration!

Sue said...

Hi Curt, loving all your productivity this week, albeit without the dreaded sewing machine!
Note cards and box are a beautiful set, makes a great gift! The Halloween pop up card is a work of art, so many really cute details! And the pet cards are lovely and so thoughtful of you. Love the picture of the week, fantastic. Have a great week.

Hugs
Sue

Susan said...

Oh, Curt! I am always so happy to see your new post. And what a lot you had for me today! I am amazed at all of your inspiration with that one little stamp - fabulous! Your Halloween card is adorable (those Gruffies are cute as can be). And your sympathy cards are wonderful, although I wish you didn't need them. Also, I love your pic of the week. Your posts are always so full of wonderfulness (well, okay, last week had some terribleness; but even that is fun with you). I can't wait to see what word verification I get (LOL)!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt! I love what you've done with the notes - very creative!

Your displeasure with the sewing machine is totally understandable - no apologies needed. We're here for you! (tee, hee).

Sew, er, I mean so, I am loving that you're doing Halloween cards already - I love what you do with the autumn colors and themes! Yippee - bring it on!!!

Hugs!!

Jackie said...

You are fabulous! I totally love your Just a Note card set, it's brilliant. Now there's another stamp I need. Your Halloween card is just too cool, I love the pop up stage thing. I must have missed that on SCS last week. Of course I love your kitty card and the pet sympathy card, too. Those must be particularly difficult to do but I know they are appreciated.

I am so jealous that you have an Archiver's close, ours is 2-1/2 hours away.

And I have some advice about that wretched machine that gave you so much trouble - take it back and get a Janome. (and there's no need to visit my blog, I'm being a slacker)

Sue from Oregon said...

Hey Stranger! This time of year (charry harvest) is hard for me to keep on the blogs, so I must go see what was wrong last week...missed it! Love your little note card...little stamps are a challenge for me! Glad to see you getting into the halloween spirit...awesome card! I so have the tutorial bookmarked and will give it a try when I am not so fried! Love you CAS pet sympathy cards too...You have been really busy! Off to check out your meltdown LOL!

Jean McKenzie said...

Curt, You have been busy this week! Love the music set and you have put so much thought into the Gruffies card! Love the flooring and wallpaper! The pet cards are perfect and they will mean a lot to the recipients. Pets become part of the family and are always missed terribly when they go.

Do hope you can sort out that sewing machine!! I have a little Janome that works well for me - really don't use it enough though. Love the photo of the boys posing on the stump - they are just so obedient!

Krissy said...

Squeeeee! I have that little note stamp, but haven't gotten it inky yet.....but I will now!!! You've inspired me! Now I just need to find the keyboard stamp! Your card set it beautiful!

As always I love all of your creations! Have a great week!

Cheers!
~Krissy

ursula Uphof said...

Good that you are in a happier frame of mind this week. Love your note set, I have a stamp like that, so will put it to use soon. Your other cards are really super.
Have a great week and thanks for visitng, and your inspiration

Becky said...

wow..you sure have been busy.. I love that note stamp and all those cute CAS cards you made with it. I love them.
Now that Halloween card is just stink-en awesome..the paper looks just like wall paper.
The other two are lovely for such sad occasions.

Carolyn said...

You are such a creative guy. I love all your projects. Great inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
:)

Sue said...

Hi Curt
as ever stunning project all those gorgeous cards from one little stamp amazing set. I adore your halloween card such detail in it, luv seeing all your halloween cards no one makes them like you do.
Aww im sure the animal cards were much appreciated beautiful work, pets are family so sad when they go.Fabby piccie, i hope the sewing machine behaves itself for you!!
Hugs to you both, sue,xx

downrightcrafty said...

Isn't it amazing what you can create from such a small stamp, great choice and fabulous creation. Love your other creations and pleased you still have the receipt for the sewing machine, but do hope you give it another go
Hugs Kate x

Leigh said...

You've convinced me Curt. I've now purchased the little note stamp and an unmounted set that contains the piano keys as well as the background. Is this payback for having sewing on my card? lol
That pop up stage card is absolutely wonderful. Fabulous work. Unfortunately it is so sad when one loses a pet.
Hope you get the sewing machine looked at this week.

Anonymous said...

AS USUAL....I am in awe of what you have been creating!! LOVE them all. I am so sorry for your friends who have lost their beloved pets. I know first hand how heart wrenching that is.....my heart goes out to them!
Life is settling in well with Bear. It has taken awhile...not used to the nightly pee trips and the um chocolate bars I find all over the place! he he

Dee in N.H. said...

Great stuff Curt! That Halloween one just sneaks up on you! I totally didn't expect all that awesomeness to pop out when you opened it! Your note cards are cool too! All that from one tiny stamp.
As a side note, I mailed a Christmas card that was postmarked Dec. 13 to an Aussie friend and it just got there last week!!!
Have a great week!

Lauri said...

You are a hoot, Curt! and very busy! those are incredible projects!!! Love your work!

tilly said...

How Wow... you have certainly made up for a no-show last week lol, all your projects are fab and so individual, I could not pick a fave, I wish you luck with the machine and thanks for taking the time to visit me
Tilly x

Sue Ann said...

Well if I am planning costumes for the kids then you can for sure post cards :) So many options ..... I do love that card and the floor you made caught my eye first .... LOVE IT!!! The pet cards are very sweet and I KNOW will be very appreciated...... you are a total sweetheart!! And GREAT "note" cards, love how they are different but have the same vibe to them. And you know sometimes you have to get it off your chest ..... I hope you have a great week Curt. We have a house full of sick kiddies and now Curt and I woke up with a sore throat this morning OH NO!!! When the master and commander goes down that is NOT GOOD!!!!

cardscrapper said...

Oh Curt! As always you Wow me with your beautiful creations. Please, be sure and take that troublesome little sewing machine back and as mentioned above, check out the Janome! I picked on up and love it! That photo is amazing. I wish I had your talent with a camera. You live in such a beautiful area.

I too am so jealous that you have an Archivers nearby. I live iin Billings, MT and as far as I know the nearest Archives is over 10 hours away in Orem, UT. I wish I knew how to convince them to put in a store up here!! Thank you so much for being such a beautiful person.

Jane Wetzel said...

hey there Curt- when u bring the sewing mach back I am sure they will solve the problem or giv you a new one! Dont give up the ship! Loving the fact u r gettin into Halloween again! lol

richardbreaks said...

Hi Curt-- These projects are amazing! Love the pet cards especially....I have a friend who is about to lose her dog to cancer. SO sad when our pets grow old or sick and leave us. On an up note, wow, pun unintended (really!) LOVE the "notes" collection. Thanks so much for sharing. I am going to have to do that box 'o cards soon!!

Miranda said...

Awesome projects Curt! TFS

Ann Schach said...

Oh my gosh! What marvelous projects, Curt! As the mother of a music major, I really appreciate the music note card set! However, the stage card truly takes center stage! FABULOUS! Thank you so much for sharing your talent!

Unknown said...

Yippee you were in my inbox today and I am at home taking time to enjoy your visit : )
Oh you never cease to amaze me...awesome ideas....
the extra detail on that stage card is far more that I will ever try, but Oh Ilove to drool over things like that : )

I have never seen that pet sentiment, I would love to find it though... beautiful card ....

I really hope the "mean machine fairies " have come and fixed the machine you have the ability to do so much with that machine... I hope you can sontinue your relationship with it and show it who the boss is...keep in mind I say this as I sit needing the tension re set on mine :~)

I am off to get busy... still putting things away...
hugs til next week

Soni B

lisa808 said...

So glad you are in better spirits this week. You are amazingly creative with one little stamp. Love, love, love your Halloween card. So sorry for your friends' losses.

Beth Norman said...

Your cards are gorgeous. I have a sympathy dog and cat set from SU.

Mary said...

Loved all of your cards! I really like how you did the floor on your pop-up card too, you should have that made into a stamp! Thanks for sharing!

Heartwarmers from Vicki said...

Great cards, Curt! I love all the variations you did with that little "notes" stamp! I think I have that one and not sure I've used it yet. Great ideas!!!

Heide said...

Hey Curt,
What fantastic cards with one tiny little stamp! Love the musical not cards and box.
Your pet cards are also great work, It is always so hard to lose our fur babies! I am nicer to my Guinness that to my kids some days! LOL!
Guinness is doing well, I am a little nervous we are headed out for vacation( 2 wks) and he is headed to my nieces and I hope he behaves himself! Please say a little prayer for him...I am hoping that he has no stomach problems!
Hugs, Heide

Bonnie Weiss said...

You sure have been busy ... and what great creations you have been producing. That "pop-up stage" card is sooo unique and you chose just the perfect images to set the scene.

Hope Jay is holding his own and the boys are good too.

Dawn B. said...

You are always so kind to others. I love the Mo card. Your friends will all appreciate these. Great card set too. Oh what a little stamp can do.

Sande said...

Curt

Maybe you needed a walk away from the machine to clear your head...and they time away will be just the fix. I hope so. Do try going to their online website, I've found tons of great customer service that way.

I love all your cards as usual but the music cards are to die for. I live and die for music and it plays in my house 24 hours a day. You did a fantastic job and I love the stage card, also.

Have a splendid weekend.

Tammy said...

Hi Curt! Awesome creations!! I love the note set!! Fantastic CAS look!! ...and your Halloween pop-up card...WOW is all I can say! Sooo cute!! Your pet sympathy cards are beautiful too. It's always a very hard card for me to make and yours are perfect.
Take care,
Hugs, Tammy

Louise Fox said...

Curt, Have been looking for the "perfect" pet sympathy card stamp for a very long time. Not only do I love the stamp, but the card is fab as well! Have already gone to Northwoods and purchased the stamp! You always have such beautiful projects and I so enjoy your blog. Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration - I needed it this week! Blessings.

mudmaven said...

Hi Curt. I'm playing catch up this week as the internet on the mooring is not all that great and I am only visiting a couple of blogs that I miss when I'm away - yours being top on the list! Sorry to hear about your woes with the sewing machine. Hopefully someone will come up with a solution. Love all the projects - especially the Halloween ones and that Just a Note set is simply spectacular!!! Hopefully we will be off adventuring tomorrow to Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and beyond. Small craft warnings today so we are staying put! All the best to Jay and give those darling boys a big hug from me - the new pix is just wonderful! ~chris

Glittered Paws said...

OMG - what an inspiration you are this week - well okay not only this week but every week - your blog is the highlight of my blurfing!! What fantastic cards you made this week - and love the stage Halloween card - I am going to make a CHRISTMAS one just like that next week for a blog hop. The note cards are unbelievable - how much you can do with with one stamp and some imagination. The pet sympathy cards were very special - we have a sentiment in The Angel Company catty that I use, those are the harde4st cards for me to make. Have a super week and looking forward to next week.

Linda said...

Oh my goodness that Halloween card is out of this world! You created a beautiful surprise in side.
So sad about the pets. It is so nice of you to create beautiful cards for the people left here on earth with out them. You did a wonderful job. Sorry to hear about the sewing machine. Take that baby backe.
Have a wonderful week.

Carol's Ink Spot said...

I love, love, love your 'note' cards! Just super! Wonderful pop up card! Just can't bring myself to say the 'holiday' name just yet! And what thoughtful and lovely cards for your friends who lost their best furry friends. Just remember - you are mightier then the machine!

Elaine M said...

Holy cats and 17 fishes Curt! That's the cutes Halloween card ever!!! I'll be casing is for sure. It's never too early for Halloween! Love the Just a Note set - beautiful. Great job as usual. Good luck with the sewing next week. Hugs

dpkennedy said...

Wow, you always have lots of wonderful creations! Love the "notes" project! The pop up HM card is just adorable too! You're right, Halloween will be upon us before we know it! All of the recent pet losses are so sad...but I am loving your blog header-the way those boys pose for you cracks me up! Now I am so curious to find out about your bitch fest...I am headed to the previous post to find out! Take care!

Jocelyn aka JoBear2 said...

Hi Curt, good to know that you can still take your machine back if you need to. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comments about my seagull card - they REALLY made my day!

I have to say how AWESOME all your cards are. The 'note' cards are so fabulous!! Who would have though you could create so many beauties from that little stamp. LOVE THEM!

The HM is WOW! An absolutely stunning creation.

The pet cards are beautiful and it's so kind of you to make them for your friends - I know these cards will lift their spirits.

Visiting here always brightens my day and I can see what a lovely, kind person you are through your cards and photos. Thanks for making the world a much nicer place :-)

{{hugs}} to you and Jay + some pats for your doggies.

Jocelyn

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

I can so picture you giving that machine the "evil eye" each time you pass it! Hopefully it plays nice next time!

Great cards this week and you sure have been extra busy! I can't believe you thought of that note card set with just looking at one tiny stamp....your very talented!

Oh and that Halloween card....I just lit up when I saw it! The inside made me smile and I just love those cute bears!

As for the cat and dog cards....I'm so sorry for those that lost their beloved pets. I'm sure it was hard to even make those cards. But you did a wonderful job and I'm sure they appreciated it.

Take care!
-Stacie

Hquinzelle said...

Thank you for introducing me to that designer (Mo Manning) -- I followed the link from your SCS post. I love cats and there are some precious images!
Michele

Lee said...

Hi Curt.Absolutely love your latest creations.I was blown away by that Halloween card FANTASTIC.My heart breaks for pet owners when they lose their beloved animals,your cards are brilliant and i really love the sentiment on the doggy 1.Take care hope you got my latest email ?? Hugs x Cuddles for the Big Furry Boys xx

Patti J said...

Wow, I am really late with my comment! I had a rough Wednesday night, sorry!!! Oh my goodness! Shirley and I are supposed to get together next week and try the pop up card - can't wait! And I am SO happy to see you playing with the little spook stamps - your Halloween cards are always a delight! On a side 'note' (giggle), love, love, love your Just a Note set! I feel a ton of casing going one here, sir! The animal cards are so sweet. Those are so difficult to do :( You have done a great job - both cards will be a comfort to the recipients. Great pic of the week - why you are not a professional photographer, I simply don't know. You could open a Pet Photo studio in your garage (I'm sure you've sorted through all those boxes by now!) Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! Hugs and blessings....

Hey Jude said...

Curt, thank you for sharingyour most recent and very lovely and thoughtful creations. They are wonderful and I'm sure the recipients will treasure the love you put into making each card. I often stop by your blog for inspiration. Lately, my mojo has been on vacation. I hope it returns soon. Best of luck with your moody sewing machine!

Shirley said...

Okay, I had that darn blog hop and couldn't wait to get over here to see what you've been up to~! I love what you did with your 'note'. A really great set. Now the next card is just adorable and does not look easy!!!, but I saved the tutorial! The next one is just so cute. The last is so sad and very nice too! Pets are our true friends to the end and more.

Joan Ervin said...

All your cards are FABULOUS, Curt...I especially love the music note set...my mother was a piano teacher for years and I am always on the lookout for music ideas...each one is sooo pretty!!! Love the fantastic Halloween pop up card, too...how fun is that!!!!
I'm sorry about your neighbor's furry friend....loosing a pet leaves a big empty space, for sure!!!

Audrey Frelx said...

Curt, my friend, you ARE AMAZING!!! All of these creations are FABULOUS!!! Even the "sad" story ones which I know will be very much appreciated!

Yes, my friend, you make up for the "B" fest quite nicely -- you gave us all (I'm sure) a very wonderful visit with your marvelous talent!!!

Hugs, my friend, and have a happy day!!!