Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR AUGUST 10, 2011

Hey All!


I sincerely hope that his post finds you all well and happy.  Does anyone have any retirement funds left???  Can this world possibly get any crazier?  I just hope the financial effects have not affected you.


I've got some cards to show you, and no, I did not drink while making these!  I'll try not to make that a habit.  I also tried to minimize the full bottle of wine episode by saying that one bottle only consists of 3.5 full glasses. . .that doesn't sound too bad now does it. . .    :P


On with the post!  Here is my first card:


This is kind of a different card for me.  I normally don't do many images like this unless they are House Mouse images.  But this is such a cute image and I needed a get well card for an ill neighbor so it was perfect.  I don't know who the image is by because the image was sent to me by my sweet friend Sue.  I colored it with my colored pencils and oms.  I used the leaf image paper background to simulate the leaves of a tree and even ran the strip of cardstock through a leaf embossing folder to keep the theme going.  Not sure about that pink pillow though!  LOL  But it was for a nice woman and I wanted some pink in there so her little slippers, tissue box, and pillow got it.


My next card was for a very wonderful neighbor/fellow crafter named Nina.  She and her great husband Steve celebrated their 15TH wedding anniversary this past weekend so I made them this card:
I got the idea from an email newsletter from The Stamp Pad (the ones who sells the embossing templates I told you about in a previous post).  However I could not find a link to the actual card.  The images are from Inque and I stamped them simply with Versamark and embossed them with clear embossing powder to make them darker (I wanted more than just a watermark effect).  Stamped the sentiment and punched out a MS butterfly from DP and done.

My last card project has a WOW factor to it and all the credit for this design goes to an incredibly talented and creative lady.  Have you all been to Audrey's blog CUTE AND SOME? If you haven't, you have really been missing out.  Take a look at the card I made using her unique design:


Now, I know it doesn't look like much at the moment (and I could not get a good shot of this for the life of me).  But look at what you get when you slip the belly band off of this little guy. . .
Is this design not the most awesome ever?  She calls it the "Triple Twisted Easel Card" and boy is it ever easy to make!  This is one of those cards that really has the WOW factor.  She has an easy to follow picture tutorial on how to make them HERE.  I actually added the belly band to this card because, when closed, this card is a bit bulky.  The band holds it down and slides easily off to reveal the amazing insides of the card.  The image is a Gruffies image and it is colored with my pencils and oms.  I used liquid applique for the snow on the main image and glitter for the snow ridge on the side panels.  I also used silver tinsel embossing powder on the swirls for a sparkly effect.  This card when opened, measures a full 12" long.  Each panel is 4 X 4 inches.  She even shows you how to have them twist in any direction you want.  I'm telling you, she is always coming up with the most brilliant designs.  Thanks so much Audrey!!!  I hope I did your design proud, and I want to thank you so much for the tutorial.  You are awesome!

OK, there you have it.  We have been having some really hot weather and some great cloud formations.  I took this one this week while walking the boys in our favorite park:


These were some massive thunder heads building and the moon just added a really neat look to the shot.


I loved seeing everyone's work this week.  Some gorgeous stuff out there.  I'm so lucky to think that such talented people come to see me.  Can it get any better than that?


Love you guys!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

46 comments:

Gail said...

What the heck...I might be first!
Love the boys having a break from all those sports!
Your cards rock!
I'll be checking out the Twisted Triple Easel tomorrow at work if I have a minute!
Everythings great here!

Shirley-Anne said...

Hello Curt .Hope that you and yours are well .
Love all the projects you have shared today .
The get well card is simple sweet with pink pillow and tissue box oh and slippers .
The Anniversary card is a stunner with those silhouette images so beautifully arranged .
But the last amazing project tops all . So clever with a beautiful scene created .
Thanks for a wonderfully interesting post .
hugs Shirley-Anne

ursula Uphof said...

Great cards again this week Curt. That easel is really super, will pop over and visit Audrey, I just love how you can almost tell a story on that card. WOW!! those clouds are just so impressive. I love looking at cloud formations, Thanks for popping in for a visit.Have a great week hope it isn't too hot.

Sue from Oregon said...

Great cards Curt! I must go browse Audrey's blog!!!So very cool! I love the anniversary card with the lovely shades of rust to gold...awesome! You did the pink slipper up proud too LOL!

Becky said...

wonderful array of cards this week. That chic is just adorable and you colored this beautifully. I just love that twisted Easel card, how kool.

The way the economy is going, I will be living in a tent. As it is, I can not retire until I am 67, pretty soon it will be 76..:)

Sue said...

Awww, poor little birdie, but at lease she is keeping comfortable in her well equiped nest! The anniversary card is gorgeous, they are going to love it. And that triple twisted easel card.....awesome. Great line up tonight, thanks for sharing.

Hugs
Sue

Leigh said...

Curt, that triple twisted easel card is awesome. Love it.
The image on your get well card is just the cutest, so sweet. Fabulous get well card.

Amelia said...

Your cards are always a pleasure to see, Curt. Love the pink pillow on the first one and the colours of the anniversary card are magnificent. Your triple twisted easel card is a stunner - great job! Thanks for sharing the link to Audrey's blog. Wonderful pic of the cloud formation.
Keep well,
Amelia

Susan (rainy) said...

What a great collection of cards today, Curt. Love the adorable little image on the get well card. The pops of pink are great. And that anniversary card is gorgeous! And truly a 'wow' on that last card. Very cool design.

Marianne said...

I look forward to your blog and pics every week! You have such amazing talent for both! Can't wait to try the easel card, and I think I'm going to have to have a go at the panel one as well. thanks for such a great blog!

Jane Wetzel said...

love that cute get well card! ofcourse I will have to go ck out the info for the 2nd card too- adorable! I say keep drinking the wine when u can! lololol

Bonnie Weiss said...

Top notch creations, Curt ... as always. Love the Gruffies image. Although we have never met, whenever I see the Gruffies, I think of you. They are always happy and always 'up to something'.

Heide said...

Great cards Curt! The little bird layed up in the nest is a very cute image. Super coloring.
Hey and they is nothing wrong with a little Liquid inspiration! LOL!

Ted said...

All great cards, Curt...but my favorite has to be that anniversary card! I love the style of it and the panels really make it a warm card. Great job on them all! :)

Jackie said...

You've done it again! Your Get Well card is too cute - I love that little bird in the nest, her pink pillow is perfect. The leaves in the background for the trees - love that! I may borrow the idea on the second card with the 3 panels since I have Thank You cards to make and my brain isn't working too well. But that triple easel card is definitely a WOW card! I will have to check that out. I really love the one you did. You are so creative. Send me some of your mojo, willya please? And some of those thunderstorms, too.

Unknown said...

Wow what a wake up call this morning... the get well is cute, I just struggle with cute... the anniversary card is really nice, I love to emboss and you did am amazing job! but yes the last one is truly my fav... it is so cool I a, off to check that out... thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas and talent as well as your pictures, I did get a few shots from vacation that I hope to share real soon... oh and I found a goody while I was away too !... there is an awesome little shop in Chattanoogle Tn Little Lace Lady.... wow !

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Awww, that is a cute get well birdie! I really like the design and colors on the anniversary card! LOVE the awesomeness of the triple twisted card! That certainly deserves a big WOW!!!!
Great pic of the clouds and moon!

Hugs!

Sue said...

Hi ya Curt
im late again, i tell myself that the red stuff is made from fruit, we are told to eat 5 lots a day!!! so i have my 5 glasses a day!!! lol
As always gorgeous mages, cute little birdie, awesome colour work, luv the anniversary card, beautiful subtle tones,well what can i say about ya Christmas card AWESOME creation, fab piccie of the week, hugs to al, sue,xx

Patti J said...

I love Wednesday's! Coming to your blog is so much fun - never know what you will have for us! I think the pink on your sweet lady card is perfect! She's going to get a big smile out of it. I love the simple lines of the anniversary card - very nice! I'm sure you made their anniversary just that much better :) And of course, you KNOW that I'm already trying to figure out how in the heck you made that twisted easel trio card WITHOUT any wine! Will have to go check that out! We've had some wierd cloud formations here too - strange summer, in my humble opinion! All righty, dear friend, hugs the boys, and say hello to the moms! Hugs!!!

Rita said...

All of these cards are awesome & your triple twisted card is stunning! I love it!!! Your the King of crafts my friends, you come up with some AMAZING projects! Hugs Rita

Myrna said...

Curt
You have done it again, my friend. I think the little birdie is so cute. So cool with the leaf embossing.
Your anniversary card is splendid. What with the panels and all it is lovely.
You know how I love shaped and different cards so of course the twisted easel is wonderful.
Amazing cloud formations. I love cloud watching. Great pic with the clouds and moon. You never cease to amaze me.
Hugs to all
Myrna
P.S. The easy frames arrived today, finally, but still the anniversary card is wandering around the States or Canada yet.

Tertia said...

WOW!! That triple twisted easel card (did I get that right?) is amazing!!The Anniversary card is beautiful too and the pink pillow and slippers? that would make me smile and feel better if I was sick.
You are very talented!
Thank you for your visit to my very messy craftroom, I spent 3 hours this afternoon trying to clean it a bit, but then inspiration struck, so we are back to square one I am afraid.

DeeDee said...

Of course you know I love all your cards, but that Anniversary card is very striking! Loves it!!!! It reminds me of all the "paint chip" projects I've been seeing around the bloggity world! GREATNESS Sir! HUGS! :)

Serendipity Stamping said...

Had I only known what my retirement would be like......no money for extras. Not fun. Anyway, loved the chicky card don't know what better color you could have used then the pink. The panel card very elegant and simple. The twisted easel card. My goodness I am doing good to get the easel card done correctly, LOL. Have a great week Curt, hope you are getting some relief from the heat. Navy grandson complaining about heat in Norfolk and this from a boy who did the majority of growin in the midwest. Thanks for the clouds - I am still a kid at heart and sometimes got out and sit and just watch the clouds and still see pictures in many of them.

lisa808 said...

OMGosh--love the triple twist card!!! So, so cute. Thanks for the link.

I, for one, am sure of the pink pillow, slippers, and tissue box. What an adorable image.

Great l/o & stamping on the anniversary card.

Well, I'm glad you photographed the moon this week and not another UFO!

Glittered Paws said...

What a nice way to "chill" on a hot afternoon - how - well go to Curts blog. Have had the dear granddaughter all week (9 1/2) attention span short except for Spongebob Squarepants!!!) so have not got to do much creating this week. Love all the cards this week, especially the first one - your neighbor will love her and the pink slippers and pillowcase are perfect. Well the twisted easel triple card is just amazing - off to read the instructions.

Celeste said...

Love your cards as always. I think the pink pillow makes it! Cute image by the way. I've gotta go check out the twisted easel card, it sure looks intriguing.

tilly said...

what fantastic creations you have to show this week Curt........ love the anniversary card, but the easel is stunning as well, just as well we do not have to vote lol, hope you both keep well
Tilly

6 wacky women said...

Fantastic cards, Curt
Such an adorable image on your get well card! Your anniversary card is just stunning!!! I gasped at your easel card...it's AMAZING!!!
Great work as always.

Karen x

Beth Norman said...

What. No UFO's today. Darn.

Love your cards. You do many styles of cards which I love.

Audrey Frelx said...

Curt, I love the anniversary card, but the Get Well is my favorite today-- it's soooo cute!

Now about your tri-easel card!!! It's FABULOUS!!! Do I mind your making your adjustment -- NO WAY!!! The only way I would have minded is if you hadn't made it as beautiful as you did!!! I love how you added the belly band to keep it closed!!! That was sheer genius on your part, and it's most definitely a "wow-factor" card!!!

Curt, I really wish I could take credit for the design of this card, but I saw this particular tri-fold at the CHA Supershow and very "on the sly" studied the folds... LOL!!! Wasn't sure if I'd gotten it right but my tutorial version worked for me, and I must say you have certainly worked a wonder with it!

Thanks too for heading some new friends my way. Yes, several stopped by to visit due your "build up" -- I appreciate that! Of course, any friend of yours is a friend of mine, and I do LOVE company!

You're wonderful, my friend, and I'm so glad to have found you!!!

P.S. I'll be grabbing your tri-easel card to "show" on my next post -- hope YOU don't mind...lol!!!

Hugs!

Carol's Ink Spot said...

As always, excellent cards to share with us. Love the little bird on your Get Well card. The Anniversary Card is very elegant and beautiful. Love the sunset colors and embossing. Fabulous easel card! Love the action in the center of this. Definitely will be checking out the tutorial. TFS! Great photo too! Have a wonderful week!

Anonymous said...

These are all really awesome creations Curt!! You know I have to say that I adore your snow sledding creature!! :) He pulls at my heart strings!! (Besides, I'm ready for winter!! LOL!)

Love the twisted easel and your anniversary ones too!! They will be loved I'm sure!! Thanks for sharing hun and have a great weekend!! HUGS

Joan Ervin said...

What beautiful eye candy you have for us today, Curt!!!! Your little sick bird is just tooo cute and I love the elegant anniversary card you designed, and the twisted easel card is FABULOUS!!!!! I have got to make one of these...off to Audrey's blog to find out the deets!!!

Susan said...

As always, I love your cards. You did great with Audrey's easel card. Mostly, I just love to visit your blog and see how you are doing. I always feel like a welcome friend.

Anonymous said...

As always your cards are awesome Curt! The fold cards scare me, I love the elegance of the Anniversary card and the little sick bird, too cute. I agree with Susan, I always feel like you've been waiting just for me to come for a visit. LOL

Sue Ann said...

HEY HEY Curt ~~ I can honestly say that your cards are perfect with our without wine so bring on the wine :) I am totally loving the anniversary card that you made with the beautiful feel of the sunset ..... LOVE IT!!! Great WOW card ....... I know that will be for someone special because you really put your love into that baby!! Love the photo ........ the thunder heads remind me of what the "market" was doing this week. Let's hope for a better week coming with our 401k's and if not DRINK MORE WINE!!! Everything looks better with wine goggles ...... LAUGHING OUT LOUD~~xoxoxo

Ann Schach said...

Curt, your twisted easel card is fabulous! Of course, the get well card is so cute! I love the "pop" of pink! As for the anniversary card, it doesn't get any classier! You are just sooo talented! And what a great shot of the moon above the thunderheads! As for retirement funds...YIKES! I may have to head back to the working world...Arghh!

Lee said...

Ooooh Curt,more AWESOME creations,i love them all.That Get Well card is soooo gorgeous.that Twisted Easel card is AMAZING.Do hope all is ok with you.Huggles x Cuddle those boys for me wont ya.x

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt! Your cards are wonderful - they are each just perfect and yet so different from each other. I agree that the "triple easel" card is WOWIE! My goodness! But the sick chick is darling and the anniversary card is so pretty - - - excellent work, dear friend!

Hugs!

Diane said...

Retirement funds...hah...what the heck is that??? OH well...back to the post....you always find the most creative things to do...and you certainly have your mojo going.....great projects!!! Have you been to Hobbylobby lately or JOann's..they are now carrying some great stuff there...have a nice week....hope we don't get anymore of those nasty storms...its 58 here this morning...brrrr!!

Loll said...

Hi Curt,

Just love all the cards you've posted this week. I'm definitely going to CASE your anniversary card! The get well card is adorable too ... and I personally LOVED the pink pillow (pink is my favorite color!). I'm going to check out Audrey's blog and may try my hand at the twisted easel card - so amazing!

Nancy said...

Great creations, Curt! Love your double easel card!

Percy said...

Hi Curt, love the 3 cards, but the get well one is my favorite, the little chick looks so cute, like that you used some pink in it, it makes it 'pop'! Hope you are doing well!

Ginny said...

Hi Curt, I just started following you. I love your cards, you're very creative! Thanks for the inspiration!

Shirley said...

Beautiful cards, Jay!. I have been missing in action too, but that's another story. Your blog is always so uplifting and you are such a role model! Love that bird in his nest! Too cute! The anniversary card is lovely and the cards and keeper are outstanding too!