Monday, March 4, 2019

Jonathan Livingston Seahorse + Two Giveaways

Did you read Jonathan Livingston Seagull when you were little? We all did, many times, and I feel like it's one of those classic books I never hear anything about anymore. I hope people are still reading it.

Well today - it's the happiest Monday of the month - Hero Arts Kit day - so I'm bringing you Jonathan Livingston SEAHORSE, along with two super fun giveaways.

I love seahorses. They seem like old souls, and they're so beautiful and delicate. In the stamping world, they tend to be on the small side. So I was delighted to see this gorgeous large paper layering seahorse die. I can do all the things with this size die cut - gel print, watercolor, colored pencil - I love it. And BONUS - it has a baby!!

So to make this card, I first watercolored various Daniel Smith blues onto a card front sized piece of watercolor paper, and while that was still wet, I splattered it with violet watercolor. When that was dry, I positioned the beautiful little silhouette images from the March kit on my MISTI leaving an opening for the seahorse and stamped them in Navy Ink.

Do you see what I'm doing yet? (Insert evil laugh)

Next, I die cut the frame from the main kit from Pitch Black cardstock. This die is intended to be horizontal, but it looks just as good vertical, so there. I do what I want.

Next I cut the seahorses from watercolor paper, adhered the frame onto the background, and adhered the seahorses on top.

Do you see it yet? That's right folks - MY SEAHORSES ARE AT AN AQUARIUM, WATCHING PEOPLE AND FISH SWIM AROUND. How's that for a change? :)

It's pretty amazing that you get the giant stamp set, the matching dies and this frame and the ink and embellishments this month. Here's what it looks like.


I admire people who can keep fish alive. I need things to meow at me to tell me they're hungry. But I do enjoy staying at the Hotel Monaco where you can be a foster goldfish mom for a few days. 

If I DID have a fish though, it would be a betta. They come in all different sorts of colors and are just magnificent. 

So I wanted to do something different with the new Color Layering Betta add-on bundle this time. 

I basically deconstructed the fish, because the second layer of the betta is SO dramatic - it looks like a woodcut image. So I stamped that layer in black for a background, using my MISTI to line them up. Then I stamped the outline layer of the betta in black on watercolor paper and cut him out with the matching dies. I watercolored him with Daniel Smith, and can you see the sparkle? That's White Iridescent Shimmer Spray. I stamped the sentiment from the same set onto a strip of grey cardstock.
Here's what the set looks like. Look at the delicate bubbles!

So speaking of meow - there's the CUTEST little cat & fishie set this month! I could not resist this one. I stamped the image in Fadeout Ink and used Daniel Smith Watercolor to paint them. So sweet. Don't worry - the fish is safe. :)
Here's what the set looks like. It does come with matching dies
Here's the rest of the release, and of course they are doing a giveaway - and so am I! 

Here's what you need to do to enter both giveaways. Hero Arts will give away a kit (or a refund if you're a subscriber) and I am giving away one of Jennifer McGuire's mystery boxes! This year she asked for a $100 donation to her friend Kristen's mission trip to Nicaragua. In exchange for that donation, she will ship a mystery box with $700 worth of crafty goodness

Well I don't need any craft supplies, and I thought if there was someone who couldn't afford the donation but would love some crafty goodies, that I would donate and have Jennifer ship the box to one of you! So to be entered in both giveaways, leave a comment on this post by Wednesday the 6th at noon WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, and I will contact you and send Jennifer your shipping info. Jennifer is generously paying the shipping worldwide, so everyone is eligible. Hope that makes your Monday a little brighter. I appreciate all of you who read my blog and it's a fun way to say thank you for being here.

Here are all the products I used today. Have fun shopping! PS - I've updated my Food Favorites and Life Favorites and Podcast lists - click the My Favorite Things Tab to see what's new! Loveyameanitbye.

My Monthly Hero Kit March 2019
[ HA ]
All March Add-Ons at a Discount
[ HA ]
Color Layering Betta Fish
[ HA ]
Color Layering Betta Frame Cuts
[ HA ]
Curious Cat
[ HA ]
Curious Cat Frame Cuts
[ HA ]
Paper Layering Seahorses
[ HA ]
Art Anthology BIG CRAFT MAT 24x36 311473
[ SSS ]
Fabriano Extra White Cold Press...
[ BLIC ]
PS323 Hero Hues Premium Cardstock...
[ HA ]
White Iridescent Shimmer Spray
[ HA ]
Fadeout No Line coloring Detail Ink
[ INK ]
AF234 Navy Mid-Tone Shadow Ink | Hero...
[ HA ]
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors
[ BLIC ]
Escoda Versatil Brushes, Travel Round...
[ UTR | BLIC | INK ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ MSW | HA | SSS | ELH | MFT | UNT ]
Rotatrim Professional Series Cutter -...
[ BLIC ]
LightView 2in1 LED Magnifier for...
[ BRG ]
Xyron ADHESIVE ERASER 23675
[ SSS | ART | AMZUS ]
Teflon Bone Folder - Ellen Hutson LLC
[ ELH | SSS ]
Crafter's Companion GEMINI...
[ SSS ]
Cut Align
[ MSW ]
Essentials by Ellen Storage...
[ ELH ]
Die Storage - Clear Storage Pockets...
[ CHC ]
XL Stamp Storage Pockets
[ ELH ]
Da Vinci Cosmotop Sable Mix F Brushes...
[ BLIC | ELH ]
Lawn Fawn STAMP SHAMMY Cleaner LF1045
[ SSS | ELH | ART ]
Nesting Porcelain Bowls - BLICK art...
[ BLIC ]
Tombow MONO MULTI Liquid Glue Two...
[ SSS | MFT ]

105 comments:

  1. I love these!! We have a beautiful Betta in our tank that Laila named Seaking. We also have another fish named Goldeen. lol I may need the Betta set! And I love seahorses so much. They are always my favorite at aquariums. Kyann22 @yahoo.com

    Now I’m off to look up that book!

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  2. Fabulous fishiness going on here! I love how your mind works.....and then we can see how through your wonderful cards! jcallahan1@nycap.rr.com

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  3. I knew when I saw the cat and fishie set it had your name on it! And your seahorse card made me giggle! I love them all! avrawill@wideopenwest.com

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  4. All of your cards are gorgeous but you know which one has my heart! So sweetly colored!

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  5. I love how the yellow seahorses pop against the blue background! :)

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  6. Great cards. I love how the seahorse "pops" and the brightly colored beta fish with the dark background images. Bothe cards are fantastic. But my favorite are those watercolored cats...great effect! Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Love Jonathan Seahorse, takes me back to my childhood. Thank you for the two generous give aways. Silverroseuk@gmail.com

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  8. When I saw the sneak peeks of this release, I fell in love! Your seahorse is amazing, and of course your beautiful betta fish (and the puns - love the puns!) Thanks for the chance to win a crafty box! debsmart@shaw.ca

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  9. Love your cards Lydia! Clever idea for the aquarium & sea horses. I had fish growing up, my Dad had like 6 tanks of different kinds. We tried salt water fish but they are a lot of work and die easily if you're not testing the water everyday. So here's my entry. That was very generous of you Lydia. But I've never won anything. Congrats to the winner in advance.

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  10. Omg - I loved Livingston’s seagull! I love seahorses (and got my finger held by one - under supervision), and hahahahaha - re your card! But those curious kitties are slaying me today.

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  11. What an awesome giveaway! Thank you!! jen@haystackcards.com

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  12. How fun to have a seahorse and baby visit the aquarium -I like your sense of humor Lydia!
    helen.kalb@gmail.com

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  13. All are gorgeous. Like your black/white Betta background for your colorful fish and those kitties are adorable.

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  14. I think I forgot my email address: k.hale395@gmail.com. Thanks, Lydia.

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  15. Great cards as always! Just love them :-)

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  16. wow love your samples today!!! Thanks for the chance:)

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  17. Each card is such a different look from the others. I love the variations in style. This is the second blog with the cats and I wish now I had ordered that set when I ordered my kits. Look forward to visiting your blog in the future. It would be great to win one of the boxes from Jennifer. bmwlawky@gmail.com

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  18. Ooh! All this fishy loveliness in one kit is amazing!

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  19. Your cards are great. I really love the cats. I can see my obnoxious Siamese doing this. Thanks for sharing.

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  20. Love the seahorse card - always good to look at things from a different perspective! The betta and kitty cards are adorable. Thanks for the inspiration and a chance to win two prizes!

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  21. Oh, man, the kitties and fishies look adorable!!!

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  22. I forgot my email sharon dot gullikson at gmail dot com

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  23. Love the perspective of the seahorse aquarium spectators and the gorgeous betta fish. Thanks for your generous offer of one of the mystery boxes.

    mendo.dre at gmail dot com

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  24. I so enjoy your projects! Thanks for entering me in the drawings!
    Mary Ellen

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  25. LOVE that blue background with the seahorses. You are so much fun to follow and see all the cleverness! Sanfordj at juno dot com

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  26. Great cards and thanks for the chance to win a wonderful mystery box. DebSelby100 at gmail dot com

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  27. Haha, you really think out of the "tank". Love the idea of the seahorses observing. The curious cats are so cute. Loving this release. dbakehouse@hotmail.com

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  28. OMG, the cats and fishbowl card is jaw-dropping! Great job!

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  29. Love your water colored cat and fish card! Beautiful!

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  30. These are all amazing Lydia, super fun and beautifully designed! The kitten card is my favorite though, love the watercoloring, you made the stamps look like a little painting. Great inspiration and thank your for a chance to win!
    ellibellescorner at gmail dot com

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  31. Love your cards, they are so punny and cute! :)

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  32. Lydia, love your beautiful and creative cards with this fantastic Hero Arts set! Thanks for sharing your great ideas.

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  33. Amazing and unique designs! Love seeing the stamps/dies from a different prospective. I especially adore your sweet kitties!!

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  34. Hi, Lydia! Love the way you were thinking outside the box with your aquarium card. And they fish and cat looking at each other are adorable. Thank you for sharing!!

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  35. Wow, love the kitty card! That is awesome on your give away! Thanks for a chance to win.

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  36. This is such an awesome giveaway!! Love the cards you designed as well as this new release from Hero Arts! That kitty card you made is awfully cute and I believe I might need that set:). Thank you for the opportunity Lydia!

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  37. I love the little scuba diver! I'll need to get this set to make cards for my scuba instructor husband. Thanks for the inspiration! clm15june@gmail.com

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  38. These sets are fabulous. The generosity of you and Jennifer is inspiring and humbling.
    sdemaria927@gmail.com

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  39. You have such fun and creative ideas! It's great to see what you come up with when you're creating your cards and projects. Thanks so much for sharing!!

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  40. So fun and creative and thanks for brightening my day with these giveaways.
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

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  41. You used the products from the kit and its add-ons in such clever and cool ways. I love the seahorses watching the aquarium. Brilliant! My jaw almost hit the floor when I read about your second giveaway. So kind and generous of you! coldhandskindheart@gmail.com

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  42. Love your pretty creation, thanks for inspiring! And thanks for being so generous!!!

    kirstyvittetoe123@gmail.com

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  43. I love your cards. You could do so many cute cards with this set

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  44. Super cards. The add ons this month are just great. I love those naughty but precious kitties.....and the beta is my favorite. My daughter has 4 beta’s.
    This kit is jam packed with goodies. I cannot wait to play with it.
    Thank you for offering your wonderful gift....I had read Jennifer’s post and knew about her boxes...I don’t feel that I should be in the drawing...as I have so much compared to some...so I would rather they have a chance at that box....bless you for helping Jennifer out. Thank you so much....hugs

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  45. I love the blue background with the seahorse. So pretty. And the cars are adorable.

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  46. I love love love ❤️ the cats ��. They are so stinking cute and the coloring is amazing. Amazing. Thanks for sharing. Ksdarroch@gmail.com.

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  47. Great cards. Think I am partial to the kitties. I am gonna have to get that set. Thanks for sharing your art.🐧

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  48. My email address is Auntkaye34@aim.com sorry I forgot.🐧

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  49. Great set of cards, the betta fish is amazing.

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  50. Fabulous cards! Especially love Jonathan Livingstone Seahorse.
    jolea dot 1994 at gmail dot com

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  51. I love all of your cards and although I love cats and think you've made realistic-looking cats, I love the concept of Jonathan Livingston Seahorse. I remember that book. So clever to have him (and offspring) at an aquarium. LOVE IT! TFS!

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  52. thank you for the generous offer of one of
    Jenniferr's boxes. I know it will be
    packed full with wonderful goodies.
    I love the cats looking into the fishbowl.
    I hear that happens - haven't had a cat
    and a fish at the same time to find out.
    thanks for sharing your cards.
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  53. The coloring on your curious cats is phenomenal! I can almost feel that soft kitty fur! Thanks for the chance to win two prizes. Email is dbruce@shaw.ca

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  54. This kit is so fun and I love the aquarium die. The card with the sea horse is beautiful and the Beta fish are so pretty. I really like how you did the one layer just in black. Thanks for a chance to win, so generous of you and Jennifer. Msdooner23@gmail.com

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  55. Thanks for the opportunity to win a box from Jennifer! I love these sets! Beautiful cards and so creative! oceandreamercreations@gmail.com

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  56. Fabulous cards! Seahorses visiting the aquarium 😂😂 Gorgeous Betta! Cats and fishes ...too cute. Thanks for all your inspiring posts!! eskil918 at yahoo dot com

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  57. Your kitties are gorgeous! So very sweet of you to give away a box of goodies. My email is pna430 at hotmail dot com.

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  58. Your seahorse card reminds me of the beach! Thank you for a chance at both of your generous giveaways. ehrhardt@swbell.net

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  59. Oh wow, this post brings back teenage memories. I used to love to read Jonathan Livingston Seagull. While listening to Dan Fogelberg. I thought I was so cool and insightful, lol!
    Love this entire kit but the kittens and fish are freakin' adorable!

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  60. i love the card you created with the seahorses. great colors and scene!
    vampkel@aol.com

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  61. Great cards! I especially love your no line kitties!

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  62. While I love all things water, that kitten stamp has just done me in! I can't wait to get my hands on it and paint all four of my little monsters peering into bowls and plants and all sorts of things.
    I love that your seahorses are on the outside of the glass lol, it is a beautiful, and now, fun scene.

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  63. The paper layering seahorse die looks intriguing, as does the layered betta fish stamp. Seahorses are so magical, they belong in an undersea fairy garden.
    sandineyes54@gmail.com

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  64. Oh MY!! That kitty and fish bowl card is adorable!!! Love the seahorses too. Unique perspective. My email is elstamper@cox.net

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  65. I love seahorses, too. rush88888 at gmail dot com

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  66. It's a fantastic change! All of your creations are beautiful.

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  67. Loving this new kit! Makes me dream of Summer.

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  68. Oh I love these! I used to work at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and I LOVED the seahorse exhibit. Not to mention... I love that the daddy seahorses do all the work of having the babies. ;-) Here's my email address: digitalcitydesigns@yahoo.com

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  69. Love your cards Lydia, but that Sea Horse me alts my heart, they are such tender creatures. This kit is fabulous, those kitties are so mischievous gotta love them and the Betta fish are gorgeous, love the pop of color you added to the card. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  70. Oh my gosh, I always love your cards but these are so fun! That big, bold seahorse and baby look amazing and how hilarious to have them as spectators at an aquarium. My two granddaughters love going to aquariums so I'll have to be sure to show them this design. As for that fishing cat..LOVE! We had pet mice , and a cat when my kids were little...and found our kitty sitting inside the tank that held the mice at least twice. She just sat there, watching the mice scurry around her...and never even took a swipe. Well fed cats...right?
    Thanks so much for the chance to win a a mystery destash box!
    kladd94803 at gmail dot com

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  71. Jonathan Livingston Seahorse...snicker. You always crack me up AND impress me with your talents Lydia. Love your quirky take on the sea aquarium, and am going nuts over those sweet kitties! Beautiful cards and fun inspiration all the way around.
    apedoak(at)aol(dot)com

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  72. Such wonderful cards. The first one is amazing.
    Thanks for sharing...

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  73. Thanks for showing the add one, love the betta!

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  74. I'm not really a cat person, but I must confess I love the card with the kitties peering at the goldfish. I do like the seahorse card with its great ocean depth. My email is communityblooddrive@gmail.com.

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  75. Lydia, I am partial to kitty cats, so the new Curious Cat stamp is a must have and your card is so cute. However, your take on the Seahorses watching the people at the aquarium is so funny. It reminds me of a picture I saw of two deer driving a car with hunters tied to the hood! LOL. Thank you for your generosity with Jennifers givaway as well as the Hero Arts Giveaway, both are great!!!

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  76. WOW! I just love the seahorse dies! Your cards are fabulous. Thanks for the inspiration. :D

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  77. Loving the seahorse card. I like how you positioned the scuba diver, looks really cool. Lovely job on everything and thanks for your generosity with your creativity! Email: dewdropworks@gmail.com

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  78. I absolutely lovvvvve the fish stamp sets and dies... I love to color them.. you did a great job with the cards.. tyfs.... :)

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  79. Well, as a mother of two cats, I think I must have the stamp set with the two kittens. How could you possibly resist? It is futile to resist--just get it! mpclass66@charter.net

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  80. Dear Lydia
    Your cards are awesome. I love the colors the coloring everything about it that you have done using the Hero Arts March Kit.
    I am a journalist by profession and hv to support my daughter and grand daughter finanacially as my daughter is a single mom. My first preference is crafting but i hv to work and at that time my crafting takes a back seat.
    Also though i love to purchase the lovely goodies i cannot afford it still but I am blessed to have an amazing grand daughter who is six yrs and understand our difficulties. she never worries us for anything. I am blessed to have her in my life.Gods grace and the kindness of people hv helped me to reach and find the finances for them. It is the last leg. My daughter is working part time and is studying to be a chef. So i save every cent and send them. Therefore If I am the winner of the crafty goodies from Jeniffer Mcguire thanks to you or the Hero arts March Kit i can do wonders for my grand daughters birthday in August. myemail address is surekhagalagoda@gmail.com. Thanks for your kindness and teaching me all the skills you have. Thank you so much for your generosity. May you and your family be blessed with good health and happiness always. Love and hugs from Sri Lanka

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  81. You did a beautiful job with this Hero Arts kit and that aquarium scene is such a fun surprise. I always love sweet kittens, so your cute card with the Curious Cats made me smile. Thank you for the giveaways and inspiration!

    stampnk@aol.com

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  82. What a wonderful set of cards!! Awesome! :)

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  83. Your seahorse card is stunning! I never thought of the smaller seahorse being a baby, your card could be a Mother’s Day card.
    I love the cat card too,they are so darn cute!
    Thank you for your great generosity in donating one of Jennifers boxes. Toofew.sdo@gmail.com

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  84. Fish are something my daughter and I share a love for!! Eshw2kids@gmail.com. The beta card is beyond WOW!!!

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  85. Beautiful coloring with the stamps!

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  86. Beautiful cards! I love the dramatic colors and the kitties are so cute!

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  87. Fantastic cards! I always love seeing what you create with the add-ons! Love your kitties!

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  88. Gorgeous cards and your coloring is as always just amazing ♥

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  89. Wonderful projects, the first two are really stunning. And the last one is just darling.

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  90. fun set of cards! love the one of the seahorses enjoying a day at the aquarium!

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  91. Your cards are all fabulous!!! The seahorse card is too fun and I LOVE the last one with the curious kitties!

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  92. Wow beautiful cards. Your coloring is always amazing.

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  93. So look forward to your creations and these did not disappoint. Gorgeous as always.

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  94. Well you blew me away with your fantastic cards! I love your design on the beta fish card..my favorite!! But when I saw the cat & fishbowl I was amazed...the coloring on them is so realistic & beautiful!!

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  95. Those are lovely cards - but I love the kitty card - gorgeous colouring!

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  96. Lovely cards! I adore the seahorse card!

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  97. The sea horses remind me of when I had them in a little fish bowl when I was a young girl. Thanks for rekindling those memories! gainesca@hotmail.com

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