Christmas in August with Hero Arts


Hi Stampers! 
Happy Monday! Today I have the privilege to participate in the Hero Arts 2016 Winter Catalog release blog hop with a LOT of talented ladies. I just LOVE all the new products in the catalog, so I had hard time deciding which product to use, so I used several of them.
Before I move onto my cards, if you came here from the amazing Heather Ruwe's blog, then stay here and then hop over to the next blog (Isha Gupta's), if you didn't and want to start the hop from the beginning then head over the Hero Arts blog and start there :) 

Giveaway:

We will be giving away three $25 shopping sprees, drawn from comments left across all blogs in the hop. Please comment by Sunday, August 28 at 11:59pm PT and we'll announce the winner the following week.

Now, lets start with the first card, I have a LOT to share so I will cut to the point and avoid all the fluff ;). For this card I used the Antique Poinsettia stamp and coordinating paper layering dies. I stamped the flower four times onto vellum with Versamark ink, then embossed it with white embossing powder and die cut each layer then adhered together with vellum tape. Next I die cut a rectangle from red card stock using one of the Rectangle infinity dies, and used the largest circle to cut the bottom of the layer. I stamped sentiment from Christmas messages and embossed with white embossing powder. Next, I adhered the layered flower and added some gems in the middle. I cut layer of wood grain paper using the largest rectangle from the infinity dies and then assembled my card using white top folding card base.


Now lets move to this little guy! I used the Color Layering Cardinal and the coordinating dies to create this shaker card. To stamp the cardinal I used the Zig Real Brush Clean Color markers. I colored the first layer with the lightest two reds and then stamped onto Bristol paper. Next using the Watercolor brush I blended those colors together and covered areas that were not stamped nicely. I did same for the second layer, but used the next two darker red markers, and again for the third layer, I used the darkest red I had. To make the wings and tail more defined I stamped the last layer again using the Soft Brown to Cup O' Joe ink pad, then stamped the legs and the face using the Intense black ink pad. I stamped the branch the same way just using browns and greens, and used watercolor brush to give it more of a painted look. Then I die cut all the elements and created the shaker front using the circle and rectangle infinity dies and wood grain paper. Before adhering everything I stamped the sentiment on the front then adhered the Cardinal and the branch. On my card base where the window would be I used Soft Pool ink pad to add some color. And then assembled my whole card. I love how the bird is so bright when using the Zig Clean Color markers! 



For my third card I used more of a clean and simple look. I combined 2 new stamp sets and the coordinating dies. I used Vintage Post and Holiday Messages and tags along with the Candy Strip Bold Prints background stamp. I used the Spectrum Noir sparkle pens to color in the little holly branch. The background is stamped using Pale Tomato shadow ink. 


For my forth card I used the Warm Hugs stamp set and decided to create some night sky using some distress inks and white distress paint. Then I stamped, die cut and colored the Igloo and the Eskimo from Bristol paper and using Zig Clean Color markers to color all the elements. To make the snow look shiny in the night I colored over the blended area with Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle Pen.  


And last but not the least, I used the Ornaments stamp and cut to create this card. I love the vintage look of these ornaments and used non traditional colors to color them. I stamped them with Versamark onto hot pressed watercolor paper and colored them using the Zig Clean Color markers  then flicked some ink to add little speckles. I cut the two panels (watercolor and silver foil) using the infinity rectangle dies. Stamped the sentiment using Charcoal ink and then assembled the card together. For added sparkle I added some sequins. 


Thank you for hanging with me for a little while today, and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win one of the 3 Hero Arts $25 gift certificates! 
Here's the full list of blog hoppers today! 

The Hero Arts Blog
Jennifer McGuire
Kathy Racoosin
Wanda Guess
Lydia Fiedler
Alice Wertz
Amy Tan
Cheiron Brandon
Debbie Olson
Laura Bassen
Debby Hughes
Heather Ruwe
Ilina Crouse  --> You're HERE
Isha Gupta
Jenn Shurkus
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Joan Bardee
Karin Akesdotter
Yana Smakula
Kelly Rasmussen
Amy Tsuruta
Clare Prezzia
Mariana Grigsby
May Sukyong Park
Libby Hickson

Comments

Tammy said…
I love the backgrounds -- so artistic and gorgeous!
Mary Kay Ross said…
Love the new stamps and your cards are beautiful!!!
~amy~ said…
Lovely work...all of your cards are simply fabulous!
Genevieve said…
the ornaments are a beauty
JMcKnite said…
Very pretty cards. I hate to start thinking winter but I will start thinking about how the new techniques I've learned this year can be put to use on Xmas cards.
Robin said…
LOVE the eskimo card! So adorable!
Shirley said…
Very gorgeous cards. Your creativity using the new HA release is awesome.
Unknown said…
These are all such gorgeous projects. The poinsettia and cardinal are stunning.
Chris Handy said…
Love your Eskimo kisses card
Brenda said…
Ilina you obviously had fun with those new stamps because you created a bunch of beauties for us to admire! Thank you!
Debbie Rumpza said…
I love all your cards today, but especially love the colors you chose for your layered cardinal.. so rich!
Cindy H. said…
Love that gorgeous cardinal and the colors you used to bring him to life - awesome!
Barb said…
Just beautiful cards. Love the poinsettia!
Joan V said…
Wow, so many beautiful cards. Love them all.
pcm said…
beautiful cards!
craftjunkiesc said…
Your cards are all so different, but all are just lovely. There's just something about the blueish sky behind the red cardinal that is so peaceful to me.
Vicki said…
It's impossible for me to choose a favorite of the cards you made. The poinsettia card is stunning with all the white layers. They are all beautiful. Thanks!
Linda S. said…
Wow, such lovely cards. I like them all but I am particularly taken with the ornament card.
So many beautiful cards! So inspiring!
Unknown said…
Wowser! that pointsettia card is a stunner.
eeknehans said…
Awesome release, lots of choices and styles represented in your cards today.
Gwen said…
Your cards are gorgeous! Love that layered poinsettia and the cardinal!
Brenda in IN said…
You made a gorgeous sample of cards for us. I love every one and I'm so inspired. Thanks so much.
Pauline said…
Beautiful cards. I think my favourite is the cardinal card. Well done.
Unknown said…
Love all your cards. They are awesome, but my favorite is the layered poinsettia. Thank you for sharing your design ideas and being part of this new winter release blog hop giveaway.
Barbara said…
I loved them all. Each time I thought I had a favorite another great card came along. Great job!
Lauri Bacalzo said…
So many different wonderful ideas!
Makes me want to get started on my Christmas cards!
Thanks for sharing :)
Deb Selby said…
All of these cards are simply amazing. They range from Beautiful to Cute and to Simple Elegance. lovely
Gretchen Wilson said…
Very beautiful cards, much time involved putting them together. I really fell in love with the Poinsettia and the baubles cards. My cup of tea as they say!
Where do I begin? These are all amazing! My favorite is the poinsettia because they are my favorite flower but the Eskimo card is a close second! LOVE the background on it!!! TFS!
greggers said…
Gorgeous, beautiful, super and awesome cards. They are all different and inspirational. Thanks for so much inspiration and beauty!
Sue D said…
Beautiful and wonderful cards. I really like the vellum poinsettia.
Bunny said…
Beautiful cards. Love the shaker. I have the Zigs and love embossing and coloring with them. The ornaments are fantastic.
Miriam Prantner said…
Gorgeous cards! I love the layered vellum poinsettia but my favorite is the one with the cardinal, such a deep rich color!
Betsy Hunter said…
I love that Cardinl stamp set and the Christmas messages, my husband thinks I have enough Christmas stamps. Enough? Never. ;-)
Willnnabel said…
Fabulous set of cards, Love Love Love all of them, but those ornament cards are the best!
Willnnabel said…
Fabulous set of cards, Love Love Love all of them, but those ornament cards are the best!
Unknown said…
Love all your cards especially the Eskimo card!
Unknown said…
Awesome cards, love the cardinal card, soo pretty. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Kathy Thisted said…
loved your cards . My fav is the eskimo card. Too cute!
Joanne said…
So many beautiful samples to showcase the new release! Excellent work, Ilina!
Unknown said…
Your cards are amazing! I Love all of them, They are so inspiring! Tfs
CathyL said…
Great cards! I like the coloring on the layered cardinal.
Debbie said…
One is pretty than another. I love the shaker card and the Poinsettia.
Anonymous said…
I love all of these cards, and now I really want some of those markers! Maybe if I'm really good, they'll show up in my stocking . . .
Peachitas said…
Really pretty cards!!!
Momcat said…
What a great range of cards, love them all!
Unknown said…
Looks like you were busy having fun with some new stamps!
Unknown said…
Looks like you were busy having fun with some new stamps!
Andrea Shell said…
Beautiful cards! I love the cardinal shaker card!
SSavidge said…
That cardinal is sooo pretty!
Macimbalo said…
Wow, Ilina, you have been super busy. I love them all, such creative work - you are an inspiration!
Penelope said…
I love your background on the eskimo card!
Cindi Hall said…
I love the northern lights on the eskimo card! It reminds me of our visit to Alaska.
Jimmie said…
Love your beautiful cards. Thanks for the inspiration.
Carol Ric said…
All your cards are so beautiful!
Satori said…
Great examples for Hero Arts winter release!
So much inspiration. Thank you so much--fantastic new stamps.
Anonymous said…
beautiful cards!!
Teri Ann said…
Your "Poinsettia" card is STUNNING!
Judie said…
Super gorgeous cards! Love the eskimo one!
Judy M said…
I love the cardinal card. It looks so beautiful with the cardinal in front of the circle die cut. I'm going to try that.
Linda M said…
Your cards are so beautiful! Thanks for all the great ideas!
Linda said…
Awesome cards but I would have to say the poinsettia is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.

Linda D.
GrammyP said…
All of your cards are beautiful...but the cardinal looks ready to fly right off the card! Great job and thanks for sharing! (Peg)
Deeps said…
Love your set of cards. Love the collections.
Betty said…
wonderful array of cards Ilina! love the cardinal one the most!
Just love all your cards but what a gorgeous cardinal shaker!!
Farmgirl said…
Love the cardinal card, how fun is the eskimo something I would NOT have thought of but seems quite perfect. The ornaments are stunning, using an oft unappreciated Christmas decoration as a focal point good job!
Lake Lady said…
I love the "peace" card.
Seeing your stunning ornament card made me want to order it straight away, where as before I had skipped over it on my shopping list! Thank you.
Beautiful cards...thank you so much for sharing them...hugs
sheron said…
I love these cards, I esp. like the pastel colored ornament one!
Love the hop and getting to see all the work and use of the new items. Great job!
mumbird3 said…
I love your background on the igloo - very nice! and the cardinal card also a fav!!!
Unknown said…
All of these are fabulous!
Unknown said…
I really love each of these cards. Great job!
Lindar C said…
Absolutely stunning Poinsettia card (my birth flower)!!! I have not heard of vellum tape and couldn't find it in your supply list.
Unknown said…
Love your cards....so many possibilities.Thank You
Great cards. My favorite is the new Poinsettia stamp!
Craftykthy said…
So much inspiration
JanetB said…
All your cards are lovely, I especially like the ornaments.
conil said…
My first thought is, "Why haven't I run across your amazing work before?" then I just sat back and drooled over all of your wonderful cards. You, my dear, are seriously talented. WOW!
Unknown said…
Very pretty cards....
Elaine said…
Pretty cards....thank you!
None None said…
Wow, amazing projects!!! Love that vellum flower - so rich and full of depth!! The celestial sky is amazing... so breathtaking.
Bunny Dobbie said…
What a beautiful assortment of cards you've created for the hop! The poinsettia on vellum is stunning. I love the contrast against the red.
Sue said…
Lovely cards... I'm enchanted by the cardinal! We have many in our yard.
Your cards are wonderful!! Love them and hero Arts too:)
Marilyn M. said…
Beautiful cards! My favorite are the first two, love red.
Sue Smith said…
Wow !! Each card is fabulous. My 2 favorites are the Poinsettia using vellum, and the ornament card. Great color choices and the sky for the little eskimo is stunning. Thanks for sharing ;)
stampwithsandy said…
Wow, Ilina! All of your cards are so gorgeous, and the eskimo background is amazing!
Tami B. said…
What a beautiful variety of cards.
Unknown said…
So hard to choose a favorite, but love the cardinal
Karen W said…
I am not sure which card I like best! Great job on all!
McStamper said…
Great ideas. I love the beautiful poinsettia.
Isabelle said…
Wow, you've been very active with this release ! All your creations are gorgeous and very inspiring.
eliza said…
Wow, very pretty!
Teresa Doyle said…
WOW Ilina, these are all wonderful cards! YOU have been a very busy lady! Just stunning stamps, a great job on them all!
sharon said…
I love your igloo card. Your background is fabulous
Unknown said…
I absolutely love your ornament card...Love how Zig markers color...Very elegant card!!
Debra Davison said…
Great cards.. Your sky background is gorgeous !!
HOLLEY DOWNS said…
Love love love you cards!
turk1002 said…
I especially like the ornament card. Nostalgic.
Mary said…
Lovely cards! Great touch with the sequins!
Janet D. said…
Such beautiful cards, love them all!!
Casie W said…
Love your use of Zig watercolor markers for the layering. Solves that "I don't have enough red ink pads" issue!
Unknown said…
Love all your beautiful cards would love to case if its ok. Thank you for sharing
janelle said…
The cardinal always makes such an attractive winter scene.
Ashley Wells said…
Love your card! Jennifer McGuire convinced me to get the infinity dies, already thinking of all the wonderful ways I can maximize my use!
PA said…
Beautiful Poinsettia card! Great job! Well done!
Unknown said…
Love all your beautiful cards would love to case if its ok. Thank you for sharing
littlesavedgirl said…
Wow Fabulous examples of all the wonderful products ! Great Job !
Ann V said…
Love your cards. Thanks for the inspiration.
cdselders said…
Your work is amazing! Love the northern lights back ground!
Rema DeLeeuw said…
Awesome new products and projects!
Dawn Y. said…
Wonderful cards, Ilina! What an amazing night sky! Your cardinal card is such a great design. ♡
Jewel said…
So FUN! 😃
Jan said…
You got super creative. So fun I bet.
Unknown said…
Nice LOVE the poinsettia card❤️
Unknown said…
So many wonderful cards!
Unknown said…
Love all the red on your cards.
Makes them so cheerful and elegant!
Kathy H said…
Wonderful Christmas cards!
Ann K said…
Gorgeous cards - love the sky on the igloo card.
Marilyn said…
Beautiful Christmas cards!
Amy C. said…
Wow...one beautiful card after another! I can't even pick a favorite! I love all these new holiday stamps.
liz said…
Love that Cardinal!
cindybearj said…
All of your cards are awesome. The poinsettia was my favorite until I saw the ornaments. I absolutely love the way you colored them. They remind me so much of the ornaments from my childhood that you pay a pretty penny for now!
Gina said…
You've done us proud, what a wonderful selection of cards. Thank you for the inspiration.
Lynne B said…
Love, love your cardinal card.
Anna Tracy said…
Your work on the poinsettia card is lovely!
Nandini said…
Love the cards. My favorite is the last, with the Ornaments stamp and die set. I am hoping to add that to my collection soon!
Arianna Barbara said…
Wow!!!! Beautiful set of cards! <3
D.Phillips said…
love the night sky colors with the warm hugs stamp set, so cute.
Laura said…
I can't decide which of your cards is my favorite...oh, wait, it's the vellum Pointsettia, but the others are fantastic as well. Thank you for sharing these.
Marcia said…
Great ideas and so much inspiration!! Thanks! I especially love the background on your starry night card!!
Unknown said…
Lovely cards, great work! Thanks for the ideas.
joy said…
WOW! Your cards are gorgeous - love the first one especially!
Cathy said…
Such amazing cards, they are all so beautiful- can't even begin to pick a favorite!
Woendi Levitt said…
Beautiful cards. I love your backgrounds. I cant say that any of these are better then the other but the ornament card is GORGEOUS.
QuilterLaura said…
wow, that poinsettia is just gorgeous, but the ornaments are a close 2nd, great job!
Cindy C. said…
Impressive and beautiful projects!!!!!!
Dana said…
Wow!! So many awesome cards!!
Helen Gullett said…
Ilina, they all are gorgeous and elegant! Love them!
THANK YOU for the inspirations!
eemel said…
They all look great! I love the poinsettia and the background on the eskimo card!
zgagi said…
So many beautiful cards. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Evelyn said…
The poinsettia is magnificent!! Love the rounded bottom of the red. Also love the cardinal card. So on spot and the shaker part is fun.
Jan Elmore said…
Your northern lights card is very cool! Love the sky!
Kajcyika said…
looooove it! No other words but love!
A Shaw said…
Such lovely cards. Hard to choose a favorite!
SusanME said…
These are beautiful! I think the ornaments card is my favorite. Thanks so much for sharing!
Janelle said…
Lovin' your traditional red cards...then you give us the Northern Lights! AND pastel Decor. These are all wonderful!
Cris G. said…
Awesome cards! Such a beautiful variety of Christmas projects!
Sarah T. said…
Really hard to pick a favourite as you've made such lovely cards, but I'm a sucker for a holiday tag so the Peace and Joy card has to win for me. Looks like another set I just have to have.
Beth H. said…
Beautiful cards! I am especially fond of the ornament card. Great dimension!
Susan King said…
I just love your poinsettia card! This is my favorite!
Tallie Clewley said…
Lovely set of cards. Great variation on the galaxy background for the northern lights. Thanks for sharing!
Leanne in Cali said…
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing so much inspiration on the blog hop!!
Donna B. said…
Beautiful cards! The background on the Eskimo card is AMAZING!! TFS!!
Debbie B said…
Gorgeous cards! I especially like the pointsettia and cardinal! Simply stunning! TFS!
Yvonne B. said…
Oh my goodness! You've made so many wonderful cards with these stamps! Thanks for sharing all of your ideas here!
Unknown said…
You have created beautiful cards and thank you for sharing your art. Hero arts makes nice stamps,they were the first ones I bought when I started to make cards.
Debbie A. said…
Great cards, Ilina! I especially like the striking poinsettia one. Thanks so much for sharing with us and for participating in this great hop and giveaway.
MelissaF said…
Beautiful cards, my favorite is the cardinal but they are all sooo pretty. Thanks for sharing.
Katie M said…
So very beautiful!
Mary said…
I love all 5 cards, they are so gorgeous!
Amber said…
Love, love the layered poinsettia! And the northern lights sky. All are great, those of my favs :)
Unknown said…
That poinsettia card is spectacular and the cardinal is one of my favorite stamps! Thanks for sharing your beautiful cards.
Freda said…
I didn't even know you could stamp with Zig Clean Colors! I shall have to try it. The night sky background on the igloo card is simply stunning!
Unknown said…
What truly elegant cards! Love the ornament cards. Simple and elegant with a bit of sparkle. TFS
Brenda said…
Lovely, as always.
Bonnie said…
I love this collection of elegant cards. So gorgeous.
SHartl said…
Your carda are all beautiful but that vellum stamped poinsettia is really elegant!
Evelyn vasquez said…
Gorgeous cards. Love the shimmer on the Eskimo card.
Beautiful card! That cardinal is just so striking and eye-catching! Wow!
Izzy Scrap said…
Your cards are fabulous ! I especially LOVE the Poinsettia card, it is so chic ! I love the contrast of the white onto the red ! Magnificent ! Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.
Sue D said…
BEAUTIFUL... I especially like your cardinal card with the shaker background; sooooo pretty!! TFS so many varied ideas and inspired projects.
That bird is beautiful. Love all of your work. TFS
michemilie said…
I really like the cardinal card but I really like bird stamps for some reason! And the Eskimo kisses card is just adorable! Great job on all of them!
Unknown said…
Such wonderful cards! Thank you for sharing :)
Shelley E said…
Great cards. The shaker card with the cardinal stamp is my favorite.
Marta said…
The layered white/silver poinsettia is breathtaking.
Pamgail said…
Wonderful cards! My faves are the poinsettia card and the Eskimo card. That night sky is gorgeous!!
Linda Anderson said…
Can't pick a favorite...all are amazing!
Unknown said…
Such effective use of the Hero Arts winter release. All of your cards are lovely.
Mary Holshouser said…
that poinsettia is fantastic.
Love the white on the vellum.
Using the red for the background really
makes the flower pop.
I have to get that stamp/die and the cardinal.
Love that he is a layered stamp.
thanks for sharing.
Lindsay S said…
Love the background on the eskimo card!
Cheryl said…
I think all of your cards are gorgeous! I have to say my favorites are
the poinsettia and the cardinal. Thanks for all of the inspiration.
Karen B. said…
What a variety of amazing designs!
Rhonda Frerichs said…
Great backgrounds and variety of cards. The styles show your versatility and the awesomeness of this release. Thanks!
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