Monday, July 20, 2020

Crafty Friends: Ellen Hutson and a Discount!

Hey everybody! I hope your week is off to a great start! I am excited because we are getting kittens today... well, they were supposed to be kittens but they are twelve weeks old now so I'm hoping there's a little kitten left in them. Either way, we've been waiting for these kitties since May and we are so excited to finally get them.

I'm also excited because today is the 20th of the month and that means I'm getting together with my crafty friends for an awesome blog hop! If you haven't joined us for this hop before... we are a group of crafty friends who believe in crafting for fun. Every month we pick one company to focus on and we bring you tons of creative inspiration using products from that company. This month we are sharing our love for Ellen Hutson! Ellen is so generous and has offered an exclusive discount for our readers.

DISCOUNT: Click this link to Ellen Hutson and use the code: CRAFTYFRIENDS for 20% off an all Essentials by Ellen products from now through July 21st, 2020. 

For this card I went for sort of a clean, mixed media look (is that a thing?). I love doing mixed media and haven't had much time for it lately so this card hit the spot for me in terms of getting colorful and grungy. I used the Dina Wakley Gloss Sprays on deli paper to create the background for my card. When it was dry I adhered it to a piece of white cardstock using gel medium. 

Next, I added the sentiment, "Mondo Squishy Hugs," which I just love from the High Five stamp set from Ellen Hutson. I stamped it in black Hybrid ink and heat embossed it in clear embossing powder.

Then I used the Painted Stripes stamp set to add some decorative elements and texture to my card. These were all heat embossed either in gold, clear with a sprinkling of gold, or, black. 

To finish my card off I added detail with black and white glaze gel pens just to add a little more texture. 

Both of the stamp sets that I used today qualify for the awesome 20% discount to Ellen Hutson! There are a ton of products (that I didn't use today) that qualify as well. So, If you're inclined to do a little shopping remember to to use this link to Ellen Hutson and add the code CRAFTYFRIENDS when you check out. Here are the details...


That's it for me today you guys but my crafty friends have all dreamed up some amazing projects to share with you today as well. To continue hopping along with us please head on over to Becky's Blog. If you prefer to work off of a list-I've included a list of my Crafty Friends below. As always, I'm including a list of the products that I used today so that if you're interested in checking them out it's easy for you to find what you are looking for. If you have any questions please let me know (just leave me a comment and I'll get back to you asap).

Have an amazing day you guys!
Bye for now,

Maria.






BLOG ROLL:
Jill Hilliard
Jen Timko
Amy Kolling
Tanya Boser
Ilina Crouse
Maria Willis: You are HERE.
Becky Roberts
Sandi MacIver
Sue Plote
Sara Sherlock
Lydia Fiedler




PRODUCT SUPPLY LIST:



Monday, July 13, 2020

Hero Arts July My Monthly Hero Kit and a Giveaway!

Hi everybody and happy Monday! Today is the day we've all been waiting for! My Monthly Hero Kit release day! The theme for this month's kit is Atlantis and it is so cool! Today I have three cards using the add-ons from this month's kit to share with you.

My first card features my favorite stamp from the whole release... the Deep Sea Background cling stamp. This is a red rubber stamp and it stamps this full background image beautifully. It's a bit larger than an A2 sized card.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

I used my Hero Arts liquid watercolors to paint the whole scene. I did film the process but didn't have time to turn it into a video for you. So, if you'd like to see a process video for how I colored this please leave me a comment and let me know. If you guys are interested I'll do my best to get that video edited soon for you.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

After I watercolored the whole scene I added some metallic ink to the waves, clouds and treasure chest. I also added some shimmer from my Nuvo Glitter Gloss pen to the whole ocean so that it would sparkle.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

Here's a look at some of the products that I used...
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,


For my second card I used the Underwater Pattern Bold Prints background stamp. This is a 6"x6" stamp full of all kinds of underwater fun! 
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

I watercolored using Nuvo Aqua Flow pens and when that dried I stamped the image in black ink. I added some die cut seaweed in silver and black as well as some Dream Drops and subtle sequins.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

The sentiment is from this month's main kit as is that gorgeous coral colored embossing powder.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

This card came together with a soft, dreamy look that I think is really pretty.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

For my last card I used another 6"x6" background stamp called School of Fish Bold Prints. I used my Misti stamping tool to make this card otherwise getting this effect would have been impossible. I started by inking up the center of my stamp in red and stamping it. Then, I did the next segment of fish in orange. I followed those with both yellow and green. 
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

After I had all of the fish inked up properly I stamped the whole image again in clear embossing ink. Then I poured on clear embossing powder and heat set it. That gave me one clear layer on top of my fish but I wanted them to have some dimension as if they were coming off of the card. I re-heated the embossed fish with my heat tool and immediately covered them again with clear embossing powder. I did this three our four times until all of my fish were thickly embossed. I used my anti-static tool before I embossed the whole background. I did not use it after that when I was trying to achieve thick embossing. This allowed for some specks of powder to stick on white areas of the card (for other cards this might be seem like a mistake but it was part of the distress effect on this card).
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

Now I have a white background with embossed fish. Because these fish are embossed I can now ink blend over the top of them without worrying about changing their color. I used my reactive inks to ink blend the background. I made the center of the card, where the tiny fish are, lighter in color as if they were swimming up towards the light.  I splattered my card with white metallic glimmer paint to give the look of bubbles and texture. Then, to finish my card off I stamped a sentiment from the main kit on a piece of card stock that I had colored with an ink pad (I just rubbed my Fruit Punch ink pad on white cardstock until it was saturated with ink). I cut it at a wonky angle and used foam tape to adhere it to my card. The final touch was to add some embellishments that looked like water droplets or gems and some dream drops.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Hero Arts, #mymonthyhero, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #card, #cardmaking, #handmade, #watercolor, ocean,

Ok you guys, that's all I've got for today. If you're interested in checking out any of the products that I've shared I've got them all listed below for you. If you have any questions about how I made these cards please feel free to ask!

Now, as always Hero Arts is having a generous giveaway (details below), all you need to do is leave me a comment below to enter to win. If you're interested in purchasing this month's kit we have great news for you! The kit should start shipping this Friday, July 17th and continue shipping through next week.

To continue on with this inspiration filled hop please head on over to the lovely Mariana and check out what she's got to share today. If you prefer a list of hoppers, I've got one linked up for you below.

Have an awesome day and thanks for stopping by!
Maria




GIVEAWAY:
Hero Arts will give away one $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, July 19th at 11:59pm pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.




BLOG ROLL:

Hero Arts
Amy Kolling
Channin Pelletier
Daniel West
Debi Adams
Emily Midgett
Ilina Crouse
Janette Kausen
Jenn Shurkus
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Julee Tilman
Laurie Willison
Lydia Fiedler
Maria Willis: You are HERE.
Mariana Grigsby
Michelle Short
Mindy Eggen
Nichol Spohr
Seeka
Yana Smakula



PRODUCT SUPPLY LIST:




Sunday, July 12, 2020

Watercolored Daisy Fun!

Hey everybody! Happy Sunday! I hope you all are having a great day. I'm just popping in to share in a little watercoloring I've done with this beautiful Daisy stamp from Simon Says Stamp.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Simon Says Stamp, #cards, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #handmade, #handmadecards, #arteza, #flowers, #art, #color, #watercolor,

I used my Arteza watercolor brush pens and some Canson watercolor paper. The Canson is new to me and the ink definitely moves differently than with the Arches and Strathmore that I usually use. It's fun to have a new watercolor paper in my arsenal.
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Simon Says Stamp, #cards, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #handmade, #handmadecards, #arteza, #flowers, #art, #color, #watercolor,

I used just five brush pens for this card but by mixing the inks I was able to create a beautiful color palette! After I finished watercoloring, I finished my card off by mounting it onto a black card base and adding an easy sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp Sentiment Strips "Get Well" pack. These strips make it so easy to add a great sentiment to your card!
Cardbomb, Maria Willis, Simon Says Stamp, #cards, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #handmade, #handmadecards, #arteza, #flowers, #art, #color, #watercolor,

Ok, that's it for today. I'm off to work on my taxes but I'll see you all back here tomorrow for the Hero Arts My Monthly Hero release!

Have an awesome day!
Maria

Friday, July 3, 2020

Triple Shaker Slim-line card and Trinity Stamps turns Two!

Hello everybody! I feel like it's been forever since I've been here. I think it's bc I've doing a little a work on the side for Tonic Studios and I've been a bit strapped for time. Soon I'll be sharing the videos and projects I've been working on for them but today we are here to celebrate Trinity Stamps and their Second Birthday! Woohoo!

I'm joining in the fun to celebrate Trinity Stamps by making a triple shaker slim line card! I think this may only be the second slimline I've ever made and it was so easy using the stitched slimline dies from Trinity. This die set has a piece that cuts three squares from the center line of your card and I used it to make three shaker windows.
#cardbomb, maria willis, Trinity Stamps, ranger ink, Tonic Studios, #cards, #cardmaker, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #color, #diy, #copics, #copicmarkers, #distressoxideinks, Tim Holtz, #shaker card, slim line card, #video, #videotutorial,


I made a quick video to show you how to easily put this triple shaker slim line card together... enjoy!
If you'd like to be entered to win a $25 gift card to Trinity Stamps make sure to leave a comment on my YouTube Channel (and the other channels on the hop).

I used the Winter Friends stamp set on this card. It was intended to be a winter celebration card but with an easy sentiment change and using non-holiday colors it was easily turned into a birthday shenanigans card.
#cardbomb, maria willis, Trinity Stamps, ranger ink, Tonic Studios, #cards, #cardmaker, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #color, #diy, #copics, #copicmarkers, #distressoxideinks, Tim Holtz, #shaker card, slim line card, #video, #videotutorial,

I used distress oxide inks to ink blend my background panel. Then, I used the Funfetti stencil to emboss the background so that there would always be some fun going on in the background.
#cardbomb, maria willis, Trinity Stamps, ranger ink, Tonic Studios, #cards, #cardmaker, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #color, #diy, #copics, #copicmarkers, #distressoxideinks, Tim Holtz, #shaker card, slim line card, #video, #videotutorial,

I added a layer of acetate to the back of my front panel. Next, I used a double layer of foam adhesive to create window pockets. I filled each of the window pockets with shaker guts (Birthday Cake Sprinkles from Trinity and some shiny beauties from Tonic Studios). 
#cardbomb, maria willis, Trinity Stamps, ranger ink, Tonic Studios, #cards, #cardmaker, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #color, #diy, #copics, #copicmarkers, #distressoxideinks, Tim Holtz, #shaker card, slim line card, #video, #videotutorial,

I sealed my layers together and added them to a large black card base. I matched it up with a #10 sized envelope and that's a wrap!
#cardbomb, maria willis, Trinity Stamps, ranger ink, Tonic Studios, #cards, #cardmaker, #stamps, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #create, #color, #diy, #copics, #copicmarkers, #distressoxideinks, Tim Holtz, #shaker card, slim line card, #video, #videotutorial,

Thanks so much for stopping by today! It's always fun to celebrate a birthday and I'm so happy to join the party for Trinity Stamp's Second Birthday!

I'll put links to the products I've used below in case you'd like to check them out.

Have an amazing day! Sending crafty hugs from California!
Maria


PRODUCT SUPPLY LIST:



Saturday, June 20, 2020

Light-up Cards Made Easy with HAI supply and Pear Blossom Press

Hello everybody! That's right, I'm back for my second post of the day and all before 7am. Lol. I'm glad to have you back here because now I'm taking part in a collaboration hop between two super fun companies: HAI Supply and Pear Blossom Press. HAI Supply has everything you need for embellishing your cards from sequins and jewels, to clay embellishments (check out the rainbows!), and even washi tape and paper! Pear Blossom Press has the most amazing and easy to use light up units (EZ-LIGHTS) to use with your interactive cards! All you have to do is pop the battery in and the lights work. I've got video showing how easy they are below so make sure to check that out below.

Before I get too far along I want to make sure you know that both of these amazing companies have offered all of you a Discount code for their shops! To get $4.00 off of your order of $25 or more (before tax and shipping) just enter the code EZSHIP4 at checkout at HAI Supply and/or Pear Blossom Press before June 27th, 2020.

On to my first card... HAI Supply and Pear Blossom Press issued us the challenge of using washi paper, embellishments and a light up unit all on one card- Challenge accepted! I used a sheet of washi paper from THIS washi paper pack because it looks like fireworks. I thought it would be really cool to make the fireworks light up. 

Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,
The EZ-LIGHTS have three different light bulbs so I picked three fireworks to have light up. I used a craft pick to poke holes in the centers so that the light would shine through more brightly. I glued clear, round embellishments on top of the holes I poked. When the lights shine these embellishments will glow brightly and diffuse the light for a bright glow. 
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

Next I turned the washi paper over and used tape to adhere the lights right behind the holes I had poked. This will keep the lights where I want them so that the fireworks will glow from the centers.
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

Here's a pic of what the fireworks look like when they are lit up. In real life its very striking against the black background of the card.
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

After I had my lights in place and had fixed the battery pack where I wanted it I used a double layer of foam tape to pop up my card face. I used dies from Honeybee Stamps and gorgeous papers from Tonic Studios to add a sentiment. Down at the bottom left of my card I used a Lawn Fawn set to add "push me" so that the recipient will know how to activate the lights. 
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card,#video, #videotutorial,  #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

Check out this video to see how I made this card and to see the lights in action...



The combination of the Pear Blossom Press EZ-LIGHTS and HAI Supply embellishments is so awesome that I had to make a second card. This time around I used the Super Hero Scrubs stamp from Erin Lee Creative. I've been wanting to send a nurse friend a card and this stamp works perfectly with the HAI supply Heart Drops
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

I stamped and colored my image with copic markers and then cut it out. I used my craft pick to poke a hole in the center of the tiny heart. Then I glued a small, red heart embellishment on top of the hole. I added my lights behind the hole and taped them in place. The wires and battery pack are hidden behind the ink blended panel which is popped up with a double layer of foam tape. 
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

Here's a look at what it looks like when it's lit up. In real life there's a warm, red glow. 
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

I used the same Lawn Fawn set to add the "Push Here" at the bottom of the card.
Maria Willis, Cardbomb, HAI Supply, Pear Blossom Press, light-up card, #video, #videotutorial, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #papercraft, #creative, #handmade, #handmadecards, #art, #diy, #copicmarkers, #copics, #honeybeestamps, Erin Lee Creative, interactive cards,

Ok you guys that is it for now. These EZ-LIGHTS are so darn easy to use and I hope my cards have inspired you to check them out for yourselves. They come in 2, 3, 5 and 20 packs so there's really something for everybody. If you go shopping don't forget to use the discount code: EZSHIP4 at both HAI Supply and/or Pear Blossom Press!

In addition to the discount code we have an awesome giveaway today too! Details are below (hint: all you have to do to enter is comment here and on youtube). 

Thanks so much for joining the hop today. To continue on being inspired head on over to Rachel's blog!

Bye and have an awesome day you guys!
Maria




GIVEAWAY!
- Four random commenters are going to get lucky and be awarded a fabulous prize ($25 gift codes to HAI Supply or Pear Blossom Press)!
-No purchase necessary. Just comment here or on YouTube by June 27, 2020 PST to enter. One comment per platform but you will get extra entries for commenting on multiple stops in the hop.
-Contest is open internationally to participants who are over 18 years of age.
-Winners will be announced on Pear Blossom Press on July 6, 2020. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of announcement.


BLOG ROLL:
Thank you for hopping along on the HAI Supply & Pear Blossom Press Collab Hop! For more inspiration, check out all of the stops in the hop...

PRODUCT SUPPLY LIST:

Crafty Friends: Concord & 9th and a 20% Discount!

Hey everybody! How are you all doing? It's a gorgeous day here in California, USA and I am itching to get outside and do some yard work in the sunshine. Before I head off to do that... today is My Crafty Friends day! If you haven't joined us before, we are a group of crafty friends who get together every month on the 20th for a blog hop. We feature projects from a specific company each month and they are so kind as to offer you all a discount! One of the cool things about this hop is that we feature our favorite sets from the company which means that you might see some oldie but goodie sets (inspiration for stamps you already have).

This month's featured company is none other than the fabulous Concord & 9th! and they are very generous to offer a 20% DISCOUNT to their entire store when you use THIS LINK and the code: CRAFTYFRIENDSJUNE20 (details below). 

Ok, now on to my card! Hello Lovely is one of my favorite ever stamp sets from Concord & 9th. It has a gorgeous floral bunch as well stamps to fill in the set with a watercolored look. There are also coordinating dies which you can get separately or buy the whole thing as a bundle. I decided to do a one layer card (ok, yeah, I did pop it up and cut a sliver off the side to peek the black card base) so I repeatedly stamped the large floral image around the edges of my card in Inkon3's Fade Out ink. This ink is made for no-line watercoloring as it takes on the color of the ink or watercolor that you use on top of it.
Maria Willis, #cardbomb, #concord&9th, Hello Lovely, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #create, #art, #handmade, #diy, #cardmaker, #watercolor, #nuvo, #danielsmithwatercolors

I used my Daniel Smith watercolors to paint this. I started with lighter layers of color and as they dried back I added more color. 
Maria Willis, #cardbomb, #concord&9th, Hello Lovely, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #create, #art, #handmade, #diy, #cardmaker, #watercolor, #nuvo, #danielsmithwatercolors

When I was done watercoloring I added a little extra shading with some colored pencils and a Sharpie. It might sound a little crazy to add sharpie to your watercolor pieces but I am telling you that Sharpies are one of my most used coloring tools.
Maria Willis, #cardbomb, #concord&9th, Hello Lovely, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #create, #art, #handmade, #diy, #cardmaker, #watercolor, #nuvo, #danielsmithwatercolors

To finish my card off I added some highlights with white gel pen, some gold Nuvo drops and a sentiment in Versafine ink. I also added splatters of gold with the Midas Touch shimmer pen from Tonic Studios and it was the perfect, subtle magic touch for this card (I wish that the camera picked up the shimmer).
Maria Willis, #cardbomb, #concord&9th, Hello Lovely, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #create, #art, #handmade, #diy, #cardmaker, #watercolor, #nuvo, #danielsmithwatercolors


Here are the details for the discount code from Concord & 9th. Remember that you need to use THIS LINK to get the discount. It's good for two days so if you'd like to take advantage of the discount head on over there before the time is up. 

Maria Willis, #cardbomb, #concord&9th, Hello Lovely, #cards, #stamp, #ink, #paper, #craft, #create, #art, #handmade, #diy, #cardmaker, #watercolor, #nuvo, #danielsmithwatercolors


I hope you'll keep on hopping along with us. Next up is the talented Becky Roberts
I hope you all have an amazing weekend! See you back here soon (in two hours bc today is a busy day for blogging for me!)!

Bye for now!
Maria





BLOG ROLL:
Maria Willis: YOU ARE HERE


PRODUCT SUPPLY LIST:
















Monday, June 8, 2020

Hero Arts June Monthly Hero Kit, Video Tutorial and a Giveaway!

Hi Everybody! Guess what day it is? Yep! It's time for another My Monthly Hero Kit release from Hero Arts! If this is your first time hearing about these monthly kits then here's the skinny: every month Hero Arts releases an exclusive kit filled with amazing products at an exceptional value. The kit cost is $34.99 and the value of most kits is over $60! You can subscribe to this kit to make sure you never miss out, or, you can buy them month to month as you like-BUT, once they are sold out they are never coming back so make sure to pick up the ones you like right away. There are also monthly add-ons that coordinate with the theme of the kit. The add-ons are amazing and for those who want all the add-ons there is a discounted Get Them All rate. I think that's what you need to know but please let me know if I've missed anything, or, if you have any questions.

This month's kit has a fun Northern lights, sea, nautical type theme and I had so much fun with it that I've made a video. My video shares six background techniques that work really well with the dies in this kit. I hope you'll enjoy it and maybe even try out some of the techniques I shared.

Before I get too far along I want to make sure you know that there is a GIVEAWAY today! Hero Arts has a generous giveaway for you all this month so be sure to check out the details at the bottom of my post. HINT: Leave a comment on my blog below and you are entered. 

And now, here's that video...


For my first card I ink blended the background using a variety of colors from the Hero Hues Reactive Ink line. 
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

Once my background was ink blended I stamped the large background set that comes in this month's kit with Clear Embossing and Watermark ink. Then, I covered the ink with White Satin Pearl embossing powder and heat set it. 
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

I love this embossing powder! It lets the color from the ink blended background shine through the pearlescent finish for such a magical look!
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

For my next card I did the exact same thing that I did on my first card... but in reverse order. Isn't it wild how different the two backgrounds look? 
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,
For this card I heat embossed my background first and ink blended on top of the heat embossed image.
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This created a "resist' effect and the areas that had been embossed did not absorb any ink. 
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The background for this next card was created using the Hero Arts liquid watercolors. These watercolors are bold and vibrant and just a couple of drops can go a long way.
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

I wet a piece of watercolor paper and added watercolor very quickly using horizontal brush strokes (watch the video to see how). Then I added dies cut from white cardstock to create a scene.
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

My next card features a simple, ink blended background. 
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I used ink blending brushes and Hero Hues Reactive inks in Splash and Blue Hawaii. Then I spritzed the background with iridescent shimmer spray and splattered it with White Metallic ink. 
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

The result was a gorgeous, shimmering background that a made a perfect backdrop for the lighthouse die.
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

This card features a sparkling night sky. I started out with a piece of black cardstock and gave it a few spritzes of Nuvo Sparkle Spray. The effect is absolutely magical!
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

I cut the mountains from some holographic purple cardstock from a past MMH kit and backed it with white mountains to make it pop off of the dark background. 
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

The moon is cut from holographic cardstock and I thought the eagle was the perfect majestic finish to this card.
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,
My last card is all about stenciling and the background showcases a creative way to use the negative pieces of your die cuts. I used the negative piece from the tree die as a stencil to ink blend a forest onto the bottom of my card.
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,

Then I ink blended the sky with some blues to add a back drop for more stenciling. I used the new Shooting Star stencil (which is an add-on to this month's kit) and smooshed my embossing ink pad over the top of it. 
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,
Then I covered it in silver glitter embossing powder and heat set it. To finish the card off I added a heat embossed sentiment.
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Here's a last look at everything that comes in this month's kit. In addition to the supplies that I have used you will receive black water color paper (what?! so cool!), a glow in the dark lacquer pen (heart eyes), and star sequins! There are so many great things in this kit!
#cardbomb, Maria Willis, #heroarts, #mymonthyhero, #mymonthyherojune2020, #stamp, #cards, #ink, #paper, #papercraft, #craft, #video, #videotutorial, #art, #color, #tonicstudios, #tonicstudiosusa, #nuvo, whale, northern lights, aurora borealis, background techniques,


Ok, you guys. That's all I've got for today. Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out the new MMH kit. I hope you like it! Please check out the note from Hero Arts, Giveaway info and the blog roll below to keep hopping along with us. From here you will head on over to Mariana's Blog-enjoy!

Have an awesome day you all!
Maria





A NOTE FROM HERO ARTS:
We are working on restarting our operations in a safe manner, bringing back our production and shipping teams with social distancing, and keeping our warehouse cleaned under the strictest standards. We are first focusing on all of the orders in-house for all of our wonderful and patient customers, subscribers, and international customers, and hope to get back to regular shipping times once we are through what was delayed. We estimate June kits and add-ons will begin shipping on Friday, June 19, after all previous orders have gone out.

GIVEAWAY:
Hero Arts will give away one $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, June 14th at 11:59pm pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.

BLOG ROLL:

Hero Arts

Amy Kolling

Channin Pelletier

Daniel West

Debi Adams

Ilina Crouse

Janette Kausen

Jennifer McGuire

Jessica Frost-Ballas

Julee Tilman

Laurie Willison

Lydia Fiedler

Maria Willis

Mariana Grigsby

Michelle Short

Nichol Spohr

Seeka


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