If you want to buy the kit before it sells out, you can do so here, and then come back and see my samples and videos. I have three videos. I've clearly lost my mind, but that should tell you how fun this is.
First up - you know that what I love the most is transforming a stamp. I don't ever want people to think that a certain type of stamp is limiting - solid images, line art, shaded, whatever. You can do a lot outside of the basic image a stamp gives you the first time you stamp it.
So for my first transformation, I went with my beloved Daniel Smith watercolor. I have been determined to use up what's in my mixing dishes on my desk - left over from other projects and videos - hence the random colors of my birdies - but don't you love them?? After I was done painting them I came back with this teeny pen and added the eye details and lines around their feet, beaks and some feather detail that had gotten lost with the no-line watercolor. Before painting, I set them all up at once on my MISTI, and I stamped them in Antique Linen Distress Ink. I was determined to use ALL TEN of the birds on all the cards, so this first card is ginormous - I just couldn't cut off more of my birds - I love all the colors. I loved bird and botanical illustrations as a child, and it's still some of my favorite art in the world.
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Here's the video of my watercoloring this card - I've sped it up so you don't die of boredom, but man was this fun and relaxing.
The next best way to to transform a solid stamp is with TEXTURE. So for this first card (video below), I used Jennifer McGuire's swipe stamping technique with Indigo Ink - the birds were still set up the same way on my MISTI - so I just swiped them all and stamped them. Then I cut 1/2" out of the middle of the panel and created a gap for my sentiment, which is from this stamp set. See the little grunge textures on the edge of these images? I love that - they look edgy and fun.
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But, realizing I still had wet ink in the shape of birds on the background stamp, I placed a piece of cardstock on the stamp to make a monoprint before I cleaned the stamp. Since it's a print, the images are facing the opposite way. I traced around them with my tiny pen, and added googly eyes and an off kilter layer placement for my quirky, dotty birds. The sentiment is from the kit.
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Included in the kit this month is this gorgeous wood-textured paper. I decided to make that the card base for my beautiful little hummingbird from this add-on bundle. I used the same watercolors in my mixing dishes (still not used up yet), and I masked his beak with Post-It Tape before stamping the flower. The sentiment is from this set. Both are add-ons. I wish I'd had more time with both of these sets, but life conspired against me, so I'll have to do some more creating later.
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Then, I settled down and used the kit stamps like they were intended - as solid images. I did the ghost stamping technique - stamping first in Unicorn ink, dried that, and shifted the cardstock in my MISTI a tiny bit, then overstamped with Indigo. The pigment ink leaves a little texture when overstamped because you're basically stamping on a paint-like surface, so the ink pools in a fun way. I love the highlights and shadows you get with ghost stamping. With all these cards where I used all ten birds, since I was doing off-edge stamping, I tacked my paper down with this Therm O Web mini dot runner - I love this stuff - it's a strong adhesive, but you can use it temporarily as well, if you remove it when you're done stamping. Plus it's in a cute mini runner size.
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If you love the add-ons, you can get them all for 11% off this month here.. The kit itself is a $70 bundle, but it's only $34.99. Here's what is in it. The little bird nests are SO cute!
Here are the add-ons:
The Hero Arts Blog
Jennifer McGuire
Yana Smakula
May Park
Emily Midgett
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Wanda Guess
You are here >> Lydia Fiedler << You are here
Amy Tsuruta
Janette Kausen
Michelle Short
Ilina Crouse
Clare Prezzia
Libby Hickson
Jennifer McGuire
Yana Smakula
May Park
Emily Midgett
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Wanda Guess
You are here >> Lydia Fiedler << You are here
Amy Tsuruta
Janette Kausen
Michelle Short
Ilina Crouse
Clare Prezzia
Libby Hickson
Love this kit...so much to do with it!
ReplyDeleteLovely creations :)
ReplyDeleteLydia, Awesome viedoes & stamping techniques! Your post is a treasure trove of inspiration! I LOVE your watercolor birds... a true work of art!
ReplyDeleteLove the use of the blue - the different
ReplyDeletetechniques are wonderful. The first - with
the colored birds - is a great idea. I have
a large poster of birds and this reminds me
of that poster. thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for sharing all these cards and techniques!
ReplyDeleteI am loving all your wonderful tutorials on creating texture - thanks for the ideas:)
ReplyDeleteYou always blow me away with all of your gorgeous creations! I truly appreciate the time you take to share all of your techniques with us. I cannot wait to get my kit.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet - thank you!
DeleteI love these! You've created such a variety of images with the same set. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOh wow. Such different stuff. I love the watercolors! Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove all the creative ways you used these birds with one Misti layout! So inspiring, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuper pretty cards. Love this kit!
ReplyDeleteFun cards! It is so cool to see the versatility of the kits from the designers! So inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI love your cards! I've picked up several new techniques on this blog that I can try with this kit. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI love the textures on the birds.
ReplyDeleteI'm going so gaga for all these birds and your techniques! I'll be back to watch the video!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful variety of great ideas!
ReplyDeleteWhat great cards! I love using the indigo ink and the playful stamping (The dragging the ink pad looks very ikat)
ReplyDeleteSo much inspiration - absolutely love your first and last cards (going to have a go at that ghost stamping straight away)and will certainly be trying the water colour technique when I get my set.
ReplyDeleteOh my Lydia I have absolutely loved all the techniques you have demonstrated to us crafters over three video tutorials using the Hero Arts bird stamps. I would love to win one of the Hero Arts sets but I live in the UK, that will not stop me going to the other designers to see what they are showing because it is the way I get my inspiration for more projects. Thank you again for what you did in each tutorial. :O)
ReplyDeleteWow! These are so cool - so many different styles from one set. I love to watch you paint and the permission you give us to stress less about every brushstroke.
ReplyDeletethis is great!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the BLUES! Neat and different backgrounds, too.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous birds!!
ReplyDeleteLovely assortment of cards!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite way to spend time (not waste!) is to watch all the birds come to the feeder, outside the kitchen window. Plus, the little Anna's hummingbirds visit outside the window by my computer (coincidence of placement? I think not!) Thanks for sharing your gorgeous creations, Lydia! You always inspire :)
ReplyDeleteYour projects are outstanding and show the beauty from just one of Hero Arts kits! Great versatility as well!!
ReplyDeletewow, love all the different looks you gave with just 1 stamp set!! so cool!
ReplyDeleteI really like the techniques you used in the videos (yea 3!) it really gets the most out of supplies.
ReplyDeleteInspiring project, you've shown us so many different ways to use those lovely bird stamps!!
ReplyDeleteLove the water color birds. Have never tried water coloring before, but this card made me want to try. Beautiful Card
ReplyDeletewow, so many beautiful birds, and cards! LOVE your pretty watercoloring, swiping and the ghosting techniques. Thanks for some awesome video tutorials too!
ReplyDeletewow... your cards are fabulous!! especially like the first one with the watercoloring... gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love all of these videos and techniques! So much creativity with solid stamps - who knew?!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful techniques you've shared! I love your cards--you might just have pushed me over the edge and into purchasing the kit. Thanks for inspiring me today and for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDelete:) Marie
Oh, what fun you must have had! And you still have lots of w/c paint to use up. Every now and then, I like to create a challenge for myself this way. That blue ink may be the most gorgeous blue anywhere! All the cards are wonderful and so inventive. I especially love the texture from the ghost stamping. I noticed it and wondered how you did it. I did not catch the name of the brush you are using in the first card. Would you mind letting me know. It doesn't look like anything I have seen. Thanks so much for a fun and creative play session.
ReplyDeleteHey Bev! They are linked under that card and the size I used was a #4
DeleteOh my! I can't believe what different images you got from these bird stamps! Thank you for these fantastic design ideas.
ReplyDeleteWow! Charming, fun and artistic in a non-fussy way. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love watching your videos and seeing what to do with the solid birds.
ReplyDeletefantastic ways to use those bird stamps, Lydia!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! All are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing all the great ways tthe kit stamp set can be used. I love all your beautiful projects!
ReplyDeleteWOW, what a bevy of fun cards! I have a parrot and I am always saying
ReplyDelete"bird, bird, bird is the word!" to him and honestly, he HATES it! LOL
He basically attacks me when I do it. LOL He's such fun to mess with.
Fun ways to use
ReplyDeletethe stamps. Lovely
release items.
Carla from Utah
Lydia I love ALL your blue bird cards! Thanks for sharing thru videos.
ReplyDeleteLove all of your different cards and techniques!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Thanks for sharing....
ReplyDeleteTerrific Ideas for all the bird stamps! The cobalt blue appeals to the mystical side...love it!
ReplyDeleteWow! When I listen to your voice and watch the videos, I think I can do it! Ha...my watercoloring techniques are at the kindergarten stage. I love ALL of these beautiful projects and the enabling list is to be continued indefinitely. Thank you ♥️
ReplyDeleteWonderful variety of creations. Like the painting of the birds. Saw my first Robin today here in Central TX when I was walking my dog this morning in the park.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
"Sunshine HoneyBee"
Thank you Lydia for the awesome video tutorials, some great techniques and your cards are all amazing. This really is a great kit (as always) and the add one are fabulous too.
ReplyDeleteCards and videos, videos and cards - such wonderful abundance. One card is just more fabulous than the next - amazing!
ReplyDeletePretty birds - the hummingbirds are my favorite!
ReplyDeleteGreat videos. So many options with this kit. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLydia, your talent always amazes me. This is an awesome kit and I love what you’ve created with the birds.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a brilliant designer you are!
ReplyDeleteAmazing artistic techniques. The first big card is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteWow, awesome card samples for this gorgeous kit, love your techniques - thank for the fab tutorials!
ReplyDeleteSo enjoyed the variety of techniques. But watching you watercolor was inspiring
ReplyDeleteThese are all brilliant makes! Another great kit from H.A!
ReplyDeleteOh what such different cards. I love what you have done. They are great. Thanks for sharing your ideas
ReplyDeleteWow, you're on fire today! Great cards and ideas.
ReplyDeleteGreate variety of birds and different styles. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWOW! Love all the different techniques that you shared! Beautiful projects!
ReplyDeleteI love what you have done!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness did you give me tons of ideas for cards to make using this month's kit! My mind is just bursting with ideas of what I want to do now. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo many ideas in one blog post. Thanks for sharing them all. I really like the watercolor birds and the ghost stamping.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly a little bit of bird crazy, bird lady! And... you make stunning cards!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your time and effort to show us how to make them with your videos.
Wow, I guess you really do LOVE birds stamps, I can't believe how many cards you made, I love them all, I really do!! The 1st one was my favorite and I laughed at the googly eye one, I almost picked that one as my favorite, I think it was a tie, but they were all so cool. You rocked this stamp set girl, I really enjoyed your post, thanks a lot, Tracey Magner.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful flock of birds - every one of them!
ReplyDeleteA never-ending showcase of fun birds! I love all the treatments you gave our feathery friends - such fun techniques! <3
ReplyDeleteWow! You did get alot of use out of this kit. How fun.
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards, Lydia! Love the hummingbird.
ReplyDeleteYou made me love this kit even more!
ReplyDeleteThese are so amazing and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds! I love sitting on my mountain house deck and watching all the birds that visit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds! I love to watch the birds that visit my deck at my mountain house
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards! I like that you chose to use all of the birds. The layout of them is great and the video of the watercoloring was excellent to watch.
ReplyDeleteI was so excited when I saw the kit this month, because BIRDS!!! I bought everything (except that giant dot background stamp because it gives me a headache). Anyway, I LOVE what you did with your birds, they are wonderful and thank you for all of the videos!!
ReplyDeleteI was so wishing to meet you for realsies in New Braunfuls with Kathy on the 17th, but it wasn't meant to be. :)
You always have such practical tips - thanks for the warning on the eye size! :) It would be such a pity to turn such beautiful images into a Hitchcock-esque card! Yours all turned out lovely!
ReplyDeletelOVE YOUR bLUE bIRD tECHNIQUES! Hate caps lock! LOL
ReplyDeletehahah I know!! Thank you!
DeleteYou've been really busy with this set! So many beautiful and different examples for us! And so much inspiration! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove all these beautiful birds especially the first card with the watercolors. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteWow - so many techniques - great way to use the stamp set
ReplyDeleteWow, so many gorgeous cards! Love the great variations you created with this collection!
ReplyDeleteLook like you really have fun while creating ! Great projects and ideas!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for these great instructional videos. I always learn from you! My favorite is the water color birds. You inspire me to create. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot! It doesn't get any better than birds!
ReplyDeleteYour ideas of making the textured birds are so creative!! And similar to you, birds and botanical illustrations are my all-time favourite! I especially love your first card using Daniel smith watercolours! They are so colourful and every single bird in the stamp set is so pretty! ^3^
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with this stamp set!...you really expand the potential for stamps and color!!! (and I learn so much). ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteI always struggle with ways to use solid stamps, so i really do appreciate this post. Thank you for all the ideas! The water coloring is my favorite, but I like them all.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's the way to get maximum mileage from a set of stamps! What a great set of cards. I don't know where I would start first!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great tutorial videos. Cheers! :)
Thank you for your awesome videos and your cards. I adore birds as well in fact I sometimes have dreams at night about flying! You are a truly talented person and I hope to continue to learn from you tfs.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lydia! I could and will watch this painting video over and over 😍 I love all of the birdie variations and transformations that you shared with us. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome blog post and Hero Arts kit!
Wow, I love how you used the birds in your MISTI, set them up once, and then stamp and color them in so many different ways. Really a great post, and I loved watching your watercolor video. You make it look so easy!
ReplyDeleteAmazing bird cards! You crack me up, I too have made an oversized card or two because I ouldn't cut something up :-) My favorite is the humming bird card!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us so many ways to use the new bird stamps. I appreciate the videos too. My favorite card is the colorful one. Terrific way to use leftover watercolors.
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful, colorful birds. Very unique.
ReplyDeleteWow one card is more unique than the other!! Amazing creations!
ReplyDeleteI'm LOVING the first one. The beautiful colors are just my style.
ReplyDeleteLoving the birds adn the different ways you used them!
ReplyDeleteYou made so many amazing cards, thanks for the awesome inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYour watercolor bird card is stunning! I really liked all the cards--thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAll the cards are amazing! But that first card is just WOW! Love the colouring. Thanks for the video and sharing your knowledge with us.
ReplyDeleteEven though I LOVE birds (and have a cockatiel who is definitely sassy!) I was on the fence about the kit since I don't have a die cutting machine and they are solid stamps but after seeing your videos I have changed my mind and bought it. Thanks for all the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteawesome ideas!
ReplyDeleteAll of your cards are amazing, thanks for sharing the "how-to's". The first one with the watercolored bird mix is stunning - beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely creations. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! I love all the different techniques you tried. Each one brings something different into focus. I must say, though, that the 2 watercolour cards are my favourite. The colours are amazing and you coloured them just beautifully!!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing your cards from the kit. You always have an amazing FLOCK of cards.. not just one!
ReplyDeleteWhat great cards. Thanks for sharing these wonderful techniques. Love your colorful birds.
ReplyDeleteI love all the cards you made with this fabulous HA kit! Wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteOh, how sweet! Wonderful cards. Love them all!
ReplyDeleteSuch fabulous painting and stamping and techniques here Lydia. This is a fab set/kit and all yur touches make them magical. Thanks for the videos!
ReplyDeleteWow you went to town! Such interesting cards as usual! I love the multi color birds. I also like that you used a couple different techniques with this fun stamps.
ReplyDeleteThese are all so beautiful. This kit was intimidating to me but after watching your videos I have some ideas I never would of tried. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteLove birds, they remind me of my Dad. Gorgeous cards.
ReplyDeleteLove these cards!
ReplyDeleteI love how you watercolored your birds and the blue textured birds, so unique! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post thanks for sharing it,
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