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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

BRRRR - It's Only 91 Degrees! Hero Arts Wintertime Fun Hop & Giveaway

I've been on a holiday crafting roll this month - sweating away my August dog days with chilly images and dreams of cooler weather. I was just telling someone the other day that I tend to avoid "hot" Christmas images like hot cocoa - I gravitate towards the frostier icons of winter, because for 364 days a year here, hot chocolate just makes you break into a mental sweat when it's 103.

So today I'm super duper excited to show you some things I REALLY had fun making as part of the Hero Arts Wintertime Fun Catalog Blog Hop! I am always tickled pink to see what their Creative Team has done with their new things, and it's an honor to hop with them! There are such great artists assembled in this hop today - so you will have fun.

I am obsessed with their paper layering dies for two reasons - they are large enough to watercolor a lot of detail on, AND I love that I can shape them with an embossing stylus to pop off my card in three dimensions. They are so completely unique in the die landscape - I think they're genius.

I watercolor mine and let them totally dry before shaping them, which I do by putting them face down on my MISTI foam, and gently rubbing my stylus in a circular motion on all the areas that need to pop out. They become completely sculptural. And, of course, it's impossible to see all the hills and valleys in a photo - but trust me - this bear looks so cool and 3D in real life.
Paper Layering Bear by Understand Blue + Giveaway

I watercolored him with my Schmincke limited edition palette by Marilyn Garber. You can get the colors individually of course - so they are listed above. To get his nose color - I actually mixed the red and the green listed - I'm having fun mixing blacks after studying some combinations - they are so much more complex and harmonious if you mix them yourself - especially if you're using the colors you are painting with.  I added gloss to his nose with a Pico Embellisher. He's on a background that I watercolored with my radiant watercolors (colors listed above). He makes me want a Coke! :)

My next favorite from this catalog is this awesome Forest & Deer Bold Prints background stamp and the Bird Words bundle. I love that their Bold Prints are big enough to cover a card front and then some, so I just use Hermafix to secure a card front in my MISTI and then stamp the background a few times until it's fully inked. Then I cut an inch out of that panel to leave space for a sentiment. I used one from the Color Layering Koi stamp set because I thought it was perfect with my Bird Word! :) There are actually THREE ink colors on this card - listed below. Can you tell what I did with the third, bird? :)
Hero Arts Bird Words by Understand Blue + Giveaway


And OH MY GOSH THE FOX. This paper-layering fox is soooooo AMAZING!!!!!! LOOK AT HIM!!! I used the same shaping process after watercoloring his majestic little self.

For the background, I used my Clarity Stencil Brushes to brush on Soft Granite ink through the Crossing Waves stencil, which is one of my faves. I didn't want another color to compete with his glorious fur.

When I adhere these die cuts - I just add glue to the little frame part around the outside, so that the main part of the images stay puffy. I wish you could hold this in your hands and see the dimension. What a gorgeous image.

The sentiment is from the Color Layering Dimensional Bird set in Intense Black. The watercolor is Daniel Smith - listed below.
Hero Arts Paper Layering Fox by Understand Blue + Giveaway




Finally - I made a set of notecards after a play session with the beautiful Glorious Petal Stencil and Infusions. I love those Infusions and all the color separation you get. That's just three colors of infusions, but they all separate and also have that beautiful warm walnut stain in them. I just did two of the wholel 5x7 sheet of watercolor paper - on the bolder two, I put the stencil down, shook infusions into the openings and spritzed with water. Then I let that dry a bit, lifted the stencil, and just set the wet stencil with color on it down onto a second sheet of watercolor paper for a lighter image. Then I cut each sheet in half to get two cards.

I used the Prayers die on all four - you can always use extra cards to send when someone hits a low spot. This was incredibly fast and easy, but such an impact with that beautiful pattern and all the color. Each one is different. And on that first photo - the little black die cut piece from the loop on the P - somehow I didn't notice it was stuck on the card when I was photographing it. So I left it in just to keep myself humble. Perfection is for serial killers, right? :)
Hero Arts Glorious Petal Stencil by Understand Blue + Giveaway



So next on the hop is the incomparable Jessica Frost-Ballas - she is always a wow. I can't wait to see her cards. The whole list is here for you - if you leave a comment on each post, you will be entered to win one of three $25 shopping sprees. Leave your comments by August 30th at 11:50 PM Pacific time to be eligible.

The Hero Arts Blog
Jennifer McGuire
Cathy Zielske
Wanda Guess
Kathy Racoosin
Ilina Crouse
Clare Prezzia
Yana Smakula
Lydia Fiedler
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Amy Tsuruta
Michelle Short
May Park
Libby Hickson



152 comments:

  1. WOW....tons of eye candy! So fun seeing those awesome paper layering animals!

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  2. I love all of these! I think my favorite is the black and white one with the pop of color from the red bird! SWOON!!!

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  3. Wow, Lydia! What fabulous inspiration!!! They are all fabulous!!! You have me thinking now about crystal powders and stencils! I haven't tried that yet. That fox is stunning! I love the simple black and white with a pop of color. So dramatic! The Polor Bear is so very colorful! Our temps don't reach yours, but it's HOT enough for me. I LOVE to drink hot tea any time of year but I have had to cut it out this month. I am just tooooo hot!

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  4. Beautiful cards! I loved the fox.

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  5. Beautiful cards. Love the forest and deer background. The fox die cut is just adorable!!! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Very beautiful cards. That fox is just gorgeous! But I really love the Forest print card ... what an amazing stamp and an equally amazing card. Love the red birdie!

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  7. oh, these cards are just beautiful! Love them all!

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  8. How much fun can one person have.?Really nice work here Miss blue. No...What did you do with the other red birds?

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  9. FREAKING WOWOW!!!!!!! LOVE the stylis idea, i always manage to flatten a section when finger fluffing

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  10. Oh wow, I adore the wishing you joy card with the bird. Def. my favorite. Though the polar bear and fox are super cute, too. :D

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  11. ALL YOUR CREATIONS ARE GREAT
    THE 'PRAYERS' CARDS ARE MY FAVE

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  12. Wow - you have such a unique and beautiful design style. I love it!

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  13. Love you water techniques...that fox IS amazing!

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  14. Thanks for bringing a fun, furry, and quite fashionable polar bear back into my life after Sundays episode of GOT.
    Oh, and your fox is STUNNING!

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  15. That forest background card is so striking! Love your watercoloring too!

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  16. Love your cards, Lydia! Such detail and so much work. Makes me want to get out my stylus and make some dimension.

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  17. Polar bears are my favorite! That card is majestic! I also love that black and white forest card with the red bird. Striking!

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  18. Your cards really make me smile...especially the polar bear with the scarf. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. Oh my.....one fabulous card after another! The fox is magnificent!

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  20. I agree - the polar bear definitely needs a coke! :) Beautifully done creations.

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  21. Oh my heavens... your polar bear and fox... They are so so beautiful!! I love them ...

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  22. Fantastic cards so very unique is each one. My mother in law would love the fox although I absolutely love the forest background card! Lovely as usual!

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  23. I'm SO glad that you showed your handiwork using these dies and stamps. I never even noticed them while looking at the catalog just now. Your work highlighted them in ways that brought out the best in them. SO wonderful!

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  24. What beautiful cards! Adore that bright polar bear card, and that black and white and red card...and the infusions card set - all so pretty!

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  25. Love your texture technique. I especially love the card with the forest background. It's so graphic and I love using black and white with a pop of color. Thanks!

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  26. Wow, what a great gallery of cards, I love them all! I think that big polar bear is my favorite, though. Laughing at the comments that he needs a Coke!

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  27. Third bird!? I then wonder about a second bird! The one red bird is gorgeous.
    Thanks for the 3D details on the dies. I would never have know by just looking at them.
    Beautiful work on all the cards. I love your work! I love reading your posts!

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  28. So much to see here today. What amazing stamps and dies, at this rate Lydia, you will be ready for Christmas in no time. (The prayer cards are beautiful too.)

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  29. Super cards, loving the polar bear and the forest and deer bold print background!

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  30. What great cards! I LOVE that bear and the fox is incredible!!

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  31. Simply gorgeous! I am loving all the new goodies!

    Carol B
    ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. Tour cards are always unique, Lydia. Love them all and love the winter collection.

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  33. They're all wonderful but the forest one is my favorite 😊

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  34. As ever, stunning and inspiring work. And all so different. What a treasure trove of ideas!

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  35. I love the polar bear and the fox! So cute

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  36. Lovely cards, the polar bear is too cute! The fox is beautiful as well as the black and red card. Thanks for sharing!

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  37. Love the fox and of course the forest background is a favorite. Always enjoy your creativity.

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  38. Wonderfully creative cards. Will try to find a video of your paper shaping technique.

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  39. all four cards are beautiful but the prayers ones are the best.

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  40. Amazing cards! The paper layering fie are a fabulous part of this new HA release. Love them!

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  41. My favorite is definitely the black and white - with the red bird. My late mother loved cardinals and I think of her every time I see one. Love it - thanks for the beautiful inspiration.

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  42. Love all of your cards! Those paper layering dies are really different, I don't think I've seen anything like them before but they're very cute! Love that deer and trees background stamp too. Thanks for sharing.

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  43. Each of your cards are so different, but all are so great! I love the graphic nature of the deer and bird card. The bear and fox cards are so much fun! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  44. Love the different designs and technique used!!!

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  45. Wow ! So many beautiful cards. Love that polar bear die cut!

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  46. I love the Bear and the fox so cute :)

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  47. WOW!!! I really love that polar bear and fox!!

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  48. So many gorgeous cards! I love them all! My absolute favorite though is that beautiful layered fox! I really "need" that die!

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  49. You have been busy making pretty holiday cards in this awful heat. Thank heavens for
    air conditioning and new stamps! ;) I especially love your polar bear card! Brrrr...you did good! ;)

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  50. I totally see what you mean about those dies... Looks like a lot of fun. Beautiful card examples...thank you.

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  51. Your cards are equally gorgeous, but I'm partial to the use of that background stamp!

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  52. I love your posts - we have the same sense of humor! I never thought to pop out those dies that way, gonna have to get me some of those right away! xo

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  53. Oh Lydia, now you've gone & done it! You've made me want even more things from this release & I just can't have them all. What to do, what to do. lol Your cards are gorgeous & your blending of colours in the coat of the fox is wow!
    Thanks for sharing your talent & inspiration.

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  54. I love the details you put into each card! They are beautiful and creative. Thanks for sharing on this great blog hop!!

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  55. Wow, these are impressive. The paper layering dies are so cool.

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  56. all of these cards are stunning!

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  57. Absolutely love the forest/deer/birds cars! So simple yet elegant.

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  58. wonderful, I love the black white and red card, is that bkgd by HA?

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    1. Yes - there's a link to it right under the card and also in orange in the paragraph above it.

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  59. Such beautifully stunning cards Lydia!!!

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  60. Love the nice cards them animals are wonderful.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Have a blessed day!
    Kimberly

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  61. Those colors are beautiful!!! I love the prayers die cut.

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  62. Your cards are stunning. Really love the black and white background with the red bird as a contrast.

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  63. Very nice. The coloring is beautiful and thank you for the stylus tips. I'll have to try that.

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  64. Stunning and I love the polar bear the best. Thank you for sharing

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  65. I just love the birds - I think they are my favorite.

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  66. I love all your cards, but the polar bear is my favorite. It has beautiful color and dimensions.

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  67. love the cards. Polar bears and prayers. Such diversity in your talent.

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  68. Beautiful cards. I really like the polar bear, so awesome. Thanks for sharing...

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  69. That background is a showstopper and I'm in love with that stencil!

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  70. Wow--love all of these cards you created!

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  71. So much goodness you've created, it was a treat to my eyes----and emotions. Superior job. I looked and looked for that 3rd color on the Forest & Deer background. Couldn't find it other than could it possibly be? Could it be the bird legs? I appreciate all the inspiration.

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  72. Ok, I'm back...had to go get a Coke Zero before I could leave you a comment! Love 'em ALL. Wish I could see the polar bear and fox in person...and the background behind the bear...oh my yummy, just yummy!

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  73. Wow !! All your cards litteraly blew my mind ! Congratulations!

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  74. Dignified bear with a wild and crazy background...Then beautiful black & white...Then an adorable fox....Then amazing watercolor stencil cards...YOU ARE AMAZING!

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  75. Especially like the look of the Polar Bear & Wolf. Like the cut looks. Like the scarf.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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  76. Your cards are all so amazing, I have never tried dimensional dies but you have made me want to try them,love the fox. Great set of notecards too. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and knowledge

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  77. Love the polar bear and fox cards you created. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

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  78. Awesome cards! Love that polar bear!

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  79. Love the Wishing you Joy and Prayers cards. The Bear card makes me smile. Not sure why. Thanks for sharing.

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  80. Oh wow! The polar bear is spectacular!

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  81. Mr Foxy looks very happy with himself, as if he knows something we don't! He's a beauty for sure

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  82. Oh! I just realised the Red Birds legs are a different colour! Am I right or is my screen deceiving me?!

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  83. Your cards deserve to be framed. I don't think I can ever accomplish the cool details with s stylus as you have. Amazing!!

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  84. OMG, the Polar Bear and Fox cards are awesome! I love all the cards, fabulous job!

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  85. Very cool! The colors make the polar bear stand out. I chuckled at the title of this post :D

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  86. I am completely overwhelmed by such unbelievable artistry, Lydia, overwhelmed in such a wonderfully great way! How you color and add dimension to the die-cut images and bring them to life is truly inspirational, almost to tears which is very unusual for me, wow!!! Your coloring and shading of that fox, oh my what beauty!!! And the depth I felt in your set of prayer cards, was palpable, and the gift that those who receive them spiritually will be great. What a gift you've been given and you are using it to shine!!! To say that I am impressed just doesn't do my feelings justice, Lydia!!! I look forward to checking out your blog--before I left this comment, I HAD to sign up for your blog updates, and I look forward to finding your SCS gallery!!!

    I have a tiny SCS gallery, it's my hope after I do a huge reorganization of my craft room this fall (last fall I organized my stamps and dies into binders by subject, a much bigger job than I anticipated), it's my goal to really get into my room and create, and learn and hopefully grow especially in coloring and shading/highlighting, and then to start my own blog journey. Things take a lot longer for me due to physical challenges, but I will get there.

    What I've seen here today has totally made more than my day--your artistry is such a gift, Lydia, I've seen many great artists' works in card-making blogs, and yours is easily one of the very best!!! WHAT A GIFT YOU HAVE, Lydia, what a gift!!!

    Blessings and best wishes,

    Joanne Lowe

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  87. WOW!!! Great cards. Love the Polar Bear..

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  88. Really wonderful cards - and from simple to intricate. Absolutely adore your fox and bear. I'm thinking perhaps you need to do a video and show us those! Hmmmmm?

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  89. Oh, my! What wonderful cards. Love all of them.

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  90. FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS cards!!!!!!!! I am not familiar with the watercolor brand you used but WOW amazing! Oh and your Fox cards, just stunning! I will definitely be getting that guy as ever since our son was little he's loved foxes!

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  91. Fabulous cards! The polar bear is so beautiful!

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  92. Love your cards!!!! And totally love your title of the post too. Hahaha

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  93. The polar bear looks amazing. Unusual colours set it apart.

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  94. Lovely cards! I really like the forest background stamp card.

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  95. OK, the only thing I can think you did with the gray on the deer card was combine it with the red for the birds legs. Other than that...I can't find it. Fess up! Thanks for sharing your beautiful cards!!!

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  96. I love the Forest and deer background stamp. The red bird was a great addition. The layered fox is super. Great coloring. Thanks

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  97. Wow -- so much to take in. I need to SEE how you're doing this dimensional rounding. Waiting for the video. Love ALL the cards.

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  98. Your cards are stunning, love how the stylus adds even more dimension. I love the Infusions and they are on my wish list now!

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  99. Your cards are gorgeous. The bear almost looks like a frosted painting that is melting in the heat.

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  100. Love your creations! Really nice!

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  101. Such great cards, Lydia! I LOVE the idea of using a stylus to make the die cut 3D! Brilliant! All your cards are so beautiful, thanks for the inspiration.

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  102. beautiful work! those die cuts look great here!

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  103. Wow!! You were super busy with this release!! What a great collection of cards! so hard to choose a favorite, but I think I would have to choose the last set with the rainbow stenciling; gorgeous!

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  104. I love the black forest and deer background paired with the red bird. Such an elegant design!

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  105. Beautiful cards! My favorite was the bear, and he does make you want a coke! I love the added dimension you achieved on the bear and fox. Great inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

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  106. What a wonderful line up of cards here. Each one is stunning! I love all the animal dies especially.

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  107. Love all your cards. The polar bear and the fox look almost like a photo instead of a painting. Your work is fabulous.

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  108. Great cards! Love the fox and bear! Thanks for the tips.

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  109. Very beautiful cards. Love that bear though.. He is amazing! Thanks for sharing with us

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  110. Great cards.
    I love the forest scene the
    best - you can add so many
    different embellisments to
    finish the card.
    thanks for sharing.

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  111. Love the variety you have posted. The black & white card is stunning!

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  112. Your cards are wonderful! I love all of them, especially the deer card, as that is one of my favorite stamps!

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  113. I like ve the polar bear and also love the colors you chose for the background.

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  114. The fox is so great - I love that one!

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  115. Beautiful cards - thanks so much for sharing them!

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  116. I love them all!! You really outdid yourself!!!

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  117. Beautiful cards, especially the watercolour ones.

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  118. Such great cards. You always introduce me to new techniques, so awesome!

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  119. All of these are beautiful cards!

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  120. I am amazed by all of your backgrounds! Beautiful work on all of them!

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  121. seriously amazing set of cards!!

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  122. I am loving all the background stamps on this hop, and Forest and Deer Bold Prints used here is no exception! I've never used the paper layering dies, but your cards are inspiring me to try them. Thank you for sharing.

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  123. I love the polar bear. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Take care.

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  124. Lydia, as usual, you have amazed and delighted my senses with these beautiful and fun cards! I hadn't even got past the joy card when I was also on my phone pulling up hero arts to check out the stamps and dies. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  125. I just love your style! Your cards are beautiful. And the birds and deer background stamp - going on my must have list!!

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  126. Wow! Love all of your card creations, but especially like the fox.

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  127. I love the polar bear card. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  128. I absolutely LOVE the card with the bold print background stamp. Can't go wrong with black on white!

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  129. Stunning cards. Love them all.

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  130. WOW at the fox!! Beautiful!! I'm in love with the deer/forest background stamp too, thanks for the inspiration! :)

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  131. These are beautiful and very special cards for unique and special friends. Thank you for sharing these cards.

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  132. Aww such nice cards! All those critters are so nice especially the fox, you made him look great.

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  133. Yes, these cards are absolutely fantastic, all of them. I especially appreciate the prayer cards, so must have that die.

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