Hero Arts My Monthly Hero May 2017 Blog Hop and Giveaway

Hi Stampers! 
I am back today with another post, this time it's the My Monthly Hero May kit! I was jumping up and down when I was asked to guest design this month with the kit. I think this might be my most favorite kit so far (I say this for each kit, they keep getting better and better). 
I love sea/ocean themed anything. And this kit and ALL the add-ons are just that. Mermaids, manatees, mermen and so on! 
Here's the main kit 
1 4” x 6” clear stamp set
18 coordinating dies (5 Fancy Dies & 13 Frame Cuts)
1 6” x 6” stencil
More than 2.5 teaspoons cyrene sequins
3 ink cubes (Deep Blue, Aqua, Amethyst)
5 5” x 6” acetate sheets
1 bottle of turquoise silk liquid ink (iridescent)
3 sheets of 6” x 6” lightweight paper (Ice blue, Marble Tissue and Swirl Tissue)
The kit value is over $70, an amazing deal at $34.99.  


If you are following the hop, you have probably landed here from the Michelle's Blog  and after you will head over to the Clare's Amazing blog (at the bottom of this post is a full list of participants, so make sure you stop by each blog for TONS of inspirations and chance to win this kit) 

I have several cards, so please bare with me (the first 3 cards have videos, too). For the details and full blog hop list scroll to the bottom.
For my first card I used the main kit and added some shimmer using Nuvo Glimmer Paste. I did some watercoloring with Daniel Smith watercolors. Watch the video below to see how this card came to be :)




For the second card I used the Manatee stamp and cut and did some no line coloring using Copic markers and Chameleon Pencils. Watch the video below. After I colored the manatee and the fish I cut them (die cut the manatee and cut the fish with scissors). Next I created the background using Zig Clean color real brush markers and piece of acetate and added some shimmer with Sparkle shimmer spray.





For my next card I used the Mermaid stamp (my favorite) and did a LOT of copic coloring. Below are the colors I used, as well as video on how this card came to be. I added some highlights with white gel pen and some shimmer using Spectrum Noir sparkle pen. 






Ocean water (B00, B93, B52, BG11, BG15, G85, G21, BG72, G21)
Seaweed (YG93, YG97, G85, G82, G40)
Sea Floor (E51, E53, E55, E57, E59)
Clam Shell (R83, R22, R21, R12, R11, R000)
Mermaid Skin (E31, E30, E21, E00, E000, R12, R11, BV23, E04)
Mermaid Tail (B91, B93, B95, B97, B99)
Mermaid Hair (E71, E74, E77, E79)
additional: 0- colorless blender, T1, T2, T3

For the next five cards I used the main kit. These are simpler ones, so I didn't create videos for them. I  just sat down one night and colored all the images, then die cut and put bunch of cards together, and I have bunch of images left for more cards. Win-win!  


For the first card I used the Reef Border frame and stamped sentiment and added the mermaid. After die cutting it, I decided to use my paper snips to cut close to the line, as I didn't like how the card looked with white border, as there is no white on this card. 


For the next card I used the stencil and tide pool ink  to sponge in the middle. I stamped the sentiment, then arranged the other elements. I used some fun foam to pop the panel onto pool note card.



Now, this is a very simple card, I used Spectrum Noir sparkle pen to add to the pearl for extra sparkle. I adhered the panel using black fun foam onto black note card.


For the next card I used the stencil and the tide pool ink to sponge all over the white panel.. Stamped the sentiment and arranged the elements, then adhered to white card base using white fun foam



Last but not the least is a shaker card. I am really pleased how it came out. I used the circle infinity dies to create the window and on the back panel I added some of the fun papers that come in this kit. Added some fancy die cut corrals and algae from the kit, some ocean sequins and sealed it up using mounting tape. On the front I added the die cut images and some clouds from the cloud infinity dies. 



I hope you are inspired enough ;) and you didn't get bored or annoyed. 
Here are the details about the give away and kit availability! 

GiveawayHero Arts giving away one kit as a prize to one blog reader - selected from the comments across all of the blogs in the hop. (Hero Arts will reimburse you if you already bought the kit) Giveaway closes Sunday, May 7th at 11:59pm, and the winner will be announced the following week.

Kit availability and shippingThe kit is available for a limited time only - once it's gone, it's gone. Kits begin shipping from Hero Arts on Friday May 5th. Grab yours while supplies last!!!!

The Hero Arts Blog
Jennifer McGuire
Wanda Guess
Jessica Frost-Ballas
May Park
Heather Ruwe
Yana Smakula
Amy Tsuruta
Lydia Fiedler
Libby Hickson
Michelle Short
Ilina Crouse -that's ME
Clare Prezzia


Comments

Lydia Lee said…
All of your kit cards are AMAZING! 😍 Gorgeous work! ❤️ Thanks for the giveaways and inspiration! 😘
Unknown said…
I am not sure were to begin?! OMG in the first place your glitter texture looks amazing...secondly your mermaid are so beautifully colored... So gorgeous
Golda said…
These are all beautiful! I never would have imagined black and gold for a mermaid card, but it really works.
kartelene said…
what can I say more than wow, amazing, love the black one in fact I love them all thank you so much for all those ideas
karrot22 said…
Oh My, so many pretty cards you made, and now you have givin me so many different ideas of what I can do with this Mer-maizing kit.
C4G said…
Holy cow!! Love your style!
Joy Meadows said…
Beautiful cards! Love that you used so many of the products from the kit.
Anita said…
I the cards are amazing I would love a chance to win a kit
Michelle D said…
Gorgeous! My girls love mermaids! Just bought my kit today!
Unknown said…
Wow great cards -- the believe one is my favorite!
Margaret said…
All of your cards are very beautiful - your coloring is wonderful! Love that background on the Believe card! And I'm going to have to get some of that Nuvo Glitter Paste!
Linda S. said…
Oh wow. So many beautiful cards. Who could possibly be annoyed.
~amy~ said…
All your projects are amazing!!!!
Debbie Sherman said…
Gorgeous cards and kit!
Barbara said…
This is a great kit and I can see how you could have so much fun and create all these beautiful cards from it!
kareN stampZ said…
OMG so many beautiful cards I can tell you were having a lot of fun, can't wait for my kit to arrive :)
Every single one of your cards is awesome! I especially love the black mer-mazing card. It is my absolute favorite! TFS!
TamiBabs said…
Phew! Your creativity astounds me!! That 'Believe' card, breathtaking! Thanks for sharing all the Copic colors!! I don't have the talent to recreate that but I love seeing what combos other use! :)
Barbara said…
After seeing your cards, I may to go back for some of those add on elements.
Unknown said…
Would love to win this - I love card making! Love the disney-fairy tale them!
Unknown said…
Stunning cards! I honestly cannot choose a favourite! Love you use of black for a pop of colour!
DGolly said…
What gorgeous cards. Such a great variety. Thanks for the inspiration!
AroaCM said…
OMG! Each card is better than the previous one. Great job on all of them.
Leslie said…
This is an amazing kit and your cards are really fantastic! Thank you all!
None None said…
Wow, I am completely blown away by all of your cards (especially your "believe" card). Your coloring is just superb and I adore the CAS look of your pearl card.
Debbie Rumpza said…
Every card in your post is stunning! I can't wait to get this kit!!
Cindy C. said…
Amazing projects, so nice to finally see the full reveal!!
Michelle H said…
What a great collection of cards. The believe card just took my breath away. It was my absolute favorite.
Unknown said…
all your cards are absolutely beautiful! the water background on the believe card is fabulous.
liz said…
Oh my word, you made a whole gallery of cards!
Candi said…
Wow! That mermaid card is spectacular! It must have taken hours to color. All the cards were great, but that mermaid was outstanding!
Teri Ann said…
That manatee IS cute!
Like the variety of your creations. Especially like the manatee. I grew up E coast of FL and fond of manatees.
Melissa
"Sunshine HoneyBee"
Kaylene Matyas said…
Wow, what a lot of amazing cards. Totally blown away. Love all the beautiful colouring. Will have the watch the videos now.
So many great ideas! Where to start? Thank you for sharing.
littlesavedgirl said…
You did an amazing job !
flirtini83 said…
Such wonderful cards. I love this kit and the talent on this blog hop is amazing. Tfs.
Barb W. said…
Wonderful "Under the Sea" imagination. Can't wait to get started on some cards.
Paula D said…
Your cards are absolutely stunning, I LOVE them!!!!
Sue D said…
Lots of wonderful underwater scenes you created!
Stefanie White said…
Such pretty cards! Thank you for sharing!
Debbie B said…
WoW....what an amazing collection of creativity! Love your mermaids! I will be back to take another closer look! Awesome kit this month! Can't wait to get one!
Karen Darmanie said…
I am speechless! Your cards are works of art!
Wow! You got busy with this kit! I think the simple oyster card is my fav, but they are all beautiful.
Rosemary said…
wow!! what a gorgeous set of cards!!
Amy Vitriani said…
I'm in amazement over these stunning cards!!! These are all so beautiful Iliana!! The card with the add on mermaid is just breathtaking. And I also really love the card with the die cut reef. The colors you chose are so pretty. Thanks for all the amazing inspiration 😊
SJS said…
These are beautiful! Dangit... now I have to order more stuff.
Patti H. said…
Wow, you have been a busy girl! Fabulous cards! This kit is stuffed full of goodies!
Tindaloo said…
Amazing cards, such gorgeous coloring and techniques ♥
I have really enjoyed hopping along, so many wonderful creations ♥ Tindaloo
Colleen said…
Oh my, you have so many awesome cards, each one got better and better! Fantastic job
BarbaraF said…
Absolutely beautiful cards...you are an artist.
All of these examples full of inspiration just get me exciting for my own kit.
Unknown said…
I love love love the card with the black reef frame
Clare said…
Wow wow wow! You've totally outdone yourself!! Each card is simply stunning, but I think my jaw dropped on seeing the Mermaid woodblock stamp - the coloring is just breathtaking!!!
greenthumb said…
all your cards are amazing. I love the effects you get with the different color mediums. just beautiful.
The background of the third card made me say out loud: WOW! The colors you used to create the underwater lighting is perfect. Great job!
MJ said…
OMG! I am amazed at the beauty in each of your cards. They are works of ART and should be framed! Thank you for the videos too.
Unknown said…
I love the Believe Mermaid card it is just beautiful. Wonderful job
Debi Lowery said…
All of your cards are beautiful. What a great kit. Thank you for the wonderful videos too. Love to watch you in action!!!
So many gorgeous projects!!!! Just beautiful! TFS
Unknown said…
Wow! So many beautiful cards! Love the coloring of them all.
Unknown said…
You must have been up for days creating all these gorgeous cards. I am in awe of everything you created.
Eunyi Kirst said…
Love all the cards!
byulgzr said…
Oh my! Gorgeous cards~~~ I'm in love with this kit!
FeM said…
OMG your cards are gorgeous. It got better as I scrolled down. Awesome job.
Unknown said…
Bored or annoyed? Blown away is more like it! Thank you for documenting on video how busy you have been playing with this wonderful kit. My favorite is the card with the woodblock stamp. Your Copic coloring left me in complete awe. I want to color like that when I grow up, but seriously, you rocked this hop.
SmilynStef said…
Your gorgeous coloring really brings her to life ... stunning.
Sathya said…
Beautiful cards...Third card is my fave ...Such an awesome coloring...Love that creative bg coloring <3
Kirsty Vittetoe said…
Awesome work with lovely details!
Unknown said…
You are so very talented -wowza, I just had to sub to your YT channel.
Unknown said…
I don't know how your cards would bore anyone, they are amazing! I loved every single one of them and will have to take more time another day to catch the video. Thanks for making those by the way. Great coloring and shading too.
Suzan Dorchik said…
WOW. Your cards are amazing.
Starr said…
Stunning such bright and viabrant colors I love all the cards such lovely coloring, thank you for sharing
Tanya Lochridge said…
Love them all -- really like the black-gold change -- I would have never thought to do that! Pearl in the oyster is really cute too!
Wow, Iliana, you really went to town! All your cards are amazing! The manatee is adorable and the moonlit one is stunning!
Katrina said…
I have to say,.. You are just so talented. I especially like the black card. I wished you had created video for it. I would love to see how you created the moon in the background!
Coffee said…
WAUW. I'm blown away....going to watch the video now...sooo beautiful!
xoxo,
Azana H.
Peggy Bonovа said…
It looks like a stunning kit! Your cards are so pretty!
Unknown said…
I love your copic coloring of the mermaid on the clam shell.
Card Bomb said…
Amazing cards and such a fun kit! You totally hooked me and I'm buying outside of my normal brand for the first time ever. I had to get that reef die too-it's amazing!
Maria Willis
Karthikha said…
Wow! That's a gorgeous array of cards! Looks like you had a lot of fun :) Each card is so pretty and I love them!
wow! So many amazing cards! Very inspiring and beautiful to look at.
Unknown said…
So many great cards. This is the first kit I've ordered and I'm so excited. These look like so much fun. Glad I saw the preview and set an alarm in my calendar to place the order.
Shanna said…
Your Cards are Amazing!
Unknown said…
Beautiful cards! Wish I had seen this blog earlier. I was only able to order a few things from this release because some of the items were already sold out.
Arianna Barbara said…
Oh my goodness!!! All your creations are simply breathless!! Love all the amazing details and your colouring is awesome!!! <3

Unknown said…
I'm speechless over your cards!! Every single one is a work of art!! You blow me away...amazing job!! 💖😊😍
FD91354 said…
OMGosh, your cards make me love this set. I so want the large mermaid, but can't justify it.. you've now made it really hard. Oh, these cards are all so beautiful and creative! Thanks for the inspiration.
Deb Selby said…
Ok I can see that nothing is going to get done in this house today. Too many gorgeous cards to learn about.
the bean said…
Wow - I am speechless after watching the video for your Believe Mermaid card - absolutely beautiful ! Thank you for sharing !
Rachel W said…
I never would have chosen black for the reef ring. That is so stunning.
Geo19 said…
Wow, very creative!
Teri S. said…
Oh, Illina, you have showcased this kit & add-ons brilliantly! Your colouring skills are beyond anything I can ever imagine doing. So wonderful! I'd be beyond thrilled to win this kit. Thanks for making videos. It's fascinating watching your creative abilities.
Mary Holshouser said…
So many fantastic ideas.
I think the black is my favorite.
The background glows from inside.
thanks for sharing so many
wonderful ideas.
Grace said…
Love the manatee stamp!
dligon said…
wow, each of your cards is amazing. I absolutely love the black cardstock with the mermaid in the center. stunning
Linda said…
Wow! Spectacular cards! I love all the beautiful backgrounds you created to give each card a unique look!
Purple Princess said…
Amazing cards! Fabulous videos!!
Sandy D said…
You have some beautiful cards. I like the sparkle background using the stencil and glimmer paste. But my favorite is the black card with the reef border die. So unique and different!!
luluvision said…
OH MY GOODNESS!! All are gorgeous and I can't pick a favorite! Amazing work!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Dana said…
Wow!! You went to town!! All are just stunning creations!!
bdconklin said…
Your cards are all so amazing! I kept saying Wow, Wow, Wow every time I scrolled down. I am so incredibly sad that I missed out on this kit and after seeing your cards, I actually have tears welling up.
I'm loveingvthe kit, & all the ideas, but you definitely rocked it with such great examples ❣
Lindar C said…
Wow! These cards are all so beautiful!!
Ginny K. said…
Lovely cards, love all the different ways you created them. I love this new kit, so many cute sea creatures and beautiful mermaids! Thanks for sharing.
~Gin K.~
Nana Griffin said…
Oh wow these are all just wonderful!
Unknown said…
There are so many ways you can go with this kit! Thanks for sharing! I think the glimmer paste is great and would like to try that technique!
Lynvass said…
Beautiful, beautiful cards love all the different things you did with them but I have to say the reef border has to be my favorite through out the blog hop
Unknown said…
I love the amazingly zen feel of most of your cards have. The last two feel busier but are no less appealing.
Beverly said…
Wow, all these amazing cards!!! You went to town girl! Love every single one of them!
Liz said…
OMG!!! I LOVE THEM ALL!!! First time I see your blog and I'm just amazed how beautiful these cards are!
Unknown said…
Living in Florida I do like good beachy/ocean/mermaid/fishy themed products. I absolutely love this set. Thanks for the giveaway....Mermaid & Manatee cards are great !!
Izzy Scrap said…
Wow ! What an amazing array of cards to showcase this beautiful kit ! Thanks for sharing and for inspiring.
Unknown said…
Absolutely amazing and beautiful coloring awesome job would love to win the kit very pretty
Kerry M said…
Your cards are just gorgeous
carol S said…
Lot of coloring for sure but well worth it. Just stunning cards.
Thank you for the videos, your work is AMAZING!

I have been looking for the perfect mermaid stamps FOR YEARS! These are the perfect mermaid stamps, I am in love and desperate to have this set!!! I waited 24 hours too long to order because I stupidly promised my husband that I wouldn't order anything new until we sold our house and now I am so sad because they are all gone.
Janet D. said…
WOW amazing cards. Fantastic!!
Koral Guess said…
Amazing cards! You can tell a lot of work was put into these, & they all turned out great! I love everything to do with the sea. I love how there is some Coral reef too.
-Koral Guess
Cate said…
Your cards are just gorgeous! I don't have any better words to describe how much I admire them!
Nicole said…
I'm in awe at all your gorgeous cards!!! Everything is so lovely! This kit is amazing! Thank you for all the videos! I really enjoyed watching them!
loceanjo said…
wow WHAT A LOT OF GORGEOUS CARDS!! I couldn't pick a favourite if I tried!!TFS!!
Jeanne Beam said…
Your cards are beautiful. I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing...
Kleri said…
Lovely cards!So different and inspiring!Thank you for sharing.
Unknown said…
Totally awesome!!! Evey single one is even more beautiful than the one before. Your talent is amazing.
Helen said…
Your card making is incredible every time I viewed one of your videos I was in awe at your coloring techniques and eye for coordinating colors. Just love all of your cards! Thanks for sharing them and being part of this blog hop.
Denise Kasbohm said…
These are all amazing and just gorgeous!!
Laura said…
You have outdone yourself over and over with all of these cards! Your creations are amazing. Thanks for sharing!
ginni said…
Love them all so many techniques.
Brian's Mom said…
All of your cards are absolutely stunning! I've never seen sparkle paste before and it works really well on your card. I love the videos too. Thanks so much for all your work on this release hop.
Cheri said…
Your cards are stunning works of art! The coloring on the mermaid in your first card is unbelievable! I live your shaker card, the mer-mazing card, the card with the outer framelet cut-out in black and the clamshell card too. The "Sending Mermaid kisses and Starfish wishes" is such a darling sentiment. Live the background on that one. The whole kit is wonderful, and I could kick myself for not ordering it while there was still stock! Wonderful work and inspiration!
Kim Potts said…
Oh my!!! Wow is all I can say!! Stunning cards!
Unknown said…
Thank you for videos and specific colors used. Great cards.
RENUKA said…
beautiful cards , awesome video.
Dawn J said…
I love the manatee. The coloring makes him so alive.
Renee V said…
THE most gorgeous cards I've seen with this kit! Incredible!!!!!!!
Michelle Brown said…
Wow, wow, wow!! Every card is just gorgeous! I don't even know where to begin, they are leaving me speechless �� Thanks for sharing.
Pat Hauge said…
Your cards are beyond amazing. What a wonderful talent you have! Thank you so much for sharing it.
Beth said…
Ilina, YIKES! Your cards are show-stoppers! Absolutely stunning!
Beth said…
Ilina, had to go back and admire them again! I simply can't pick a favorite! Fantastic kit this month; no wonder it's already sold out! :(
Unknown said…
I love your style of card making. These are beautiful cards!!!
Unknown said…
these are such beautiful cards!! lots of good ideas and information in the videos..thanks so much for sharing!
Mary-Anne V said…
Wow you created so many beautiful cards...love the versatility of this kit.
Liz Maitland said…
Such beautiful cards - it's hard to choose a favourite but I think mine is the mermaid in a shell & perhaps the black & gold reef card...all gorgeous, though. This kit is amazing & it would be wonderful to win something, many thanks for the chance,
all the best,

Liz M xx
Katia said…
my goodness you coloring amazing!!! super beautiful cards!
Marj said…
Wow! Absolutely amazing cards! Beautiful coloring, beautiful cards!
Allison said…
I love all your cards ... all so different from each other ... but the one with the black die cut and browny orangey background is so striking!!! Love it!
Unknown said…
So many wonderful cards!! I especially love your cards with the partial watercolor backgrounds - you use that white space and color to so well! Thanks so much for tons of inspiration!
Unknown said…
Ohhh These are extremely gorgeous!
LaNell said…
Gorgeous cards! I can't pick a favorite. Lots of great inspiration when I get my kit.
Kim Corrigan said…
Stunning cards. Thanks for all your awesome inspiration!!
Annette Pearce said…
So much inspiration, so many beautiful cards. The stand out is the black frame die cut. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent.
Sara P said…
All of your cards are just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Reber said…
OMG, I can't choose a favorite, they are all stunning!
Joy said…
Love all your cards! Just beautiful! My fav tho is the black one. So unique and stunning!
junestengel1958 said…
love the vibrant colors in the "Follow your Heart" window card, and the partial use of the stencil with the glimmer paste in the "You are Wonderful" card- I love sparkle!
Wow, amazing cards! Love!
Unknown said…
Bored and annoyed? No way! I love them all and I love that you did a whole bunch of cards, not just one or 2. You were the only one to do a shaker card although I have one more to go so maybe she also did one. I love, love, love shaker cards even though I haven't made one yet. I want to so bad though. I love the card with the black background underwater. That is so different. I love you're sparkly background on the first card. I really love the mermaid card that looks real. It's my favorite of all of them. I love the Walrus too. You're coloring is amazing and so is your card making. I hope that I win something and thank you so much for giving us a chance to win something.
Jilly T said…
Love all these cards. I especially like the black reef border. It really makes the card pop.
Emily said…
Awesome cards, awesome kit.
Anonymous said…
Oh my! All of these cards are fantastic! Thanks for all of the ideas. I love this Hero Arts kit!
Unknown said…
Wow just wow gorgeous cards!!!!
Anonymous said…
Wow - such a super assortment of beautiful cards ! This is a great kit and I am amazed at all your wonderful creations !!!
turbito said…
Ilina, you are such a talented artist! Each card you made is so special. Thank you for making the videos-they are so helpful. I loved watching you color the card with the big mermaid. No way I could be bored watching you:)
Farhana S said…
Love each and every single on of the projects!! Amazing!! Your so talented!!
Amelialesley said…
I love the black and gold card. Would love to know how to do that background.
Denise Bryant said…
Amazing creations with this gorgeous kit!
Peculiaris said…
These are all stunning! Thank you for sharing all those tips in the videos too! :)
Anonymous said…
So much Fun! Love these cards and kit! The colors are so rich and amazing!!!
~God bless~
Kym Maxwell said…
Wow!!! So much inspiration!!! All of your cards are absolutely beaitiful!!! Thanks for sharing!!
libbywilko said…
Love to win! I adore the mermaid stamps and the beautiful papers in the kit ! My favourite card was the black frame so original
Valleydale said…
Wow, you've really highlighted so many ways this kit can be used! So beautiful!
Karen L K said…
Wow I guess you kind of like this kit! How can you not with sea creatures and mermaids and lovely colors. I love your use of Nuvo paste with the wave stencil. The coloring on the larger mermaid is really great too!