While I'm not into Valentine's Day at all, the STAMPS for Valentine's Day are often my favorite of the year. There are always cute animals, and sweet sentiments that can be used all year. I just don't do schmoopy.
I also don't do pink and red a lot. The color of candy hearts are gross, I think (as are candy hearts), because I don't do pastels well, and if you'll notice, they're very similar to the most vile trick ever perpetrated on American children - Necco Wafers. I feel like Necco must be an acronym involving Satan, but I haven't cracked the code yet. I actually remember where I was standing when I first had a Necco wafer - it was a dock in Maine on a camping trip, and an old man - yes, a stranger - gave me and my sister those little wafers of death. Looking back, I view it as a terrorist act.
Anyway - I like non-traditional colors to go with my Valentine imagery, so I'm so excited to show you this month's Hero Arts kit in a bright and happy green and black combo. The layering script in this set is completely amazing - and so is the big layering ampersand. You can combine the smaller sentiments with these two larger images for a billion combinations. That's right - that's scientific. Picture of the full kit below.
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So here is the full kit, in all it's glory - and you should probably hurry, because it will go fast. But before you go, peek at my cards below with the add-on sets before you shop! The kit itself is $62 worth of product for $34.99. If you are a winner of the blog hop giveaway, and have already purchased the kit to be on the safe side, you will be refunded! Here's what's in the kit:
- 4" x 6" Layered on Love Clear Stamp Set
- Four Coordinating dies
- 4 ink cubes (Passion Flower, Navy, Red Royal and Mulled Wine)
- 2 5"x7" Shizen decorative paper
- 1 5.5"x8.5" Stardream Coral Cardstock
- 1 5.5"x8.5" Stardream Rose Quartz Cardstock
- 1 5.5"x8.5" Stardream Kunzite Cardstock
- Heart Sequins Mix 1.5 oz
- Pink Prisma Embossing Powder 0.5 oz
So we live in peace. I was THRILLED to see a trash panda add-on set this month - it was calling my name! I decided to re-enact some of their escapades in our trash with this card. I stamped the image from Stealing My Heart (matching dies here)and Love Bandit (matching dies here) in Memento. Then I carefully masked the beam of light with this masking paper, and used stencil brushes to add the Soft Granite and Butter Bar ink for the light and shadow. I colored the images with Copics (C3, C5, C9, W7, Y18, RV02, B41, B34, B45, R29), adding yellow to the illuminated side of the trash panda, and added white gel pen accents to the hearts. The sentiment perfectly captures my conflicted feelings about the raccoons in our trash.
I matted the panel with Real Red and then put it on a Whisper White card base.
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I started a new podcast when I got this beautiful Window on Love die (an add-on, not part of the kit), and it's very good (you can see a list of all of my favorites here) for binge listening, so I decided to try something ambitious with this gorgeous die that I knew would take a little longer than my average card. I cut it seven times from black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red cardstock and then pieced it for a beautiful rainbow Valentine. I toyed with the idea of putting a small sentiment in the center opening, but I thought that a general love sentiment was conveyed so well with just the die. I adore this card. Tip when paper piecing like this - after it's been run through the Big Shot, carefully remove the top plate (my tip for foolproof die cutting here), replacing any pieces that came out when you lifted the plate, and cover the whole thing with Press 'n Seal. Flip the stack over so your bottom plate is on top, and then carefully remove the die - use a pin and the release holes if there are some stuck to the die and not the Press 'n Seal. Then the entire die cut will be stuck to the Press 'n Seal exactly where it goes and you can easily piece them back into the negative space. It goes really fast this way!
Here's another idea using the outline that the die cuts. Since I had cut all those colors I had lots of the outlines. I decided to offset the red and turquoise ones for a fun layered drop shadow look. Again - no sentiment necessary. Isn't that fun and modern looking?
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And then there's this beautiful color-layering rose set. (Matching dies here) Be still my heart!
I know it will be stunning in traditional colors, but because of the woodblock/etched look of the second step of the rose, I wanted to see it in grey and black, so I made a simple sympathy card. What's cool about this stamp is the way there are openings on the stems that the leaf stamps seamlessly fit into. And the omitted areas of the stamps that add natural white highlights is genius. I masked the flower before I stamped the right hand leaf so that those look like they're behind the rose.
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They're letting me hop with the big girls today, so leave a comment for all these beautiful humans for your chance to win the kit (or a refund for it if you buy it because you're worried it will sell out)!
The Hero Arts Blog
Jennifer McGuire
Yana Smakula
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Wanda Guess
You are here >>> Lydia Fiedler <<< You are here
Amy Tsuruta
Laurie Willison
May Park
Janette Kausen
Michelle Short
Libby Hickson
Ilina Crouse
Clare Prezzia
Jennifer McGuire
Yana Smakula
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Wanda Guess
You are here >>> Lydia Fiedler <<< You are here
Amy Tsuruta
Laurie Willison
May Park
Janette Kausen
Michelle Short
Libby Hickson
Ilina Crouse
Clare Prezzia
So glad you stopped by today! Good luck in the giveaway!
Loveyameanitbye.
Loveyameanitbye.
These cards are fabulous! I love the one with the raccoon!
ReplyDeleteLove the raccoon. Are especially. Very creative, beautiful cards.
ReplyDeleteYour trash can panda card is the best! Saying that, it is hard to even pick one as the best because all of your cards here were fabulous!
ReplyDeletewow your cards are so sweet - really love the 'love bandit' card - s fun:)
ReplyDeleteClever cute and colorful cards. Love your ideas and the rose card is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great post!
ReplyDeleteI just love all your cards!! The raccoon caught in the spotlight is just adorable!! The modern heart background in full color is just gorgeous!! And that beautiful word "LOVE" is stupendous!! Thanks for sharing! You inspire me!!
ReplyDeleteReally fantastic cards! You combined the sets so well - creative and unique!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful cards!
ReplyDeletelove the rainbow colored heart die card. so cute
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Your second card made me laugh! What a creative thought to make the spotlight shine on him! Stunning! All your cards are lovely :)
ReplyDeleteNONE of these are typical Lydia style but ALL are SO YOU!!!!! Gorgeous cards Lydia! PS: I LOVE NECCOS AND CONVERSATION HEARTS
ReplyDeleteThe raccoon card is just amazing!!
ReplyDeleteOh for cute - and I agree about those wafers!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAwh for cute - and I agree about those wafers!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYour cards are awesome and that "trash panda" is the cutest!
ReplyDelete"Trash bandit"! That is such a cute card. I love all the add-ons that come with this month's kit.
ReplyDeleteYip....the bandit stole a heart!....really sweet cards....
ReplyDeletewow!! super cute cards!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your unique color combinations! The cards are all so adorable.
ReplyDeleteYour "trash panda" card is adorable! And your rainbow paper piecing card has convinced me I need that die!
ReplyDeleteOh my , that trash panda really made my day !
ReplyDelete[margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]
These cards are stunning. I love the green and black together. You feel as I do about candy hearts/Necco. I laughed out loud. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love your rainbow heart card! It was well worth the effort! I'm not a fan of candy hearts either - (think Pepto Bismol?) The only kind of candy heart I need is chocolate!
ReplyDeleteLove these cards. THanks for the tip with the die. I have cut some things and really wanted to use the parts leftover and did not know how to keep them in place and move them to the a new card. Will use press and seal alot. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards! That word sentiment stamp is gorgeous and your "trash panda" card is too cute! Thanks for sharing your creations!
ReplyDeleteOk, I am totally cracking UP now (even though you are wrong about the Necco wafers-- for a nickel, I could make a roll last all afternoon, especially the purple ones--I remember feeling so gypped when somebody made the conversation hearts with grape for the purple. Now that's hateful! The hearts are best eaten the following year, when they are hard enough to break teeth, and only Necco brand are worth buying. All that and some great cards, too! Loving the flashlight beam and the bright rainbow of hearts!! Thanks for some great ideas and controversial prose!
ReplyDeleteThree wonderful but so different cards! Love the "trash panda" card -- what a great design! I was delighted to see the green Love card - I am also not a big user of red and pink.!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! I love your use of the unexpected color -green! I cannot wait to get my kit! 😍
ReplyDeleteI like your unique cards with these new products. Love the raccoon.
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with paper piecing using the Window on Love die. Thanks for the tip using the Press 'n Seal.
ReplyDeleteYou have really done great examples of what you can do with this release! So cute.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this post! Love the Thief card!
ReplyDeleteI share your complicated relationship with "trash pandas". They can be mean little guys, but then be so cute. That's my fav of your cards although they're all terrific.
ReplyDeleteSO much to love! My top two... that amazing rainbow of hearts and the 'coon bandit!! That coon reminds me of Oscar the Grouch and I LOVE your light shining on him!! Those 'trash pandas' are SO onery, aren't they?!!
ReplyDeleteLove the kit! Cannot wait to start making cards with these beautiful stamps.
ReplyDeleteLove the kit! Cannot wait to start making cards with these beautiful stamps.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you used those outlines! NIce valentines!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the trash panda/bandit card! Very fun!
ReplyDeleteSuch clever designs using the beautiful kit!! Thanks for the inspirations!
ReplyDeleteYa know what? You did yourself proud. I love all of these. Love the green black white card, thought we were done but you kept topping it with card after card. Very cool. A real highlight so -- thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, really beautiful cards, my absolute fave is the trash panda, awesome design and coloring!
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards. The raccoon is so adorable. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteYour cards are both beautiful and fun!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous and special cards all! ♥ love the green and black combo ~ you're absolutely right, why always with the pink and red when there is so much color options :)
ReplyDeleteGreat cards!
ReplyDeleteYour raccoon card is going to sell a lot of kits! it's adorable!
ReplyDeleteThis kit looks LOVEly. I like how you chose very different color thems too!
ReplyDeleteSo great to see these non traditional colors; they really give the cards a fresh, updated look. The racoons and heart card front are some of the best parts of this release.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. Colourful Window on love one is my favourite.
ReplyDeletePhenomenal Cards!!!
ReplyDeleteThe racoon in the trash can with the flashlight is ingenious! The Rainbow heart and the gray rose with Prayers and all of your work is just stunning!! I learn so much!!
ReplyDeleteWhat you don’t like Necco wafers? They are like my favorite childhood candy and I still LOVE them today except the nasty black ones 🤮. Anywho I LOVE your cards and I can’t wait to get my HA kit so I can play too.
ReplyDeletelol trash pandas (necco are good!)
ReplyDeleteGreat cards and I love your trash panda story, lol!
ReplyDeleteWow! These are all amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Awesome set of cards!!! Love your colouring so much!!!
ReplyDeleteAs always, your cards are clever and beautiful in the details. Thanks for the inspiration for the new kit and its add ons!
ReplyDeletegreat cards, Lydia - love that new heart confetti die!
ReplyDeleteLove all of these and totally agree about the Necco wafers. You've inspired me to pull out my intricate dies and play.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you used the heart background die. The flashlight beam was genius on the adorable raccoon. All your cards are beautiful.TFS
ReplyDeleteNice cards. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteLydia, love the trash panda card! (I've never heard that name before, LOL!) The flashlight is awesome!! Thanks for the tips and tricks for the die cut. I have a similar die cut that I recently purchased and was looking for some ideas so, that was perfect!
ReplyDeleteWonderful set of cards....I'm swept away with the LOVE stamp set!!!!
ReplyDeletePaper Hugs,
Jan
Such great projects! I couldn't love the racoon more! <3
ReplyDeleteYou do you Boo! I nearly died laughing at your Satan Candy story! As for the non traditional colors - again, you do you Boo! This is one of my favorite kit releases and your Green Love card Rocks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Thank you SO much for the Press 'N Seal tip. I really struggle with piecing parts from intricate dies. This should be a great time saver!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards! I'm not into the mushy stuff either so I feel you on that, although I do have to disagree on the necco wafers LOL!
ReplyDeleteLove that panda, awesome post:-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome projects. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to see unique interpretations of any theme, and we can count on you to produce amazing work. Fab projects.
ReplyDeleteAgggghhh! Such a cute idea putting the Raccoon under the spotlight, too cute! Thanks for sharing xx Mary Wright xx
ReplyDeleteWow - your cards are fabulous! Really love the heart die!
ReplyDeleteSuper fun cards! Love your raccoon in the trash can and the great colors on the heart cover plate die!
ReplyDeleteUnique and fun!
ReplyDeleteNever Eat Chalk Covered Objects (Necco)
ReplyDeleteYour projects are so cute. I love the raccoon.
ReplyDeleteSo love your stories! We have raccoons too, but they stay away...and since we have bears, the trash has to be inside. ONCE the bear got our can while we were loading the car up.. So, lesson learned. Adorable card.. Love catching him in the act :)
ReplyDeleteWow! These are absolutely amazing!!! Love the coloring of the flashlight!
ReplyDeleteSuch good stuff here! Love the love in the neon green and the raccoon in the spotlight? That rainbow heart card reminds me of an album cover!
ReplyDeleteTrash Panda's OMG, still LOL!!! LOVE it, and know exactly how you feel about them!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards - that little raccoon is the cutest thing ever.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards with that cool heart die!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards!! I love the rainbow heart card a lot!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your trash panda card---love the flashlight detail!
ReplyDeleteWow. This is my first time here and now I am a fan! With every explanation anticipation built to see the final card because your work is unexpected and smart! I appreciate the way you design out of the box! Thank you for sharing what you do well and I will be back!
ReplyDeleteThe heart die is definitely my favorite!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! Love the lime Love card so pretty and I love the color! The racoon is so fun too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards! Love the scene with the raccoon!
ReplyDeleteWow what awesome cards! I love the raccoon one!!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful! I love the colors and the variations with the themes.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, awesome cards. I can not pick a favourite as I like them all for different reasons, I'm glad you did an alternative colour love card as not everyone is into pink.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not know what the wafer's are, you defiantly don't like them do you !
Fantastic cards! I love the non-traditional colours! I'm not a huge pink fan myself, so love seeing the non-traditional from others. Your raccoon card is simply adorable too!
ReplyDeleteLove your colors and the adorable cards you have made
ReplyDeleteLove your cards!! The trash-can panda is too cute and I Love what you did for the effect of the flashlight. The rainbow inlaid confetti hearts is a beautiful card, and the blue one following it is so simple yet just as beautiful! I agree that neither of them really need a sentiment as it would only distract. I will say, though, that your last card is my fave. It is just gorgeous!! The black and grey give it a dramatic effect. And I have to agree that it's a very well designed stamp set wit the openings on the stem and the little white highlights in several places on the solid stamps. So ingenius!!
ReplyDeleteYour trash raccoon is amazing. I also adore the Love Die (already sold out). I will definitely try your technique once I get the die and with some other cover dies I have. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! That die will come back in stock, since it's an add-on. Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteGreat release! AWESOME cards! I love your cute trash panda card, too funny!
ReplyDeleteI really like all the traditional Valentines Day Cards in this hop. I really like your nontraditional colors. The greens would be great for a man that doesn't like all the girly stuff.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is definitely the card that looks like a stain glass window. I love bright and strong colors.
Love the 'trash panda' story and your super cards. Fantastic New release!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful inspiration! This kit looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove the trash can panda story and your creations are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteLove your non-traditional colors and the raccoon is adorable!
ReplyDeleteTrash? Pandas?? I had no idea to what u referred, so I read on.
ReplyDeleteYou soooooooooooo crack me up!
LOVE ur stories!
Me thinks though hast a second carreer as a writer.
Definitely.
Thank you for sharing ur many talents ;->
The raccoon card is everything! Love it! So darn cute. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete