New Hero Stamps in the HOUSE!

I finally got a chance to play with some new Hero Arts stamps on these two cards! :)

Both cards began entirely as white paper. To color the images, I first stamped them in light ink (Tea Dye Distress Ink) and then colored on top of the stamping using colored pencils. I added a light layer of Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink on top of my coloring. On the floral card, I also stamped the Hero Arts grid background after coloring using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. I removed some ink with a baby wipe before stamping. The green ink used on the background of the card with the leaves is Forest Moss Distress Ink, both for inking the the paper and stamping the Envelope Pattern background.

Thanks for popping by! See you next year :) with a fun Purple Onion Designs card.
All Stamps Hero Arts (Card #1: S5435, CG248, CL491) (Card #2 CL497, CL477, S5507)

Wanda *Day 5*

**OOPS--I scheduled this post and put the wrong date...we'll just pretend it's Friday...LOL**
Click HERE, or scroll down, for Thursday's post.

Well, it's Friday and so I'm sad to say it's our last day of inspiration with Wanda. It's been such a treat to share her talent this week! Thanks, Wanda for playing along. ;) And remember, you can always check out more of her fabulous cards on her PHOTOSTREAM and BLOG. Okay, this just couldn't be prettier! First of all, Wanda's coloring on the tulips is perfection!! And talk about an eye-catching background...the text paper is wonderful. Finally, I love all of the finishing touches Wanda has added to this card-from the ribbon to the heart charm, it all adds up to a beauty!!
Here is my take using another Tiffany Doodles digi image: Thanks again for visiting and commenting this week! You guys are the best!!! See you Saturday with some more inspiration...Purple Onion Designs style! :)
Stamps: Floral Image (Tiffany Doodles), Hero Arts (CL367, CG125)

Wanda *Day 4*

Not much time to type today but I had to pop in and share this lovely set by Wanda:
And here's my take:Stamps: Branch, leaves, and flowers (Purple Onion Designs), Hero Arts (CG152, CL342, CG125)

Wanda *Day 3*

I LOVE this next card by Wanda:This is so cute I could just squeal! :) I love the perfectly colored images on the circle-very unique. And the colors are so fun. Lately I just can't get enough of orange and teal. You just can't help but smile when you look at Wanda's card!

Here's my take:

I stamped the floral image on the white circle (Copic Express paper) using Mementos tuxedo black ink and colored with Copic markers. The dots were added with a fine tip black pen. (Thanks, Kathy, for the dotting inspiration!) I then distressed the circle using brushed corduroy distress ink. The orange background began as white paper and was colored using rusty hinge and brushed corduroy distress ink. Then I flicked it with water. The card base is white cardstock, distressed with broken china and brushed corduroy distress ink.

Thanks for looking!
All Stamps Hero Arts CL250, CL400

Wanda *Day 2*

Here's our next inspiration card by Wanda: Such a charmer! I love all of the vintage layers on this cute card. The vintage bird, flowers, torn paper, flourish background...they are just so sweet! I also love the way Wanda has added the sentiment on the torn and layered pieces of paper.
Here is my take. I was especially inspired by the vintage bird piece on Wanda's card:

And that beautiful bird stamp is another digi image from Tiffany Doodles.
**Edited to add: I'd had a few questions on how I colored the bird. It was printed with black ink on white cardstock and I colored the bird using prismacolor colored pencils. I then distressed the entire piece using brushed corduroy distress ink. The script was stamped using brushed corduroy distress ink the flourish was stamped using pumice stone distress ink. The green background also began as white cardstock and was colored using forest moss distress ink.**
Thanks for visiting!
Stamps: Bird (Tiffany Doodles), Flourish and Text (Hero Arts K5344, S5449)

Inspired by...Wanda!

Did everyone have a wonderful Christmas? I had a great time with family and friends and am excited to have more family visiting this week! :) It is also time to announce our next featured artist...I came across one of the most beautiful Christmas cards last week in flickr (click HERE to see it) and I was immediately inspired after checking out this stamper's photostream. SOOOO this week's "Inspired by..." stamper is the talented Wanda Guess! Check out her PHOTOSTREAM and BLOG--I know you'll love it! Here's our first inspiration card by Wanda:

And here's my take. I channeled my "inner Kathy" as I colored these flowers with Copics and added all the dots!

Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow with another fabulous card by Wanda! HUGS!
All Stamps Hero Arts: CG132, CG148

Some Favs of 2010 *Day 5*

It's our last day of some of my fav inspiration of 2010. I could go on and on with my favorites, although I think you might get tired of all the reruns!! :) This last choice is by a stamper who both inspires me with her creative talent and her big heart. This beautiful card is by sweet Barb!

And here was my take:

Details on original post HERE.

And finally, I want to wish all you, my friends, a very merry Christmas! May God bless your holiday celebrations with family and friends.

See you on Monday with our next "Inspired by..." artist. Hugs!

Fav inspiration of 2010 *Day 4*

First of all, HUGE thanks to all of you for your beyond amazing comments yesterday on my big news. I know I've said this before, but it comes from the heart- you guys are all the BEST. THE BEST!!!

Here's the next installment of some of my favorite inspiration cards of 2010. Who could forget this charmer by Anita?

And here was my take: Details on original post HERE.

I still can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! I don't think I will ever get used to this warm Arizona weather during the holiday season... it just doesn't completely feel like Christmas!

Happy News!!

I am SOOO excited today because I get to announce some happy, happy news! I have been asked by Faber-Castell, premier art supply manufactuer, to represent them as a designer as they launch a new craft line, Design Memory Craft, at CHA2011. I even have a few things in their catalog! **squeal** The line is AMAZING--all kinds of new goodies to use with your favorite stamps.
This card began entirely as white paper and was crafted using several of the new items from the line--Pitt Pastel Pencils for the background behind the flowers, Art Grip Aquarelle Pencils, and Color Gelatos. (Yep, you heard me right-- Color Gelatos-- and trust me, they are as fun to use as they sound!!) Be sure to pop over to the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft blog to see more sneak peeks and fun projects.

This really is a dream come true for me and I want to thank all of my readers for their visits here, their support, endless encouragement, and INSPIRATION! BIG hugs and thanks for sharing in my excitement, too!!!!

PS- This is my second post for today--scroll down or click HERE for my first post which includes a video and my next set of Favorite Inspiration of 2010.

Video and Favs *Day 3*

NOTE: I have two posts today--click HERE to read some exciting news and see another card!

First of all, I have another card and video for my LSS, Mementos. Here's the card---something simple and quick during this busy time of year:And here's the video (click HERE to watch directly at youtube-part of the video is cut off when you watch here on the blog). BTW-sorry the colors are so light in the video. I am still working out my lighting and video set-up. I appreciate your patience, my friends, as I am learning. :)

All Stamps Hero Arts: S5420, K5344, CL351

Next up is another favorite 'inspiration of 2010' card. This card by Sasya is just too fabulous to not share again: And here was my take:
Details on original post HERE.
Thanks for visiting. :) See you tomorrow! HUGS!

Some Favs *Day 2*

Up next on "rerun" week (a.k.a. some favorite inspiration cards of 2010) is this LOVELY butterfly creation by sweet Agata:

And here was my take:

Details on original post HERE.
Thanks again for popping by! HUGS!

My favs!

Hi everyone! Am I the only one who feels SOOOO far behind in preparing for Christmas?!!! That being said, this week I am going to share some of my favorite inspiration cards of 2010. Hope you don't mind a few reruns!! :)

For today's post I just had to show this awesome card by the ultra-talented Mariana again:And here was my take:

Details on original post HERE.

Thanks for popping by and I'll see you tomorrow with another fav of 2010! :) HUGS!

Tami Hartley *Day 5*

Hello, my friends and happy Friday! Although it is Friday I do have some bad news----this is our last day of inspiration with Tami Hartley. :( BUT, never fear, you can always see more of her wonderful work on her BLOG, PHOTOSTREAM and on the Hero Arts BLOG! Here's our last card by Tami: This card demonstrates how simple stamping can be truly elegant and beautiful! I love the way Tami has stamped the flowers off to the right hand side of the card. Her colors are so very natural and appealing. And the polka dot paper adds just the right touch of whimsy to her card!
Here is my take:And, sweet Tami, I'm sending YOU big hugs! Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration and voice of encouragement for so many stampers. You're one in a million!!!
Stamps: Hero Arts (CL380, CG125, CL428, CG170), Splatter (All Night Media)

Tami Hartley *Day 4*

This next card by Tami makes me smile BIG:

This couldn't be cuter; right? The hearts along the bottom create a fantastic rainbow of color. The emboss-resist techinique is fabulous with Tami's color scheme. The ledger background is unexpected and fun, too! Finally, the gems add the perfect touch of shine and sparkle.
Here is my take: See you tomorrow with our last card by Tami. I'm so sad to see the week coming to an end... :(
All Stamps Hero Arts: CL383, CG138, CL351

Tami Hartley *Day 3*

Okay, once again I must state this warning before you see this next card by Tami. Please tape all socks onto your feet immediately, because they are about to be completely knocked off!!! : I really cannot get enough of all of the luscious stamping on Tami's card! There are so many subtle layers that all add up to LOTS of gorgeousness!! And the touch of lace along the side is the perfect embellishment!
Here is my take:And while I had my rose stamp out, I also made this card and video for my local scrapbook store, Mementos. Here's the card: And the video. To see the full shot of the video, click HERE to watch at youtube (it cuts some of it off here on my blog). And so sorry it says the video is like 9 minutes long, I forgot to trim the audio clip when I was editing- I guess I'm still learning! oops!

Card #1 Stamps: Hero Arts (CG152, S5435), Splatter (All Night Media)

Tami Hartley *Day 2*

Here's our next inspiration cardy by Tami: This Christmas card is PURE elegance! I love the embossed Christmas tree and inky background tree that take center stage on this charmer. The musical note background adds to the holiday feeling and Tami never forgets the little details--distressed edges, stitching, button, and lace...I could go on and on!
Here is my take:
Thanks again for visiting and for your sweet comments! HUGS!
All Stamps Hero Arts (H5424, CL250, CG138)

Inspired by...Tami!

Yep, you read that title correctly... this week our featured artist is none other than thee Tami Hartley!!! She is an over-the-top talented designer and the cherry on top is that she is SUPER sweet as well! I really am pinching myself that I get to share some of her awesome work here on my blog-o this week. Let's begin; shall we? Here's our first inspiration card by Tami:

And so you can truly appreciate the genius of her card, here's the set that she used to create that stunning bouquet: I LOVE the way Tami altered the flowers, stems, and leaves to create this fun card! She made me fall in love with this set all over again. Her bright colors are incredibly happy and look wonderful against the tan and kraft backgrounds. And speaking of backgrounds, I love how she has stamped the flowers repeatedly to make that charming background paper.Here's my take:

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out Tami's new BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM to see more of her lovely work. And I'll be back tomorrow with another of her wonderful cards!
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL400, CL250)

Hannah, Day 5 and a WINNER

Today is our last day of inspiration with the super talented Hannah! But you can continue to check out her inspiring stamping on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM. Hannah's card today is beyond cute:Isn't Hannah's snowman clever?! What a great use of buttons! And I love the nontraditional holiday colors. They really add to the playful feeling of this card. Finally, Hannah's card design is well balanced and fun-- a great starting point for any card!
Here is my little mini card: Thanks Tiff for the cute Hero Arts set (CL262) I used for the ticket! :) And thanks again to Hannah for allowing me to share your work here on my blog this week. I know you inspire so many of us in the Hero Arts "flickr family." :)

Oh, and after putting all the names of commenters on the TD blog hop in a basket, the lucky winner Poppy with Oval set from the Tiffany Doodles blog hop is Tabitha! Tabitha, send me an email and I will get your stamps sent to you asap. :)

Hannah, Day 4

You're going to love this card by Hannah: Hannah's butterfly could not be more beautiful! I LOVE her unexpected color scheme of peaches, pinks, and purples. They really pop against the white background. And speaking of backgrounds, the rich purple card base is the perfect choice as it allows the image and sentiment to be the stars of the show!
Here is my take:
And I have to say that this card is dedicated to Brenna, one of the sweet gals in my class last Saturday, who said she wished I would do a card with Distress Inks in pink and purple! :)
Thanks again for visiting my corner of blogland, my friends. I will be back again tomorrow, Saturday, with our last card by Hannah.
Stamps: Hero Arts (E5388, CL342), Splatter (All Night Media)

Hannah, Day 3

If you are looking for the Tiffany Doodles Blog Hop, click HERE.

Oh boy, it has been one of those crazy weeks and I don't have much time to type today, but here is Hannah's awesome card: Here is my take. After seeing Hannah's card, I just had to make something with those brilliant oranges:
Oh, and that beautiful flower is a Tiffany Doodles digi stamp, Lily with Oval: Thanks again for stopping by! See you tomorrow with another of Hannah's stunning creations!

Stamps: Lily (Tiffany Doodles), Hero Arts (CL272, S5435)

Hannah, Day 2 and VIDEO

If you are looking for the Tiffany Doodles Blog Hop, click HERE.

Welcome back to our next inspiration card by Hannah: Okay, this has to be one of the absolute SWEETEST cards I've ever seen. Hannah's scene with the mama and baby bird is precious. The sentiment works perfectly, too! Hannah has done a great job with this layout. I love the center panel matted on the darker cardstock and layered on the pink/salmon colored background.
Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Hannah to use some pinks in my card (not my typical go-to color) and to create a very linear card and matted background.

It's also Project Of the Week time over at the blog of my LSS, Mementos which means I have another card and video to share with you. Here's the card:And the video:

Thanks again for visiting and for all of your sweet comments on the blog hop post yesterday! HUGS!
Stamps: Hero Arts (CL428, CL250), Vintage Butterfly (Purple Onion Designs)

Tiffany Doodles Blog Hop

Hi everyone! Welcome to those of you who are hopping here from Jeannie DeGruccio's blog on the Tiffany Doodles blog hop. My card for the hop and the December challenge features this cute, cute, CUTE set: Get out your sunglasses! :) Here's my card:

As you can see, the December challenge theme is Christmas! To play along, make a Christmas-themed card using at least one Tiffany Doodles digi stamp and post it HERE. (New challenges are posted every 7th of the month) Right now, Tiffany's digi stamps are on sale - buy 3, get one free!

And it feels like Christmas on this blog hop-- here are the guidelines to follow so that you will be eligible for 3 grand prizes (3 digis to each 3 random winners):
1. Follow this blog if you aren't already.
2. Stop by everyone's blog and sign up to follow.
3. Leave a comment on everyone's blog. (Oh, and there are even more prizes at EVERY stop!)
4. Return to the Tiffany Doodles blog and leave a comment.

Speaking of prizes at every stop, sign up to follow my blog (if you haven't already) and leave a comment on this post and I will choose one random winner to receive the Poppy with Oval stamp (used on THIS card):

And here's your next stop on the hop---->Jodi Ann Lee's Inked Inspirations

Thanks sooooo much for visiting and commenting! I'll be back tomorrow with our next day of inspiration with the wonderful Hannah!
Card supplies: Ornaments (Tiffany Doodles), Sentiment (Handwritten Holiday by Purple Onion Designs, available HERE)/ Ornaments colored with Copic markers & background created with Distress Inks