Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2011

Hey All!


Welcome to another Wednesday Post and also to my most favorite time of year!  As you can see, my blog is all decked out for Fall, got my Halloween counter up and running there to the right, and the boys are all dressed for the season.  Yeah, I know I'm a couple of weeks early, but who's counting?  LOL  The weather here is "Fallish" and has been for the last couple of days and I'm more than ready!

A couple of fun things happened this week that I want to share with you.  My blogging buddy Jocelyn informed me that my "cat card" from last week's post was highlighted on the "wall" of Splitcoast Stamper's Facebook page!  I didn't even know they had one!  LOL  Thanks Jocelyn for letting me know!  Also, my blog counter turned over 50,000 hits!  Can you believe it?  I am still amazed that so many people come to see my silly stuff!  Speaking of. . .


I know Bonnie, turn your head away for the rest of the post!  LOL  I'm having a blast making my Halloween cards this year.  Every year it gets to be more fun because I've learned new techniques and feel more confident in trying new stuff.  This stamp set is a Martha Stewart set.  I wanted something that represented a haunted house motif so I thought these were all things you would find in a scary haunted house.  I created the background paper by stamping on my work surface with some distress inks then wiping my cardstock over it.  Once dry, I stamped the images, distress inked and distressed the edges of each panel, then matted them.  The circular one is a new set of Nesties that I got a couple of weeks ago on CLEARANCE from JoAnne Fabrics for - are you ready?  $2.97!!!!!  Whole set of 5!  Can you believe it????


I love how this turned out.  This is a total case of a card I saw on SCS but with my own touches.  You can see the inspiration card here.  I wanted to add a pop of color so I used this cool orange and black ribbon I got in the dollar bin at Michaels.   The spiders are from There She Goes and I'm not sure who the sentiment is by.  But I think the spiders dropping down from the ribbon was such a cute idea, I had to make one.  Actually, I'm going to make a lot of these because I made this card in about 15 minutes. 


OK, we've gone from spooky, to whimsical, to how about just plain cute?


My very sweet neighbor Pat left this for me with a note that said "I was at Archiver's and this stamp said to take me to Curt."  She is so sweet!  She is also a card maker too and does beautiful work.  This is a Penny Black stamp and it is colored with my colored pencils and oms.  I added the shadowing at the bottom of each character for some depth.  This is a large stamp, so it doesn't leave much room for embellishing, so I let the image do all the work.  Thanks again Pat!  It was so nice of  you.


Pic of the Week
Scary huh?  LOL  I looked up while sitting on a chair swing at the park with the boys and saw this shell of a cicada clinging above me.  I thought the almost silhouette look was cool as well as the angle it was on.   I know, I take pictures of weird things sometimes, but this kind of struck me as "artsy".  LOL 


OK, that's it for this week's post.  Hope you enjoyed your stay as much as I enjoy your visiting me.  Thanks for all the wonderful comments last week.  I love reading what you have to say about my "stuff".  Thank you for that.  It means the world to me.


Hope you are all well and happy.  I think about you guys a lot, especially when I come see your blogs.  I'm still hopping, so if I haven't seen you yet this week, I'm on my way!


Hugs to all of you!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

51 comments:

Jackie said...

Oh Curt, you keep on making those wonderful Halloween cards. I love 'em! You obviously have a better Joann's there than we do, ours has hardly any paper crafting stuff at all. I can't wait to see more of your cool Halloween creations! I promise I will get a blog post up soon, I've been busy working on a client's website.

mudmaven said...

Very cool Halloween cards Curt! Love the adorable Penny Black one. I really need to make some cards for all the grand kiddos this year. You are such an inspiration! All the best to Jay and hug those gorgeous boys for me too. ~chris

Sue from Oregon said...

How cool! I have been looking forward to all your great Halloween creations!

Gail said...

Yippeeee! HALLOWEEN!
And an AWESOME counter!
It's my favorite part of the post this week! hahahah jk!
Love the cards, and the last one is just plain cute!
The boys look great!
Hope Jay is well!
I gotta get busy and make some Halloween cards!
Hugs to all!

Tertia said...

As always your cards are great. Love the photo of the week!
That ribbon has me drooling, wish we could find such wondrful ribbons here in South Africa, but because we don't really do Halloween, black and orange is nowhere to be found.
Have a great week.

ursula Uphof said...

Love seeing your Halloween cards. We don't really celebrate halloween here in SA, but I make a couple for overseas friends, and just so enjoy doing them. Your spiders have taken my fancy, will have to try and find some spiders somewhere. Take care and thanks for popping by.

Deb Neerman said...

Hi Curt! {Big Wave Hello!!} Hope all is well with you!

Had to come on over and see what you're creating for Hallowe'en this year ... and WOW, you do not disappoint my friend! Gorgeous creations ... and in love with them!

Sending hugs!!

Jean McKenzie said...

Hi Curt, You have been having fun making your Halloween cards and all three are very different! My favourite is the last with those three cute little guys! Very clever idea too to have the spiders dangling from the ribbon.

It was nice to see the photo of the cicada shell. We have them here also and some are so big! They get so noisy after rain.

Hope Jay is doing well and that the boys are good! Thank you for the kind comments you put on my blog - love them all!

Dawnll said...

How funny just this past week I shared your blog address with a friend if she wanted some fun Halloween ideas,and
Lo and behold you have started already.
Always enjoy your pictures and stories

Leigh said...

I love the Boys' scarves Curt. You've certainly made some Halloween cards. I love the black and orange checked ribbon. Cicadas are very vocal here after rain.

Anonymous said...

OOOH wow Curt!! I am REALLY loving your blog layout hun!! Fall is my fave time of year as well!! Each one of your creations brings out your enthusiasm for it too!! :) Gotta love that black and orange checkered ribbon!! To die for!! And of course your Penny Black creation is darling!! Thanks for sharing these and have a great week!! HUGS

Dee in N.H. said...

Your blog looks great all decked out for Halloween! Love your cards! Sounds like things are going OK for you which is great. Give everyone an extra hug today!

Jean S said...

Curt ~
Way Cool Halloween cards! Only problem is every time I read your blog I spend more $$$. You are such an inspiration. Last week, after reading your blog, I shut down the computer and immediately went to Michael's to find those Halloween Dollar stamps. They hadn't even made it out of the stockroom yet LOL BUT, I got them! TFS
Jean ~

Heide said...

HI Curt,
Love the new look! The Halloween count down is super cool and the boys look so handsome!
You cards are super, the green just pops on the first card and the spiders are creepy yet the ribbon is cute. great balance.
How sweet of your neighbor to be listening to the stamp as it was calling out your name!
Hope Jay has improved and things are returning to normal at your place.
Hugs, Heide and my fur face Guinness

richardbreaks said...

Ooooooooh, love em love em!!!!
I am having such a great time with Halloween cards, just as you CLEARLY are!!! Can't wait to see more....

Now I have to find some people to send them to...lol.

SO jealous of your cheapo nesties!!! Use them in good health.

Lauri said...

Hey Curt, thanks for your kind comment on my blog! and so nice to see you in the fall spirit! It has been chilly here in connecticut and a few trees have already started to change! I love fall but NOT ready for winter....love your cute cards!

Bonnie Weiss said...

OK, so first of all, I think there should be a new law ... no Halloween stuff until third week of OCTOBER and it must cease at midnight on October 31st! (wouldn't I be good for the economy?!) That aside ... your cards really are cute. Love the orange and black ribbon with the spiders. Nice job on the background technique and I am SO jealous that you got the set of nesties for $2.97! The packaging is worth more than that! What a score, my friend!

Congrats on your SCS facebook highlight ... no surprise 'cause you really are talented.

An 'artsy' cicada??? Ewwww, it's just plain nasty!!

And finally, the boys looks so adorable in their Fall bandannas, sitting in the grassy field. They really are quite a pair.

Lee said...

Hi Curt.Love your Fall pic with the Gorgeous Boys,i adore their scarves.

As Always your creations have me open mouthed (not a pretty sight lol).I LOVE them all,but that first card is AMAZING,so imaginative,Love the colours and design.Pic of the week is different!I clicked to get a better look,it's good to take something different like the one's of the bark,loved those.Right that's me done lol.Hugs to all of you.xx

Gina Lindsay said...

It's never too early for Halloween stuff Curt!! I am like you, this is one of my favorite times of the year. I love all the silly and fun parts of Halloween. You cards are fabulous! I may have to make a trip to Michael's to look for some of that awesome ribbon. What a great friend to bring you that cute stamp! Have a great week.

Patti J said...

Awwww...the boys look so festive! Bet they love Halloween too - all those Trick or Treaters making over them! Your blog looks so nice and fallish as well! Now, please don't make me pick a favorite card! Your background on the first card is awesome. Somehow, I can see you dragging that CS around in inky puddles! It's a serious and spooky look!!! The second card is much too cute to be scary! Even though spiders scare me silly, yours are just darling, and that bow finishes things off to perfection! The third card is simply adorable! Those critters are having a great party! You've colored them beautifully, as always - look at those wonderful shadows!!! Great job on all three :) Now...as for your pic of the week...eeeewwwwwww. Yuk, yuk, yuk! Almost as icky as the baby copperhead that Sophie so proudly brought in to the office for me the other day! I have to admit that I saved it so DH would see that I'm not making thing up about all the 'gifts' she brings me! Have a super weekend, my friend - off to create a wedding card. Hugs!

Sally Cicada Designs said...

Hiya Curt!! I am seriously thinking of changing by blog name from Sally Cicada (after that terrifying photo of your LOL!!) Can't though cause there's a sweet story behind the name ☺) Cicada shells look like something from a horror film LOL!!

Anyway, just came by to say hi and to tell you your cards are great!! Love the spider hanging from the ribbon idea--such a cute stamp too. My favourite though is the Penny Black stamp--what a darling image and your colouring is perfect!! Thanks too for the very sweet comments you left. You are always such an encouragement to me & I love it when you stop by!!

Anyway, housework awaits. Yippppeee!

Have a great day!!
Sarah ☺

FYI--there's a reason why "they" encourage you to use oms in a well ventilated area. Not great for the CNS. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean it's not harmful. It's not a message a lot of crafters who use this media like to hear (myself included)but better to be informed than to be sick. I don't know about you but I need all the brain cells I have lol!!

If you want to know more--check this link out from Princeton U on Art Safety...look under the section called "Non Water-Based Paints".
http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/artsafety/sec10.htm

dovescrapper said...

I look forward to your blog every week. No, really I do.. You just make my day with your humor and fun wit. Your cards are always inspiring. Love your photography section too. Keep up the great work.

Unknown said...

And good morning to you...WOW ~ O love Autumn, so I am enjoying this weather, and looking forward to Hallowwen...with grand kids it is a big part of our lives... I cannot wait to see what they decide to be so I can help in some way...

Now your cards, well..... I love em all : ) but the one with the spiders is so cute...it reminds me of a card I did, no ribbon on mine but basic black and white and a touch of color... it is in my gallery on SCS...

the one with that back ground well where did you hear or see that ?? such a technique, and something I could handle : )

as always your coloring is awesome, not as thrilled with the picture, well not the subject matter anyway EWE...

Maybe you have inspired me today enough to get busy, I picked up some good deals on Halloween stuff myself, tho not any as good as your, I would love to find that set of nesties...

So thanks for all the great stuff to look at and til next week, may you be blessed each day

Myrna said...

Curt
Great cards. Sorry this is short. Hard to get a computer here.
Hugs to all.
Myrna

Serendipity Stamping said...

Your Halloween cards are always worth the wait! Nesties? Wow, I never find bargains like that. Bradenton is the worst place for craft items the past couple of years. Hope you have some more coming. Hug the boys.

cardscrapper said...

Hey Curt,

Happy Fall and Halloween. It is a bit early, but then half the fun is enjoying for a long time. I get so sad when Halloween is over, even though I know that Christms isn't too far behind. Actually, the stores, here in Billings,MT at least, have had Christmas stuff up since August!
I love, love, love the Boys! I look forward to each change you make in their "costumes". I truly enjoyed the Cicada picture. We used to hate them when we lived in Texas, they were so annoying, yet so beautiful.
Your cards are priceless, as usual. My favorite is those cute little spiders hanging down from the ribbon!
Prayers to you and Jay. Hoping he is doing lots better. I look forward to every one of your postings.
Blessings to you all.

Connie L. said...

Hi Curt, I love all your cards! I'm deathly afraid of spiders but your spider card may make me rethink my position on that (but probably NOT!)

Connie L

Kathlene said...

Hey Curt, now you've done it...I'm in a Halloween frame of mind and have been eyeing a Mo Manning image of a witch (based on Bette Midler's character in Hocus Pocus) for some Halloween cards. Your cards this week are terrific! Really love the dangling spiders and that sweet Penny Black card. Your photography is truly inspiring. I just wish I could get out of the house more to take some photos outdoors, but such is life these days. Oh! I have to tell you after reading one of your past posts...I now have TWO things to look forward to on Wednesdays: your blog post AND it's POGO challenge day. ;) I'm sure you understand. It's a guilty pleasure kinda deal. Have a great week and thanks for sharing your talents. xoxo

lisa808 said...

Congratulations! I didn't know SCS had a FB page either.

I'm loving all your Halloween cards, especially the first one today. What a sweet neighbor you have.

Until next week...happy crafting!

Kelly said...

Halloween is also my favorite season. I look forward to my celebrations. Your cards are perfect. And the photo - very artsy. Definitely competition worthy. Kudos on the nestie buy. I'll try to get back here more often. Just been crazy around here this summer.
Creative Blessings and lots of Hugs!

Elaine M said...

Holy Cats and 17 fishes Curt!!! Love your Halloween counter and the new fallish layout. Wonderful cards kiddo - you always outdo yourself at Halloween--looking forward to all your upcoming creations. Hugs

Ann Schach said...

I'm right there with you, Curt...I LOVE fall! Your cards are great...the images on the third one are adorable! I am not a spider fan...but this is one classy spider card. And what a neat shot of the cicada exoskeleton! At that angle, it definitely looks scary! Have a great week, Curt, and enjoy the onset of autumn!

Glittered Paws said...

Love your Halloween creations - especially the first one - and you say MS stamps - I don't get out much - I didn't know she had stamps!!! I do know she has a line of doggie toys, collars etc. - wouldn't the boys like dapper Love your weekly posts and now I can't wait for your holiday cards. Great job on all three cards this week. Enjoy the start of a wonderful fall.

Sue said...

Hi Curt, I'm playing catchup tonight. LOVE the Halloweeen coundown, very eye catching. Your cards are wonderful. I made one this week too, think it was the change in the weather...The spiders and ribbon are made for each other and what a value. And the Spellbinders die for 2.97, what a steal.....good for you. Pups look great in their fall scarves. Love the new blog decor! Glad you are joining us at HM on Monday....fun!

Hugs
Sue

tilly said...

what a great selection of cards again this week Curt, I just love the spider one, so cute but a quick one to make, and love the ribbon....Hope Jay is feeling better and that life is less hectic now
Happy fall lol
Tilly

Audrey Frelx said...

Oh, Curt! I don't know why you should be surprised at the number of visitors on your counter -- we all love and adore you, and your wonderful card creations!!! Just like these Halloween cards you did that are amazing!!!

Say, congratulations on making Splitcoast Stampers FB page!!! Sounds wonderful!!! And you deserve all the recognition your cards get -- you do wonderful work!!!

Wow, Curt, you catch the most amazing pictures -- how cool to snap that cicada!!!

Sorry I was late getting here and didn't make it on Wednesday, but I've been sooooo busy! Sometimes life doesn't just slow down to the pace you'd like it too! LOL!!! However, I wouldn't miss your posts -- better late than never I say!!!

Joan Ervin said...

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, too..I have such fun memories of trick or treating when I was young!! We used to collect grocery bags full of candy...no wonder my teeth are full of cavities...LOL!!! Your Halloween cards are all wonderful, Curt....love the MS stamps and your spider card is such a great CAS design!!! The PB card is just precious...hummm...I think I have that stamp!!! BTW, I love your countdown...tooo cute!!!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt - I always learn something from your posts - and the halloween cards are amazing; something to look forward to each year! Thanks for looking in on me - I've been vacationing with my sweetie up on the North Shore of Lake Superior - it was AWESOME! I'm home and hope to post "something" this weekend.

Hugs!!

Lorraine A said...

I love your Autumn blog Curt, gorgeous colours and the boys look fabulous in their new scarves :-)

Gorgeous cards ,, I especially love the simple spider one ,,, I need to get a spider stamp now ,,,, :-)

Hope all is well with you and Jay xx ,, I think of you both often xx

luv
Lols x x x

Becky said...

what fabulous Halloween cards.. I just love the spiders and that cute checker ribbon.

I am not posting for a few months. I am moving and all of my art stuff is packed and waiting for my closing date. paper..paper..and more paper..How did I accumulate so much stuff :)

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Wonderful Halloween cards! I like the cute stamp Pat got for you! I bet that was alot of fun to color! Your so lucky to have a crafting pal next door!

Neato cicada pic too! I think the shells are fascinating!

Shirley said...

Hi Curt, I've been working on some stuff for Mitra at IO and on some personal things too! I love your countdown. I may do that after the 911 thing. I love your cards, mister!! The first one is Halloween scaryyyyy! The second and third are just too too fun and cute for words!!

Julia Aston said...

Hi Curt! I haven't been by for a while - I saw your comment on Sharli's blog and said "I have to drop by to see him!"

love all of your Halloween cards - great colors and designs and all so different!

Hope you're having a good weekend!

Jocelyn aka JoBear2 said...

Hi Curt,

Ooooo - spooky blog!! LOVE how you have decked it all out and I love the counter - how cool :-)

Well, I'm not surprised your cat card was featured on the Splitcoaststampers Facebook - it was so fab and lots of other people thought it was too.

LOVE all your Halloween cards - and how awesome is that black and orange checkered ribbon?!!

I think if I had seem that cicada shell I would have screamed - they are so creepy - but oh so fitting with your Halloween theme LOL

{{hugs}} to you and Jay
Jocelyn

Susan (rainy) said...

Oh my gosh, Curt. The Halloween Countdown just cracked me up! LOL

Love all three of your Halloween designs. I'm gonna have to try that wipe-the-table technique. tfs

Hugs:)

Hquinzelle said...

I'm so excited, I made the card you used for your inspiration with the spider card!!! Thank you SO much, this is the first time I've ever made a card people CASE'd (as far as I know!). I am very happy.

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Fun Cards! Love the one with the critters dressed for Halloween. And your Case'd card is really nice with the orange/black checked ribbon. Thanks as always for stopping by my blog. Have a great week ahead.

Lisa Minckler said...

Who knew that a CAS Halloween card would be one of the cutest I've ever seen. Spiders hanging from ribbon...brilliant!

Celeste said...

Love the spiders with their pretty ribbon! Yeah, the other ones are cute too. What a deal at JoAnn's huh?

Diane said...

Spooky!!! Lovin' that haunted house look...and those creepy spiders, too! Wow...what a bargain you got those Nesties for...you must of hit it just right! How nice of your neighbor to think of you....they must love ya alot!!

Anne Marie Hile said...

Curt, where in the world have I been?? How did I miss this post? There is so much fabulous spooky fun going on and I love every last bt of it! So...it looks like like I need to visit my old friend MArtha and try to find that set! ...and Nesties for $2.97? You lucky duck! I'm so jealous...that is a score, indeed!

PS: You have a great neighbor! I'm ecstatic when mine are sweet enough to bring my recycle bin in from the curb, on occasion. Lol!

Big hugs your way! :)