My Hero (Arts)

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

Hero Arts, in my native San Francisco Bay Area, is the first official stamp company that I used as a source of stamps and inspiration. I started stamping in the late 1960's when there were really not many main-stream stamp companies, so I used old office and business stamps in creative ways for my cards.

But, then I found Hero Arts and I was delighted. I  have such a wonderful history with this fine company. Not only is it creative, it is environmentally friendly and their products are made in America. I'm currently crazy about all the layering stamps sets - I think I own them all.

I have purchased, traded, borrowed and bought so many Hero Arts products over the years. Even though I periodically go through my stamps to purge and update (especially wood-mounted stamps for storage issues and because I'm a MISTI user) there are some Hero Arts stamps that I will keep forever. And, even though I am not really a "flower person", this (Sillhouette Flower CG105, cling) is one of those stamps. I like it because it is so versatile - there are many techniques that work well with it. In addition, it can be used for many different occasions. I added some Nuvo Drops to the centers of the flowers. Simple, yet unique.

I plan to enter this into the "A Blog Named Hero" current challenge, which is "Use your favorite Hero Arts product". That is a tough one, as there have been so many over the years.

Thanks to Hero Arts and thanks to your for the visit,

Eye of the Tiger

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

As you know, I am a big fan of the Hero Arts Layering stamp sets. I will admit that some are easier to layer than others - some of the designs are a real challenge!

We have a dear friend who is crazy for tigers, so I had to get this set and use it for a card from him and a couple other fierce friends (ha!). I'm happy to say that this wasn't too tricky to align and I love the results. Haven't had a sunny day for photos, so these colors are not as brilliant as they are on the actual card.

The background is the "Flamingo Foliage" Kite Stencil with Nuvo Mousse and Wendi Vechi Embossing Paste. I'm trying several different products with my beloved stencils. I added some Nuvo Drops as embellishment.

Hope you are having a great week. Thanks for the visit,

TuTu To You!

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

In a recent blog post (check it out!), my talented pal Nancy (who I met in card-making classes) reminded me of a really fun "Tutu Toad" stamp by Stampendous. I had to dig her out and color her up. Even though I'm working to eliminate wood-mounted stamps, there are some that are just too special!

This stamp makes me giggle and I'm so glad to see her again. I took a fun twist with her and put her together with some amazing patterned paper and an adorable sentiment from Reverse Confetti ("Shine from Within") for this inspirational and super-shiny card. I just want to dance with her!

Other supplies used: Stitched rectangle dies, Nuvo Drops, Stickles, Black Pearl Pen, Copic pens.

I haven't played in a Retro Rubber Challenge in some time. The challenge is "Anything Goes" and since this stamp is from 2012, she qualifies!

Thanks for the visit and thanks to Nancy for the inspiration!

Graduation!

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

At church this week we heard from 5 of the most amazing young people. They are all graduating seniors, college-bound. They conducted the church service and shared with us their journeys, their relationships with God and each other, and their love and appreciation for all who have helped them along in life. It was most inspiring - what outstanding kids (so much better than I was at that age!).

I was moved to make them each a card - we enclosed a note expressing our pride and encouragement.

For the background I used a Teresa Collins stencil blended with Distress Inks (Peacock Feathers, Twisted Citron and Pickled Raspberry). Rather than a standard "congratulations" sentiment, I selected a lovely Maya Angelou saying from Reverse Confetti's "Shine from Within" set and heat embossed it. I love that set - it has such wonderful sayings and the artsy fonts are such fun!  I used a very old (but well-loved) Hero Arts set (CL336) for the diploma and the inside graphics and embellished it all with Nuvo Drops and a touch of Stickles.

Thank goodness for my MISTI!

It warms my heart that there are great kids like this - it is our hope for the future.

Thanks for the visit,