Monday, January 9, 2012

Hero Arts Hostess Blog Hop!

Hello there, and welcome to my blog!


Today is the start of an exciting week of hopping with the Hero Arts hostesses! Each of us will be sharing projects using brand new 2012 Hero Arts stamps, and I am so thrilled to be a part of it all!

Hero Arts will be awarding prizes from randomly drawn comments! For a chance to win, simply comment on ANY of the stops along the hop, on ANY day, including each day’s starting post at the Hero Club Blog. The more comments you leave, the better your chance of winning!

If you're hopping in the correct order, you should have arrived here from the blog of the fabulously talented Donna Mikasa. Isn't she awesome?! If you come across a broken link, you'll find a master list of the hop links at the Hero Club Blog. Also, please report any broken links to Tami.

I was very eager to start playing with the new, 2012, Hero Arts stamps! There are so many wonderful ones to choose from this year! I wanted to start out with a simple card for those of you who may be new to stamping, or may have just recently discovered Hero Arts stamps. They're a wonderful company, and they make stamping easy and fun! If you'd like a link to any of the stamps I've used today, just click on their highlighted name(s).

Here's my first card, using the beautiful, new Frame with Scrolls woodblock stamp.


The script stamped in the background is called, Old Letter Writing. The sentiment is from a lovely, new clear set called, Speedy Recovery. It's a set with three pretty, little frames and four different sentiments. I added a layered flower with some twine bows - very simple.

Then I wanted to try something a bit different using the Frame with Scrolls, so I stamped it and cut around it.


I attached it to the background panel, which is stamped and white embossed with the fabulous, new True Friends Background stamp. I added the colors with Distress Stains, then spritzed the whole panel with a mix of Perfect Pearls and water. So shimmery! The sentiment is from another new set called, Say it All. There are lots of wonderful sentiments in this set!

For my next card, I wanted to use the colors for the Hero Arts January contest.

I first stamped the fun, new Dot Flower Pattern with StazOn Metallic Silver Ink. This background stamp is really cool because it's just a bit smaller than a usual background stamp, so it leaves a wonderful "frame" around the image. I then took one of the hearts from the adorable, new XO clear set, stamped it several times with different pink and red inks, cut them all out and adhered them to the background image with dimensional adhesives. The sentiment is from the XO set too - such fun!

Continuing with similar colors and the same stamps, I created this next card. (Hero Arts stamps are so versatile!)


I used the same Dot Flower Pattern for my background, but this time I white embossed it. I added some fun patterned paper, a pretty, pink ribbon, and another one of the hearts from the XO set. All the tiny x's and o's on the long strip also come in the set! Love it!


Moving away from Valentine's Day, I wanted to make sure to show you my favorite stamp from the 2012 collection so far. It's called, Large Flower Background, and it really is a beautiful stamp!


I used some Kraft colored card stock and white embossed this pretty stamp. Then I colored in the flowers and leaves with markers, added some twine, a pearl and the little tag, with a sentiment from a clear set called, Thinking of You.

Sorry for the long post, but once I started playing with the new stamps, I just couldn't stop! I know you'll love all of them as much as I do!

Thanks for stopping here along the way! Now it's time to hop over to Kelly Booth's blog, where you'll find wonderful creativity! You just have to see what she's sharing today! Have fun! :)

439 comments:

1 – 200 of 439   Newer›   Newest»
Kelly Booth said...

LOVE your Cards Barb....All of them are so Very Pretty!!! xoxoxo!

Suzanne C said...

Wowzer look at all the beautiful cards! I love the soft distressing on the first card. The second card blends the blues so beautifully! The hearts are adorable on the cards!

Unknown said...

I would definitely say you found that mojo you thought you'd lost! Just beautiful, Barb!

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful cards Barb!! Lovely to see the scroll frame in action!

Anonymous said...

So fun to see you in the blog hop Barb!! You made beautiful cards. The hugs and kisses is my favorite!

Lynn said...

Oh my goodness! You are so talented Barb! I love the way you highlighted the versatility of all these gorgeous HA stamps! My favorite is the hugs and kisses one!

Kathy (krolski) said...

Barb! These are all so pretty! Wow, thanks for all the inspiration!

Sarah J Moerman said...

Wonderful cards, Barb! LOVE patterned you created with the hearts against the Dot Flower Pattern background and your Large Flower Background card really speaks to me too. Gorgeous colours!

Jennie said...

Stunning set of cards...the Large Flower Background design is amazing!! Love the pop of color!

Lin said...

I so enjoyed seeing what you've been doing with these new stamps, my friend! Lots of inspiration for us!

Bunnyfreak said...

Great cards, especially love the last one.

Agnes Tan said...

Wah Barb!! You r great!! Love your cards!! U've inspired me!!

Miriam Prantner said...

Beautiful cards! I love the background on the second card, but my absolute favorite is that last card, it is BEAUTIFUL!

Carrie said...

Love the Valentine's cards, beautiful!

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

What an amazing collection of cards. I know the feeling of a creating frenzy when one gets such wonderful new stamps! You've won me over with that large flower background stamp . . . love your colours.

stlbarb said...

The first card is so pretty and soft and I love the technique you used on the Happy Birthday.

Sue said...

Love the old letter writing stamp. Great cards!

Robin K. said...

Love the variety of styles you showed us today my friend!! I especially adore the second and fourth ones!!!! I'd say your mojo is back in full force!! Hugs, Robin :)

Scrapmaven said...

Nice backgrounds--love the colors

Sue-M said...

You have such beautifully designed cards. I love that True Friends background stamp.

KYCrafter said...

I'm loving the Large Flower background stamp!

Sue McRae said...

So many fantastic cards Barb, you are definitely on a creative roll!

Judy1223 said...

Barb, you HAVE been busy with your new stamps! I love it! Each card is so pretty and unique...I love that you can do that! I think my favoroite is the last...what a beautiful background stamp and you are ROCKING it!

Ally said...

Sweet cards!

Shelley said...

wonderful as always!

cheiron said...

Wow Barb. Each creation is more stunning than the next. All so different, and so pretty!

stampingandstitching said...

Wow Barb, what fab and inspiring cards! Looks like you've had lots of fun getting inky and I LOVE what you've created!

Bianca van Noort said...

Wow Barb, great Cards, love the large flower background. Those colors hmmmmm, love it......

liberal sprinkles said...

Lovely cards, such different styles!

Dwita said...

Oh, they are definitely gorgeous, Barb...

Jamie said...

Very Pretty cards:)

Deb Walker Deb Stamps Life, LLC said...

What a lovely display of work with the new stamps Barb! I can't wait to get my hands on that floral background! Love what you're doing with it!

bethann said...

pretty pretty pretty. love those stamps

Gilda said...

Lovely cards especially the last one with the Large Flower Background stamp.

Mary said...

Such nice cards and I especially like the soft colors of the first and last cards.

Maureen Morton said...

Wow - you have been busy! And super-creative! These are all precious gems, Barb! Can't believe the amazing colors and designs. I am partial to the hugs & kisses one - those hearts are so sweet on that great background. Lots of cutting, tho! You are so amazing! xox

scrappingtwins said...

you make a lot of nice cards. we loved the blue one.

Janet L. said...

Yowza, yowza, what a beautiful batch of cards! The background stamps are certainly calling my name!

donna mikasa said...

Oh, Barb...your cards are wonderful! I see so many stamps that I *need* to have--thanks for enabling! Love them all!!

judy said...

Lovely cards, Barb! I had my eye
on the scroll frame--thanks for
showing it off.

walchowDesign said...

Fabulous cards, Barb! Love the coloring of the Frame with Scrolls.

Virginia L. said...

Aren't you in the creative overdrive with the new stamps!! WOW!! 5 gorgeous cards in one post! I love the varieties that you showcase today! Way to rock the blog hop, Barb!

craftimamma said...

Oh my these are all gorgeous! My own personal favourites are the first and the last one. The background stamp on the last one looks like an expensive wall covering. Fabulous!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Leslie Kiley said...

Your cards are amazing! The colors are so vibrant and stunning! Thanks for sharing

Pammejo said...

Beautiful cards, TFS and love and hope to win some of the new Hero Arts stamps. pammejo1@yahoo.com

Tina said...

Barb, what a gorgeous pile of cards. Love them all.

Thalia said...

I enjoyed each of your cards, so many great ideas!!

stamping sue said...

Wonderful cards. pretty colors and elegant cards.
stamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

cutiephinphin said...

Wow at the set of cards you made.... I have a couple of the background stamps you used. Thanks for the inspiration.

Anita Rex said...

Wow Barb I love all your cards! You created so many works of art! :> I love what you did with the scroll frame both different looks! :> Your Valentines are so sweet! And I love what you did with the large flower background looks so good on kraft!

Kim said...

I love the cards!! I know what you mean. With some of my stamps once I get started I don't want to stop. :-)

bethann said...

so cool. love em, each so different but really pretty

Cindy said...

Lovely cards especially the Birthday background colors!

Deb said...

Your cards are beautiful. I think I may use your recipe for the Birthday card and the valentine card. :)

Diana said...

Love your cards, they are gorgeous, but the one that really caught my eye was the Thinking of You card. I was amazed how beautiful it turned out using kraft cardstock. I don't usually think of using markers on kraft cardstock.

sandysewin said...

Love all your cards! Great use of the background stamps. :-)

Anonymous said...

Barb, these are all wonderful! Such different looks from the scroll stamp; both so pretty. I LOVE your final card...I bought that stamp and can't wait to ink it up.

Melinda A said...

I love how you let the background stamp be the focal of your thinking of you card. You did an excellent job coloring it. So elegant!
I also really like how you show the Dot Flower stamp in two different ways. It is really versatile.
Great Job!!

CinnamonSally said...

Wow Barb you have really made some stunning cards. Love how you have used the large flower background, I think that is definately my new favourite stamp!!

Susan said...

Have to agree ... large flowers is my favorite so far!

Eve said...

wow, they are all beautiful!! I luv the hugs & kisses the most. Luv all those little hearts on the card! :-)

Beastybunny said...

Wow. All the cards are fabulous! Love the colors and layouts. And the Hero Arts stamps of course :p

Pat said...

Love your cards--especially the last one! It looks so elegant and delicate!

PlumTuckered's Paper Plays said...

Your cards are so pretty! That True Friends card is to die for..I need to make one like that for my best friend!

MarcyK924 said...

Holy Moly Barb - these are ALL amazing! I wish I could use ink the way you do (oh queen!!)just like you talk about my paper layering! I HAVE to try that technique on the flower background. I have it and I'm SKEERED to use it, LOL!!! I would love wallpaper in that pattern - the exact colors you used here!! XO

LauraJane:) said...

FABULOUS cards!

Dorel said...

Beautiful cards, especially the last one - soft and sweet.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards, Barb! Great to see you as a hostess! I especially like the blue card with the curly frame.

Kelly Rasmussen said...

beautiful cards!

Grá O'Neill said...

Love the cards. The stamps are so versatile its great to see them used in different ways :)

Ellie said...

Love what you did with the background stamp!! Amazing!!

Dana D. said...

Your cards are terrific. Love the colors you used.

Raven said...

Very pretty cards, thanks for sharing.

SherylH said...

Five (!) wonderful cards but particularly love the last one with the floral background on kraft card.

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Barb, these cards are beautiful!!

Betsy Wuebker said...

Love the one with the stripes!

maryse n. said...

Great cards today Barb! My fav. is the 3rd card, I love the silver with the pink and red

Danielle said...

Great cards, my favorite is the last one!

KalySto said...

So many lovely cards! Thank you for the inspiration!

Sue D said...

All your cards are wonderful!!

Carol said...

Okay, found many more stamps for my wish list. Love "Frames with Scrolls". Looks very pretty and I like to make simple cards. Wonderful job playing with your new stamps. Thanks.

Laura.K said...

nice. so beautiful coloring on those beautiful flowers.

RedGem said...

These are beautiful cards! I love the soft distressing on the first card and all the coloring. Tku for sharing.

Barbara said...

I can understand why you couldn't stop playing with the Hero Arts stamps...they are awesome and your cards are, too!

PaperSunshine said...

I just love how the last one looks! The subtle colors are just beautiful.

Mariëtte said...

Oh Barb what a beautiful bunch of cards you've created. They are fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration!

Cindy C. said...

I really enjoyed your long post Barb! Very very pretty cards, and I espeically like the last one done the the Large Flower Background stamp. Love that palette.

Dorothy C. said...

Liked all your cards especially the last one - quite stunning! Will definitely have to get that stamp.

Unknown said...

Lovely work!. Thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

Yep, True Friends is on my list along with Large Flower background now!! Beautiful cards, Barb!

Lisa Carroll said...

Barb, your cards are BEAUTIFUL! I'm with Deborah.. you definitely got your mojo back, and then some! That large floral background card.. wowsers!

Lynne said...

Beautiful cards...so inspiring

Sandy M said...

Great cards!

Nancy K said...

Oh wow, Barb...you certainly had full use of your fabulous creative mojo! These cards are all so amazingly beautiful, and of course, now I want (need) all of those stamps too!

Linda Kunsman said...

really lovely variety of cards!!

Deirdre said...

Barb - these are stunners. Love them all. Thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

All of these cards are beautiful to look at but, the Thinking of You card is so gorgeous. The colors are so vibrant. Kudos!

Marilyn said...

All of your cards are so lovely, Barb! I'm lovin all of this great eye-candy this morning!

brenda said...

Your cards are all so fantastic, thanks for sharing them!

Melissa said...

I honestly can not pick wish one I like the best!!! I love the background stamp!!!! I will have to try doing a back ground with the metallic ink!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

marking said...

My favorite is the large flower background.

pooky said...

Awsome!! Have to get my hands on that flower stamp for sure!

Diana N. said...

Your blog is not too long. It's the perfect showcase for Hero Arts new stamps! I admire the skill and talent you use for each card.

GrammySue's Creations said...

Hi Barb,

All of your cards are gorgeous--your first card is my favorite--love the soft colors. Hugs to you.

Daša said...

Barb I love the first one..it's so soft and gentle...beautiful colors and sentiment!!!

Cindy said...

I love your style!

Trinh said...

Wow, you are on a roll, Barb! These are all fantastic but my fave is that last one. Stunning!

StacyC said...

Gorgeous cards, my fave is the birthday card...

Karen K. said...

Don't be sorry for the long post. We appreciate all the fab inspiration you have us :) Just love the large flower background stamp.

conil said...

Boy, are your cards not only beautiful but versatile. Really like your backgrounds. I'm just a little envious of your gift.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty cards.

RenegadeMama said...

WOW! i love ur frame with scrolling card, the colors are so gentle and fragile. And i sure would love to receive a thinking of you card that looks like yours, Excellent. Am marking u down as a fav!
gail w gwallenm at wildblue dot net

Anonymous said...

Loving that last card! TFS!

Suz said...

Really like the last card. Beautifully colored. Thanks,

Sherry N. said...

Love the cards!!

Anonymous said...

your cards are beautiful as usual!!! great job!

Annette Allen said...

wow your cards are all so amazing..love your amazing coloring and beautiful designs..thanks for sharing.

Lynn said...

I'm glad you couldn't stop! A bunch of great ideas.

Trudi said...

Cute cards! I love that frame with scrolls stamp, I think it's going to have to go on my list.

funkycrafter said...

wow. all so different and yet all so pretty.

Tania A said...

Just wanted to stop by and leave a comment for dearest sweetest Barb! Love all your cards, the last one on the kraft cardstock is my favourite! So very elegant. keep smiling!

Teresa W. said...

Wow!!! What a fest of cards, Barb. Beautiful, beautiful projects. Love the flower dots background. Thanks for sharing.

Katarina said...

Beautiful cards, Barb. I really like the large flower bg one, great colouring.

Nadia said...

Great cards. I like the large flower stamp and the way you have colored it. Thanks for sharing!

Sonia W. said...

I just love your card using the Large Flower Stamp - what gorgeous coloring!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Great cards, Barb - I love your Valentines and the different ways you used the Frame with Scrolls! Thanks for the inspiration, my friend!

VicR said...

Ooh, how did I miss the New 'frame w/ scrolls' stamp -- love what you did with it.

Aida said...

Hop Hop Hop>>>>great job on all your cards!

Chunyuan said...

all your cards are gorgeous. especially love the hugs and kisses card.

Dixie Cochran said...

What a terrific collection of cards! Something for everyone!

Shari Carroll said...

LOVE.LOVE.LOVE!!!!

Rosemary said...

a lovely set of cards, barb!

Pam W Merwin said...

My favorite is the Large Flower Background - how beautiful - love your colors on it! Think I am putting it on my list :)

jaclee said...

absolutely love these cards. I have a special fondness for background stamps and these are just amazing. I've been looking for one with script and now I've found one (Old Letter Writing). thank you.

valeriemolinier said...

I LOVE all your cards, so beautiful !!!

Unknown said...

Wonderful group of cards Barb, think they are all GREAT, loving the new stamps and your use of them as usual is Grand, especially love that Birthday card, the colors are so Deep and rich looking, Wonderful job.
Thanks for sharing,
Hugs
Donna

Unknown said...

you have so many styles! I especially love the blue card.
Thank you for the inspiration
Holly

Kathy Rosecrans said...

Love that scroll frame! i hadn't even noticed it in the catty......but now i have to go look. I also really like how you used the new flower dot background stamp! When i got mine, the first thing i did was trim it!!! UGHHHHH

Agata said...

I totally understand that you couldn't stop to play!!! And what a play! You've created a lovely, wonderful set of cards! Great job, Barb!

Efrat said...

All the cards are beautiful, but the large flower background card is just amazing. I love how you colored the flowers on the kraft paper, I have to try it some time - love it.

Shannon said...

Loving the kraft paper with white embossing. Heading to my desk to try it. Thanks for posting.

Denise Poshard said...

Such a great variety! So sweet of you to give us so many lovely ideas!

Robin said...

Your cards are beautiful. I love all the ways you used background stamps!!

Debbie said...

Love your cards, great inspiration.

Karen said...

Lovely cards, especially love the blues on the second one!

pcm said...

very pretty cards. Love that last one the best though!

Theresa said...

Love your cards, Barb! I especially like that Frame with Scrolls stamp...need to put it on my wish list! I also love the coloring on the kraft cardstock with the white embossing. Very pretty!

Becs Attwood said...

Wow - so many gorgeous cards, you have been a busy girl! Thanks for sharing.

Small T said...

I love your cards! They are fabulous! My favorite is the Hugs & Kisses one! :-) xx

Tiffany Ervin said...

Wow, Barb! You totally rocked all of these stamps, what a wonderful showcase and brilliant use of colors on each project! I can tell you had fun creating these!

Betty said...

love all the card you made, barb - but the first and last are my favorites - love the vintage feel and the soft colors.

Chark said...

Each card is prettier than the last--I love the flower stamp now too!

Cardcrafter said...

Very pretty work, Barb! (or should I say very pretty fun!) I love, love the ideas in your cards! Thank you! I especially like the card with the cute mini hearts.

Therese Franziska said...

very inspiring cards..your creativity amazes me!!It was fun stopping at your place ;-)
Hugs, Franziska

Lindsey said...

What a diverse and awesome set of cards, love them! Beautiful colouring on that last one.

Marina said...

Loved Thinking of You card with Large Flower background stamp. The colors are amazing!

Nancy said...

So many gorgeous examples, Barb! Love them all!

Leni said...

Thank you for all the idea's. The scrol frame is so sweet! And the colors of the last card are gorgeous!

Linda said...

outstanding cards Barb! I love all four of them! You have so much fun with Large Flower bg!

maryb said...

beautiful cards! thanks for all the inspiration !

Kim Faucher said...

Love how you used the frame with scrolls on two different ways/cards.. very fun!

SannaS said...

fabulous cards!! =)
hugs, SannaS

Brenda & Ian said...

Every card is lovely. Clean & Simple is difficult. Yours is another new blog I have been introduced to. I will be back.

Maple Ridge, BC

Ruby Craft said...

Beautiful cards!

Cathy A said...

Wow Barb, your inspiration has come back in bucket loads, love all your creations!

Laurie's Sunny Studio said...

You made some terrific cards! Thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

great cards

Karina Beck said...

Wow, your cards are so beautiful, Barb. TFS!

Sonia said...

Hugs & Kisses is so pretty! Love all your cards, butt hat truly is my favorite!

Lisa I said...

I can't even choose a favorite! The great thing is I don't have to, I can love them all :) and I do!

DNAMIchaud said...

Stunning cards!! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Great ideas!

Tricia said...

Beautiful cards, Barb! Love the Old Letter Writing stamp!

MLiss3 said...

Great cards. Hard to choose a favorite, but I do love all the hearts!

Travelling Colours said...

The scroll stamp cards are delightful and I just ordered the Large Flower Background - i Love what you did with it and can't wait to have a go myself! YOur cards are so clean and fresh!

auntiemaryann said...

you did such a beautiful job on the large flower background stamp. simply stunning!

Laurel Beard said...

What amazing cards! Every one of them are gorgeous!

CarlavdM said...

The large flower backgouns is one of my favorites to. Like your card very mcuh, looks a bit like Batik-print.

Robyn said...

Each of these cards are so pretty -- I especially loved the first XO card -- love the silver background and little hearts. Wonderful job!

Trish said...

Pretty cards, specially Think of you, I love the work you did with the embossing and the markers

Cathy said...

Love the large flower background stamp! So elegant!

Kathleen said...

I think all your cards are very special.

LoveSnailMail said...

Lovely and doable now that you have inspired me!

Karen said...

Oh my goodness Barb...you've really outdone yourself!! These are all gorgeous but I'm with you that large flower pattern one is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!! So glad you're here on day one. What a treat!!! Hugs!!!!

Pam from Maine said...

I don't think any of us would complain about a long post of wonderful card ideas. Thank you.

Renee M said...

Wow, you were very busy making all these pretty cards :)

Dayna said...

Love these cards. That scroll stamp is awesome.

Stephanie Y. said...

Beautiful cards! They are all so elegant and pretty

Marissa said...

I love the background with the Metallic Staz-On. I bought mine, but for some reason haven't used it yet. I might just have to get it out tonight! :)

ajax said...

These cards are so beautiful. Too beautiful to be called cards, they are creations. I especially like the "hugs and kisses". Thanks

Ger said...

All beautiful, but that last card is achingly pretty! Ger x.

Rita Kegg said...

Beautiful projects .... I love the last card the best. Thanks for sharing!

Cristal Fab said...

Love the doily background stamp. I'm loving ALL the background stamps!!!

Playing with Paper said...

Wonderful cards!! I love the birthday card!

Dee in N.H. said...

Oh my!!! Your cards are awesome and now I need all those stamps!!

Terri (blindstamper) said...

Such wonderful variety! Love the distress stains background and the large flower background on the kraft!

gberry14 said...

Love all your one of a kind card beauties here but especially the True friends and the hugs and kisses! So pretty-thanks for sharing!-Leesa berry

mtscrapgal said...

Thanks for showing us LOTS of the new stamps from the catalog. I liked the variety of techniques too.

Marla said...

Love all your cards and how wonderfully you used the background stamps. My favorite one is the flowered background!!thanks for sharing!!

Alice Carman said...

Great coloring techniques!

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 439   Newer› Newest»