Monday, February 8, 2016

Finally - Stencil Storage That Works For Me & A Hero Hop

I am hopping along with my friends at Hero Arts today, and have lots of fun things to show you that I got to see at CHA from the new Hero catalog.

CHA feels like that moment on your first birthday when you're allowed to plunge your entire head into an overly frosted birthday cake. It's amazing and you pass out for three weeks after the high wears off.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to pass out for three weeks, but it took me a few weeks to get back into the stamping groove after all that excitement. But now I'm ready to play with all the new goodies, and I have storage tips AND a watercolor video for you - so I hope you're caffeinated.

One of the things I looked for at CHA was stencil storage, and I came up empty handed. As a committed Gelli printer, I have a drawer FULL of stencils - there are not enough stencils in the world. And they drive me nuts, because they are a million different sizes and shapes, and many are so fine that they get hopelessly tangled up together, to the point where they even rip if you can't extricate the delicate ones. Drives me nuts. So I FINALLY found a storage system that works for me. I bought these folders, which are open on two sides, and translucent, so I can see the stencil. They're also very thin though, so my many stencils don't take up much room, and are easy to grab and pack for a retreat or stamping with friends.

Stencil Storage Pockets


They are a very sturdy poly, and are great stored flat or in a hanging file. I labeled them with company name and stencil name - but the stencil name is just for blogging - the reason I love these folders is that the stencil design is easy to see. And no stress from tangled stencils.


So speaking of stencils, here's one of the new Hero stencils - Delicate Petals, combined with this HILARIOUS stamp set - Hello Gorgeous.

I sponged from the center outwards with Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade and Tempting Turquoise inks. Then I stamped the image and sentiment in Versafine, using my Mini MISTI.


I posted a peek of the next one on Instagram because the stamp set Hipster Animals was cracking me up - this was the first one that made me squeal at their booth, and they had some fun life sized props from this set at the booth for photo ops.



Pin It

Bwahah - doesn't that crack you up??

I went for pure, clean black & white just because that's how the sort of retro graphics speak to me.

And now, for the COMPLETE opposite of that, here's the watercolor. As soon as I saw these fish at the booth I was dying for a paintbrush.

I did abstract fish in the background, and then stamped a layered fish for the foreground. I just love everything about these little guys. This is a set called Color Layering Goldfish.

Here's a quick video of the process, which I did on 100% cotton Artistico watercolor paper by Fabriano, with QOR Watercolors (Pyrrole Red Light, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Pthalo Blue, Nickel Azo Yellow, Hansa Yellow Medium, and Quinacridone Gold).




I really had fun with all these, and I want to tell you also that the people at Hero (and yes, I'm biased about Libby because she is a sweet, dear friend that I miss very much), are SUCH great human beings, that it was so wonderful to spend time in their booth, and chat with them. It's a big deal to me to personally know that there are nice people behind the brands I respect.

So here's the rest of the hop today - such great talent here! Hop along, and comment at each stop for the chance to win four $25 shopping sprees, drawn from comments left across all blogs in the hop. Comment by 11:59pm PT on Valentine's Day.

Hero Arts
Lia Griffith
Kelly Purkey
Jennifer McGuire
Yana Smakula
Lucy Abrams
Kristina Werner
Kathy Racoosin
Mariana Grigsby
Debby Hughes
Nichol Magouirk
Joan Bardee
Lydia Fiedler << You are here :)
Sandy Allnock
Julie Ebersole
Amy Tsuruta
Kelly Rasmussen
Suzanne Dahlberg
Wanda Guess
Clare Prezzia
Tami Hartley
Libby Hickson


Loveyameanitbye.


198 comments:

  1. Cool video. I can see how your misti would almost be a necessity with these stamps.

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  2. These are gorgeous! Thanks for the tips on stencil storage.

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  3. Awesome cards and I love your video!

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  4. Awesome cards! Love the first one and should send one to my sister! haha!

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  5. The new Hero Arts stamps are so much fun - love the "cray cray" one, definitely have someone in mind for that stamp. Loved the watercolor video, the colors you used are beautiful.

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  6. Love your cards!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

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  7. Lovely cards!
    I love the cat stamp.

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  8. Thank you for showing your craft. I really enjoy the stamping and embossing techniques. Thanks to you, I have started crafting with my family who are not crafters but they are eager to participate and learn. It is evident that you truly enjoy your love for everything paper, once again thank you for sharing.

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  9. Thanks for the video...I'm always looking for tips for watercoloring.

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  10. Thank you for showing your craft. I really enjoy the stamping and embossing techniques. Thanks to you, I have started crafting with my family who are not crafters but they are eager to participate and learn. It is evident that you truly enjoy your love for everything paper, once again thank you for sharing.

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  11. Love how you match your technique en look with the stamp you used, love them all!!

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  12. the hipster animals crack me up. gotta get those

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  13. Super cards, Lydia! Loved watching your video. I recently purchased some Qor watercolours, so I was interested in seeing you use them.

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  14. Thanks for the stencil tip. Your cards are so versatile and pretty.

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  15. Love it - great video. Love those stamps :-)

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  16. Just amazing! thanks so much! I love the contrast of the blurred background against the crispness of the single fish, and of course the perfect contrast between the orange and the blue. This turned out so well, it makes me want to keep trying new things. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  17. I love the idea a blurred background!

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  18. Great tip for stencil storage.

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  19. those goldfish are especially cool.

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  20. I really enjoyed watching how you got that softer look for the background fish. Great technique. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Great cards! Loved your video, too.

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  22. Lydia - these cards rock!!! I love the first card with the tie-dyeish background which looks like it is radiating out from the focal image. What a cool effect!!!

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  23. Lydia, your first two cards do crack me up but my fav is the abstract - absolutely getting that stamp & die set! TFS

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  24. Lydia- You are so very talented and always inspiring. I just could sit and watch you craft with paper all day...The blurred "fishies" are amazing!!!! I love the cat card also...we all have a cray cray in our life!!! And the first card's beautiful background ...Oh how I wish I could use stencils that well... And that sentiment is perfect...I must have it!!!

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  25. Great cards! The Hipster Animal stamp set is too funny.

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  26. Love your cards & a great video. The watercolour fish background is so lovely.

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  27. Great cards!
    Thanks Hero Arts for the chance to win.

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  28. Well thank you for that storage idea!! My stencils are in their original packaging all piled up. LOVE your pretty cards that you created. Each one so different but oh so pretty!!

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  29. The "karma" card reminds me of the 60's & psychedelic colors. Love it. And the "cray cray" card reminds me of a lot of people at work! lol Love the abstract fish A LOT!

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  30. Thanks for the storage tips and the nice cards!

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  31. Great cards - love the karma card! Thanks so much.

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  32. Now I know I need a Misti!!! Great video!

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  33. Great card love the watercoloring.

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  34. The goldfish is my favorite. Both the watercolor and the detailed are wonderful.

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  35. Way to bring the "fishiness" back in the watercolor :) Just enough detail.

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  36. Awesome!! I thought I loved the stencil card until I saw your watercoloring! But I still do love them both - can't choose! :)

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  37. I agree with you Lydia. I am in awe of the Colored Layering Goldfish stamp & die set!

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  38. Yes, the hipster stamp is tooo much! Love your fish, beautiful.

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  39. I really love the "just keep swimming" card. Great watercoloring. Thanks for sharing!

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  40. Three very different cards, all gorgeous!

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  41. Lovely designs .... well done.

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  42. Fun cards and ideas you have! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  43. Love these cards. Thanks for the stencil storage tip!!

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  44. Fantastic cards! I love the fun sentiments! (especially the cray cray one!) Beautiful fishy background! Love your stencil storage idea!

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  45. Beautiful cards, really love the goldfish set now after your video! Love them all, thanks for sharing.

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  46. I loved all the cards but first one is my favourite. The sentiment of that set is so fresh.

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  47. Oh my gosh, the colors on your first card are amazing! I love it! I want to make one just like it but I don't have that stencil. I need to win to get that stencil and the fish one which you also used. I love everything that you did!

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  48. Your first two cards are so fun and a bit cheeky! Love it! And your third card is beautiful!!!

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  49. Love the goldfish but the cray-cray sentiment could go to so many of my friends!

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  50. Love the fish on the watercolor paper!

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  51. REALLY fun cards! They are funny and fresh and look just great too!
    Take care!
    Michele

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  52. 3 such different looks - you are really versatile. Bravo!

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  53. This is definitely a must have stamp set!!

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  54. Wow... what great projects! Love your fishy card... that is just awesome!
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    Hugs,
    Jo
    ♥ Jo's Scrap Shack ♥

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  55. I love how your mind works. Nice job!

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  56. Thanks for a great video! These gold fish are so cute; nice to see some color layering images that aren't flowers. Need some of those folders for my stencils, too.

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  57. I always love coming here for a visit! I ADORE your cards!!! I think my favorite is the fish card....I too love the look of the blurred background! :) Hugs my friend!

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  58. No one would beable to say you have just one style 3 very different cards,thanks for sharing.

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  59. You are such an artist. To top it off, you are an amazing person. I love each of these cards - but feel like the "cray cray" one is destined for me....:)

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  60. LOVE that background! Such a great idea. I thought you had freehanded the fish but using the stamp makes it so approachable. Great idea1

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  61. Nice cards ! Thanks for the video with good tips.

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  62. Fantastic card Lydia. Totally enjoyed it!

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  63. This is so stunning! Love your video showing your technique! Just beautiful!

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  64. Lovely cards. Love your video. It was very inspirational:)

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  65. Wonderful projects. Great tip for storing the stencils. Cheers.

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  66. These cards are super rad and I love them! Really loving the color combination on the goldfish card.

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  67. Love the goldfish! Thanks for the video tut, I love visual learning. What do you do with the larger stencils? Thanks for the storage tip, I am a stencil lover too and HATE when they get tangled!

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  68. What diverse cards. I love all 3. And a great new catty from Hero. What more could a girl ask for? Thanks for sharing.

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  69. Beautiful as always... my favorite is the goldfish card, but boy that "cray cray" cracks me up!

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  70. Oh wow, Lydia! That is an amazing water colored background! Very creative. And I love two step stamps too - they make so much detail so easy!

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  71. What fun projects and thanks for the stencil storage tip!

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  72. OMWow! All your cards are awesome, but those goldfish are especially gorgeous! Love this!

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  73. Love the rainbow of colors in the first card.
    The fish are wonderful - the blur of them fishing
    is a great idea.
    thanks for sharing some wonderful cards.

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  74. Amazing cards. The fish is so cute.

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  75. Wonderful cards...absolutely love the watercoloured fish.

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  76. Great use of that stencil. I love that fish set, and I agree with keeping those hipsters black and white. It looks cool.

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  77. You're right! It's good to know the companies you purchase from are filled with really, good people. It's imortant to me, as well. When I initially saw these fish, I went a little cray cray. Have to have them. What you've done with them is fabulous.

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  78. Those are awesome! I especially LOVE the hipster card! :D
    Also: very good post on storage, and very helpful atm - ty :)

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  79. These are fantastic cards. I would love to receive any one of them.

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  80. Thanks for a great video, I love that you showed how to do that background technique. Very helpful. Thanks!

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  81. Wow what a great technique. Nice card b

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  82. I really love the use of that stencil! and the card with the fish is gorgeous :) Thanks for sharing!

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  83. Nice cards great hop awesome stencil idea you rock

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  84. Love your cards! That stencil is awesome as is your background for your fish card! So pretty!

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  85. These are all lovely, and so different from each other!

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  86. I really enjoyed watching your techniques in making the fish card. Very beautiful!

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  87. Very fun uses of the stamps!! And great idea of storing the stencils!! Thanks for sharing!

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  88. Three very different styles, showing variety with these stamps. Love the goldfish design...just great!

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  89. Great organization tips! Love the stamp set! Thanks for the video!

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  90. Thanks for the organization tips!

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  91. Such cool cards! Love how you used the stencil on the first card, and the goldfish look AMAZING watercolored!!

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  92. Fantastic video!! Great idea on storage for my stencils and WOW gorgeous card. Thanks.

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  93. LOL! Cray cray in a good way :)

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  94. Hey Lydia!! Yes, both of them crack me up. lol Love what you did with all the cards!! Thanks for the hop!

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  95. Thank you - this was very nice.

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  96. Gorgeous card! Thanks for tips on storing the stencils!

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  97. Thanks for sharing your stencil storage idea!

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  98. Great organizational tip for the stencils! Also love all your cards. So fun! Thanks for the inspiration. :D

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  99. Thanks for the video. Love those goldfish!

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  100. love the sentiments on your cards.

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  101. Fishes ... snappy animals ... love them both.

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  102. Great card! Love the video! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  103. Beautiful cards! There are so many wonderful new year!

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  104. Your cards are great! And that tip for stencil storage is brilliant!

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  105. I love the colors on your cards!

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  106. Great video & awesome cards! They are all so spectacular that I can't pick a favorite. Love them all!! Thanks for the stencil storage tip!

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  107. I am in LOVE with the fish! So pretty!

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  108. Love all your Hero Arts projects - and your blog, overall!

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  109. Great cards, I especially love your "cray cray" card!

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  110. Fun, nice use of layered stamps, thanks.

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  111. I love all 3 of your cards but your It's Karma Baby card is so fantastic! I also think your stencil storage system is great and I am going to try it as mine are all in a drawer too and desperately need organization! Thanks for sharing your fantastic cards and your awesome stencil storage system!

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  112. Where to begin? I love your stencil storage. I have a couple of systems in place but they need finessing so thanks for the ideas!
    The "cray cray" card is so fun! And I totally loved the video showing how you created the "just keep swimming" card (which is so gorgeous!). Such a jam-packed post!

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  113. All your cards are so creative! Great job!

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  114. Your cards are fabulous. I really like the background on the first one and thanks for the stencil storage idea.

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  115. Cool cards, thanks for sharing!

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  116. I LOVE those hipster animals! They are awesome. But those goldfish you did~very cool!

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  117. Fantastic cards! I love the colors and your stamping technique. Thanks for sharing.

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  118. Super cute! Man, I gotta get into my craft room!!

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  119. Lovely card, and I learned a lot from your tutorial.

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  120. Fun fantastic cards!! Love your stencil storage idea too!!

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  121. What a wonderful array of designs and effects. Love the watercoloring that you shared. Thanks so much. God Bless.

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  122. Well Hello, Lydia! Just so GREAT to see your work here and I love your fish! ♥♥♥

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  123. Absolutely in love with the abstract fish one!!!!

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  124. Great stencil and Hello Gorgeous stamp set.

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  125. Love your cards. Thanks for the video.

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  126. LOVE your cards!! The karma baby really drew me in! And the watercolor goldies!

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  127. Cool technique with the watercolor fish.

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  128. Very Creative cards and I enjoyed the stencil storage idea.

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  129. Thanks for the tutorial. Layering stamps look like a whole lotta fun!

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  130. First of all, thanks for the stencil storage idea. I love mixed media, but my stencils were wild and loose and everywhere. I love your goldfish card very much. It's so painterly.

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  131. Wonderful artsy look to your stamping. Have a BEE-utiful day!
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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  132. Awesome cards and new release! A great way to use the ombre ink! Lovin' it! Thanks for the chance to win!!
    ~God bless~

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  133. You are such a versatile artist and your card designs show it. I especially like your watercolored fish. Thank you for the video!

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  134. Great cards! I love the black and white! Thanks for sharing your amazing cards.

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  135. hop hop hop oooooooow now I think I want stencils. Thank you these are awesome and unique. hop hop hop

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  136. Awesome fun cards. Love the video. Thanks for sharing.

    Linda .

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  137. The background is fantastic. Love the effect.

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  138. Such great cards--and I totally agree about the stencils...addictive..and maddeningly odd to store! But the Hero Arts hipsters may be next on my must have list--thanks for all of that beeyootiful eye candy!

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  139. Love the fish and the layering. Your card is just beautiful. found the video very useful. thanks so much for sharing.

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  140. Fun cards love the sassy cat one. Such a great sentiment.

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  141. Fabulous cards! The stark black and white is my favorite!

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  142. You have great card ideas. Like the underwater feeling you developed.

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  143. Such eye candy. Love your take on karma - I knew it was rainbow-colored!

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  144. I like the stencil storage idea and the card with the stencil background. Thanks for sharing!

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  145. Gorgeous... I love the watercolor.. you make it look so easy

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  146. Love the fish and the watercolor!!

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  147. Fun and beautiful cards! Gorgeous abstract fish:)

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  148. Thanks for giving us so many cards. The hipster animals are so clever. That card is my favorite.

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  149. That background is just so beautiful. And the layered fish is just as lovely. Thanks so much for the wonderful, detailed tutorial.

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  150. Oh Lydia you crack me up!!!! I need to come to Austin again soon!

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  151. I like the way the watercolor fish turned out. Good storage idea too.

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  152. Thanks, Lydia, for the video and instructions, especially the watercoloring. I need to learn how to do this. Good job!

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  153. WOWOWOWOWOWOW!! SUPER AWESOME!! SO INSPIRED and LOVING the New Products!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!! =)

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  154. Love this fish stamps with multi layer stamping. Your video was great.

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  155. Gorgeous cards - especially love the watercolor fish background!

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  156. FABULOUS storage and cards!!!
    LOVE them ALL, especially your fish - WOW - what an EXCITING technique!!!
    THANK YOU for sharing your CREATIVE INSPIRATION and tutorial :)

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  157. Thanks for the wonderful video.Love both of your cards especially the hero stencil card.

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  158. I love the fun, rainbow background you created with the stencil! And the abstract fish are super unique and artistic!

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  159. I love all of your cards, but that one with the fish just blows me away! So beautiful

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  160. Great cards! Thanks for sharing!

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  161. The cards are pretty and fun. Especially love the black and white one.

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  162. The stencil tip was great thank you and your cards are awesome! Thank you!

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  163. love the elegance of the b/w, with the funny graphic. Timeless. Lots of techniques I want to practice.

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  164. That background is terrific! Thank you sharing the directions in a video. I love to watch and learn!

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