Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, August 25, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR AUGUST 24TH, 2011

Hey All!

First, let me start by saying that I appreciated so much the kind words and thoughts you posted for me during my rough week.  Please know that I DO read each and every comment and am so honored that you think enough of me to leave them for me.  Please also know that the comments left on my last post meant so much to me and truly lifted my spirits.  I can't thank you enough.  Things still aren't the greatest yet, but we'll get there.

OK, I really struggled to get this post together.  I tried to create and with everything I'm going through right now, it was hard.  But I forced myself and came up with stuff to post.  Probably not my greatest work, but still worthy for a post.  Here we go. . .

I LOVE this digital image from Delicious Doodles.  I created the background by masking with the largest circle in my nesties set and then sponging on Black Soot distress ink for the night sky.  Then sponged the moon with various yellow distress inks.  I used an MS punch to create the "iron work".  To make it look like metal, I rubbed the cut out with Versamark then embossed the whole thing with silver ep.  Colored the image with my colored pencils and oms.  I also dotted the night sky with a silver gel pen for stars, but you can't see it very well in the photo.  To emphasize the eyes, I used yellow rain dots.  Another Halloween card to add to my collection!

This is a card where I created a frame by using Nesties.  The frame is popped up with dimensional tape.  I stamped the leaves then cut them out and attached them to the frame I created.  I generated the sentiment on my computer.  I ran the brown cardstock through the CB with a wood grain embossing folder.

This is not one of my favorites for tonight, but I chose to post it anyway for a couple of reasons.  This was an experiment card.  See the background?  I used Versamark ink, rubbing it on the protruding side of the CB embossing folder.  I've seen this done with colored inks, but not with Versamark.  I love the effect I got.  It is a perfect tone on tone look.  Almost duplicating the letter press look.  The second experiment was coating a metal (silver) buckle with Versamark, and then dipping it in copper ep and heating it with a heat gun.  I really like how it looks.  I didn't have a copper one, so by gosh, I made one!  

And finally, the "Pic of the Week":

YOU JUST HAVE TO CLICK ON THE PIC FOR A CLOSER LOOK.  Check out the tongue "thingy" on this little guy!  When I uploaded this pic for the first time to my computer and looked at it, I couldn't believe what I had captured.  Nature is amazing. . .

OK, gotta run.  I'm going to try to start to get caught up on all of your blogs.  Hang with me while I try to get to you.  I'll be there before you know it.

Again, thanks so much for your support.  I won't go into detail, but it has been a very rough two weeks and it has taken its toll on me.  It will be awhile before I get back to normal.  Thanks for being there.


Love you guys!


Hugs,


Curt


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

50 comments:

ursula Uphof said...

Curt, you are just super the way you think of posting when you are going through a rough time. Love he techniques on your cards. Hope things will get better and the "sun will shine for you and the wind be at your back" Take care and take it slow.

Myrna said...

Curt
Amazing work on your first card.
Love number two and three. Only you would think to do that to the buckle. Great job.
Ma Nature sure does blow your mind some days, doesn't she? But for us to stop and see those wonderful things is such a gift and you have that gift of seeing those things.
Hugs to all and I will be "chatting" with you in a couple of weeks.
Hugs to all
Myrna

Scossie Jane said...

Wow Curt, that Hallowe'en card is awesome - loving the image and what you have done with it. Hoping Jay is on the mend, and life is a little easier.... I may not comment every post, but I'm always thinking of you dear friend.... Hugs x

Becky said...

Love this first card, you did an awesome job with this one Curt, the other 2 are just as unique and lovely for some one going through so much. Love that photo, what a lucky shot.
sending you
hugs :)

Lorraine said...

Hi Curt you need a big hug right now. Sometimes when we create it takes our mind to another place for a few minutes.Love your techniques. Love from my home to yours. Jersey U.K.

Susan (rainy) said...

Wonderful cards! That first Halloween creation is FABULOUS!! Love the ironworks. The other two are great as well.. lots of dimension on the second and a very cool technique with the Versamark on the third.
Hope that things continue to improve, Curt. Hugs.

Jean McKenzie said...

Hi Curt, Makes me sad to read that you are still going through a rough time. I do hope things look up for you very soon. You have done so well to have some cards to show us and thank you for sharing the new techniques you have used. I really do like the idea of the versamark on the embossing folder - that result looks very special!

Thinking of you - hugsss!

Jocelyn aka JoBear2 said...

Hi Curt, I LOVE all these cards - all so different but all fantastic. The first one is AMAZING - I love it! Fab colouring of the image. Love the framed card (I keep forgetting that I can use my nesties as a frame) - and love how you used the versamark on the embossing folder for the last card (I am definitely gonna to try this!!). And the photo of the butterfly - wow! What a brilliant photo! I clicked on it to make it bigger and was gobsmacked that you caught that long tongue. How amazing!!

Thinking of you and Jay. Hope things will get better - sending you lots and lots of {{{{{hugs}}}}}.

Jocelyn

Dee in N.H. said...

Take care of yourself and Jay first! We will all still be here when you can get settled. Love your cards today. My favorite is actually the last one. LOL! Go figure, right? Love the effect you got with the versamark! Love the color combo too! Well you guys take care!!

tilly said...

love the butterfly, magic how you managed to capture the image, your other cards are super as well, hope life starts to treat you both a little better soon, chin up lol
Tilly

Shirley-Anne said...

Hello Curt .Have been thinking of you and Jay . The place must feel so empty with him away . I hope that he improves quickly and will be home soon .
The last card here is in fact my fav. Love the background effect and the " silhouette " image, and that amazing buckle is a great embellishment
Chin up Curt . Lean on a friend for a while .
hugs Shirley-anne .

Patti J said...

Your photo of the week is incredible - you could not have gotten that shot if you had tried to :) I'm so sorry to hear that things have been so rough for you. Have tried to stay away and not bother you!!! You know what I love best about your work? You are not afraid to try new or new to you techniques! Awesome belt buckle, totally love the first card, the embossed backgrounds are sheer perfection! I can't believe that with everything going on in your life, you actually fussy cut those leaves! Thanks for another great post, my friend. Please do NOT use time to come by my blog - I've been doing nothing exciting-save your visit for sometime when you have time! Hugs and blessings - Hello to Jay and the boys and the momma's!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt! Your halloween card is the BESTEST! (or is that BEASTIEST?) LOL I just got the shivers when I saw it! :D

I actually love all of the cards - the one where you used the versamark is awesome - great tone on tone effect (just direct to paper, hmmm, must try that one!).

As for your two weeks - you already know we love you. And yes, these hardships change people, but with love the changes are to make you stronger and wiser. To be honest, I am not surprised that you posted - creating art and blogging is such a therapeutic release for me from other responsibilities that it helps me relax and escape for a bit. I've often said that I could spend the money on a psychiatrist or on stamping supplies! I hope it can do that for you a little, too.

Hugs!

lisa808 said...

I hope Jay is feeling better. I'm sure it was good therapy and stress relief for you to have some time in your craft room. Great look with the Versamark on the EF. Gotta give that a try. Hang in there!

Serendipity Stamping said...

Hi Curt, Glad to hear Jay is doing a little better and will be back home very soon. Bless you for all you do. Loved the Halloween card. Have never tried the Versamark idea, looks fantastic. You have never posted a card I didn't like. You and your camera seem to fid and catch the most awesome pics. I haven't posted anything recently so you can skip me, although I always love to hear from you don't ya know. Get some rest.

Jackie said...

Curt, Curt, Curt....you know we all love you whether you post anything or not. You just take care of yourself, Jay and the boys and we will be right here when things get better, no worries at all. Your gargoyle card is fantastic, the perfect Halloween card. I do love your Pic of the Week feature, too. Maybe if you feel compelled to post something, put some of your photographs up - I'd love to see more of them.

*big hugs*

Sue said...

Hi ya Curt
lovely to see you post, have been keepin me eye out for you. Fabulous cards as alwasy, luv what you have created with Teri's image,beautiful Autumn card, luv the effect on the last card, & ya buckle looks brill.
Awesome piccie of the week, hugs to you both, hope things soon get better for you both, sue,x

Heide said...

Curt,
I have been thinking of you. I hope Jay is getting his strength back and and things are in an upward swing.

Love, Love, love the first gargoyle card. Your moon is super and so is the metal fencing.
Take care, Heide

DeeDee said...

They are all just wonderful Curt...as always! Love the POTW too! Keep your chin up and don't worry about us (your followers) we'll still be here when you feel better! HUGS! :)

Sharon Caudle said...

Hi sweetie! I love ALL of your cards! The Halloween card is fabulous and you always inspire with your creativity!! Hope this week gets much better for you! Big hugs to both you and Jay!
love and hugs, Sharon

Teri said...

Loving your Gargoyle card Curt!! I haven't been here in a while, sorry to hear you've been having a rough time lately. Hope all gets better for you soon mate!
Hugs,
Teri x
(aka Delicious Doodles)

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

So very sorry you have had a rough couple of weeks...I truly hope Jay is getting better day by day and that you can get back to some normalcy soon! Lots of hugs and prayers for both of you!

Even with all your going through you manage to produce some amazing cards! That garoyle card is so cool....love how you did the eyes...very spooky!

Cool pic of the week....what a very interesting tongue!

Gina Wrona said...

no worries, we got your back buddy!

Love everything you posted, all fabulous creations!

Hugs,
Gina

Gail said...

Finally had a minute!
Of course I'm at work, but I've been missing you!
Hope Jay is on the mend!
Give the boys a treat for me!
Love the cards!
Great ironworks, I'm gonna try that.
Of course the other 2 cards are fabulous, and so is the pic of the week!
Take care of yourself......wish I was closer....we'd get into the whine.......Imeanwine!

Connie Lambropoulos said...

Love your cards Curt! My favorite is the autumn card - I love that saying! I did a similar thing to your buckle - I needed a certain color brad but didn't have one, so used the versa mark & embossing powder to get the color I wanted!

Lee said...

I think your creations are all Fantastic.I adore that pic of the week too.Always thinking of you my friend.Hugs xx

Macpurp said...

beautifl cards as always, and I adore how they are all so diffrent.
The first one is amazing!

with much love to you, Jay and the furry boys xxx

Audrey Frelx said...

Curt, so glad to see you!!! I was getting a bit worried! Glad things are, at least, a bit better! I pray things continue to get "much" better day-by-day.

I don't know what you mean about "not your best" because these cards are AMAZING!!! I particularly love the first one. And your pic of the week is beautiful!

Hugs, my friend! Sending prayers your way!

Gina Lindsay said...

Wow, your photo is just amazing. I am so impressed with all your pictures. I hope things are better for you soon. I hope jay is feeling much better. Great cards. I love what you did with the Versamark and the cuttlebug folder, that is just gorgeous!!

Sue from Oregon said...

Been thinking of you and Jay. Hope things are getting better! Love the cards, esp the gargoyle...so Curt!

Leigh said...

Curt, you've done well to create when you are going through a rough patch. Take care and look after yourself.

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Hi there Curt! You do not need to apologize for not getting around to blogs! So sorry that Jay was in the hospital but glad to read that he is home again. You need to look after yourself too. Your first card is interesting. Spooky interesting. Really like the last one with the copper buckle! Take care and appreciate your visits when you can! Hugs! Carol

Susan said...

Oh, Curt. Your cards are amazing. Your first one: the ironwork is great, and your coloring is superb. I love the other two cards, as well; and your photo, too. You are gifted and a gift. I pray that Jay will keep improving, and that you will find respite. Hugs to you and Jay, my dear friend.

Unknown said...

Ah, there you are, yes I was getting worried.. Sorry to hear you are still dealing with some rough stuff... Hugs my friend, wish I could do more.

Well the first card is , well not my favorite, but kind a cool the second is really great, I love Autumn... and the third is full of great new ideas to try...I have lots of metal to play with...
and the pic, well how do you do it? you ALWAYS capture the greatest stuff...

Now, go have a few good good days, rest and smile... you deserve them...

Bonnie Weiss said...

We all at some point or another, have 'things' that require our undivided attention and commitment and other things that just take us away to our own little world, where we deal with the 'stuff' that is put before us. But, in the end, our true friends are always waiting for us to rejoin them for the happier times. Your true friends will always be here for you Curt, whether you post or not. That's what true friends do.

Glittered Paws said...

Been keeping you and Jay in my thoughts and prayers - sometimes being creative takes the stress off for at least a while. Love the Halloween card - how awesome - and love the tone on tone card - very creative. Love new techniques and for sure will try this one. Hope you have a good week and things get brighter in your life.

Terry said...

LOVE all the cards. Each wonderful in its own way and design.
The photo is awesome - I have to confess, I have a folder marked Curt's photos. Every once in awhile I peruse it when I need a dose of reality and beauty. thank you.
Hugs for Jay and the boys. Big smooch for you.

Anonymous said...

Oh I am really ready for Fall!! :) Love your designs and colors here!! The leaves are my fave, but that gargoyle image is pretty cool too!! Thanks for sharing!! HUGS

Anonymous said...

Your creations never disappoint regardless of what you are going through. I hope things continue to improve as each day goes by Curt. say hi to Jay for me!
hugs my friend

mudmaven said...

I absolutely love all these cards!! That gargoyle one is fantastic and I think I might have to try to make one for my oldest grandson for Halloween - he will love it, especially those eyes! Great execution on that Versamark background too - just wonderful. So glad things are starting to get back to normal for you - hang in there. All the best to Jay and hug those big boys for me too! ~chris

Beth Norman said...

I hope things are better for you. I'm on a downward slope because DH said he was leaving me. Strangley he said it wasn't my fault????

Your cards are so nice. I particularly like the techniques you used on that freaky gargole card. Some people are freaked out with clowns. Count me in for gargoles.

Have a nice week Curt.

Mary Marsh said...

love the idea of using versamark on an ef-have to try it-I think the card turned out amazing-hope life does a turn around for you soon

nise said...

Well, I'm impressed. Life is handing you already squeezed lemons and you still manage to pull some great ideas out to share. That gargoyle is a beauty! Your background and fence make him even better. Nicely done autumn card and how cool is the versamark on the embossing folder. I think tone on tone is so classy, so really appreciate that idea. Your photo is amazing. Sure hope each day is a bit better for you and Jay.

Linda said...

These are totally amazing cards Curt. I love the last one also.That is a wonderful way to crate tone on tone. I have to give it a try.
I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time. I hope Jay is doing better. Your cards turned out wonderful. I love the image in the first one and what you did with it.
Hang in there buddy. You have a lot of friends out here praying for you and Jay.
Sending Hugs,
Linda

NANCY said...

Incredible picture...how will you ever top this one? But you will!
Thanks for sharing your craftiness and all your posts. We out here in cyber land love you. Meanwhile, know that you give people joy and a smile...let us give some back to you.
Hugs from Nancy H

Lorraine A said...

Fabulous cards Curt, all of them are goregous but I especially love the Halloween one ,, very scarey !! The image is fab and I love the background and fence ,,, oohh and the yellow eyes ,, fab ,, not sure what rain dots are so I will google them :-)

I am sorry Jay is going through a rough time at the mo' xx I will be thinking of you both and hope things get better very soon xx

sending lots of love n hugs xx

Lols x x x

p.s , sorry I haven't been around lately, I have had a house full of family over for their holiday and it was hectic !

Janine said...

Hey Curt!! Hope all is well with you and Jay! Thinking about you!

Paper is BLISS said...

Hi Curt
Fab post - love the work you've put into them, particularly at the present time. Thinking of you.
Hugs
Zoe xx

Sharanda said...

Hi Curt! I loved all the cards (the autumn one is my fave because that's my fave time of year), and that picture is wonderful! Yes, nature IS amazing!!

I hope that things get better for you. Praying for better days ahead...!

Sharanda :)

Audrey Frelx said...

Hi, Curt!!! I was here looking for your post!!! I'll be back again later to check!

Hope all's well! Thoughts and prayers with you as long as they're needed.