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August My Monthly Hero Release Hop + Giveaway

Hi friends! Today I'm so honored and super excited to be joining the August My Monthly Hero Release Hop with Hero Arts. If you've been hopping along and arrived from the delightful blog of Jessica Frost-Ballas, you're all set. If you're just tuning in, you can keep hopping from here or head on over to the Hero Arts blog to start from the beginning. There's a fabulous giveaway prize of the main kit for one lucky commenter, so you're going to want to hop along and shout out some love to all of these fabulous artists. The giveaway closes Sunday, August 12th at 11:59pm, and the winner will be announced the following week.

I must say when I sat down to create with these adorable stamps that I was feeling a little bit lost being on the designer end of a release and a bit nervous to be joining this list of talented artists. Mark quietly calmed my fears by saying, "Just do YOU." Such good advice for us all, and I'm pretty sure I need a stamp (and a wall-sized poster) of that saying to remind me of this on a daily basis! So here I am, just doing ME. I hope you're inspired (and have a cuppa something fabulous at your side, since this is going to be a long post)!

Once I started creating, I just couldn't stop, wanting to try a variety of ideas with some of the optional add-ons for this month's kit. My first idea was a shabby chic card centered around the beautiful Tea Party Fancy Die. I grabbed some papers from the Santorini collection and cut the die and the oval frame, from one pattern and just the oval from another. I added some shading to the edges with distress oxide inks, then added accents with the Crystal Clear Laquer Pen to the window frame and the tea set up. This pen is my handy dandy new best friend. I *just might* have went a little cray-cray with the glitter because I loved working with this pen so much!


Next up I added some lace trim to around the edge of the oval with red line tape and popped this layer up on foam tape.  The background is another design from the Santorini line, sponged with distress oxides.  The stamped flowers and sentiment are from the darling Spill the Tea stamp set and cut with the coordinating Spill the Tea Frame Cuts. I colored them with copics, then coated them with the Crystal Clear Laquer Pen and sprinkled some glitter on. I did the centers first, with a latte colored glitter, then the petals with a diamond glitter. May have sprinkled a bit much, but you can never have too much glitter, right?


I finished with a few more glitter accents on the designer paper, then added in a chipboard bird, some paper flowers and a seam binding bow to complete the shabby chic look. I love how this turned out and have an idea to make some shabby chic ornaments for Christmas gifts with this die set. Can't wait to give it a go.




For my second card, I couldn't wait to ink up the lovely Mocha Maiden! Isn't she something? Definitely not how I look drinking my morning coffee, but maybe an accurate portrait of how it makes me feel! Haha! She's stamped in Intense Black Ink and colored with Arteza real brush pens and a wink of stella clear glitter pen. I had another heyday using that Crystal Clear Laquer Pen and sprinkled glitter, because a diva should sparkle wherever she goes, right?


For the layout I used the oval from the Tea Party Fancy Die to cut the image as well as an offset black mat. The background is the super cool Distressed Tile Bold Prints background stamp, embossed with White Puff Embossing Powder. I can see myself using this background a lot, and with the white puff embossing it has so much texture!  I blended some distress oxides over the embossing and then buffed with a baby wipe for a nice resist. I figured this diva surely was a sweety, so selected the punny sentiment from the Spill the Tea stamp set and a few rhinestones to finish things off.


Next up is the adorable kitten in a cup from the Kit-Tea Stamp & Cut. How purrr-fect is she? Once the boys are back in school, we're going to get a cat again and I just can't wait to meet my new little companion! I stamped her in Intense Black Ink and colored with Arteza real brush pens and a wink of stella glitter pen. Once I cut her out with the coordinating die, I decided the cup was looking a little plain, so stamped some of the flowers from the set. Then I used that Crystal Clear Laquer Pen again to coat the flowers.


While this was drying, I decided to play with some alcohol inks, so made a little background with a variety of blues, greens and a gold mixative. At this point, I decided the flowers on the cup needed to bring in some of the turquoise from the background, so I colored the dried lacquer with Copic markers and then highlighted the centers with a drop of white nuvo drops. I finished off with a sweet little sentiment from the set.


My final card today uses the gorgeous teacup from the Spill the Tea stamp set and coordinating Spill the Tea Frame Cuts. I stamped in Intense Black Ink and watercolored with distress inks. I spent a lot of time getting just the right look on the roses, then decided to add some accents with that Crystal Clear Laquer Pen and lost a lot of the highlights. Oops!



For the background I embossed the Floral Doily Bold Prints background stamp with White Puff Embossing Powder and then blended with distress inks and buffed with a baby wipe. I love the effect! I selected the come oolong sentiment from the same set, cut with a circle and finished off with some black accents and a little stamped and die cut leaf with pearls.

Alrighty! If you're still with me, you deserve a high five! ✋ Thanks so much for hanging out with me as a I shared these cards.  I hope you found a little inspiration for these delightful optional add-ons.  The August Main Kit is absolutely fabulous and if you're a coffee lover like me, you NEED it! Be sure to snatch one up before they're gone! I can't wait to hop along and see what all these fabulous artists created with the kit!
August 2018 My Monthly Hero Kit

August 2018 Optional Add-Ons
If you haven't heard of My Monthly Hero, they release a new kit and optional add-ons the first Monday of each month. The kit is available for a limited time to non-subscribers and once it's sold out it's gone for good. You can also subscribe to the kit so you never miss one.

Alrighty, your next stop for inspiration is Kelly Latevola. Check out the entire hop list below. Happy hopping!



Affiliate links are used on this blog, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me, and clicking on my links to shop!























Hero Arts - My Monthly Hero August...
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Get Them All August Add-Ons
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Tea Party Fancy Die
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Spill the Tea Stamp Set
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Spill The Tea Frame Cuts
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Mocha Maiden
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Distressed Tile Bold Prints
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Kit-Tea Stamp & Cut
[ HA ]
Hero Arts Floral Doily Bold Prints
[ HA ]
NK350 Crystal Clear Lacquer Pen -...
[ HA ]
PW121 White Puff - Hero Arts
[ HA ]
MT100 Original MISTI Laser Etched...
[ HA ]
Ranger Ink - Antique Linen Distress...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Tea Dye Distress Oxide
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Ground Espresso Distress...
[ SBC ]
Prima Santorini 8x8 Paper Pad
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Wilted Violet Distress...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Shaded Lilac Distress Oxide
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Dusty Concord Distress...
[ SBC ]
Canson XL Series Bristol Pad, 9"X12"...
[ AMZUS ]
Tsukineko - VersaMark Watermark Ink...
[ SBC ]
Arteza Real Brush Pens, 96 Paint...
[ AMZUS ]
ZIG - Memory System - Wink Of Stella...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Alcohol Ink...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Adirondack...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Alcohol Ink - Citrus
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Alcohol Ink - Pool
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Alcohol Ink -Mermaid
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Alcohol Ink - Limeade
[ AMZUS ]
Jacquard - Pinata Alcohol Inks - Rich...
[ AMZUS ]
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Gloss White
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Distress Ink Mini -...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Distress Ink Mini -...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Distress Ink Mini -...
[ SBC ]
Ranger Ink - Distress Ink Mini -...
[ SBC ]

102 comments

Unknown said...

Hi, Julee; thanks for sharing! I love the diversity of your cards. But especially the layout of the mocha maiden. Isn't it funny how that first sip of morning coffee changes everything?

lulyg said...

Love the tea cup card - so lovely!

Elaine said...

A whole new take on how to use this kit - it’s amazing the versatility. Thank you I just love all your projects.

Patti P. said...

Julie, so happy to see your name on the hop. I have long been a fan of your style and these cards make me remember why. Love the first one, such a beautiful design. Thanks for sharing.

Debbie Rumpza said...

Oh wow. Your cards are so beautiful! I love the vintage feel of the first one. And the one with the alcohol background is so cool... great idea!

Carolina said...

omg, the first card is amaze-balls! it's a display item, seriously. all your cards are great. tfs.

Lauren Z. said...

You do you very well. Your cards are beautiful! This months Hero Arts kit is fabulous!

Karen H said...

All your cards are beautiful. As a fan of shabby chic, your vintage card is stunning! Your kitty card really shines with the alcohol background. And you're so right, every Mocha Maiden need a bit of glitter to start her day. Thanks Julee for sharing your delightful inspiration.

Becca Yahrling said...

Oh goodness, these are all fabulous. I love seeing what you come up with. The first card is my fave because it not only involves coffee but a birdie! And that awesome die! I ordered my kit - yay!

Becky said...

Love all the different styles in your cards. Beautiful. The kit this month is really great. Thanks for sharing.

cjs said...

Such wonderful cards!

sharon g said...

They are all wonderful, for different reasons. The one on top is getting me ready for my trip to England soon. I LOVE IT!!!

Martha Herrera said...

Lovely cards! Thanks so much for the inspiration.

karenb said...

I love the tea shop die!

Rose Mary Smalley said...

Oh wow....I think you just injured my pocketbook.....these cards were just gorgeous. You are on talented lady....I loved the way you used the items from the kit...and also the great add ons.....so beautifully done...thank you so very much...

Barbara said...

Such beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing.

Deb Selby said...

Your first card is exquisite and I always love cards with alcohol inks as they are so vibrant.

Cyndi said...

Beautiful projects. Your colors are gorgeous. The kit itself is exciting, and you've certainly made a case for the add-ons.

MadeByMeghanK said...

These are incredible! So much detail and thought put into each one!

Show Us The World said...

These are so elegant and lovely! Thank you for sharing them with us!

Amanda Fitterer said...

That alcohol ink background is perfect. The cat - omg, genius! Your style is so different from what is being seen these days. I appreciate it and love it!

Cynthia Cole said...

Your cards are all wonderful just doing you!

Lucy E. said...

You sure did “do you!” All of these cards are
fabulous! I love the shabby chic card-so you!
Then there’s the purple goddess with the cool tile
background. The kitten in the cup card has that
super fun alcohol ink background and your last card is scrumptious with that delicate background.

Cindy Holmes said...

GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS cards! The colors/coloring is absolutely amazing! And I really am loving the backgrounds too!

Art Conquers said...

Fantastic cards and the background looks awesome! Thanks for sharing ♥️

Kelsey Thomas said...

Beautiful cards! :) I especially love the first one.

The Lady Cage said...

Love all your beautiful cards.

Geri S said...

Wow! What amazing cards! And what a kit! Wow!

Unknown said...

Your style is certainly unique and the colors you select really made the images pop.

Jean said...

Such gorgeous cards!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

What fun creations! :)

Christine said...

Oh, Julee, I love every last project. That glittery pen is going on my wish list. Love the array of projects and styles included. You showed off the products so well!

Kathy Schweinfurth said...

Jules, your cards are fantastic!!

Marisa said...

I really love the antique look of the first card, beautiful!

Leanne in Cali said...

Beautiful cards and ideas! Thanks for sharing with us!!

Allie said...

Beautiful cards, Julee! I love all of the inks/colours you chose!

Unknown said...

Awesome cards!

Arianna Barbara said...

Wow!!! Amazing cards!!!

Stef Perry said...

I love all your gorgeous cards for this release, but the first one is classic Julee and definitely my favorite. So wonderful to see your beautiful creations!

~amy~ said...

YAY Julee! So fun to be hopping with you...coffee lovers unite!
ALL of your projects are fabulous!

kReN said...

So may great ideas here! Love your work! kReN

Purple Princess said...

Gorgeous cards! I love the kitty card!!

Ginger said...

Loved all your very different cards, but the first one is my favorite. So happy to see you in my "Inbox".

Andrea Hastilow said...

Hello, nice to meet you !
I can only imagine the nerves of being on the other side of a hop, id need more than coffee in those cups. Glad you got told to ' do you' as these are amazing. So bright, cheerful & totally unique to the rest I've seen so far. That's what makes us all stand out usness ! Thanks I'm so glad I've meet you ( in print)

Cindy C. said...

Beautiful cards!!!!! You've made me look the Spill The Tea Frame Cut in whole new way! Thanks for the inspirations.

Sunshine HoneyBee said...

Wonderful creations. Wish the Mocha Maiden was a clear stamp & not wooden.
Melissa
"Sunshine HoneyBee"

Dee Earnshaw said...

stunning work - love how you have used this new set:)

jordanbev5@yahoo.com said...

Oh my goodness!! LOVED your first card and how vintage and chic it looks!!! And all your other samples are so bright and surreal!! Your work is ethereal and am loving the deep colors you used!

Krock said...

Wow! Your cards are amazing! So creative and clever! Love the shabby chic with the doily - so gorgeous! This is a fantastic kit!

Mary Holshouser said...

Beautiful cards. Love the vintage,
elegant feel of the first card.
The vivid coloring on the others
is wonderful. thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Celeste Goff said...

Congrats on the guest spot Julee! Your cards are just gorgeous...all of that beautiful color and shimmer!

LittleSher said...

Your cards are so artsy! Thanks for giving us a new style to look at.

Eve N said...

Pretty cards! Thanks for showing another way to cut the cafe shop die along with some of the add-ons.

Lizzie said...

just lovely

Sherrie J. said...

Oh how lovely! Each card is a work of art. You have a new fan here! Very, very unique...especially the Tea Party Fancy Die card with the shabby chic theme! And I'm so glad you're doing YOU! You are extremely talented :-)

Kari Hansen said...

Looks like a great kit. I seem to be as addicted to coffee stamp sets as I am to coffee itself! Thanks for sharing a creative way to use this kit!

Stephanie said...

Lovely cards and all looks so different! Great job :)

Karen Day said...

I love your collection of cards, Julee! That ink/gold background is stunning :o)

Brand6 Duncan said...

Since you did you, you must be one awesome person. These cards are stunning. I love how all of your cards are so different and can't Wait to try out that lacquer pen.

SMWhite said...

Fun cards, this kit is so great!

Karthikha said...

Wow! Your cards are fantastic!! Each one is so unique and beautiful!

JoAnn said...

Wow. great cards. I love the first one. It definitely is "you". such pretty papers and design. TFS

Paper Gems by Jules said...

Your color choices on each of these cards are brilliant. Love them all!

Michelle H said...

I totally love the nostalgic feel of the first two cards. They took me bad to a different time.

Jeanne Beam said...

Such beautiful cards. Love all of them!
Thanks for sharing...

Cindi said...

Incredible variety of looks!

Barb H. said...

Such beautiful unique cards

Dawn J said...

What fun cards. Love the mocha maiden.

bzyPTmom said...

Your cards are gorgeous! The kitty in the tea cup just breaks me up, love that stamp set! Enjoy your little boys, I did a similar thing, stayed home with my two kids a couple of times over the years, when they were infants, and also when in high school, just seemed they needed me. They are all grown up now but I'm so glad I was able to spend the time with them that I did, I will never regret it!

Brianna J said...

The kitten in the cup is so adorable!! Your cards are so vibrant! Thank you for sharing!

Cheriese said...

Gorgeous cards!! Awesome new release!!

Kathy M said...

All of your cards are very elegant! Thank you for sharing them. I love the latest Hero Arts Monthly Hero kit! I love coffee that helps! lol

Carmela said...

How delightful to see your work again, Julee! I love that first card and it is definitely you and your style. All are gorgeous. Love the spill the tea set!!

Lea Lawson said...

Beautiful card!!

Golda said...

Great work on each of these. Your backgrounds are wonderful, as is the shabby chic one.

Michelle Brown said...

OMG, your kitty card is my fav!! Love the alcohol ink background, 😍 so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Jenine said...

Beautiful cards! There are so many techniques that I love. The antique look of the first card is wonderful. The purples of the 2nd card. The alcohol inks in the background of the 3rd card. And the wonderful doily background from the add-ons is definitely going on my wish list!

sawarisbliss said...

I can practically feel your excitement to use the kit through your blog post. :) sweet cards. I especially love the backgrounds.

Alanna said...

Beautiful card! Such a unique way of using the products in this release!

Robin P said...

Wow what a great variety of cards. You’re very talented and I’m happy you did you! Thanks for sharing.

Laurie said...

I love the Victorian look of your mixed media cards. The kitty in the cup is too cute! Love the puns because the kit-tea reminds me of my sister who drank tea and had kitties.

Henriëtte Creatively Happy said...

Love all your gorgeous cards and what a great variation you made. My favorite is definitely the shabby chic card, that one is awesome! Thanks for all your time and effort to show us these little pieces of art.

Lagene said...

Awesome release! I love your projects! I especially love the vintage looking oval cafe card!

Helen Gullett said...

Julie, they are amazing and gorgeous cards.

Nana Griffin said...

Nicely done. Love the kitty and the cup.

Lisa Hicks said...

Your cards are unique, and that's awesome. I love that first card with the chipboard bird. Thanks!

Angei said...

Beautiful! All of them!

Dorcas said...

Your style is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful set.

DJ said...

I really love your style. Beautiful work, TFS!

Sue D said...

I like the wonderful variety of cards you created.

Tindaloo said...

Love your card creations! Gorgeous colors and layouts ♥ This kit is absolutely a winner :)

Betty Wright said...

WOW! A stunning suite of cards, Julee! Beautifully done! I can't wait to get my kit!

Karen L K said...

Wow some great looking cards with all different looks! I really like that doily stamp background and that very nice cafe scene!

Kim Potts said...

Wow amazing array of cards with neat techniques. This kit lends itself to so many possibilities.

Marisa said...

Gorgeous cards! Love them and this kit is adorable!

Emagine said...

wow those cards are so fabulous! I love love the mocha maiden, all the vintage touches to the first card were so pretty. the lace and the floral background paper were perfect. I like blog hops because it is fun to discover new and wonderful blogs

Dana M said...

Gorgeous cards! I love that they are all a in a different style. But I'll admit that I love and am in awe of your shabby chic cards.

Kris in Alaska said...

It's the kit-tea cup card that got me!

karenajo said...

Wonderful projects! Especially love the kit-tea one, so adorable!

D.Ann C said...

Oh that kitty with the gorgeous background! and that Floral Doily background!! but my favorite is the Tea Party Fancy die!!! I'd flip if that landed in my mailbox!!!

Libby Hickson said...

I love all of your cards so very much, Julee! "just do you" was absolutely perfect advice, because what YOU do is awesome! So glad you joined us this month! And love that you colored your mocha maiden in purple, too. But funny you said it looks nothing like you when I was completely owning it. Yes, I am super delusional. :D

gmongenel said...

I love coffee and this kit! I can’t wait to receive mine! Thank you HA and design team for sharing your creativity and inspiration!