Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, October 13, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR OCTOBER 13, 2011

Hey All!

I want to start with an apology to all of my Canadian blogging friends!  I didn't realize until yesterday that it was your Thanksgiving this past Monday.  I'm so sorry that I didn't even mention that in my last post.  I do hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that you got to spend it with friends and family.  Please also accept my apologies for being late with this post and for not getting to everyone's blogs yet.  I have been working on a couple of very special projects, and I wanted to get one of them finished for this post.  I was up until 2:30 AM this morning putting on the finishing touches.  So, I hope this post was worth the wait.  There are a ton of pictures!

Here is the project:


And what is this you ask???  It is a Halloween Haunted House recipe box!!!  Keep looking. . .
This is a side view.


The back.

This is the box open. . .
Here is one of the recipe cards. . .
The box holds 12 of these recipe cards.  I used 2 each of 6 designs of paper (I'm sorry, I did not note the papers I used) to cover the front of the 3.5 X 6 cards.  Here are the other 3 designs:
And here is what one of the recipe card backs look like:
8 of the cards contains fun Halloween recipes for things like "black punch" to "pumpkin fudge".  4 of the cards are blank to add your own favorite recipes.  I scoured the internet for fun, unique Halloween themed recipes for this collection.  I made this for my friend/neighbor Nina as a thank you for her thoughtfulness of not only giving me that great Halloween gift (picture with glowing eyes), but she has cooked us a couple of amazing meals to help out because Jay was in the hospital.  She has been wonderful. . .Thanks Nina!  For a video tutorial of this project click HERE.  This box would be great to make for Christmas recipes (video shows a Christmas one).  It is relatively easy to make, just very time consuming until you get one under your belt.


I also have a couple of cards to share as well:


My Mom asked me to make a pet sympathy card for her dentist who lost one of his little dogs.  This is what I made.  I really love this sentiment stamp by Northwoods.  I always try to keep pet sympathy cards low key and simple to convey the sentiment.


Speaking of my Mom, her birthday was the 10TH and I made her this card:
This is my version of a Joy Fold card.  It looks so much better IRL.  The butterfly is really sparkly and the black/white/yellow combo is really striking.  I added that little metal "thingy" to keep it closed.  Here's what it looks like open:

I also wanted to share a picture of the one and only tree I have in my backyard:
Isn't it beautiful?  What I love about this tree (it is an American Ash) is that the inner leaves are a beautiful yellow and the outside is a wonderful red.  When the sun hits it, it looks like it glows from the inside.


Pic of the Week
THE BIRDS
OK, there you go.  Another post under my belt.  I do hope it was worth the wait.  Again, I'm so sorry I haven't gotten to all of you yet, but I'm working on it.  I'm going to go take a little nap now and see if I can get a little more revived.


Love you guys!


Curt O'Brien


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

39 comments:

Dawnll said...

Oh my flippin word!!!
Yes posts are always worth the wait- please.
This one is so amazing- I just love the idea...I will have to go check out the directions.
You always share the best stuff.
Hope everyone is well.
Big Hug to all of you

richardbreaks said...

WOW, Curt! SO worth the wait! That recipe box is really something else!

I love the sentiment on the sympathy card. Just terrific work there. I really like the butterfly card too!!!

Hope things are going well your way! Enjoy your "tree time!"

Bonnie Weiss said...

WOWZERS ... that's a fine recipe box that you have created, Curt (even if it IS for Halloween!). It's looks like it was a lot of work but your efforts certainly paid off in the end.

Your cards are both very suitable for the purpose they were intended. Getting a card or note from someone when you lose one of your fur children can be very comforting. And I'm sure your Mom loved her birthday card. Love the black and yellow combo.

And, in closing ... only 19 more sleeps 'til Halloween is over!!!

Patti J said...

Squeal!!! This was so totally worth the wait! OMG, Curt, that recipe box is amazing - Nina is going to cherish it forever. You did a beautiful job on it. I take back all of the bad things I said when your post wasn't up by bedtime! lol...just kidding! I love the dog sympathy card. This will be one that I will case, with your permission, for the craft room at our shelter. It would be so perfect. Awww....tell your mom that I wish her a Happy Belated Birthday!! I'm sure that she loved her card. Great take on the joy fold, and what a good idea for holding it closed :) That tree is beautiful. It literally glows! Ours are turning very quickly this year. I love the falls where the colors are vivid for several weeks, but I think this one will be much shorter. Pic of the week is awesome! Thanks for sharing...have a great rest of the week! Hugs...

ursula Uphof said...

WOW Curt, what an amazing recipe holder. I will have to watch that video, it will also make a lovely gift for a bridal shower. No wonder you have been busy, that is a mamoth task. Your variation on the Joy fold card is lovley. I am sure your Mom was pleased to receive it. Your tree in the garden is stunning. We don't really see colours like that in our trees. Hope Jay is doing OK. Take care and warm wishes,( very warm 28deg.C today)

ahlers5 said...

Love the recipe box. Adorable idea.
I'm still chuckling over last week's videos. Looking forward to more.

Diane

Myrna said...

Oh so there you are!!!Napping under that gorgeous tree I bet. lol
Curt, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful creativity. Even those of us who don't "do" Halloween have to appreciate this wonderful project.
Your pet sympathy card is just right. Love it.
Your moms birthday card is really great as well. She shares the same birthday as Eleanor (and you know who she is :) )
Birds in flight are always so great to look at. You did a great job.
Hugs to all
Myrna

mudmaven said...

WOWZA - that is one fantastic recipe box!!!!! How thoughtful of you to make that for your neighbor. Will you guys please move into my neighborhood? I have wonderful neighbors, don't get me wrong, but having a crafty one like you would be so exceptionally wonderful. I love all the other cards you made too - such talent!!!!!! Big hugs to the boys and give my best to Jay too. ~chris

Heide said...

Great work on the recipe box really cute!
Hey where did you find the saying on the pet sympathy card? You know it is so hard to find anything.
Heide

Dee in N.H. said...

Awesome recipe box! I love that! I'm with Chris, I need some neighbors like you too!

Jackie said...

Oh, Curt, you have outdone yourself with that recipe box! It is simply amazing. I will have to watch the video. I hope your neighbors know how lucky they are. Your cards are wonderful, too, of course, but that box just blew me away. I see Autumn has arrived in your neck of the woods, that tree is so pretty. This is my favorite time of year and I hope the leaves get busy changing around here soon.

Leigh said...

Oh my goodnes, the work that is in your recipe box is amazing. What a fantastic idea for Halloween fans. I love the photo of the tree. So pretty. You've been busy with other cards too. Great job. Take care and get some sleep. lol

Audrey Frelx said...

OMG, Curt!!!! This post was soooo worth the wait!!! I love all your projects, but I'm truly in love with that recipe holder!!!

I just love you and I love coming here, it's always an amazing visit!!!

Hope things are going a bit better!!!

Scossie Jane said...

Wow Curt, that Halloweén Recipe Holder is awesome. A lot of work, but sooooo worth it - great job. Your cards are perfect too, as they always are. You always seem to make the perfect card for every occasion!

The tree in your backyard is awesome, we don't really have seasons like that here in Oz, we're heading into Summer now, but the trees just seem to do their own thing ALL year. However, in November the Jacaranda tree blossoms - GOOGLE it - they are awesome. Will need to post a picture on my blog once they go into bloom!!! You have inspired me again.

Now, back to your backyard - YOU HAVE A WHITE PICKET FENCE!!!!!!!

OMG - I have always wanted one!!! But, it's just not the done thing in Scotland or Australia. I'm moving to your neck of the woods. And, as the other girls said, how awesome to have a great crafty neighbour like you!!!!

Love the photo of the birds, very Hallowe'en....

Hugs my friend xx

Sharli Schaitberger said...

It was totally worth the wait - your recipe box is out of the ball-park! WHAT A WONDERFUL IDEA!!!
I agree, it could be translated into other themes, but the halloween theme is awesome!

I love your other cards, but the box just has me shaking my head! LOL

The birds are scary - and the tree is truly beautiful. Isn't autumn the best season of all?

Hugs!

Gail said...

Wow! What a great recipe box!
The sympathy card is perfect, and the birthday card....holy moly!
Happy Belated BD to your mom!
Love the 'birds' pic!
Hope you're all well!
Talk to ya later!

Ted said...

You never cease to amaze me, Curt! :) I always look forward to Thursdays! :)

Tertia said...

Oh my goodness, that recipe box is AMAZING!!! Makes me want us to celebrate Halloween in South Africa just so that I could beg a certain mr. O'Brien for one of those. :)
Sorry to hear Jay was in hospital again, hope he is feeling a little better by now.
Love the butterfly card and your tree is magnificent!
Your pic of the week is wonderful too, as usual.
Hope you are getting enough rest and taking care of yourself too, please don't forget that.
Sending lots of hugs across the ocean.

tilly said...

Curt......... it's all been said already!!!

Wonderful projects, so much love and work has gone into all of these gifts.....wish I lived next door, it's a fair swap, a meal for one of your works of art!!
And that tree, just blows me away, stunning
Take care, love to you both
Tilly

Diane said...

Very cool recipe box...what a lucky neighbor....lots of thought and work into that one!! Seeing the pet card reminded me, I still have something for you I started working on over a year ago...once I get the use of my other "arm~hand". I had better get it finished...yours Mom's card is very elegant....she must have a birthday close to mine..yesterday I turned one year closer to 60...ugh!! Gorgeous tree...fall is my favorite...take care!!

Linda said...

Wow you have been busy. Do you have the boys trained to bring you paper and tape. I showed Max my cat the videos. He said NO to the helping me bring in the grocery. Then he laid down and played dead for the next 3hours. LOL
That recipe box is wonderful. So much fun to make when you have someone who will appreciate it to give it to.
The American Ash is beautiful. I didn't know that the inner leaves were yellow and the outside was red. I wonder if I could get one to grow in WI. I will have to look into that.
Thanks for all the wonderful ideas.
Have a super week,
Hugs,
Linda

Beth Norman said...

Hi Curt,

Love that project. It looks so fun to do. Your cards are gorgeous. Love the layout of the dog sympathy card. Your mom's b.d. card is so pretty. I like how you decorated the inside too.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, I am not amazed because I know you are amazing but that recipe box is AWESOME... Wow so much work and so precise

and your tree is more than beautiful the colors of Autumn just re charge me ...

you cards were great, I need to get a couple of birthday cards done too, hmmmm

thanks for the wonderful view if talent. maybe I can get energized ... Have a great weekend, I will think of you guys as I sit at our wiener roast tomorrow...wish you guys were closer ! ...
Soni B hugs til next time

The Rubber Maid said...

Wowzer what a great Halloween project. It's awesome. Pat

Susan said...

Well, my friend, the weeks are flying by. Soon it will be your precious Halloween. I don't know about where you are, but we don't get many trick-or-treaters anymore and I miss that (too many other Halloween activities or trick-or-treating at the mall, etc.). As always, your post is sooo worth the wait. I love the recipe box - so clever and fun! The cards are wonderful. Wish we didn't need so many sympathy cards, though. I'll bet that your mom loved her birthday card - it is stunning. Lucky mom! Your pics are gorgeous. No denying that fall is really here now. Until next time, my friend, have fun and be good. Hello to Jay, and hugs to all. Take special care of yourself, too (although, you probably don't have to do much with Shotsy doing all of the housework for you).

Lee said...

Oh Curt,once again i am sat here open mouthed (not pretty Lol).All your creations are truly STUNNING,LOVE the Halloween Recipe card holder,all that wonderful work,lucky lady.LOVE your tree it's AMAZING so Beautiful and i love the pic with the birds too.Sending you all a Huge Hug.xxxx

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

AWESOME recipe box!! I really need one of those for my Italian themed kitchen. Maybe one of these years I will have time to make one! LOL!
Beautiful card for your mom...hope she had a great birthday!!
A very nice sympathy card....so sad that those types of cards are needed though.
Great pic of that tree! Aren't the colors so vibrant this year? Much more than normal I think! SO GORGEOUS! Did you steal that bird picture off the Alfred Hitchcock movie? LOL!
Have a great weekend!
-Stacie

Elaine M said...

What a great project you could use for many things - love it. I know your mom was delighted with her card - just lovely. Give her a big hug from me.

Glittered Paws said...

WOW!!! What a great project with your recipe box - very very detailed and a lot of work. I love the pet sympathy card - how special for someone who has recently lost a member of their special family. (Only us dog/cat lovers get into things like this) but I have sent out sympathy cards to friends who have lost their pet. And I know your Mom loved her bd card, love the butterfly. PS be watching your mail!!!

Shirley said...

Wow! What a great project! I love it and the recipe you shared sounds great too! The sympathy card is just perfect, and your mother will just love her card if she doesn't already!!

Becky said...

wow Curt, I just love that recipe box, how awesomely creative.. Beautiful Birthday card, love the design of this and that tree is just fabulous...

Yes I have finally moved in, unpacked 67 box's :), now I am organizing. Hopefully I will get my crafting space put together this weekend.
Hugs :)

DeeDee said...

WOWZERS! I don't know how ya do it, but you do! You amaze me Sir! The recipe box is the coolest! I love it! Of course I love everything you do! Heehee! I finally got to watch the videos of your boys. They are amazing and I can tell they love you very much! So talented. I loved hearing your voice too! I hope your day is awesome my sweet friend! HUGS! :)

Maria Matter said...

WOWZA, how cool is this recipe box!!!
you did a spectacular job with the design & adding all the fun details Curt! Thank you for including the tutorial link...this will be fun to try!
Beautifully done sympathy & birthday cards too!
Enjoy your weekend & the lovely colors of autumn!
Blessings!

Sue said...

Hi Curt
so sorry im late getting here, wow so worth the wait, i luv your recipe box, a fabulous idea. Beautiful cards as always, gorgeous piccie of the tree, i luv all the autumn colours, when they have a pop of sun on them they look stunning, hugs to you both, sue,x

lisa808 said...

Curt, your recipe box is over the top outstanding! So cute and Halloween themed to boot!
Thoughtful and touching sympathy card. I'm certain your mother loved her birthday card. Happy belated birthday to her. You may only have one tree, but it sure is gorgeous. Enjoy the view!

Ann Schach said...

Oh my gosh! Please wait while I pick my jaw up off the floor! The recipe box is absolutely fabulous! Nina is a lucky woman! In fact...everything in your post was well worth the wait! I really appreciate the link to the video on making this box! And your pet sympathy card is perfect. This is one of the best sentiments I have found for pet sympathy cards. Give the boyz a treat! Have a great week!

Janine said...

Love your projects Curt and yes it was Canadian Thanksgiving!! We had a houseful and gorgeous weather and lots of good food!! It was a wonderful weekend.

Donna said...

Oh Wow! What a fabulous post, your cards and recipe box are absolutely amazing! I want to visit your house at Halloween lol, would cost me a small fortune in air fare though lol. Your tree is beautiful, what gorgeous colours. hugs Donna x

KER said...

fantabulous!!!...i love that recipe box...thanks for the link...the pet sympathy card is so sweet and that sentiment is perfect...the card for your mom is gorgeous...and the pics are always great...though the one of the birds gave me a hitchcock moment