Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, December 22, 2011

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR DECEMBER 21, 2011

Hey All!!!

Happy Holidays to all of you!  It's really nice to see you here right before Christmas!  I'm honored that you took the time to stop by in this busy time.

I've decided to do this post quick and dirty!  LOL  I'm going to post only pictures of the last of my Christmas cards that I've finally finished with.  If there is anything you need to know like stamp, technique, etc. just let me know and I'll get you an answer.  Just make sure your Blogger account is set up so that I can reply to your comment.

Here are the photos!  If you click on the first one, you will be able to see all of them in the new slide show format that Blogger has now tied to photos in blog posts.


























OK, that is the end of the Christmas cards for 2011.  Will you let me know which are your favorites?  I'd love to know if your favorites differ from mine.


I have to share this as the Pic of the Week:
These are the Christmas bandannas that Bonnie made for my boys!  Are these not adorable!?!  They have little felt bow ties on them.  And instead of tying at the back, she has sewn clip on attachments like you find on collars.  Thank you so much Bonnie!  The boys love them!


Here is a picture of my living room decorated for Christmas.  I made that wreath about 20 years ago and it is still going strong!


And now this is a MUST SEE video (very short).  It tells the story of Mary & Joseph but as if the Christmas story were happening today and how it all would be handled.  Not only did I think it was really well done, I marveled at how well they captured what it would be like today!  Double click on the video itself to get a larger view.  Please watch:
Was that not amazing!  I've watched it 5 times because there is so much you miss watching it the first time.  Whoever did this was amazingly creative!


Finally, I want to wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases and I hope the New Year brings you all luck, love, happiness, and all of the things you hold most dear.  Thank you to all who have sent me your beautiful Christmas cards.  I'm honored that you spent the time to send these beautiful works of art to me.  I treasure them!

Love you guys!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


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

54 comments:

Jackie said...

I love them all but my favorites are the 3 penguins in the circle and the first one, with that adorable little elf peeking in the window. Merry Christmas to you all and may the New Year bring you nothing but happiness and good luck. **hugs**

Alli said...

Merry Christmas Curt!
All of your cards are so nice!
If I had to pick a favorite it would be the gold embossed wreath with the red berries on the green embossed cs with the gold cs. It's absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing them all with us! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Jean McKenzie said...

Thank you so much Curt for sharing all your interesting and different Christmas cards with us. Hmmmm I like them all but my favourites would be the little dog on Santa, the folded Christmas tree and the tree with birds!! The boys look so good in their new bandannas complete with bow ties!! Your living room looks gorgeous!!

Have a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful safe and healthy 2012. Hugs to all!

Unknown said...

Oh I love all your cards. The penguins I really love, of course blue is my favorite color. The creamy white one awe gorgeous, oh jeez love them all. Thanks so much for the Christmas wishes and visiting my blog :O) Have a wonderful, warm, love filled Christmas to you and yours!!! Hugs! Leah Ann

Myrna said...

Curt
What a wonderful array of Christmas cards.
For me the butterfly wins hands down.
The wreath runs a close second.
Your living room is spectacular. Soooo inviting and warm.
The boys look adorable. Bless Bonnie for making their bandanas so cute.
I am so envious of the window box stamp. The cards with it are wonderful.
Have to take time in the a.m. to look at the video.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.
Hugs
Myrna

Lorraine said...

Hi Curt, I think the window cards also the reindeers do it for me, saying that they are all gorgeous. May I wish you and Jay also the boys a most wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year from our small island of Jersey U.K. XXX

Dawnll said...

Oh my word each card is prettier then the next one.
I just love your style.
I was thrilled to receive one of your cards...really a honor.
Those scarves the boys received are so darn cute-they look so handsome.
Thanks for always sharing
A very Merry Christmas to you and Jay and the boys-may your 2012 be a blessed one.

Jan Scholl said...

Doggie on Santa's chest reciting his wants. That is my dog. Arf.

Amelia said...

Curt, your Christmas cards are stunning! My favourites are the white butterfly card, the penguin peeping through the window and the golden wreath. Love the video, thanks for sharing. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Amelia x

tilly said...

what stunning cards, I think I would pick the gold reath and the cute elf, or maybe the butterfly, oh heck they are all fab....
Wishing you, Jay and families a very Merry Christmas, good health, love, peace and happiness in the new year, thanks for visiting my blog, until next year
Mwahxxx!
Tilly

Dee in N.H. said...

Merry Christmas!!!
Love all of the cards but my favorite one is for sure the folded tree with the musical background, followed closely by the embossed wreath. The tree one just feels so warm and homey.

Jocelyn aka JoBear2 said...

Dear Curt,

Just wanted to stop by and wish you and Jay and Shotsy and Gunther a very happy Christmas and may all your hopes and dreams come true in 2012.

I love all your cards Curt - they are all so different. I particularly love the layout of the cards with the three circles in a row and the ones with the elves and penguins made me smile as I love how you have their cute little faces in different positions - so fun!! I also love the elegance of the baubles in this same layout.

The reindeer one is such a great card especially how you added that red nose to one of them. Love this layout too.

Goodness, how could I pick a favourite when they are all so fab? The gold wreath one is drop-dead GORGEOUS! And very clever photography as I know how hard it is to photograph gold.

And the cards with the window scenes - LOVE these. And I love the dog on top of Santa - so fun! And how gorgeous is that butterfly card - wow!!

Well, I can't pick a favourite but it's been so fun looking at them all. How wonderfully creative you are Curt! All your cards show how much thought you put into them and I am constantly blown away at how many wonderful ideas that you have. I gain so much inspiration from your weekly posts and I have really appreciated your many kind and encouraging comments that you have left on my blog.

{{hugs}} and blessings to you and Jay - and a pat for your gorgeous dogs!

Jocelyn XOXO

Bonnie Weiss said...

I just want to know if Jay has had any food in the past week??? ... you've been so busy making cards that you couldn't have had time for anything else! The cards are terrific, BTW. Of course, I love the 'puppy sitting on Santa' and the silver butterfly is so elegant.

Your living room is exactly as I had imagined it would be...warm and classic. And I love the puppy ear at the bottom of the photo.

That video was priceless. It boggles my mind that people can be so creative. Thanks for sharing it.

And finally, from our home to yours, we wish you a wonderful Christmas full of love and wonderful memories for you to cherish forever.

Hugs, ~B~

Becky said...

wow, you sure have been busy..All of them are gorgeous, but I must say I just love the Dog and Santa, the sentiment is just too cute :) and love that window scene with the penguin.
The boy's look so adorable with those bow ties.
Your living room should be in a magazine, just gorgeous.
Have a wonderful Christmas.

Heide said...

Curt,
Love th window card so cute. The boys look so dapper in their new bandannas, how lucky they are. My guy is trying to seal cookies off my dinning room table,he is such a stinker! Your living room looks so festive and cozy, lovely work.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Hugs, Heide

Erin Morley said...

Curt,

My two fav cards are the two with the elves. He's so adorable! Your living room looks like a picture out of a magazine (at first I thought it was). Glad tidings to you wherever you are, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Ted said...

Hey Curt! If I were FORCED with arm twisted to pick a favorite, it would have to be the blue ornament card. :) I love those colors. I'm very curious where you got the window die... you enable me terribly through the year, why should Christmas be any different?! ;) I hope you and your guys have a blessed Christmas and a 2012 with good health and happiness! Warmly, Ted

Lauri said...

favorites???? a few for different reasons!! I really l ike the first two because they are SO cute and so different! I hope you have a fun, relaxing and family filled holiday!

mudmaven said...

Oh Curt - these are are absolutely fabulous! You have certainly been busy and I would ask (in addition to whether or not Jay has eaten all week) - have the boys gotten outside for a walk? Have you been sleeping at all? WOW - gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I love the puppy with Santa and the embossed wreath and the fantastic butterfly and, and, and ALL of them are wonderful! I got sick and my cards are all still sitting on my desk - send me some of that wonderful creative energy please? Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! ~chris

Gail said...

Well,I CAN'T pick a favorite!
Love them all!
Your living room looks fantastic, you could send the maid my way!
The boys look dashing...Bonnie you did good!
I'll watch the video later...REALLY!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and all the best in 2012!

Marianne said...

do we have to choose just one favorite card, lol? I loved them all but my favorite was the butterfly. love your living room pic and the one of the boys. and the video was amazing. I had to share that to my facebook. thanks!

Rita said...

I love them all Curt...so beautiful!!! My favorite is the window card(I just got that die in the mail yesterday) with the penguin (I LOVE penguins) & I just LOVE that image, that little guy is too stinkin' cute!!!

Your living room is so beautiful all decked out for the holidays...right out of a Norman Rockwell picture book!

Merry Christmas & a Happy & healthy New Year to you & Jay! Hugs Rita

Ellen Taylor said...

Wonderful inspiring cards! If I had to choose a favorite it would have to be the puppy giving Santa his wish list. I love a card that makes me laugh. Have a fabulous Christmas Curt!

Shirley said...

Dear dear Curt, as usual your post is not less than spectacular. I love your cards, your living area is gorgeous, and that video is out of this world. I will say creative. It had me laughing and grinning from ear to ear! TFS Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

Julia Aston said...

Beautiful cards Curt! I think the first two window frame ones are my favs - with the dog on the Santa a close 2nd! Your home is beautiful! now I'm off to watch that video!

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas Curt!

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Curt :-) all of them are fabulous, my fave creation would just have to be that fanbloomintastic wreath !!! WOW !! your home looks beautiful and the boys look very dapper in their Christmas bandannas :-)

Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :-)

luv
Lols x x x

PennyH said...

Hi Curt! I love all of your cards, but I especially like the elf looking through the window...so cute!!! Love the video too! I watched it a few times. Got a kick out of seeing "Nazareth, PA" & "Bethlehem, PA" in the drop down menu when the search was made for Nazareth, Israel since I live so close to both places. Thanks for sharing! Wishing you & yours (and the boys) a very Merry Christmas & a Happy Healthy New Year! Take care!

Lyn S said...

Hi Curt! Your cards are amazing! I really love the elf peeking through the window and the dog sitting on Santa is just hilarious!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving a nice comment!

Merry Christmas!

Audrey Frelx said...

Hi, Curt! First, sorry I've been MIA for so long and missed a couple of your posts but I'll catch up... lol!!!

All the cards are wonderful -- have I told you lately that you do the most wonderful cards?!!!

Oh my but don't the "boys" look dashingly handsome in their bandanna's -- they're too adorable! Bonnie did a great job and how very nice of her!!! She's got to be a wonderful friend to have!!!

Curt, your living room looks so cozy, warm, and just beautiful! And you do find the most amazing videos. I absolutely adored this with the Christmas Story "Today" emails -- soooo cute!

Love to you and hope Jay is doing well.

Love you! And, in case, I don't get back to say it -- have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!! I'm looking forward to sharing it with you!

Diane said...

Wow..just sure have been busy!!! Very hard to pick a favorite..but LOVE the tree one, the window scenes are darling....and the pup on Santa just made me laugh out loud!! Well, have a nice Xmas..if "Santa" brings me some new card creating GOODIES, I will be happy!! We have had a tough week here with the lost of one of our very "old" babies!! Have a Merry Christmas!!

Tonniece said...

Hi Curt
May the last month of 2011 be your BEST EVER!!!
May this time only hold good health, successful projects, professional growth and happiness for you and your loved ones!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
and
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hugs
Tonniece

nise said...

Ok, I've been thru your cards 4 times. Every time I see something different, so it is impossible to pick a "favorite". You can do cute AND classy extremely well. Not everyone can. Your boys are adorable and Bonnie is a talented sweetheart. Your living room looks like something from House Beautiful (Dog ear says it's yours!). That video made my head spin. I'm just a non-tech girl who thinks it's a big deal to leave a comment on a blog. Merry Christmas, Happy Healthy New Year and looking forward to the brilliant ideas you'll share in 2012.

Unknown said...

Good Morning, I have my tea and here I am...~ Well as a favorite, how could anyone choose? as far as cute, the elves and penguins in the window are so cute just as the elves in the circles...I kind of really like that one : )
As far as beautiful, the winter butterfly and gold wreath are both elegant the orgami or folded and Noel are awesome as traditional... oh and the reindeers, are just a smile waiting to happen...
I love them all... OMG, the picture of your living room is like a picture... that should be framed... your artistic ability flows into decorating as well I see...Looks like your home is truly beautiful thanks so much for sharing my friend
The boys look all festive and handsome... and thank you for the video...

Blessing sent to you and Jay and your Mom... As we all remember the real reason, I hope you enjoy this Special Day, and it is exactly as you want it to be ...

Hugs, and I really hope SANTA brings you a lot of new crafting supplies, I am so spoiled, I wait to come see your awesome works of art... Thank you for always giving us so much...

Celeste said...

I can't possibly pick a favorite! Okay, twist my arm! I love the window one with the elf peeking in followed by the dog sitting on Santa. Where did you get that elf stamp? Love it! I purchased that window die, and have been having fun with it! The boys look so dapper in their bandanas with the bow ties, too cute! Your living room is gorgeous! I have a floor lamp just like yours, no fireplace though :(
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Celeste
http://wwww.scramper.blogspot.com

Linda said...

Theses are amazing! I love mine the best but that little elf in the window is sooo cute!
Love the video. It just how it would go down now.
Your living room is very cozy and lovely.
Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Beth Norman said...

Hi Curt,

Look at all those wonderful cards. I think my fav is the bottom white one, but they are all so lovely.

That was one fun video. I can see why you saw it five times. I'll be watching it again. Wasn't the originator creative or what.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

dpkennedy said...

All of your cards are wonderful, but that little elf has got me! I love how you put him and the penguin in the window...too cute! Now if I didn't see Shotsy sticking up in the photo of your living room, I would swear that is a catalog picture! Gorgeous LR and wreath!! And finally, I loved that video, it was funny, and sweet!
May you and your family have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Leigh said...

Curt, you've made a fabulous selection of Christmas cards. Love them. The new bandanas for the boys are just the cutest things. Wow, look at your lounge room, so neat and tidy. Puts mine to shame. lol
Merry Christmas to you and yours and big hugs to the boys.
All the very best for the New Year.

Krissy said...

They are all beautiful - how in the world can one pick a favorite????? Ok, twist my arm....I LOVE the peek-a-boo card with the 3 elves and the 3 penguins....and the green paper on the Christmas tree step card is exquisite! But I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Winter's Butterfly card - that is one of my favorite stamp sets!

Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year to you and Jay! Wishing you good health, hearty laughter, unending love and many memory making moments!

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Amazing set of Christmas cards!! I received the lovely gingerbread one yesterday...THANK YOU! I love it! Yours should be there soon if not already! :)

Merry Christmas!!!

Sue from Oregon said...

Although I am green with envy at all the wonderful creations you have created, I must say having that darling Penguin card sitting in front of me makes me ever so happy. My little grandson took a shine to it too, but Gwamma has been making sure it doesn't get "winkled" LOL. Thank you for always being so thoughtful. Your living room is so lovely this year! Happy Holidays to you my friend!

Anonymous said...

Wow Curt where does one begin?! Your livingroom is GORGEOUS, oh my!! It's like something out of a Better Living Magazine!! My favorites are definately the penguin cards and then the embossed bells, but of course they are all beautiful as usual!! Well I guess we will have to be ready for this whether we are or not so here goes my friend.....MERRY CHRISTMAS to you, Jay and the babies!!!

lisa808 said...

The window cards are sooo cute and the Santa card just too funny. I would say the wreath card is my favorite. It is so elegant.

The boys look adorable and your living room so inviting.

Merry Christmas!

Debbie said...

Wow Curt!! I like all of your cards
!! I especially like the elf and penguin ones looking out of the window. AND of course the one with the little doggie on Santa's chest!! I would really like to know how you made all of these and the name of the stamp sets. I don't have a blog but if you could email me at debbo_50@yahoo.com I would be so grateful!!!
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Debbie B

Patti J said...

Ho ho ho! I love them all, dear friend, but this week, my fave would have to be the dog on Santa! We currently have four big, med, and small furbabies here! What fun!!! Merry Christmas, Curt, Jay, the boys, and the momma's!!! Hugs...

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Merry Christmas dearest Curt! My Steve is beginning to believe that I actually have "blog friends" - he was very impressed with the darling snowman card! You are such an awesome person - our love and best wishes to you and Jay!

Hugs!

Carmen O. said...

Okay Curt, you're really going to ask me to pick favorites? I love snowmen so of course those cards speak to me. The ornaments ones are beautiful and cardinals always are wonderful because I love the bright red against the white (snow). The last one is fabulous because it is out of the box and I always like out of the box creations. That leaves reindeer, penguins and gingerbread men. Who doesn't love gingy or cute penguins and reindeer? So did I cover them all? Oops nearly forgot the Christmas Tree. Love that folded Christmas tree on sheet music. So there you go :).

Thanks for stopping by and wishing the boys and I a Merry Christmas. I wish you and Jay a very Merry Christmas and many Blessings in the New Year! Oh and I love your wreath. I've been watching a lot of the HGTV/DIY Holiday Decoration shows and getting so many ideas. Ok this is getting to be a book. Have a great week!!

Mary Marsh said...

great christmas cards Curt-my fave is the tree that looks like an origmai type fold-really creative-love the Mary & Joseph video-we showed something similar at our christmas service-hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration

Joan Ervin said...

OMG!! What gorgeous Christmas cards!!!! You have put a lot of love and care into each one!!! My faves are the cardnials in the tree (what stamp is that anyway??) and the wreath!! The video is wonderful and your living room is lovely!!!! Your little furry friends are sooo cute...love their Christmas bandannas....hope y'all had a fabulous Christmas!!!!

Ann Schach said...

Absolutely fabulous cards, Curt! I love the gold embossed wreath card and the butterfly card! I hope your Christmas was wonderful, and that 2012 is filled with good health and good cheer!

Lori Barnett said...

Merry Christmas dude! :) ((((hugs))))

Christine said...

Hi Curt your cards are gorgeous, boys look adorable, your home looks so warm & inviting need more info your awesome wreath..lol.. mnay thanks for the video link great entertainment..
hope you had a great Christmas day.

smiles Christine x

Susan (rainy) said...

Hope that you had a very merry Christmas, Curt. All the cards are of course wonderful. If I have to pick a fav would be the gold embossed wreath.. such a classic and beautiful design. Your living room looks like a picture right off the pages of a magazine!
Happy New Year to you and Jay and the boys. May happiness and love and blessings abound.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Curt! Blessings of this celebration season! Paperfolding joys are gorgeous in your photo displays. That spiky penguin steals a grin each trip through your photogallery. Elegant and country ornament balls tip the greeting scale to warm and welcome traditions of glass ornaments grandma used to display with amazing reoccurance, after all thirty some grands and great grands paraded through the decorated living room library glass doored dining room dividers.
Thanks for your tasteful sharing of striking talent. mt23stamper Keep Looking UP!