I actually worked this weekend, because I have a few trips this month, so I needed to work ahead. But I did get our new shed primed (that was hot work!) and the primer is the same color as the paint, which is a beautiful Santa Fe turquoise color. It started raining after that so I won't get to put the actual paint on until after my retreat, but it already looks so cute. I know you don't need your shed to be cute unless you're a stamper, but I'm a stamper!
So all that to say - I guess I'm in a bright color mood lately - that's what I love about fall crafting is all the intense colors we get to use.
So today - you are going to get an eyeful of the new amazing Hero Arts kit which has a botanical/fall theme.
You can see the full kit below, but I can't wait to share my first card, which is a no-line watercolor using ONLY the dies from the kit for this stunning Chinese lantern plant and one of the vases from the kit.
I just cut the shapes out of watercolor paper, and did a google image search for the colors of these plants, and then challenged myself to use these without the stamp images as a guide. I was loving it by the time I was done! I used Daniel Smith Watercolor, a #2 Escoda Versatil Brush and put that all on a base from the Midnight Mixed Layering paper. I find painting just on die cuts gives you lots of opportunity to practice adding realistic texture and small details. Also you can see that the kit images are large enough for a card front, which is harder to tell from the product photo - this image is perfectly proportioned for an A2 card (US).
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That kit is stunning - get it before it sells out! Here's what it looks like in its entirety. Try not to freak out too badly over the stunning, translucent sticky notes that look like Autumn Leaves. The dot card contains one of my favorite DS colors - Mummy Bauxite. It's a gorgeous, rich autumnal color.
You know I have to love on the add-ons though. I seriously don't know how they make this much amazing stuff every month. I LOVE that they released another liquid watercolor in the add-ons this month. I do have full set syndrome, but it's a lot easier when you just get one new color a month instead of 40 you feel compelled to buy in one fell swoop.
I went a *little* rogue on this stunning new Asian-themed set with a wistful space card with a bunny. I will be using this perfect moon a lot, I can tell. Here are the steps I took to make this card, because there's a certain order you have to go in.
- Stamp the moon in Soft Granite.
- Stamp the bunny in Intense Black.
- Using the Oval Infinity Dies, cut a piece of low tack masking paper, saving both the positive and negative pieces.
- Place the negative of the oval towards the bottom of the card to create the earth shape.
- Using the life-changing blender brushes, brush on Moss, Lemon Yellow and Intense Black until you like it.
- Remove the negative mask, and place the positive mask over the earth shape.
- Stamp the moon on masking paper, and cut it out. Place mask over moon.
- Using the brushes, brush on Peacock Feathers, Cracked Pistachio, Picked Raspberry and Blueprint Sketch inks all over the sky until you like it.
- Using Pen White Ink, pick up with a paintbrush and tap to splatter stars onto the sky.
- Remove masks and stamp the sentiment from the same stamp set.
- Use a Copic Multiliner or similar fine tipped pen to flick little blades of grass up from the earth around the bunny.
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Now I actually shrieked and texted Libby when I saw the next set.
A COLOR LAYERING RED PANDA I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING!!!
I have longed for a red panda stamp basically since before I was born. NOT EVEN EXAGGERATING.
So for my first card I did a trick I learned from Jennifer McGuire. I stamped the first panda normally (the guy on the left) in Butter Bar and Caramel inks. I cut him out with the matching dies. Then, I stamped him again onto a mirror image stamp, using my MISTI, and picked it up off the mirror image stamp using cardstock. (For my video on mirror image stamping, click here.) Then, using the die, I put the stamped image face down on my light pad, and positioned the die on the BACK of the cardstock. I use my light pad for this, but Jennifer showed it using the light on her phone. Then I die cut it from the back to give a perfect mirror image. Because the only thing better than one red panda is two red pandas! I glued them down back to back, added some Ombre Sunshine sequins with Multi Medium Matte and a jewel picker, and the sentiment from the same stamp set. Did you know that Hero Arts has a whole collection of stamps that benefit the World Wildlife Foundation and endangered animals, the national parks and the Kind Campaign? It's true, and this set is one of those sets.
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And while I'm happy to have a red panda, I'm quite certain (Libby even called it) you knew I was going to make a blue panda. I really would never want to disappoint you.
The background is a gorgeous new bold prints cling in Butter Bar, and I stamped the little panda in Summer Sky and Navy. Notice on this one I added the darker face detail layer - I didn't add that on the one above. The sentiment is from the main kit.
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For this card - gourds make my heart skip a beat - I did a Soft Granite background with the new stencil and the brushes.
I stamped the images from this beautiful add-on set in Intense Black, and then colored them with my new Caran D'ache Fibralo Brush Markers. They are very bright and fun and have super sharp tips, which I love. I kept the coloring flicky and loose. Then I cut them out with the matching dies (This is a Stamp and Cut, so the dies are included) and glued them on. The sentiment is from the main kit.
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Loveyameanithappyfallbye.
OUT OF THE PARK, you hit it. Every time. I adore the pandas, and the ornate stencil (it MUST be mine!), but your first card... ah, I DIE. Congratulations to Hero Arts and to you, for another big win.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter loves the Red Panda. I think it was the subject of one of her first drawings. :) I like your blue panda which totally makes me smile as I wrote a comment about 20 minutes ago that you will receive after your retreat! Your first card takes my breath away! They are all stunning.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! Love this Autumn kit so much!
ReplyDeleteLydia, I always love to see your watercolor projects. I also love how you challenge yourself as an artist. This kit is amazing and so are your projects! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow these cards are glorious!
ReplyDeleteOh my, these cards are all fabulous! I need all those add ons too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Love the last one, I added that set to my kit purchase.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and a wonderful kit and add-ons!
ReplyDeleteAll of your cards are gorgeous, so vibrant.
ReplyDeleteThe leaf notes are an interesting embellishment.
ReplyDeleteOMG. I LOOOOVE YOUR CARDS!!! BUNNIES!! PANDAS!!! COOOOOOLOOOOR!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love your night sky background! ❤️
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful card! Of course from other videos of yours and blog posts I didn't expect anything else. Can't wait to get my get and try my hand at some of your inspiring cards!
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards!
ReplyDeleteWow, your coloring is amazing! Love your cards and this kit is awesome! Love everything fall themed😊
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful this was to see so many different cards....Loved them all.....especially the one with that new pretty Moon die....I have had my eye on that one.....thank you so much ....you are very, very talented....this blog hop is so much fun....hugs
ReplyDeleteBeautiful projects. I'm especially fond of the Red Panda in this kit. Thanks for all the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are so cute! I Love the autumn veggies and the little bunny with the moon! Adorable!
ReplyDeleteWOW, you've been busy! Love all the creative colors. I especially liked your gorgeous plant. Wonderful detail and dimension.
ReplyDeleteAmazing inspirations!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis kit and the add-ons are absolutely gorgeous. I am over-the-moon happy! Speaking of the moon, your bunny/moon card is my favorite. All of your projects are stunning. You never disappoint.
ReplyDeleteSince there is only so much money in the checking account I have to pace myself but the moon and panda are on my list for round two. If I had even remotely been in the fence you just gave me a pretty hard shove. Thanks for sharing- I love them all!
ReplyDeleteAll of your cards are beautiful! I think I like the bunny the best tho! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMy gift is not being artistic or creative, but yours certainly is Lydia! Oh my goodness, I can't begin to express my huge appreciation of all the cards you've created. I'd just be using the same words everyone else is. I've never ordered a kit before from any company, but guess what? I did today! (squeal) I'll be returning to your blog for inspiration. Your work is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic set of creations! Each one is super beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteYour artwork using this kit is stunning! I especially love the idea of just cutting the watercolor paper and painting without using the stamp! Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, such pretty cards! Love the different styles you create and different colors you use. Thanks so much for sharing with us!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! Can't say which is my favorite. Though I love how you are able to make the bunny and raccoons to be cute and elegant at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThe coloring on your first card is amazing! It's so vivid! Thank you for sharing all your creations! BEAUTIFUL JOB!
ReplyDeleteWow, the set looks amazing! I have only ordered one kit and loved it. the colors you use are terrific and your cards really pop!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards--I especially love the first card that you watercolored without the stamp (very impressive)!
ReplyDeleteWhoa you are a busy woman. Loving all of these however that die cut flowers on the first card 😍 swoon!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing cards!
ReplyDeleteThey are all breathtaking... first one especially touched me. I don't know much about red pandas but I love what you have done here.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful cards Lydia! I can't wait for mine to come. I did my order today for extras. I love your ides for using the die-cut to paint without stamping.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely cards and I like the variety that you created! That first card I see why you were excited to share that right away. That is one great looking card and really nice painting by you.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Your cards are fabulous!! I LOVE the first one with the watercolor but my favorite is the red panda. STUNNING design.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore your blog and how you take these designs and make art -- truly, you are so talented! Gorgeous cards and I think you have enabled me to buy this kit! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe insight you have on shade and light shown in your Chinese Lantern branch card gives a wonderful feeling. Then the process you listed of making the bunny/moon card is appreciated since I would like to try something like this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love love the card with the gourds and Indian corn! So pretty. TFS💖
ReplyDeleteWow, you certainly showed range in this post. What a variety of styles and colors from sophisticated to cute, from cheery to somewhat somber (the last lonely critter). Loved every one of them. Gorgeous set, lovely work.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are fabulous!! My favorite is the bunny against the magnificent sky you colored, but I really like ALL the cards you made. Each has its own distinct charm! Thanks for sharing this incredible new Hero Arts kit with us! It looks amazing and so do the add-ons!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely cards for the blog hop. Thank you for sharing your talent!
ReplyDeleteTook one look at your beautiful watercolored card and ordered the kit without even looking further. I had no idea there was such a thing as a red panda. I picked up a couple of the add-ons but now after seeing the rest of your cards I may have to go back and grab a few more. So much goodness.
ReplyDeleteLovely variety of cards. You really showed off the add-ons; can't wait to get these!
ReplyDeleteAmazing cards, colors, sets - the whole works! Thank you HA! and Lydia for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteReally lovely cards! The first one I liked because you made yourself paint it without the stamp lines, and the result is beautiful. The bunny and moon was just amazing! The colors were so perfect, I just love it! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful gift!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking good kit and equally great looking caqrds.
ReplyDeleteThat little bunny under the moon is so cute!
ReplyDeleteAll your cards have a vibrancy about them that is just lovely.
ReplyDeleteLovely cards. Love how you created a beautiful card from just the cutout.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards that shows off the flowers, the moon, and the wonderful red panda-
ReplyDeletethanks!
These are all amazing cards Lydia, esp. the first one (my fave). This truly is a fabulous kit and I am with YOU....How do they do it every. Single. Month? Hero Arts hit it out of the park every time!
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards! I love seeing the add-ons!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Fabulous cards!! Love so much your wonderful colouring technique!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the inspiration - love the first 2 cards :)
ReplyDeleteLovely cards! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo much eye candy! You did a fab job on that watercolor and the gorgeous night sky with the moon and bunny is PRECIOUS!!
ReplyDeleteSaving the animals, the earth, and creating amazing cards - what more could one wish for? Thank you for the chance to win one of these kits from Hero Arts; they're not easy to find here in Canada, & when I order, I then have to hand over extra customs, duties, taxes, first born male child, before they'll give me the box!
ReplyDeleteWow, love the raccoons! What a wonderful bunch of cards using this terrific kiit!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful cards! You are so creative and bold with your designs! Great job!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Your coloring, especially the backgrounds, are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow what an amazing array of gorgeous cards - I am blow away by your first card!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch fantastic cards. The first one is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing...
Beautiful cards!.Gives me lots of ideas!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are all beautiful. Love them all!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards ! Thanks for the inspiration! Love these Chinese lantern flowers especially!
ReplyDeleteYou artwork is amazing looks so realistic! Stamps size is great.
ReplyDeleteWonderful array of cards!
ReplyDeleteWow--your cards are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI love the new set and all of the creative ideas!
ReplyDeleteLove your pandas in many colors.
ReplyDeleteThe collection of fall veggies
is colored so well. Great
cards. thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
So many beautiful cards! You have covered it all.
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards, Great kit! I especially love your lantern plant card!
ReplyDeleteAll of your cards are lovely. I especially like the floral background stencil you used. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love your painting technique especially on the first card. It looks like a watercolor painting.
ReplyDeleteI'm over the moon blown away with your bunny card. Too stinkin' cute!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards love them
ReplyDeleteI love all the bright colors that were used and the unique idea of making the panda some other color than red
ReplyDeleteHoly moly! Great cards! I am loving this months theme and you are giving me so many ideas! Thanks.
ReplyDeletebeautiful cards! love the night scene
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards!! Your mirror image pandas blew me away & I love your amazing coloring on all those autumn elements!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness gracious !! What an amazing set of cards you made out of this kit !! I was also dreaming of a Red Panda Stamp set but I actually think my favourite card of your’s today is the “moon” one. It’s absolutely stunning! I don’t know how you made it but it really looks like the moon is glowing ! Thank you for this amazing post. Love from France, Marjorie
ReplyDelete[margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]
Your cards are awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing cards! The painting on the first card is insane. Fantastic inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely range of cards with these fab products. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI love fall and this kit! You design team members amaze and inspire me every month!
ReplyDelete