I started with an A2 sized panel of Luxe White Watercolor Paper to create my background. I sprayed the panel randomly in different areas of the paper with Ocean Blue + Gold, Fuchsia + Gold, Green + Shimmer and Bright Yellow + Copper Two-Tone Metallic Sprays. Each time I sprayed, I spritzed lightly with water depending on the intensity of the color I wanted. I used a heat tool to dry the paper in between spraying which allows the colors to mix to create 'new' colors. I love when that happens, it's like magic. The fun part with these sprays is that each time you create a panel, they all look different and unique. Try experimenting with your desired colors for a completely different look.
Once the panel was completely dry, I die cut the Scalloped Circles Infinity Dies and set aside. Using my MISTI, I then stamped the bird and branch from the Crane Wishes stamp set on Dove White cardstock using Intensified Black, die cut using the coordinating dies. I stamped an image from the same set onto one of the colored scalloped circles with black intensified ink. I did the same with the flower image, stamping on leftover pieces of the background panel. I colored just the top of the bird with a pink Copic marker. The sentiment was stamped onto Pitch Black cardstock using Clear Embossing and Watermark Ink, applied with White Embossing Powder and heat set. Die cut with the coordinating die.
Before assembling the card, I die cut the border from Dove White Cardstock using the Nesting Postage Stamps Infinity Dies.
I adhered the stamped and large scallop circles first to an A2 sized white card base using Precision Glue, followed by the border, bird, flowers on the branch and lastly the sentiment.
I added White Hero Pearls to the center of the flowers to finish off the card design.
I hope I have inspired you today to get inky and create fun and unique backgrounds for your projects.
Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely day!
]]>Once a month, we're delighted to offer you a complimentary item with your qualifying order. You heard that right – 24 hours only, one fabulous product, added to your box at no charge and sent on its way to you.
Our March Freebie Friday product is the Color Layering Rose 4" x 6" clear stamp set shown above, valued at $15.99. When you place your order of $35 or more by 11:59pm PT today (Friday, March 15), you will also receive Color Layering Rose! No code is required. The free item will be automatically added to your cart.
Hurry, this petal-perfect deal wilts away after 24 hours! Click here to shop now and browse the collections in our shop sidebar, and don't miss our two latest releases: March My Monthly Hero and the 2024 Spring Catalog.
Here's some lovely card inspiration that showcases the Color Layering Rose...
Happy Friday and happy weekend!
]]>To start off the card, I used Luxe White Watercolor Paper to die cut the new Cherry Blossom Cover Plate. This paper can really stand up to a good amount of water. Next on a palette I mixed Pink and White Liquid Watercolors to create a soft pink for my cherry blossoms. Using a fine tip round brush, I painted each one of the cherry blossoms.
Once the cherry blossoms were dried, it was time to start painting the branches and border. For this part I used Coffee Liquid Watercolor. By varying the amount of water I used, I was able to create several shades of brown for this piece. To fill in the center of the flowers, I used the coffee liquid watercolor as well.
Now it was time to set this aside to fully dry. During this time I created my background using Mist and Arctic inks with Dove White cardstock. For a beautiful color background I ink blended the mist ink on the top of the paper and the arctic towards the bottom then blended them together in the middle using my Hero Arts Large Blending Brush.
Now it was time to assemble the card. I adhered the ink blended panel to a Dove White Top Folded Card. Before adding the cherry blossom panel, I needed a sentiment. A sentiment from the Crane Wishes was perfect for this card. Using Espresso ink I stamped it onto the ink blended background.
And lastly, I trimmed down the cover plate to be the same size as the card and adhered that with Precision Glue. For some added detail, I used my white gelly roll pen to make highlights along the branches and for the bud centers of my flowers.
I hope I've inspired you to create with your new Cherry Blossom Cover Plate. Also make sure to check out the Creative Team posts as they have also used this cover plate and did a beautiful job. Have a wonderful day everyone.
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I started off by creating the background using the pretty new Origami Paper Bold Prints background stamp. For this ombre technique, I positioned a 4.25" x 5.5" panel of Dove White cardstock and the stamp in a MISTI stamping tool and then applied Pale Tomato Core Ink to the bottom third of the stamp. To ensure that I could achieve a smooth transition between colors, I softened the top edge of the line of ink on the stamp using a blending brush before stamping down onto the cardstock panel.
Next, I inked up the middle third of the stamp with Cotton Candy Core Ink. I softened both the top and bottom edges of the ink on the stamp and then stamped onto the cardstock. I repeated this technique for the top third of the stamp, this time using Peony Core Ink. To intensify the color and smooth the color transitions, I repeated all three steps until I was satisfied with the results.
For the centerpiece of the card, I started by using a die from the Nested Pointed Arches Infinity Die Set to cut a piece of vellum. Then I used the next size down to cut a piece of Dove white cardstock which I set aside.
I selected and cut out a few of the crane transfers while making sure to cut them with the white protective layer in place so that they didn't stick to anything until I was ready. One crane at a time, I removed the white protective layer from a crane and positioned it over the vellum die cut. Using a wood stick (included with the transfers), I rubbed firmly over the entire image to transfer it onto the vellum before pulling away the clear layer.
Next, I glued the crane vellum piece over the white pointed arch piece, placing dots of glue only behind the cranes so that they wouldn't be visible through the vellum.
For the sentiment, I stamped "Happy Birthday" from the Wild Flowers Bundle in Onyx pigment ink onto Dove White cardstock and used the coordinating die to cut it out. I used the die to cut two more pieces of white cardstock and then layered and glued all three sentiment pieces together to create dimension.
To assemble the card, I glued the sentiment to the crane piece and then used foam tape to adhere the crane piece to the background. Finally, I glued the card front to a top-folding card base.
Thank you so much for visiting!
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Hello stampers! It's time to announce the winner from our March My Monthly Hero Release Day Blog Hop. Big thanks to everyone who participated, checked out the cards on the designers’ blogs, and shared kind comments! If you haven't had a chance to grab your kit yet, we do still have a limited quantity available – choose the Premium or Classic version, while supplies last.
Our randomly selected winner will receive a $50 gift card to use in the Hero Arts online store. And the winner is...
Congratulations, Tracy! Please send an email to info@heroarts.com to claim your gift card. Enjoy!
]]>If you are having trouble viewing this video, please watch HERE on YouTube.
Let's start with the first card, where I utilized the exquisite Flower Pattern Cover Plate. After dry embossing the pattern onto an A2-sized card panel of Deluxe Smooth White cardstock, I die cut a second copy of the same cover plate to use as a mask. I placed the mask on top of the dry embossed panel and applied White Hero Wax on the flowers and foliage to add a subtle touch of elegance. Once dry, I softly ink blended Cotton Candy, Mist, and Orchid Core Inks over the top and removed the mask. The result? A mesmerizing interplay of colors and textures that's sure to captivate.
Moving on to the second card, I embarked on a floral journey with the Tulip Pattern Cover Plate. First I ink blended Cotton Candy, Mist, and Orchid Core Inks over an A2-sized card panel. Then I dry embossed the panel using the cover plate. Using the coordinating Color Layering Tulip Pattern Stencils, I selectively colored the tulip tops, enhancing their vibrancy against the embossed background. The end result? A card that radiates springtime beauty and sophistication.
To finish off my cards, I heat embossed two different sentiments from the charming Wild Flowers Bundle onto Pitch Black cardstock and adhered one to each of the cards.
These cards exemplify the magic that happens when creativity meets innovation. With Hero Arts' cover plates and the art of dry embossing, you have so many possibilities! I hope this walkthrough inspires you to explore these techniques in your own crafting endeavors. Until next time, happy crafting!
]]>Join us for two days of cardmaking and camaraderie at our Spring Stamp-Along event on April 13th & 14th!
During this virtual event, there will be nine classes from an amazing group of teachers who will be sharing both new and classic cardmaking techniques.
We can't give away too much, but we can't help but tease you with some sneak peeks of the gorgeous projects from our teachers. Just wait until you see the entire projects! ❤️
One unique aspect of our Stamp-Along events is that there is no physical product included in the purchase of the event. Our teachers will all be using a select group of products from our Spring 2024 Catalog that you can purchase in a discounted bundle.
You will likely have many of the basic supplies needed for class, but we also welcome you to substitute with what you have. You can choose to use the same products as the teachers or use what you have in your crafty stash!
The $45 early bird pricing deal is valid through March 13th. After that the price will increase to $50, so make sure to reserve your spot in class today.
You can purchase the class and find all the details about the event HERE!
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Welcome to a new Stay Crafty with A Blog Named Hero Challenge! For March, we're remembering the first time we saw embossing powder melt, and thought that it's "a kind of magic!" We'd like you make any project you like, as long as you use embossing powder!
Here's some beautiful inspiration from our design team. You can follow the links below each card to discover even more ideas from these talented artists.
Kanan Pandya
You can find Kanan on Instagram and her blog.
Kate Deignan
You can find Kate on Instagram.
Kimberly Wiener
You can find Kimberly on Instagram and her blog.
Lara Rizzotto
You can find Lara on Instagram and her blog.
Meg Brooks
You can find Meg on Instagram and her blog.
Michelle Lupton
You can find Michelle on Instagram, her blog, and YouTube.
Michelle Peckham
You can find Michelle on Instagram.
Miriam Chessum
Now it's your turn – how will you interpret the challenge theme? Use the InLinkz tool right at the bottom of this post to link up your newly created card (no backlinks, please), and you will be entered into our draw. We will be giving a $50 gift card randomly to one person who plays along, and another $50 gift card to one of our favourites!
To link up your new project that fits the challenge theme, you need to share it publicly somewhere you can copy the link – this can be your blog, Instagram, a Flickr account, your Splitcoast gallery – anywhere that allows you to have a URL or website location to link up, and where we can see your post.
All products are welcome, but if you want to be in with a chance to win, please use at least one Hero Arts designed product (stamp – physical or digital, stencil, die, rub-on or hot foil plate).
Entries must be submitted by March 31st at 5:00pm PT to be eligible for the giveaway. Scroll down to find the linkup. If you share your project on social media, we'd like you to use the #heroarts and #staycraftychallenge hashtags, please!
We love leaving comments on your entries, but sometimes that is not possible. Please be assured that we have visited each of your posts, whether it be a blog, Instagram, Flickr or somewhere else, but some platforms may limit comments or only allow comments from members. The best way to allow us to comment is to link up to your Instagram post.
Enter our contest by linking your new project below! Please enter your name in the caption area. By linking your project, you are giving us permission to feature your card on our blog, social media or newsletter, crediting you as the artist.
In February, our challenge theme was "Do You Believe in Love?", and our gallery was filled with lots of hearts and love!
Our random winner of a $50 Hero Arts voucher is Heidi with this lovely card using the Protea Flowers stamp set with the older Eucalyptus Bold Prints stamp in the background.
Our Design Team favourite winner of a $50 Hero Arts voucher is Cassi D, who shared this beautiful card, using the Bee Florals Window Fancy Die, the Flowers and Bees Bold Prints, and an older wood block sentiment stamp.
Please email us at info@heroarts.com with "Stay Crafty Challenge Winner" in the subject to claim your prize.
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I started off my card by stamping the bowl of ramen and the sentiment onto Deluxe Smooth White cardstock using Intens-ified Black ink. I coloured the ramen bowl using Copic markers. I added a little extra detail to the chopsticks with a black fineliner pen, so that I could have a red stripe on them.
The image and sentiment were then die cut out using the coordinating Frame Cuts and set aside while I worked on the background. I die cut a panel of Cherry cardstock using the Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies. Using Blending Brushes, I blended Cherry, Cranberry and Pitch Black Core Inks around the edges.
I then took the 'ramen' word from the set and stamped it multiple times on top using Cranberry Core Ink. This is a great way to add subtle detail to a background. It does not distract from the focal point, but still adds that something extra to the card.
To finish, I adhered the background piece to an A2 sized white card base with thin foam tape, followed by the ramen bowl and sentiment.
If you haven't already, I hope I have inspired you to try tone-on-tone stamping. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I hope you have a wonderful day!
]]>Hello and welcome to our March Awesome Add-ons feature! Have you had a chance to check out all of the wonderful add-ons released on Monday along with the new March Classic and Premium kits? Here’s a look at all of the beautiful new stamps, dies, and rub-on transfers...
Shop for the March MMH add-ons here
Today we have Kelly Rasmussen here to share some fabulous "beyond the kit" ideas for a few of the add-ons. Take it away, Kelly...
The two dies in this release are great elements to make the focal point of your cards. First up, I created a card using the beautiful Cherry Blossom Cover Plate Die.
There are so many possibilities for creating gorgeous backgrounds with this die! I chose to create a soft look by painting the tree with watercolors and ink-blending a sunny sky background.
All I needed to finish this card was a simple stamped sentiment and some Pink Translucent Enamel Dots. Those little raised dots are the absolute perfect embellishment for the cherry blossom tree.
For a completely different look, I think it would be beautiful to die-cut this Cover Plate from black cardstock and create a silhouette over an ink-blended sunset sky.
The other new die for the March release is the Bonsai Fancy Die. I die-cut the image from several different colors of cardstock and then pieced it back together. This is a great way to get a multi-colored image without having to get out any coloring mediums.
I also used the new Origami Paper Bold Prints background stamp to create a subtle tone-on-tone pattern on Peony cardstock. And behind the circle frame, I placed a piece of Woodgrain Vellum, which is a nice complementary texture next to the tree.
For a full walkthrough of this month's add-ons, check out the video below. It's also available to view on YouTube.
Did you know you can get the entire collection of add-ons in one bundle at a discounted price? Check it out here.
A reminder for all My Monthly Hero subscribers: You have the opportunity to add extra items, including but not limited to add-ons, to your kit shipments with no additional shipping charges. Simply log in to your Hero Arts store account and place your order by 11:59am PT on Thursday, March 7 to take advantage of this offer.
We appreciate you stopping by today. Happy stamping!
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Hello friends!! It’s Channin here and today I’m creating a fun easel card inspired by Japanese silk screen landscapes and featuring stamp and dies from the Classic and Premium March My Monthly Hero Kits.
Watch below or on the Hero Arts YouTube channel.
To create this card I first die cut an A2 panel of Dove White cardstock with the mountain-scape die from the Classic and Premium March My Monthly Hero Kits. I made sure to position the die in the upper half of the panel, so lowest point of the die did not go below 2 3/4” or the middle. After I die cut the panel I then stamped the detail layer for the mountains from the clear 6” x 8” stamp set (Classic & Premium) in Deep Ocean Core Ink (Classic & Premium). Next, I stamped the base layer for the mountains first in Mist and then inked just the mountain tops in Periwinkle (Classic & Premium) to create a gradation.
I then stamped the water, first in Periwinkle and then I inked up just the bottom of the water in Deep Ocean to also create a gradation. Next, I ink-blended the mountains in Mist and then ink-blended over the water in Periwinkle, Deep Ocean and Nautical. I then stamped the reflection of the sun in Cherry (Classic & Premium) and then the panel by stamping a boat and gate in Pitch Black.
Next, I scored the front of an A2 top-folding Dove White card base at 2 3/4” and made a valley fold. I then flipped the card base over so the 5 1/2” fold was at the bottom and then ink-blended over the back panel with Cotton Candy and Pink Grapefruit Core Inks to create a gradation. Next, I stamped the sun in Cherry and Cranberry inks and finished the panel by stamping a sentiment in Pitch Black.
I trimmed about 1/8” off the top of the back panel and then adhered mountain scene panel to the front 2 3/4” flap. Next, I adhered the back panel to the front of a second A2 top-folding Dove White card base. I then trimmed off the overhang from the front of the second card base to complete the card.
I hope you enjoyed my card. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Click on products shop:
]]>Experience the breathtaking beauty of misty mountains and tranquil waters with our March My Monthly Hero kit. Featuring a 6" x 8" clear stamp set, a generous number of coordinating dies, and a stunning patterned gate window die, this kit offers a glimpse into the wonders of nature and beyond. Rub-on transfers and 3 ink cubes complete this serene and elegant Classic kit.
This month's Classic Kit includes:
The Premium Kit includes additional elements to extend the potential for more cards and techniques – even MORE Creativity In The Box! In addition to all the Classic Kit components, the highlight of our expanded kit is a beautiful floral stamp set filled with everyday messages that you will repeatedly use, 10 coordinating dies, and our new Translucent Pinks Hero Hues Enamel Dots.
This month's Premium Kit includes:
Just want the Premium items? Get just the Premium Elements from the March My Monthly Hero! Supplies are limited.
Watch the video below for an overview of the kit options, as well as wonderful inspiration from our Creative Team. You can also view the video on YouTube.
Please refer to the FAQ section of the website for more information about the two options for kits, as well as subscriptions.
In addition to the My Monthly Hero Kits, each month we introduce a collection of products which coordinate with the main theme of the of the release. Find all these products in our website collection, or click the links in the thumbnails at the bottom of this post. Or even better, find a local shop that carries these add-on products by using our store locator.
Watch the following video for a walk-through of all these add-on products. It is also available to view on YouTube.
If you love all these fabulous products, you can Get Them All in a bundle at a discounted price, while supplies last.
A note to our subscribers: You have the opportunity to shop and add items this month without any additional shipping charges. Simply log in to your account and place your order by 11:59am PT on March 7th, in order to take advantage of this offer. Your kit may ship in a separate box than any other extras and add-ons, but no additional shipping costs will apply.
Pre-order your kit today! Kits will begin shipping Friday, March 8th and continue throughout the week.
Also new this month, more digital files for quick and easy fun! These products are strictly digital downloads - no physical product will be sent.
Now it's time for some kit inspiration! Our amazing Creative Team, as well as some crafty friends, are hopping today to help us introduce this release. Be sure to visit all their blogs and leave comments along the way. Every comment is an entry into our random drawing, and the more comments you leave, the more chances you will have to win! We will give away a $50 shopping spree, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, March 10th at 11:59pm PT. The winner will be announced on the Hero Blog the following week.
For a live overview of this month's release, join us on the Hero Arts Facebook or YouTube channels on Wednesday, March 6th at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Remember, once these kits sell out, they are GONE! So be sure to order your kit today!
Click on the products to shop:
]]>It's almost time to launch the March My Monthly Hero Premium and Classic kits – release is coming up today at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific! We hope you’ve enjoyed all of the ideas our team has shared for using the kits. As promised, we have one kit to give away to a lucky blog reader, selected from comments left on the Countdown to Creativity posts. We’ve randomly selected a comment from our Day 2 post.
Congratulations to Joanne Travis! "It’s impossible to pick a favorite, all of the makes are SO beautiful!"
Joanne, please contact us (info@heroarts.com) and we’ll get your kit out to you.
We’ll be back at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific for the launch – see you then!
]]>Hello friends! Welcome to the last day of our March My Monthly Hero countdown! If you missed the first two days of inspiration, we invite you to circle back and check it out here and here. There's just one more sleep until the kits and add-ons are revealed on Monday at 10am PT. Until then, feast your eyes this trio of beauties from our Creative Team! Looking for more details? You can visit the blog links provided below each designer's photo.
Project #7 created by Charlene Madrid (Classic)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
Project #8 created by Kailash Naidoo (Premium)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
Project #9 created by Rosie Lopez (Premium)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
And that's a wrap! Big thanks to our Creative Team for all of the gorgeous project inspiration and big thanks to YOU for stopping by and sharing your comments with us! We invite you to join us on Monday for a special blog hop featuring even more inspiration from the March My Monthly Hero release.
WIN A KIT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT: Just leave a comment on this (and every) Countdown to Creativity post. We’ll randomly draw one lucky winner from comments left across all countdown posts on the Hero Arts blog. The winner will be announced first thing Monday morning, March 4, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances to win. Good luck!
]]>Welcome back, friends! Day two of the March My Monthly Hero countdown brings another round of stunning cards from the Creative Team. They've showcased both the Premium and Classic versions of the kit so beautifully! Check out the goodness below and don't forget to drop a comment for another chance to win a kit before you can buy one on Monday at 10am PT!
Project #4 created by Natasha Vacca (Classic)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
Project #5 created by Rachel Kleinman (Premium)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
Project #6 created by Natasha Polite (Classic)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
We can't wait to see what YOU create with this kit! It lends itself to stunning scenes and the sentiments included will be useful for occasions all year round. Be sure to return tomorrow for even more peeks!
WIN A KIT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT: Just leave a comment on this (and every) Countdown to Creativity post. We’ll randomly draw one lucky winner from comments left across all countdown posts on the Hero Arts blog. The winner will be announced first thing Monday morning, March 4, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances to win. Good luck!
Happy weekend,
]]>Happy March! Let's get the countdown to the March My Monthly Hero release started, friends! What better way to head into the weekend than with fresh inspiration and peeks? The new March Classic and Premium kits, along with lots of wonderful add-ons, will launch on Monday, March 4 at 1pm Eastern/10 am Pacific. Don't miss a chance to win a kit before you can buy one – simply comment on this post and you're entered into the random drawing!
We hope you enjoy today's first four kit peeks from our Creative Team! For more details on their gorgeous cards, you can visit each of their blogs. Links are provided below the photos.
Project #1 created by Mindy Eggen (Premium)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
Project #2 created by Michelle Short (Classic)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
Project #3 created by Lydia Fiedler (Premium)
Click HERE to visit her blog for more details.
The inspiration and excitement doesn't stop here – keep an eye out this weekend to see more of the fabulous March MMH creations the team has in store for you!
WIN A KIT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT: Just leave a comment on this (and every) Countdown to Creativity post. We’ll randomly draw one lucky winner from comments left across all countdown posts on the Hero Arts blog. The winner will be announced first thing Monday morning, March 4, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances to win. Good luck!
Happy stamping,
]]>Our next LIVE Make-Along event is this weekend! Join Channin to make along with the February 2024 My Monthly Hero Kit. Gather your supplies and create a card with Channin from start to finish.
👉🏼 When: Sunday, March 3 at noon PT/3pm ET
👉🏼 Where: Hero Arts Facebook and YouTube
In addition to the February My Monthly Hero Kit, the following supplies will be used:
Supplies:
MH0224 My Monthly Hero Kit Classic February 2024
AF435 Intens-ified Black Ink
PS323 Pitch Black Cardstock
PS782 Deluxe Smooth White Cardstock
PS320 Sand Cardstock
AF419 Embossing & Watermark Ink
PW110 White Embossing Powder
PS400 Dove White Top Folded Cards
GW101 Precision Glue
NK350 Crystal Clear Lacquer Pen
Stamp Positioning Tool ex. MISTI
Die-Cutting Machine
Paper Trimmer/Craft Knife & Ruler
Anti-Static Powder
Heat Tool
Foam Adhesive
Copic Markers:
Instructions:
If you cannot join us for the live event, no problem! The video will be available to watch on replay on YouTube or Facebook whenever it is convenient for you.
We hope to see you there!
Click on products to shop:
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Happy Leap Year, crafty friends! Today we're sharing more crafty inspiration from our Global Team, using products from the February release. Check out both the kits and add-ons here if you haven't yet had a chance to do so!
Anna created this elegant clean and simple card using Cosmos and Lavender Bundle along with the Words of Peace Bold Prints stamp.
We hope our Global Team has inspired you on your creative journey this month! We look forward to sharing more of their creative work with you soon.
Thanks so much for visiting,
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Hi friends! Today we are here with an installment of our monthly series, CommUNITY, where we share artwork from artists who we'd love for you to get to know. CommUNITY is about embracing and honoring the creativity of individuals who are often underrepresented. By sharing art from diverse groups of creators, we hope not only to bring inspiration to this paper crafting community we all love so much, but to also support and empower individuals to ge their authentic selves as they create and share. Look for a new CommUNITY guest artist right here on the blog each month. Today, our talented guest is Rick Adkins.
Hi, everyone I am Rick and I have the honor of being with you for this month’s CommUNITY installment. I was super excited when Dana and Pam asked me to share with you this month. So, before we get into the projects, I need to introduce myself.
As I said my name is Rick Adkins and I live in North Alabama with my husband and five fur babies (4 cats and 1 dog). I have been crafting and creating art for as long as I can remember. I graduated college with a BFA in printmaking. I was actually the first in my family to graduate college. After and before graduating I had always done art shows and art fairs during the summer. During the summer of 2015 I was doing my normal art shows and decided that I needed to come up with a smaller priced item to sell during the shows. So, like many of you I had watched videos on YouTube about card making and started making cards. One of the first stamp sets that I purchased was actually from Hero Arts. So, that was the start of my card making obsession. People came weekly to the show to purchase my cards, as soon as I started making cards, I started making video tutorials on YouTube. And the rest as they say is history.
Now let’s get into my cards. I had so much fun playing with the products from the CommUNITY line I actually made three different designs using these products.
For my first card I stamped out the Encouragement Sentiment Strips stamp set onto some Luxe White Watercolor Paper in watermark ink and covered it with Hero Arts Clear Embossing Powder and heat set it. After that had dried, I stamped the Holding Together cling stamp over the clear heat embossed panel. I covered the clear ink this time with Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder and heat set it until it was smooth and melted. Once the panel had cooled, I took my Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors and created my skin tones for my panel. To create the different skin tones I used different combinations of the following Liquid Watercolors: Strawberry, Dandelion, Orange, Indigo, Moss, Mulled Wine, Purple, and a little Jungle Mist. I mixed each color with their complementary colors in various degrees to create each different skin tone. For a couple that weren't quite right I did mix in a little Azalea Ink. I started out by doing very light washes of color and dried each layer between until I got the desired intensity of color I was after.
Next after the panel had dried completely, I used my fussy cutting shears and cut around the outline of the hands and arms. Then I sat that to the side and stamped the Encouragement Sentiment Strips stamp set a few more times on various colors of cardstock. I did have to do a little ink blending on some Dove White cardstock to get the perfect shades to match my different skin tones. For the ink blending I used the Cool Brown Ink Cubes in different values to create the different tones. For the others I used Cup O’ Joe cardstock, Woodland cardstock, Sand cardstock and Pitch Black cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiments in Detail White Embossing Powder. I cut all the strips out with the Sentiment Strips Fancy Die. Once all the sentiments were cut out I lined them all up along the card front and glued them down. I then popped up the Holding Together embossed panel and added a sentiment. I finished the card off with a few Clear Hero Hues Enamel Dots.
For my next card since I had all the sentiment strips left from the last card, I decided to attach them to a card front of Dove White cardstock coming in from one side. I then cut off the excess strips from the left-hand side and added it to a top folding A2 card base made from Woodland cardstock. To add a little focal panel to the card I created an alcohol inked panel on a scrap of Classic Layering Vellum Cardstock and added a little gold leaf to the tacky parts of the drying alcohol ink. Once the panel was completely dried, I cut out the panel with Nesting Infinity Hearts Dies. I added a strip of plain cardstock behind the heart and a sentiment strip on the front that I cut down to fit. I then colored some of my Clear Hero Hues Enamel Dots with alcohol markers that matched the heart die cut and scattered them around the card front. I then added another piece of Dove White cardstock to the inside of the card base to finish it off.
For my last card I went super simple with it. I stamped out the Holding Together cling stamp once more onto a piece of Dove White cardstock in Intense Black ink. But instead of coloring the arms and hands, I decided to color the outside around them. I picked a couple different blue alcohol markers and colored around each section of the stamped image and blended a little here and there for interest.
I then cut the panel down to 3 ¾” x 5” and added it to a mat of Sand sardstock and to the extra Woodland cardstock card base I had left. Since I had sentiment strips left over from the first project (and just so you know I still have a ton left to use for a while) I added one to the bottom third of the card front. I finished the card off by adding a trio of the Clear Hero Hues Enamel Dots at the bottom of the card front.
Rick, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful projects and talent with us today!
Here is where you can find more of Rick's fresh cardmaking ideas and techniques:
Blog
Website
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Pinterest
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I started with a piece of Luxe White Watercolor Paper. I created an inky background on the paper using Hero Arts Reactive Inks. I used: Fruit Punch, Creamsicle, Lemon Drop, Key Lime Fizz, and Blue Raspberry. I place the ink onto my work surface, spritz the ink with water, then smoosh the paper into the ink. I dry the paper with my heat tool, then spritz the panel with water droplets and pick up color with with a paper towel. I repeat this process several times until I have the texture I am looking for. Once the panel was dry, I trimmed the panel using the Tag Infinity Dies. I also created a few smaller panels using Hero Arts Reactive Inks and Luxe White Watercolor Paper. These were made for the ticket ephemera bases.
Once my panels were completely dry, I started to work on my ticket ephemera using both Vintage Postmarks and Tickets and Vintage Map and Ledger. I stamped the tickets and the ledger using Hero Arts Core Inks. I used: Aquatic, Pumpkin, Caramel, and Cranberry. Once the tickets were all stamped, I trimmed the tickets using scissors and distressed the edges with my scissors as well. I then added ink to the edges to create a distressed look using Caramel and Espresso Core Inks. Next I created a panel using Hero Arts Two Tone Sprays in Ocean Blue and Gold, as well as Bright Yellow and Copper. I sprayed each color onto Arctic cardstock. I allowed the panel to dry and then die cut the butterfly two times using the Delicate Butterfly Fancy Die. I die cut the outline layer one time, then a second time with the detail die as well. On the detailed top layer I added Embossing and Watermark Ink and heat set with the new Iridescent Bronze Embossing Powder. I added Core Inks to the edges for added distressing in Caramel and Espresso. I then adhered the butterfly together using Precision Glue.
Next I started to work on my tag background. I had a piece of scrap from my Hero Arts Reactive Inks background and trimmed two small pieces for the bottom of my tag. On one layer I used the Hole Punch Edge Fancy Die for added visual interest. I also used a piece of scrap from my background to trim two olive branches using the Dove and Olive Branch Fancy Die. I added Embossing and Watermark Ink to the olive branches and heat set with the new Iridescent Bronze Embossing Powder. I added texture to the background using stamps from both sets Vintage Postmarks and Tickets and Vintage Map and Ledger. I stamped the images using Pitch Black ink. I also added texture using the Leaves and Abstract Shapes Stencil with Hero Arts Gold Paste. I used my palette knife to apply the gold paste to various sections of my tag background. I then adhered all the layers of ephemera, the butterfly and my sentiment from Encouragement Sentiment Strips using Precision Glue. I added twine and some cheesecloth under the butterfly for added texture, as well as Caramel and Espresso Core Inks to the edges of the tag. I finsished with splatters using White Glimmer Metallic Ink.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I can't wait to see your handmade ephemera too!
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Hello friends! The time has come to announce several giveaway winners from our recent 2024 Spring and Creative Essentials Catalog festivities! We appreciate all of the comments and enthusiasm surrounding the catalogs and we can't wait to see the projects you'll create with the new products. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and celebrate with us!
We've randomly selected four winners. The two sneak peek winners will each receive a $25 gift card to the Hero Arts online shop, and the blog hop winners will each receive a $50 gift card.
Day 1 Peeks
• Chelsea Uphouse: "I’m so excited for Ralph Tyndell’s launch! So exciting! Hero Arts is my favorite!"
Day 2 Peeks
• Morgan Vogt: "Ooh, that Marbling Stencil looks like fun!"
Blog Hop
• Toni Kwaiser: "I love these cards! They’re perfect! Thank you for the inspiration!!!" (Laura's blog)
• Debra Lovell: "I loved the way the water scene made me smile when I saw it! Gorgeous cards!" (Michelle's blog)
Congratulations to all! Winners, please contact us (info@heroarts.com) with the subject line "2024 Spring Winner" and we’ll get your prizes out to you. Enjoy!
Happy stamping,
]]>The key to the technique is dry embossing. You can do this with a stylus or a bone folder, but I've found a stylus works the best. You'll see why in the video.
After you've debossed your "tiles" you'll want to stamp over them to really show off the tile effect. I chose a botanical pattern from the new Texture Blocks set from the 2024 Spring Catalog. This set is perfect for this technique because all the stamps are perfect squares so they are a snap to align with the tiles, and you get so many fun patterns, you can make a lot of different looks. If you want to cover the whole space, just line the little blocks up next to each other. I chose a checkerboard pattern instead.
Wherever you stamp on top of the debossed lines, the "grout" will appear like magic.
The next part of the technique is ink blending each tile with a small ink blending brush, and in my case, the same color ink I stamped with - Indigo. To do this, you need to mask off the grout and then just lightly shade the edge of each tile.
Here's what it looks like as a kitchen backsplash, with the images from Eggcellent in the foreground. I colored a counter and cabinet with alcohol markers and using direct to paper with Caramel ink.
If you don't want to take the time to ink blend, it still looks like tile without it! This next example uses Cornflower ink, with images from the new Birthday Animals set and a sentiment from Appreciate You.
But you don't have to take my word for it - here's the video:
I hope you have a great week! Thanks for stopping by.
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For my card I used the new Wood Fence Fancy Dies and Butterfly Foliage Fancy Dies along with a sentiment from With Sympathy Hero Transfers.
To make the card start by cutting Mist cardstock to 4" x 5 1/4". Set aside. Cut the Wood Fence twice from Deluxe Smooth White cardstock. Stack the die cuts to create a sturdy fence.
Adhere the fence to the Mist panel and trim off the excess from the bottom and sides. Die cut the grass from Pesto cardstock. Align to the bottom of the panel. Trim off the excess.
Cut flowers and butterflies from Azalea, Adriatic and Mustard cardstock. Adhere to the panel. Apply the Hero Transfer sentiment, add also one of the white hearts.
Adhere the assembled panel to a Dove White Top Folded Card. You are finished!
Thank you so much for stopping by. Hope you have an amazing day!
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To create this card, I started with a piece of watercolor paper along with two colors of the Metallic Sprays: Blue + Shimmer Tone-on-Tone and Royal Purple + Gold Two-Tone. When you get these bottles, it's just the powder but all you do is add water and shake, shake, shake and you're ready to go! I went in with a few spritzes of each and then a few spritzes of water to move them around. Since I'm impatient, I went ahead and used a heat gun to dry this panel and you have a super fun background! I trimmed down a piece of Antique Ivory Cardstock to add to the bottom of my card panel.
Next, I stamped the images from the new Birthday Animals stamp set with Intens-ified Black ink and after coloring them with alcohol markers, I used the coordinating Birthday Animals die set to cut out the images with my Hero Arts Compact Cutter Machine. I did do some additional cutting because I thought it would be fun to have one of the ducklings lagging behind the group.
For my sentiments, I decided that I wanted to heat emboss using the Embossing & Watermark Clear Ink all of them from the Birthday Animals stamp set in Gold Embossing Powder to match the subtle bits of gold from the Royal Purple + Gold Two-Tone Metallic Spray used for my background panel.
These sprays are such a easy way to create a fun and colorful background with just a few spritzes!
I hope you enjoyed the card. Thank you for stopping by!
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To create this card, I started by stamping the musical notes image from the HA + RT Center Stage stamp set multiple times using a rainbow of ink colors to create a background. The inks that I used are Cotton Candy, Papaya, Lemon Yellow, Kiwi, Summer Sky, and Thistle. I die cut the panel using the Arches Infinity Dies. I cut a few more from white cardstock to adhere under the panel for dimension. Next, I cut a piece of black glitter cardstock to 4" x 5 1/4" and adhered it to a Dove White card base.
I stamped the singer image and the sentiment from the HA + RT Center Stage set on top of the rainbow background using Onyx Black pigment ink. I adhered that stamped piece onto the black glitter paper. I finished off my card with a few die cut stars that I covered with the Clear Lacquer Pen for some shine.
Here's a closer look...
I hope this has inspired you to create a background using a single image and stamping it repeatedly.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Happy crafting!
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(If you are having trouble viewing this video, please watch HERE on YouTube.)
I thought it would be fun to use this stencil on two different color card front panels to show you how just by changing up your base color, can give you a whole new look and feel to your card. The cardstock colors I'm using are Deluxe Smooth White and Sand.
The colors I'm using to blend my tulips are the same for both cards. I'm using Cherry, Raspberry Jam, Paradise and Bermuda inks. I apply the ink with both large and small blending brushes.
To give the background more interest, I'm adding splatters of Iridescent Shimmer Spray and Gold Glimmer Metallic Ink.
I completed the card with a large, bold sentiment from the new Smile Friend Stamp & Cut XL set. The smaller sentiments that I added underneath are from the I Appreciate You stamp set.
One of the sentiments is stamped in Unicorn Pigment ink onto Pitch Black cardstock and embossed with white embossing powder and the other is stamped in Pitch Black ink on Deluxe Smooth White cardstock. I trimmed out both of the sentiments with the die from the Message Strips.
Some additional supplies I found helpful were the Storage Pockets, Precision Glue, and Reverse Tweezers.
I hope you enjoyed today's inspiration! Be sure to check out the video for a complete how-to on completing these cards.
Thanks for stopping by!
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That's right, this beautiful die, valued at $19.99, can be yours at no extra charge. But hurry – this 24-hour deal is only valid today (Friday, February 16) until 11:59pm PT. No code is required. The free items will be automatically added to your cart.
This intricate die covers a card front perfectly, with two birds mid-conversation, and large blossoms in full bloom. Take a look at some gorgeous project inspiration below!
Click here to shop now and don't miss our two new releases: 2024 Spring Catalog and February My Monthly Hero.
Thank you for celebrating the new catalog release with us. We appreciate you!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
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