Monday, February 4, 2019

Party Like It's 1922 + Sale + Giveaway

Sometimes I feel like America has its decades out of order. Take the 20s, for example.

The 20s are like the 80s of the early part of that century. Suddenly, clothes were daring, people were partying hard, listening to smooth jazz and generally not being jerks. We were all fighting the man together and defying Prohibition and mostly all cultural rules.

But then it was followed by decades where women were supposed to be cooking dinner in heels, there were shoulder pads again, and everything was all prim and proper (with the exception of political figures, of course.)

I saw a presentation by an advertising genius here in town who described how these pendulum swings are hinted at in advance by changes in music and it was a pretty powerful argument. I just don't understand how we went flapper and then went full on June Cleaver.

But then again, I don't understand a lot of things, so don't worry about me.

All that to say - if I had to guess an era that most people would like to spend a week or two in - it's the Roaring 20s. It just seemed so... FUN. And who doesn't love fringe?? Monsters, that's who.

So I was so stoked to see a totally unique look in this month's Hero Arts Kit - it's so unlike anything I own and I had so much fun playing with it.

I tried to keep my cards thematically harmonious with what I think of as art deco design elements - lots of black, metallics, geometrics. So much fun.

So let's see what they've got? The main kit has all these fun speakeasy images - people dancing, drinking, basically doing anything you were not allowed to do in Footloose.

For my first card, I stamped an image from the main kit onto a piece of watercolor paper that I painted with Aussie Red Gold and Quin Coral Daniel Smith. After I stamped the images and sentiment on this piece, I sponged on some Glimmer Metallic Ink in gold - that's what you see on top of the images, background and sentiment. It's SO sparkly in real life. I used the little black embellishments from the kit around the dancers, and framed them with this beautiful art deco die. (All supplies will be listed at the end of this post.)
But you know what's better than twenties people?? Twenties PETS. This stunning stamp set has the COOLEST look to the dogs and cat - it's like a cross between Egyptian reverence and art deco style. One of my favorite thing to do to stamp images of critters is to turn them into Russian Icons. I spent too many years in graduate school studying Russian not to use it as an influence in my work. So this is the first of two icon critters for you today. The dogs in this new add-on set are beautiful, lithe, greyhounds. I used the frame from the main kit to stamp a foundation for the dog - and by foundation, I mean pedestal, of course. I stamped it onto a scrap of the same watercolored paper from above, and I added more gold ink. After stamping, I used a Circle Infinity die and my favorite masking paper to cut a circle mask. I positioned that around the dog's head, and then carefully colored it with my chrome pen  - hard to see it here, but it actually looks like chrome - the perfect super shiny silver. I used the same pen to accent the frame the dog is on, and I used a Copic multiliner to outline the circle and clean it up. I matted the scene on black cardstock, and then put it onto a card base with some art deco patterned paper. This stamp set does come with matching frame cuts.
 I haven't had a party in a while because life has intervened, but I'm looking forward to my next stamp sale party - those are always super fun parties.

Anyway, the kit images are perfect for invitations, so I created one with the help of this window die. Now it's a die with a frame, so when you cut it while the dies are still connected, you get the black window shape you see below. So after I cut that, I cut the dies apart, and cut myself a mask again out of masking paper so that I could brush a yellow glow onto the "indoor" scene before gluing down the frame. I used my Life Changing Blender Brush with Butter Bar Ink to create that glow, just avoiding the couple. I colored them with Copics and then glued down the frame and stamped the sentiment, which is from this party-friendly set.
So how do these lovely folks get home from my party? In their uber classy prowl-mobile of course. I kept it simple with an RV29 marker, a C5 and an Ice Blue marker, leaving white space for highlights. Framing the image is this stunning cover die, (a thematic match to a stencil which also comes in the kit, in addition to the matching dies for the stamps) - pretty darn generous kit this month. LOVE this modern/retro style of die cut.
 I saved the best for next to last - THE CATTTTTTT.

In this first picture it's hard to see how awesome the chrome pen is, but stay tuned. The background is a piece of copy paper that I cleaned my brayer on while gel printing. I stamped the cat from this set, and the sentiment using my MISTI. Then I used the same masking paper from the dog card above to put the circle around the cat, and fill it with my chrome pen.
 Here's a better indication of exactly how CHROMEY it is! It's so bright and shiny.


Now the cool thing about art deco patterns is their repeatability. To show you what I mean, I took one of the patterns from this set, and set it up in that top center position of my card and embossed it with gold embossing powder. Then I moved my card up in the MISTI exactly six grid squares on the lid and repeated. I did it one more time, then I positioned the stamp next to and below the first image and embossed it. I repeated the six grid square move to stamp two more and repeated on the opposite side. See how the images fit together? I love that. DIY patterned paper is easy with art deco images for this reason. They are stamped on a Gel Press print.

Then - I am LOVING the Cut-Align for teeny sentiment strips! Those are impossible to do on a paper cutter, and I always stamp them crooked which makes them twice as impossible in a paper cutter. With the Cut-Align, you can line the edge up perfectly with the sentiment itself, and then cut as skinny a strip as you need, without entering that no man's land of the thing that holds your paper down in a paper cutter. So I stamped the sentiment for this card and then used the Cut-Align to cut it out perfectly straight. See below for a special discount just for my blog peeps on this awesome new tool.

If you are wanting the new Cut-Align tool from My Sweet Petunia - she's offering a discount for you guys until Friday - first, click here to shop, and then use code UNDERSTANDBLUE for 10% off the whole store.



February My Monthly Hero Kit
[ HA ]
Deco in the City Bold Prints
[ HA ]
Arch Pattern Bold Prints
[ HA ]
Deco Flourish Bold Prints
[ HA ]
Diamond In The Ruff
[ HA ]
Diamond in the Ruff Frame Cuts
[ HA ]
Deco-rations
[ HA ]
Deco-rations frame cuts
[ HA ]
Deco Celebration
[ HA ]
Vintage Window Fancy Die
[ HA ]
Ballroom Window Fancy Die
[ HA ]
Circle Infinity Dies (H)
[ HA ]
Dancing Music Notes Confetti Die
[ HA ]
Graphic Deco Stencil
[ HA ]
GM100 Gold & Pewter Glimmer Metallic...
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Butter Bar Shadow Ink
[ HA ]
Molotow Liquid Chrome Marker - BLICK...
[ BLIC | SSS ]
Aussie Red Gold
[ BLIC ]
Daniel Smith QUINACRIDONE CORAL 5ML...
[ SSS ]
Cut Align
[ MSW ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ MSW | HA | SSS | ELH | MFT | UNT ]
Copic Multiliner Pens
[ BLIC ]
Heavy Base Weight Card Stock- White
[ GNK ]
Avery 6465 Removable Multipurpose...
[ AMZUS ]
GKD Patterned Paper Pack- Petite...
[ GNK | SSS ]
Midnight Mixed Layering Papers (12) -...
[ HA ]
Life Changing Blender Brush 2-Pack -...
[ PFS ]
Rotatrim Professional Series Cutter -...
[ BLIC ]
LightView 2in1 LED Magnifier for...
[ BRG ]
Teflon Bone Folder - Ellen Hutson LLC
[ ELH | SSS ]
Essentials by Ellen Storage...
[ ELH ]
Die Storage - Clear Storage Pockets...
[ CHC ]
XL Stamp Storage Pockets
[ ELH ]
Lawn Fawn STAMP SHAMMY Cleaner LF1045
[ SSS | CST ]
Get Them All February Add-Ons
[ HA ]



Fun stuff this month, right? I guess the Hero Arts people have gotten more sleep then I have since Creativation, because they are on their A Game. Don't forget - they also have a bundle with all this month's add-ons at a discount (these never sell out) and the kit is while supplies last  - but if you leave me a comment you'll be entered to win this kit, or a refund if you're a subscriber!

Now hop on over to my friend Libby's blog for more inspiration with this kit and have fun shopping!

Loveyameanitbye.


78 comments:

  1. OMG your creativity is amazing - so many styles and inspiring techniques to try out..... Thanks for sharing:)

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  2. The chrome pen does look awesome. And you are so right about the repeating aspect with the art deco stamps and dies.

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  3. Wow! I love the art deco die and stencil in this kit! And the very cool gold embossed background card that you made is fabulous!

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  4. These are all so stunning! Your addition of colour is brilliant!

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  5. Holy Moly...these are awesome, Lydia!!

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  6. Wow!!!! What a bunch of awesome cards!!!

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  7. Your cards are all beautiful. I LOVE the Congratulations one!!!!!!

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  8. So much elegant fun! Thanks for showing the greyhound and cat... I see I need them, too! lol! What a great kit!!

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  9. Love the boldness of your use of color and the clean simplicity of these projects! I was looking forward to seeing what you would create with this amazing set! TFS!

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  10. Astounding designs! I love how you used some of the designs to highlight some of the stamps. The dog card is amazing!

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  11. Your loyal friend card is so pretty. I always love animal cards, but this one has beautiful colors, too.

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  12. The art deco designs in this new kit really lend themselves to your bold color choices. Amazing, beautiful results!

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  13. I love your hey there dollface! The background is a beautiful sunset and just perfect. These sentiments are priceless.

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  14. Your cards are striking! Love the splashes of color. You really show the look and feel of the 1920's.

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  15. Lovely palettes on these gorgeous cards. I'm a huge fan of geometric design and this kit is a sure winner.

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  16. Oh my....I love Art Deco.......these cards are fabulous! You are sooooo talented!

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  17. I just love the Roaring 20's. This set has it all! I hope I can get my hands on something made in the USA.

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  18. Love the Flapper vibe!! So F Scott Fitzgerald!

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  19. Gorgeous cards and great colors used.

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  20. Such fun cards! What a cool kit!

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  21. Love the colors and the add on, great use for cards.

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  22. Super pretty cards!! I love to make art deco themed cards so this kit is to die for!!

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  23. I am new to you blog and I found this post to be really interesting. I just love art deco and have before it became kool. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. These are all beautiful cards. The dog and cat images are definitely unique. Your last card is absolutely gorgeous with all those colors.

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  25. Love how each of your cards have a different feel to them, but they are all fun, Dollface!

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  26. Wow! 6 cards. Nice job. Can't wait to receive this kit so I can try the examples provided. Thank you for sharing this opportunity.
    Karen Berry

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  27. These are amazing cards!I always can't wait to see what you make with the HA kits, Thanks!

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  28. Beautiful cards. Love all the colors and textures you used. The cards really are amazingly unique and beautiful. Thanks for sharing your art.🐧

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  29. Love the look of your cards Lydia! I can’t wait to get my kit and try out all the techniques you showed. May have to go add the dog stamp set too!

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  30. I love the window card as if I am watching the couple dancing from outside a building. Beautiful!

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  31. That car has really got my attention in this kit!! All your cards are great!

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  32. WOW ! So many gorgeous cards, you've really had fun here, they capture every feeling of the 1920's that come to mind, so elegant.Thank you so much for sharing all of these.

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  33. Fabulous cards, Lydia! Totally awesome designs & love the glitzy colors. The car is wonderful!! Thanks for the Cut A Lign tip!

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  34. Love your cards! What a great collection!

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  35. I am in love with the kit and all of the wonderful ideas!

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  36. Love, love love this kit. Ordered.

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  37. So many fabulous cards! Such great colour combos!

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  38. Fabulous cards!!! Really cool!!!
    Amazing deisgns and wonderful colouring!!!

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  39. fantastic colors on your wonderful cards, Lydia!

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  40. Gorgeous, as always Lydia! I am in love with that cat, but that final card and explination has convinced me to buy the cut align. Thank you for the coupon code!

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  41. I loved to dance. When I was a teenager
    it was the jitterbug and the likes of
    Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. I
    would have loved the flapper era.
    this is a fantastic set. The dies
    are so elegant. Your cards are
    fantastic. thanks for sharing
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  42. Oh, I love how you used the a lot of the add on elements and gave me SO many ideas how to use them! Your cards are just GORGEOUS! I'm in love with this kit. I need this kit......LOL!

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  43. Love these art deco images! You've made amazing cards with them! ♥

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  44. Beautiful creations! Love this kit!

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  45. Fantastic set of vibrant cards! Each one is awesome :)

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  46. Great cards Lydia! I love your chrome pen, can you say what size it is please? Hero Arts has done it again! Another great kit and I like that their kits don't follow any trends. A large cover die and a stencil too!

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  47. This is an awesome kit! Thank you for sharing your beautiful ideas.

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  48. Beautiful variety of cards - love the colourful inked background with the black deco frame - very dramatic. I love the greyhound card - the deco style greyhound is so very elegant, and you have me at any kind of dog!

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  49. These are marvelous! Thanks, I especially liked the couple in the window.

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  50. Such amazing cards. All of them are gorgeous.
    Thanks for sharing...

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  51. Wow! Some very unique and fantastic designs! Love the Congrats card! Stunning!!

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  52. Beautiful cards! Love the congratulation's card the best.

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  53. Love your cards and love the kit.

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  54. I was about to mock you for the word "chromey," but then I scrolled down and saw the shine and said "ooooooh, it IS chromey! pretty!" :) Also super impressed the cat background was just a clean up print! So much fun!

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  55. it's always so fun to arrive on your blog in the hop to see what u made with the kit! LOVE all your makes, so inspiring and special techniques :)

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  56. Awesome new Kit, I love the Art Deco style! Gorgeous creations! I especially love the first black and golds cardL

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  57. I love that congratulations card. Beautiful

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  58. Wow, that is a beautiful release and in your hands absolutely stunning! I love art deco. Love what you did with the images and now I am off to take you up on the discount. I watched the video and it certainly sounds like it will solve some of my cutting issues.

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  59. Your cards are fantastic! I love the color combos of the reds and yellows. I think the one with the car is stunning in it's simplicity. I'm not into Greyhounds but that cat is great. Thanks for sharing.

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  60. I love all of your beautiful cards! Each one is out of this world! I am crazy about everything in this kit! Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration!

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  61. Super cool and amazing cards! I love each and every one. I have such a fondness for anything art deco.

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  62. I always know I am going to enjoy your posts and be inspired by your write-up as well as your creations but this post.....MIND BLOWING!! The inspiration in this post with all of these ultra awesome cards and techniques is off the charts, thank you! (mardy14@bellsouth.net)

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  63. Hi Lydia. First of all, I enjoyed reading your blog post very much. I found your take on our current state of affairs very interesting. Your designs, well, they are a complete delight. I love the colors and I especially love that you used the dog and cat stamp set as I knew I liked it but could not think of how else to use it other than taking it back to ancient Egypt. That may be a great future kit just saying. Anyway, thank you. I enjoyed this post and your cards and I'm grateful for the inspiration from you and all of the other artists on the hop. Hope you have an awesome day. Evette Rodriguez

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  64. Fabulous creations and thanks for all the history tidbits.

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  65. Thanks for sharing your lovely cards, the backgrounds are terrific. This kit is awesome.

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  66. Your cards are just gorgeous!! I especially love the dog. Thank you for sharing.

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  67. Oh my! Absolutely gorgeous cards! TFS.

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  68. Wow! An amazing set of cards! So clever and eye-catching and they all show off that amazing new Art Deco set! Love all your coloured backgrounds! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful inspiration!

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  69. Wonderful array of cards, so very different but all so striking. Thank you for the amazing inspiration for this great kit!

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  70. Super release! Just love the patterns and roaring twenties images…
    And your cards really pop in such elegant way through the way you used the colours! TFS

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  71. Love what you did with these stamps! Everything is so original & bold.

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  72. Love your bright backgrounds! Especially the last two cards, they are just gorgeous!

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