Friday, July 26, 2013

It's a Hero Hostess Summer Picnic!

Welcome to the very last stop on the Hero Arts Hostess, Summer Picnic Blog Hop! I have a giveaway for you at the end of the post, so make sure you take a look! :)



I'm so excited to be a part of another hop with my hostess sisters! It's always fun when we all get together! A big thank you to Hero Arts for making it all possible! 

You should have arrived here from my sweet and talented friend, Kathy Wade and her blog, Wading in Creativity - didn't ya just LOVE her darling card?!
 

I'm sure you've heard by now that 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!
 

You'll find a master list of the hop links at the Hero Arts Club Blog. Also, please report broken links to: blog@heroarts.com.

When the hostesses decided on a summer theme, I had a gazillion different ideas and just could NOT decide which one to use. So I started thinking about different memories I have from summers past. I finally decided to make a card based on one of my favorite summer memories. When my two boys were little, they loved playing with water balloons. They had such fun tossing and splatting them at anything they could throw them at, including each other! So, by using bright, summer colors, and some fun Hero Arts products, I've created a funky, artsy kind of card, with lots of "water splats."




I first stamped the small paint splatter from the Hero Arts Brushstrokes set using lots of bright Distress Paints directly on the stamp. I then took a circle stamp from their Notebook Essentials clear set, and using the Pearl Paint Dabber from Ranger, I stamped it around a few of the splatters. I decided it would be fun to use one of the new Hero Arts Stencils too. That's how I created the tiny, white, embossed dots on each of the splats - so fun! :) The stencil I used is called, Borders.

The die-cut letters are also from Hero Arts. . . the Alphabet Uppercase die set. I cut them from white cardstock and colored them with a couple different Copic markers to get a darker blue.

Here's a close-up so you can see those embossed, white dots and pearly, white circles.




I've got a refreshing, summer recipe for you too! It's a very easy one to throw together. I love growing veggies in my garden every summer, so we make this yummy tomato salad often.


Easy, Fresh, Tomato Salad
 

Serves 10

10     tomatoes
2       green peppers
1/2    onion
3       Tbs fresh chives
2       tsp cooking oil or sunflower oil
1       tsp lemon juice
         Sugar, salt, pepper (to taste)
 

Slice tomatoes, green peppers and onion into small sections.
Add chives, oil, and lemon juice. Mix together well.
Add sugar (to taste.) Add salt and pepper (to taste.) Enjoy!


***Giveaway is now closed*** 
I also have a giveaway for you! Please leave a comment on this post by midnight, Sunday July 28 (CDT) and I will randomly choose one winner to receive these goodies!
  
Hero Arts, Birds on a Wire Stamp & Cut set, 2 Hero Arts, Pearls and Gems packs, Hero Arts, Stamp Your Story, My Favorite cling set and Bo Bunny's Key Lime Collection 6x6 paper pad.

If you've missed any of the stops along the way, please head over to the Hero Arts blog to find all the days and links of the hop.

Thank you so much for hopping along with Hero Arts and the hostesses all week long! We've really enjoyed sharing our cards and recipes with all of you! :)



169 comments:

Lin said...

A water balloon fight - PERFECT memory and I love how you translated it into your card - well done, Sista! Tomatoes are such a huge part of summer - so your recipe will be used often, I know! Great way to wind up our picnic, my friend; I'm sad to see it ending....

rcwidow (Linda) said...

Love your fun card! Hope you are having a great summer.

stampingandstitching said...

Barb, I LOVE your fun and colourful card and I loved hearing about the inspiration behind it - fun times I'm sure! Brilliant mix of images and stenciling and I love the bold colours against the white! I'm mad about tomatoes, so I can't wait to try your yummy recipe - thanks for sharing! So sad to see the blog hop come to a close but it has been so much fun!

marking said...

What a fun, colorful card. I love it.

Tracey said...

WOW!! What a fun card!! I love it!!

Ava said...

Barb, such a bright and fun card! I love those splatters! It was so interesting to hear your struggles on the design. I love your tomato salad receipe, too!

Anonymous said...

Awesome card Barb! Love those happy colors!

Gunilla/Nilla said...

this is such a fun and happy card....LOVE IT!!

cm said...

What a fun card to capture those summer water-splash memories! Bright, cheerful and definitely eye-catching! Splats of colour = smile-making! Tomatoes...I love, love and love tomatoes so guaranteed this recipe is on the menu! Thanks for sharing treats for the eyes, treats for the palette!!
c

Scrapthat said...

Very cool...love all the colors, TFS

Kathy (krolski) said...

I love the memories for your card! The colors are wonderful - such fun Barb! Your recipe sounds great too. I need try this. It's been fun hopping with you. :)

SD pooja said...

Fabulous card ..loved the artistic effect those paint splatter n circles create !

Rosemary said...

what a clever and so very fun card, barb!! love the bright colors and the fun addition of the white dots and the circles around some of the paint splatters. the salad sounds yummy, too!

Barb said...

I love the splashes of color on the card- great job!

Kath Stewart said...

love your fun and colourful card Barb...reminds me of the song "Splish Splash I'm having a bath...hugs kath xxx

joy said...

Barb, you have taken me back to the days when my kids were little! They LOVED to have water balloon fights and there was a lot of screams of laughter when someone got a good douse from one!

I love your cute card - very creative and so much fun! Thanks for the great recipe, too - just in time for tomato season!!

Miriam Prantner said...

This card is so fun! I love splatters with the embossing over top. Wonderful!

Jackie - aka funhockeymom25 said...

oh my goodness... what an awesome card!! love the splatters!!! definitely lifting this one!

Auror Willow said...

I love funky and artsy cards! :)

Chark said...

Barb, you're so cool--what a great effect on the card and fun prize you picked!

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

LOVE your colourful summer splashes Barb. And what a marvelous giveaway.

adele holcomb said...

I absolutely love this bright and fun "balloon splat" card! The way you used the circle stamp to subtly outline some of the splats is a nice touch. Thank you for making such an awesome giveaway offer too!

Unknown said...

I don't blame you for wanting to stamp colorful splatters! A fun, perfect card...creative as usual. The tomato salad is one I'll share with my bocce group!

judy said...

I love the bright and happy colors of your summer card!

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Such a cute, cute card! Thanks for the giveaway...now I have to add the bird on a wire to my "need" list!

Teresa Zuehls said...

Cute summer card! Love the summer colors. TFS

Dana D. said...

Terrific card. Wonderful colors and details. Love it! Got to try your recipe.

Patricia said...

What a refreshing card! Love all of those "water" splats! I have memories too of my sons & their water balloon fights! Thanks so much for the inspiration & the recipe! I've enjoyed this blog hop so very much. Thanks Hero Arts & the "sistahs"!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Lovely card, and thanks for a chance at some goodies too! Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

Kari D said...

What a great summer card....perfect for those 'hard to stamp for' tweens! Great Friday morning inspiration. I JUST LOVE those birds on wire! Thanks for the opportunity to win them. So generous!

heidi @ ggip said...

Fun card. I think that would be good for kids and teens!

CinnamonSally said...

WOW Barb your card is so cute love the water splats, makes such a unique effect. Its been a fabulous week and great to have the Hostesses back together again. Love your recipe too I must try it as I have lots of tomatoes in my garden at the moment!!

Virginia L. said...

I love how you combine the stamps and colors so creatively! This card just shouts "HAPPY" all over, Barb! The enamel dots are perfect additions to the design. You sure ROCK this blog hop! And how generous of you have have this fabulous giveaway!!! You are the perfect hostess!

PamSpradlin said...

I love the idea of water balloon fights being the inspiration for your cards. My brain does not think that way so I sort of envy people who can think that way. Thank you for the great inspiration!

Mandy said...

Dear Barb, very bold creativity, it turned out stuning, I love it.

Dana said...

Awesome card! I love the splatter with the white center!!

Daria Z. said...

Barb - I absolutely adore your bright, fun card. It does remind me of a water balloon fight - such a fun memory!

Vikki H said...

love the water splats & your instructions for us! Your tomato salad sounds perfect for August tomatoes! Ooh, I love that bird on a wire set - hope it comes my way!

Unknown said...

Those colours are definitely summer !! Love it !

margaretart said...

Your card is a perfect memory maker in itself. Called up lots of jumping-through-the-sprinkler times as well. Genius the way you combined all the creative, colorful elements. You go, girl!

Kailash said...

Beautiful inspiration for your gorgeous splatter card Barb, so fun. Thanks for sharing the yummy recipe, sounds delish!

Sue McRae said...

This is such a colourful card Barb! Love your water splats and your use of the Pearl Paint Dabber. Definitely a fun way to end the hop!

Deb Walker Deb Stamps Life, LLC said...

I'm smiling from ear to ear Barb! You had me at SPLASH! I will totally have to use this design sometime! Thanks for sharing good memories and good food!

Maeghan M. said...

Such a happy card! TFS!!!

Ann K said...

What a fun card - I am thinking it would be perfect for youngsters - or any age. Thanks for sharing your talents and the chance to win.

Craftyfield said...

Your post raised a forgotten memory of me playing with water ballons... I am smiling now just thinking about it.
Love the creative way you combined stamps and stencils in this cheerful and fun card.

Cindi said...

Such bright colors! And thanks for the chance to win.

Judy1223 said...

Barb, this is such a fun, graphic card! I love the cool splatters and the embossed circles...what a fun card, Barb! Thanks for all your work as Hero Hostess and as a awesome inspiration to all of us!

rhoffer said...

What a fun card! The colors are awesome!

Unknown said...

OMG!!! I absolutely ADORE your card!!! I am in love with these artsy, paint like stamp sets!! U can make such a pretty card with almost no effort at all and make it look like you spent hours and hours on it!! I love that!! I love the water splats and the embossed circles around it!! I just love everything about this card!! Thx for sharing!!

jintyoo7 said...

Brilliant card, Barb! Beautifully created :) Love tomatoes, so your recipe is on the menu :)

Anonymous said...

Your card is so much fun to look at and make too I guess :D

Love the ink splotches.

Regards,
Vithya

Heatheranne Whitman said...

What a wonderful, cheery card and a great summer memory. I'll be using your recipe this weekend - I love tomatoes. Wow! A prize from you and what a gorgeous one - it's got me drooling over it. Being new to stamping and not having any Hero arts products yet, I'd love to win! Thanks for the not one, but two chances to win a great prize! :-)

Deborah said...

Thanks for sharing your card and recipe love it!

Ohana in Bend said...

i love your creation and would dearly love to win your prize offering. the birds on a wire has been a favorite image for a long time to me, and to see Hero Arts with a stamp and die is wonderful!!

Judy Tuck said...

What a colourful card with lots of fun memories too!

chiyo smith said...

Love the story that goes with the delightful card. I so appreciate the blog hop with recipes & seeing stampers/cardmakers as moms/cooks ... Thanks for sharing!
Bless You,
chiyo

Karen said...

What a bright, and happy card. The embossing is an unexptected surprise! Thanks for the inspiration!
Karen
P.S.Your cat, Murphy is beautiful!
I'm a hug cat lover too!

Caroline said...

Wow! I love your card. I've been playing all week with my Brushstrokes stamp set and might just have to CAS your idea! Thanks for sharing and also for the comments you have left on my (very few)cards that I've posted. You are so kind and generous! I agree Murphy is adorable too!

Karen said...

I just love your bright, happy card and hearing about the inspiration behind it. What a great mix of stamps, stencils, and media to make this fun look! Thanks for sharing your creative ideas and refreshing tomato salad recipe.

Anna Ekman said...

Such a great card, thank you for the inspiration. I'm glad that I found your blog and now I'm your 100th follower on bloglovin. :D

Unknown said...

Wonderful projects for inspiring great ideas!

Katie Ann Brooks said...

I see your face everywhere on blog comments and was *just* thinking I have to check this gal out ....and here you are! yay! (Likely I have before too but I am so forgetful- lol!) I love your water balloon card, so fun and creative. The salad sounds tasty too! :)

One of two sisters said...

Love the card-espaecilly the coordinating coloured enamel dots!

Deepti said...

I am simply speechless on this one :) all adjectives of
Appreciation seem small... U r such an inspiration

Стокли said...

Oh my, this is such fun happy card!

diana said...

What a fun card! And thanks for the tomato salad recipe. I will be trying it out as soon as I get back from the farmer's market tomorrow. ;-)

donna mikasa said...

Such a fun way to end a picnic--a water balloon fight? LOVE IT! And I loved your card when I saw it on the private blog. Genius! Love your healthy salad, too! We MUST do this again, don't you think? Happy weekend, Barb!

judkajudi said...

Barb, we left on our real life picnic before I finished the hop! What a happy card and happy memory. You have used these trendy stamps so beautifully!! I don't adapt as well. It's been a great week, a great picnic! Hope we do this again ... hugs.

Jingle said...

This is such a super fun, colorful, bright, and happy card! I love it!

stamp500 said...

Love the flat pearls.

Pat said...

LOVED the colors of your card and the embossed circles! GREAT card!

LauraJane:) said...

PERFECT water balloon card..you have captured the essence of the FIGHT:)
Great recipe for this season's farm fresh tomatoes too!

Leesa B said...

Super cute card and yes reminds of water balloon fights. So clever Barb-Thanks for the memory and my favorite summer veggie tomatoes-love tomato salads!

Unknown said...

Love the splats, and I will definitely be making the tomato salad to handle my current onslaught of delicious tomatoes.

Tona said...

I adore this card!!! Thanks for the inspiration.

Francesca said...

I like when cards are driven by personal experience and feelings! I always try to do the same :) I love it! so many colors so much fun!

Kathy Rosecrans said...

What a fun card!! Your tomato salad sounds fab, and your giveaway looks killer!!

cghundley said...

Your card is so fun and
colorful! Love how you
made the water spots.
I'd love to win your
giveaway, great projects.
Carla from Utah

Unknown said...

Such a fun card! Love the look that pearl paint dauber gives!!!

slang said...

This splatter look is the next new trend and you have made it adorable. I have some stamps on order and cannot wait to try them. Great recipe!

Katie said...

What a fun memory. And I love how you translated it into the splats. A very happy card.

Sue D said...

What a fun and colorful card! Thanks for the recipe too!
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Sabrina said...

I love your card and the colors!! Water balloons fights are always fun and fun to draw inspiration from!!

the doghouse said...

Love the card...

Kim M said...

Barb, this card is fantastic! Love all the colorful splatters. :-)

Mona Odegard said...

Very artistic. I love the "painted" effect.

Cheryl said...

What a colorful, fun card! It makes me think of when my son used to play with water balloons. Thanks for the recipe too!

Denise Bryant said...

Fun colors on you water balloon splat card!

ThePurplePlace said...

You are so kind an generous with this amazing giveaway!!!

Like you, tow of my most loved new Hero Sets are the two you used on this card. I'm still learning how to "splatter" but you seem to have it down, it's perfect!!

Congrats also on being a Hostess for the Hop! I just wish I could make it through to visit everyone!!

Happy Creating!!
Lis

karenelr said...

Oh what a bright and fun card--I love this idea of splotches in various colors with some embossed white circles!! Adorable! Thank you for the awesome inspiration and the chance at your generous giveaway!

Robin Cooper said...

What a cool way to use those stamps! Thanks!

Karin R said...

This is such a fun card! I really like the texture of the pearly white circles around the paint/water splatters. This card actually makes me think of paintball; the colors are just happy!

Janet M said...

Great colors. I love the splat.

GrammySue's Creations said...

Wow Barb!! Your card is wonderful. Love all of the colorful splatters. Your memory of your boys throwing water balloons on a hot summer day is great inspiration. This was a fun blog hop!! Take care my friend and have a wonderful weekend.

Irene said...

Love the festive card....and the photo of Murphy...so glad to have found your blog. Thank for the opportunity to win.

Thalia said...

Cute card and I love the tomato salad

Teresa W. said...

What a fun summer card, Barb! Water balloons, I used to love that game too. (too old now) I love tomato salad too. Thanks for the recipe.

Jean said...

What a perfect summer-themed card, Barb!

Laura Norris said...

What a fun summer card! Love your water balloon splashes!

Janis said...

That is brilliant. I love the water balloon effect. Perfect for summer!!!

Oh, and I am sooooo swooning over your blog candy!!! (sigh....please catch me I am falling over in bliss...) I have been pining for some bird stamps and that feather!! (Oh...I am feeling faint again. Get the smelling salts!!) :D Thank you for the chance to win.
<3 J

loulou said...

Wow this card is brilliant. I love the splats and the pearly paint circles. It so bright and fun it just screams (in a nice way) summer. I love fresh tomatoes straight from the garden - thanks for the recipe.

Suzanne C said...

Love your happy summery card! The little circles are such a fun detail! Yummy tomato salad too! What a great finish to a great hop!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Great way to close our blog hop, Barb! Just love your colorful spotches with their added dots and circles! Yummy recipe too! Such fun hopping with you this week and shopping on Tuesday, my friend!!

Unknown said...

Love the bright summery colors on your card!

Unknown said...

Love the splatters and the bold colors just make them really pop. Your recipe sounds delicious too. Will have to give it a try when my tomatoes come in. :)

stamplover2011 said...

Cute card design, Barb! Love all the bright splats of color! Will have to try you salad!

brenlubrant said...

I love anything artsy and I defintely love your card.

Alexia Misso said...

That is one very happy card! Love it!

Scrapycandy said...

I am now totally inspired! Thanks so much!

Flo said...

Great card. Love the splats.

keeleykats said...

Barb, Super cute summertime card! I love all the colors! My family is going to love trying your recipe! Thank you for sharing!

Larissa Heskett said...

Such a Fun design!! Thanks for sharing and have a Fabulous Weekend!! ;)

Greta said...

They saved the best for last! Been waiting all week to see what you came up with, Barb, & what a treat! LOVE your creative, fun card!

Suzanne said...

This card is the definition of fun, and now I think that I need some daubers!

Loly Borda said...

I love your fun, colorful card Barb! TFS

Memories by Manda said...

I love your card. The colours are lovely and I love how you used two different splashes. I really want to get the HA artist splash and paint stroke stamps. Thanks for the extra prize - it looks awesome (especially the birds on a wire stamp + die)

Carol said...

Oh what fun! Love the carefree feeling of this card. Easy is always good - love this recipe.

Aileen said...

Barb, as soon as I arrived on your blog and saw that card it was 'wow' I love bright and colourful and you hit it in one. Wonderful blog hop again, I just love Hero Arts. Can never get enough of them and their talented ladies. Thank you for sharing your talent.

Dawn T said...

super WOW Barb. Just love the bright splats of colour on your card. And a yummy recipe as well.

Unknown said...

Terrific card - just conveys so much fun! Your recipe looks delish, too. :)

cheiron said...

Love these "water balloon" splats Barb! What a fun summer card. And the tomato salad sounds delicious!

Candy Meyers said...

This is such a festive card. Love the splatters.
Candy Meyers

Mclay said...

What a cute, colorful card! I love the Brush Strokes set...and all of the Hero Arts products! Thanks for sharing how you made the card, too!

Tracy Ercole said...

Great card Barb, love the bright cheery colours :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Barb! I see your beautiful face around blog land, supporting paper crafters at every turn. I'm so excited to be at your blog. I was very curious about the sneak peek of your card and it makes perfect sense. What a great way to pull stamps to mimic the splat. My kids loved water balloons too on a hot summer day.

linf54 said...

When my kids were little, they too loved water balloons. They have passed their love of water balloons onto their kids and it's not unusual to see the pieces of the ballons around my backyard... your card brings back alot of memories for me!

Betty Sue said...

Your card makes me smile!! Love all the happy on it!!

Valerie said...

Very nice, colorful card!

Michell said...

What a super cute bright & cheery card. Love it.

Kards by Karen said...

I just loved your splatter card--great choice of colors!

shirley-bee said...

Fab card - my two boys loved water-bombing each other!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Fabulous boy card!! LOVE your give away!!

Marsha said...

Love these splats. I made a crd recently using DP with paint splats but oh, how fun to make your own.

Lisa said...

I NEED that bird on a wire damp and die! Great card. I love it!

Kris in Alaska said...

Awesome "splat" card! I could do something like that for my artsy husband! Yummy recipe too!

Kris in Alaska
funamom at yahoo dot com

Marie said...

Love your splatter card!! Very colorful and perfect for summer!

Melody said...

I love your splatter card. The bright colors and the shiny "Summer" are perfect.

Kathy H said...

Wonderful idea for a card. I love the look!

Arlene said...

You really make me want to spatter paint bubbles everywhere. This is such a fun and cheery card! Love it.

Looks like a great salad too.

pcm said...

LOVE how bright and fun that card is!

Pam W Merwin said...

Barb, what a darling card - love the idea of water balloon splats :) Your bold colors look great and love the die cut "SUMMER"!

Piali said...

Fabulous card!!! Love the fun & Happy colors !!!

Barbara said...

Your card is a perfect reminder of bright summer days! Love all the little details that you used in creating this fun card. I love tomatoes and your salad sounds delicious, especially with the lemony taste in the dressing! Thanks for a chance to win some Hero Arts products!

Unknown said...

Love the colors! Such a fun and happy card!

tammy b said...

oh how i dig the funkiness of this! so vibrant and happy happy!

Kathy Kay said...

Love your card, it literally explodes! Can't wait to try the technique!

Gilu J said...

What a lovely card! Love those ink blots.

newscrapper said...

I LOVE your card it is so bright,cute and fun!
I love tomatoes, I am going to try your tomato salad.

Small T said...

This is such a fun card! Love it! :-) xx

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful, cheerful card. I would have never thought to add the detail of the dots but it really looks great. Thanks for the inspiration.

Leni said...

He Barb, super fun card you made. I can feel with you about the story of the balloons. My son loved it too!

mtscrapgal said...

I love all the bright colors and design details of your fun card. Thanks so much for putting in extra blog candy for us.

Karin Åkesdotter said...

WOW!!! This is so bright and fun - absolutely LOVE your design I Always say that, don't I ? But I'm always so impressed that you try new techniques, new designs and colors etc all the time - so inspiring to come here! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Oh I found this blog via twitter! Love your card ;)

Cindy C. said...

On Barb I really enjoy your fun, smashing card!

Trinh said...

My daughter's class got to play with water balloon on the last day of school - boy did they love it! Your card is awesome and captures that memory perfectly! And the recipe sounds really yummy and refreshing. Perfect for our hot, hot, hot weather. Thanks, Barb!

SandiL said...

Love how bight and summery this card is! Thanks so much for sharing

T said...

Fun summery card.

alexandra s.m. said...

Love your card my Friend!
(I'm not playing for the goodies, I just think you're awesome ;-)

Karen L K said...

That is a really fun and really creative card. I like how you came up with your card idea. That recipe sounds good. I also grow veggies and have several of those ingredients in my garden. Yum!

Pippa67 said...

Barb what a fantastic card. ILove all the splashes of color. One of my favorites.

Unknown said...

Love your colorful card!

Brenda said...

I adore the beautiful bright happy colors you chose for this very modern card Barb!

Nat said...

totally Summery card Barb!! love this design :) thanks for the Tomato Salad recipe, I will try making and serve with dinner. Wishing you a great day!

Karenladd said...

Oh my!! LOVe this fun card with the colorful ink splats!

Shannon said...

Your card is sensational and my favorite from this set. Love it and I'm completely inspired by it!! I'm so bummed I missed out on your giveaway, you have some great stuff in that gift. Have a great rest of the summer.

Cindy Groh said...

I love your card. I think it could be given to a male. I;m always on the look out for male card ideas.

Svitlana Shayevich said...

Fabulous card! I can see these water balloons you tried to show.
Great idea with embossed dots! I thought it was a part of the stamp design and just white background showed through. Very interesting touch !