Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, January 5, 2012

THE WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR JANUARY 4, 2012

Hey All!


Happy New Year!  Welcome to the first post of the New Year and welcome to the new format!  Here is my very first video!  I apologize for that slight "grinding" noise, but it gets better.  It is the gears working in my camera as it tries to auto focus.  If you all like this format, I'll think about getting an actual video camera.  Enjoy the video!



Hope the grinding didn't bother you too much. Sorry too for all the stammering, but I was a little nervous. Here are the still shots of the projects:
My inspiration for this card here:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2107997







Pic of the Week
NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS

OK, that's it for this post!  Again, thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to let me know what you think of this format. . .I'd really appreciate it.


Hugs to all!


Curt O'Brien


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

62 comments:

Jean McNulty said...

Loved the video and your cards are absolutely amazing!!!! I am going to have to try the easel card it is too cute:) Happy New Year.

mark said...

great video - but i think you need a few rings to holtz up your fingers.

Becky said...

You go..I love the new format of video taping your cards, which by the way are just awesome. I love the tree set, love that memory box die, so glittery and pretty. Love the table set, all of them are just awesome. Simple, but elegant with their pretty bows. And how kind and thoughtful of you to do your neighbors dog and create that beautiful card with the fire place.
I vote for video...:)
Happy New Year, and you are starting it off with a "BANG"

Lorraine said...

Love love love the video format. Great to hear your voice. The cards are wonderful I think the tree stamp is my fav but the fireplace card is very cute and I can see how your mum would like one. Hugs from Jersey U.K. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Unknown said...

Wow! You are so doggone creative :O) If you didn't tell folks you used Bic marker, they wouldn't know..tee hee! I love, love, love the fireplace card, and how smart and great idea using the flicker candle! AWESOME!!! Thanks for the wonderful video, and such great ideas!!! Hugs! Leah Ann

Audrey Frelx said...

Happy New Year, Curt! Well, the grinding wasn't so-so bad -- and how wonderful to see your hands!!! LOL!!!

Your cards are wonderful and I agree the last card is amazing -- love how you have a picture of Marley hanging over the mantel! AND OMG, with the little candle lite flickering behind the fireplace looks soooooooo real!!!
I really-really love how it came out too, and I really appreciate seeing the cards in person and had you not did this video, we wouldn't have seen all the details in your last card -- I really-really loved seeing that, so I'd say your video is an "A+"!!!

Love and hugs, my friend!

Leigh said...

Well I'm impressed!!!! I couldn't do a video if you paid me!! Fabulous post and I just love the note card sets. Also that easel card with the flickering fireplace is just fantastic. Absolutely love it.
Thanks for sharing your work Curt and I hope the New Year is a very happy one.

Dee in N.H. said...

Love the cards! Those note sets are really sweet and cheap Bics are as close to those expensive alcohol markers as I will ever get! LOL!! I would have guessed it was Copics if you didn't tell us. I really like the video. I don't think we would have known just how awesome that fireplace card was without the visual of the video. Kind of feels like a visit from a friend. See ya next week....

Heide said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! What a great video. Love the card gift box idea. The Christmas card is so stinking cute and clever.
Hugs, Heide

Bonnie Weiss said...

Well, it's obvious that the New Year has certainly brought some wonderful creativity to you. That fireplace is just too stinkin' cute and unique. Does your imagination ever slow down?? This card puts Hallmark AND Martha Stewart to shame!!!

The card sets are crisp, clean and perfect as gifts sets (and will be much appreciated for sure).

Personally, I love the video format but it could be improved slightly .... with a cameo appearance by one or both of the Boys! Seriously, I do love the format and it's almost like having you over for a cup of java and showing me your newest creations. Hearing your voice definitely sweetens the Wednesday Evening Posts.

tilly said...

Wishing you and yours a very happy new year Curt....

Well, I thought this recording was great, you can explain a lot easier and quicker what you have done and why, your cards are super gifts, BUT, WELL.... the fireplace is wonderful, what a fantastic idea.... I'm sure many of us will be pinching that from you lol.
Take care till next time
Tilly x

richardbreaks said...

Curt! These are amazing projects! I can't tell you how much I LOVE that fireplace!!! The card sets are so lovely; I really like your sister's set. Glitter paper is my FAVE!

The video format is great. I think you should invest in a camera. You'll need it for allllllll the videos you'll be making from now on!

Happy 2012. Keep up the great work.

Ted said...

Hi Curt! This was a fun format, it was neat to hear your voice. :) Don't worry about the stammering... your nervousness will die down as you do more... I still stammer quite a bit! :) Beautiful cards, as always. (Oh...if you want us to be honest, the grinding was a bit distracting... sometimes I heard it more than your voice. I don't say that to hurt your feelings, but I figured you wanted our feedback. :) ) Happy New Year friend!

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

I am absolutely blown away!! I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to like the video ... usually I have a hard time understanding or hearing what is going on. But this was GREAT! And your projects this time....LOVE them! I want to try and do some clean and simple card sets and you have given me some ideas! Thank you! I do have a few questions...where is the cheapest place to get plastic boxes? And what is the name of the memory box die with the trees/houses and where do you get it? Last but not least....the flickering fireplace card!! Oh my goodness!!! I am fascinated with that and want to make them! One question on that too....where the vellum is...did you cut out a square in the cardstock behind it
too? Gosh...I had alot to say/ask today! LOL! Have a great day! Supposed to warm up in the 40s!

Hugs!

Marianne said...

I LOVE it! when you get a video camera, though, maybe we can see your face when you're not showing the actual card? that would be cool. I absolutely love the fireplace card! You are so clever. I never think of things like that!

Diane said...

Well, you sure started the New Year out with a bang!!! what a wonderful group of cards!! I can't even pick a favorite.....they are all awesome!! I didn't even hardly notice the "grinding"...I was too involved in what you were showing/saying!! The fireplace card was a neat surprise with the "fire" behind it.....now everyone is going to want one of "their" pet...LOL!!!

Jackie said...

I absolutely love your video! You did a great job and I can't wait to see more. I love all of your cards and the fireplace one is so creative - how do you come up with such good ideas?? I almost bought that Penny Black tree and now I wish I had, maybe they still have it. The glitter paper for the sky on the Memory Box die card set - brilliant, and why didn't I think of that? They have a new die that's similar to that one, you know, but has little round trees. I want it.

One question - from whence came the sentiments on your note cards?

Happy New Year - stay warm!

Gina Wrona said...

OMG, I just loved everything especially the dog/fireplace card! I so want one of those!
Hugs,
Gina

Patti J said...

Another great post, my friend! Unfortunately this antique laptop has no sound, so I have to imagine what you are saying...ha ha ha! Your work is perfect, as always! Hope you are having a good week! Hugs, Pj

Christine said...

Hi Curt wow this video was awesome you defo need to keep doing this, love how you explain the details of your creations sizes, stamps etc..so much easier than having to write it all down..I love to hear your voice & the grinding wasnt that bad..honest..I was to enthralled by your creativeness.. the card pack gifts were just beautiful & of course the fireplace think you need to patent this..lol
Have a good New & crafty Year Curt

smiles Christine x

Mary said...

Hi Curt,

I loved your video format - and the added explanation you can give when you're talking about your work. Your cards are amazing - your attention to detail is great and all of your work is so neat and perfect. Great job! BTW - I learned of your blog from a person I met in upstate NY at a copice marker class this summer. I'm glad she mentioned it - I enjoy visiting you!

Gail said...

You're so clever!
The fireplace card is amazing!
Love the card sets, you've been busy!
Give the boys a treat for me!
Happy New Year to you, Jay & the moms!

Jan McC said...

Hi Curt, I haven't been able to get my comments to take to you. Am trying again as I just love your cards, especially the easel card. Your video was wonderful, you did a very good job and I look forward to many more. Hugs to you all.

Sue from Oregon said...

Still laughing at Mark's comment! I was not sure about the video either, but I loved it. Didnt mind the camera sound at all. I have a little flip movie camera (of Oprah fame) and I love it! Your card sets were great...but was blown away by your fireplace creation...very very cool!

Jean S said...

Happy New Year Curt. Loved the video format! The note card sets are wonderful (especially the tree), but, the fireplace card is AWESOME!!! Love the idea of placing the battery candle behind the easel card, I know what you mean about seeing something and knowing immediately it's a MUST HAVE. I'm still looking for the pine branch embossing folder you showed a month or so ago. Any leads where I can purchase it? Looking forward to your next creation (and video)
Jean S

PennyH said...

Wow! Loved your first video! Are you sure the "grinding" noise wasn't the boys breathing in the microphone? I was thinking maybe it was them on the other end of the camera this time doing the video of you. Lol! I love all of your cards. My favorite is the fireplace easel card. (I want one too now!) Just kidding! I gotta see about getting that stamp now. I love the ribbon you found at Hobby Lobby too. I'm looking foward to more of your videos! Thanks!

Lauri said...

Hey Curt...love the video! and you are brave to do it..I would never have the courage! lol The easel card is so cool...and the impact would have been lost with just photos! So glad you highlighted that one in your video! Hope you had a nice New year holiday!

Sande said...

Fantastic job on your first video. I can't decide which card set I love more...they are all gorgeous.

Belated Happy New Year and hope this year is great for you.

*love Mark's comment*

christina d said...

I like the video idea. I don't post often and I don't have a blog, but I love yours. The cards are great. I loved the trees, but your fireplace? All I can say is WOW!!!

Unknown said...

So where do I start?? the video was great, you are going to be great at this, and all of the projects are so special... the card from the die is just so cool, even with "from our house to yours" it could be used for so many things... and a bow down there in that vast open place... see what you do, you are an enabler...lol

thanks for starting my Friday morning off with a smile... love love love it all...hugs and smiles
Soni

Alli said...

Curt you are fantastic!!!
Terrific cards!
Love the video format!
Keep going!
Happy 2012!

Ann Schach said...

Fabulous cards...and a fabulous format! Keep the videos coming! I personally was not distracted by the grinding. Of course, I LOVED the Dog card! I'll take one in the Boxer version please, lol! Your gift sets were a great idea, too! Have a wonderful 2012, Curt!

Linda said...

This is funny I just got you post today. It is nice to get both formats. Blog and YT
Wonderful cards!

Myrna said...

Curt
The vlogging is so neat.
Your fireplace card is marvelous and the little tea light just finishes it off perfectly.
Love being able to hear you.
The pic of the week is spectacular.
The little note cards are perfect and I like knowing how many you use in a box.
Myrna

Miranda said...

Hi Curt! I always feel as tho I am actually sitting visiting with you and now with the video it makes it just that much more real for me! Love your cards! You are so super talented. I want to be just like you when I grow up! LOL I hope your Holidays were Awesome!
Miranda :)
www.nanasscrapspot.com

Celeste said...

I'm glad you showed the cards on the blog. I have dial-up and couldn't get the video. Saving this so I can go to my sister's and see it. Your cards are gorgeous, as usual. Love the trees! Love your cozy "living room" card too. I only tried a room card once with a baby shower card.

Heartwarmers from Vicki said...

I always enjoy videos that the bloggers post. You did an great job! Those are very nice card sets. Where do you find glimmer paper like that blue you used?

Your easel card is AWESOME! I've never seen a little light like that which you put behind the fireplace!!! TFS

Mary said...

Everything was GREAT!!! My fav is the Christmas card and got a kick out of your camera "purring" too!

Gerry said...

This was my first blog post from you and I am just amazed! What incredible work you do-very talented. I hope some of your talent comes through to me. Thanks for sharing.

Beth Norman said...

What a clever stamper you are. The pug has to be the best thing. Talk about creative. I'm sure your neighbour was thrilled. Can't wait to see your mom's next.

Anonymous said...

Hi Curt...you have really outdone yourself...those cards are crazy amazing...and like you, I totally agree..the fireplace card is awesome!!! I so want to buy that stamp and 'steal' your totally fun idea...I dont want to give the card away tho.I just want to keep it for myself....lol....Tx so much sweetie...luv ya...angie from Kingston

Susan (rainy) said...

Great new format, Curt. The card sets are all wonderful. And look at you making several cards of one design! hehe ;) Okay the fireplace card... seriously FABULOUS!!! LOVE.

Glittered Paws said...

Great job on not only the video but also the cards - love love love the tree set and the Christmas card with the pic above the fireplace is just stunning - talk about creating a home spun feeling - youi surley captured it!!! Have a great start to the new year and more creations from CURT!!!

Shelly said...

Hi Curt, your cards are simply gorgeous. I absolutely love the pug portrait above the fireplace...so stinkin' cute! Thanks for the video too, we stampers love them! Can't wait to see more of your work!

Anonymous said...

Love the projects and love the video! Enough said!

Chris R. from Iowa

P.S. I still giggle with the boys and their videos too!

Carol L said...

Great card sets you've created here, wow! And they're tied up so pretty in those ribbons too!

lisa808 said...

Love, love, love the fireplace card. How cool with the vellum & votive. You are such a crafting genius.

The note sets are fab and so very thoughtful on your part. Adorable table set stamp, gorgeous sparkling trees, and great village die.

The soft grinding didn't bother me at all. Loved listing to and watching your video.

Thanks & Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Curt, good go on the New Year Vblogging! Something new, out of the box! Very enjoyable to view your technique and color tones. Thank you. Keep Looking UP!

Beate said...

Gorgeous cards, Curt! Isn't it funny how nervous you are when talking to the camera? I Had to retake my first video I think 8 times before it was good enough to upload. And there is still plenty of stammering going on even now.
I think your video was great.
Have a wonderful week.
Hugs and smiles

Lee said...

Hi Curt,what a STUNNING POST in every way.Sooo interesting. love the video.Your creations are ALWAYS AWESOME,i LOVE them all.Hugs x

Carol said...

Beautiful card sets. Simply inspiring. I love how you take stamps and make various scenes. The addition of the flickering flame just made that card so much more.

What I liked the very best was the time you took to personalize the card for your neighbour. That's what my focus is in the crafts I make and sell. The little dog photo in the frame was a perfect touch.

Congrats on the video and I can't wait to see more.

The Rubber Maid said...

How fun to get a wonderful post in video form. Love your fireplace card and how sweet to put the little doggies "real" picture on the card. Great work on your sets of cards also. Happy New Year...may you be blessed with good health and happiness. Pat

Sue said...

Curt, your a STAR! Love the video format and all of your projects. Your note cards are wonderful and what a nice little gift. The fireplace card was wonderful in itself, but when you added the tea light.........WOW, how creative of you! And to personalize it with a picture of her dog, no wonder she loved it. I think you have found your calling.....love it!

Hugs
Sue

Anonymous said...

Thumbs up on the video and the cards. I enjoy your blog and this makes it even better.

Julie Koerber said...

Hey Mr. Curt!!! It's been a while since I've stopped by your place... :-( Work, I tell ya, it just gets in the way of my fun! I wanted to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and let you know I was thinkin' bout you and hoping all is well! I love these card sets you've created! I am not good at multiples, so this is great inspiration!

Shirley-Anne said...

Hello Curt sorry it has been so long between visits .Happy New Year to you and yours .
How exciting for you to take the challenge of videoing .You have done a fab job of it too Did you have many practice takes of it first because this edition is not half bad you know .Well done . Love all the projects you shared .
your cas cards are tops .
hugs Shirley-anne

Anonymous said...

Awesome video Curt, you have the perfect voice for it even with the grinding. LOL Your cards are all great. Really like your gift card sets! Until next one, stay well my friend. HUGS

Carleen said...

I Love Love Love the video. Will certainly be looking for the next one. I have been in awe of your talent for so long and it is great to really be able to see the products and have you explain in detail how you created these beauties.

Deb Neerman said...

WoW, such fabulous creations ... as usual!

So nice of you to stop by my dusty and cobweb-covered blog and leave such a nice note! You're a doll!

Hope all is well with you and the family! Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2012.

~Hugs, Deb

Janine said...

Fabulous video!! And I love the card sets! Great way to get a jump on things!!

Susan said...

Hey Curt: I finally took the time to leave a comment. I love your new format. You have so much to show us and to teach us (and to inspire us). I love having you talk us through it - almost like a personal visit. Your card sets are lovely, and your light-up card is WOW! Hugs and best wishes for the new year.

Krissy said...

Love that you are doing videos now! It's just like hearing from an old friend! The fireplace card is incredible! I really like all of your card sets - especially the Penny Black Tree that you made for your Mom - love love love it! Now I have to get that stamp! None of the scrapbook stores by me sell those nifty clear boxes, guess I'll have to break down and order them on-line (I hate to pay postage ---oh well!)

Anyway, as always I'm wowed by your talent! Thanks for sharing!

♥Krissy