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February 2019 My Monthly Hero Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hi friends! It's the first Monday of a new month and time for a fabulous My Monthly Hero release! This month's kit has a super fun art deco theme, with sophistication, elegance and a bit of whimsy! I had so much fun playing with this kit. Seriously the ideas just keep on coming!  I know you're going to have a blast pairing the February MMH kit with this month's add-ons to make some cards with flair


If you've been hopping along, you should have arrived from the one and only Jennifer McGuire's blog. Your next stop after this will be Laurie Willison. The entire hop list can be found later in this post.

Once again, Hero Arts is generously giving away a fabulous prize for a lucky commenter along the hop.  Leave a little love in the comments section for all these amazing artists and if your name is drawn you'll receive this month's kit (or equivalent product if you're already a kit subscriber) absolutely free! If you're not a kit subscriber, you should really consider subscribing. The kits frequently sell out and subscribing guarantees you'll never miss a kit. The kits are such a great value, with super fun and versatile images and accessories. Plus there's such a wealth of inspiration from the designers each month! Speaking of inspiration, let's get started...

This release had my mind just dancing with ideas, and the cards kept a coming! I'm sharing four cards today, so if you don't already have a cuppa something awesome by your side, you might want to go grab a cup to enjoy while I share my makes.



While it's hard to pick a favorite, Little Miss Misbehavin ranks pretty high in my book! I stamped her on watercolor paper and then colored with NeoColor II Watersoluble Crayons. Haven't used them in quite some time and it was fun trying to get a little striation on her fur stole. Asked my hubby what color a martini was after I had colored it and he said clear.  👀 But then he looked at my coloring and said I could just call it an apple-tini!  Haha! Whatever it is, it looks like she's enjoying it!  I then embossed the accent in gold on the negative of the fancy die included in the set and added her just above it.


For the background I did a little ink blending with twisted citron, salty ocean and blueprint sketch distress oxides on smooth bristol. I layered the fancy die from the kit cut from the gold shimmer cardstock from the December MMH kit, then on a white foam sheet for dimension.  I inserted my stamped focal piece, then glued it all down.  For the sentiment, I embossed it in gold, then added the accent bar on either side and the martini cut with the coordinating die from the kit.






Next I moved on to the fun dancer images in the kit, watercoloring with the NeoColor II Watercolor Crayons and then cutting with the coordinating dies from the main kit.  I thought they looked perfect for this Dancing Music Notes Confetti Die add-on. I cut the die from white cardstock and then again from shiny gold, reserving the confetti pieces. I layered the white die cut panel over black cardstock and then inlaid a few of the gold confetti pieces randomly.  I popped the dancers up on foam tape, then accented with some of the Art Deco mirror confetti included in the main kit.


For the sentiment I embossed the party like it's 1922 sentiment in gold and the diamond accent on either side. I think this sentiment is perfect for so many occasions... a birthday, a dance, a party, an anniversary, etc. I finished by matting the sentiment strip on black cardstock, popping up on foam tape and adding a few more of the mirror confetti to finish things off. Sorry for the dark photo, my studio light decided to break at the welding to it's stand during my photo session yesterday and I'm down a light! But the show must go on, and at least I captured those shiny golden accents!  😀


Next up, I made this fun little wedding/anniversary card, pairing the main kit with a couple of the February add-ons.  I was on a mission to figure out why these girl and guy images didn't have fully shaped heads, and finally determined that they fit well in the fancy die. I went about it the hard way, trying to line them up just right in my MISTI, then masking off, stamping and embossing the Deco Flourish Bold Prints in gold. I ink blended the background with tumbled glass, salty ocean and blueprint sketch distress oxides. I then realized it would have been way simpler to just stamp the images on the negative of the diecut like I did on my misbehavin' card and insert them. Oh well, now YOU know and won't make my mistake! 😁


My images are colored with Copic markers and despite all my efforts, I didn't get things lined up quite perfectly when I stamped, so I just drew in the missing section of the girl's head. Then I layered down the fancy die from the kit cut from shiny gold paper and a white foam sheet. For the sentiment I used the beautiful Deco Celebrations set and embossed in gold, then cut with a circle die.

In addition to the stamps, dies and confetti, this month's kit also includes a fabulous stencil, big enough to cover an entire card front! I love me a stencil, so had to pull out the distress oxides again!


My heart went pitter patter when I saw this fabulous butterfly in the Deco-rations set. My new favorite thing to do has been to stamp the image in intense black in my MISTI, then stamp again with Versamark ink and emboss with Sparkle embossing powder. I love the sparkle and you can then color with Copics like I did here, or whatever other medium you prefer.

For the background, I taped down the stencil and blended with tumbled glass, salty ocean and blueprint sketch distress oxides. I had originally planned to orient the card the other way with the light section on top, blending down to a darker hue at the bottom. But when all was said and done I though the card looked more balanced vertically, so changed course mid-way.  I embossed the frame from Deco Celebrations in black, then masket off the outer portion and ink blended the center. I then embossed the sentiment from Deco-rations in the center and fussy cut the frame to pop up on. The butterfly is cut with the coordinating Deco-rations Frame Cuts and adhered on one side only, allowing the other wing to pop up for more dimension.


Okay, that's all for me today. I hope you've enjoyed my makes from this fabulous release. If you're a kit subscriber, remember you can order any of this month's lovely add-ons to ship with your kit with no additional shipping fees if you place your order before Thursday. All of the add-ons are added to the Hero Arts catalog and restocked. The kit is only available while supplies last, so grab yours while you can!

Here's a closer look at the February My Monthly Hero kit. I've also linked the entire release along with the supplies I used for these cards below for your convenience.



For a chance to win the giveaway of this month's kit, leave some comments for the talented designers linked below. Here's the full hop list. Happy hopping!



Affiliate links are used where possible. When you order from them, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you and you receive happy mail! Win, win! Thanks so much for clicking on my links to shop. 💙

85 comments

Amy Schrock said...

These are gorgeous!!

Dee Earnshaw said...

LOVE your wonderful samples - they are so different and inspiring:)

Connie said...

Fabulous cards.

Sandy (Cheesy) said...

Wow, so many great ideas. Love all the different materials you used.

Unknown said...

Wonderful cards!!!

Pat said...

Such cute cards. Love the wedding one. Thanks

Kelly Kennedy said...

Love the Ain’t Misbehavin! Your colour techniques work fantastic, just stunning!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Fun idea!! Absolutely beautiful kit! I enjoy all your projects!

D.Ann C said...

Oh, My! What fab colors! and how cool to turn it for the Mr & Mrs... I love how they fit in there!! I was wavering, now I'm sold! Gotta have this!! Thanks for showing the dancing music coverplate, too, I love how it looks!

Patti S said...

I love ain't misbehaving too! Your watercolors are awesome!

Kelsey Thomas said...

Lovely cards.

kReN said...

All your projects are amazing, Julee, but the ink blending makes my heart sing! TFS!

Kandice J said...

Your backgrounds are awesome! I have to try! Thanks for sharing!

Imago Dei Creative Designs said...

Oh wow! Those backgrounds just pop!

sharon g said...

Your colors look INCREDIBLE. I just love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen H said...

Amazing cards! Really lovin' the art deco designs.

Theresa said...

I'm with you! Ain't misbehaving - I want it all!

Rachel Duong said...

My favorite card is the black and white one with the little hints of color on the dancers. I also love the gold music notes. The white background it really striking!

Elizabeth B said...

Very pretty cards. Great show showcasing the new kit! Thank you for sharing your talent!!

Andre M. said...

Your designs are spectacular and really bring these products to life. Love all the geometric styles and the way you framed the characters on your third card. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

Sue D said...

Beautiful cards!! I love the ombre background on your first 'apple-tini' card. Scrumptious!!

Nana Griffin said...

I just love your cards. The colors and backgrounds are great.

Karen L K said...

Your cards are very nice with the colors on them. I also like that music background with partial inlaid gold accents, great idea.

Jean said...

Such wonderful cards! Great kit!

RobiW said...

Fabulous cards! Love the art deco look, love the colors.

Dawn J said...

I love all the colors, sometime we forget how colorful that era was, thanks for showing how wonderful it was.

Cheriese said...

WOW Gorgeous cards!! Your backgrounds are stunning!!

Golda said...

These are gorgeous, with all of the bright and beautiful colors you used! Fabulous work showing off the release.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh are those fun cards or what?! Love Art Deco!

Avra Williams said...

Beautiful cards!

littlesavedgirl said...

Love your blues !

jean said...

love, love your caards and you did awesome on the fur coat on the first card!!!! shelooks like shes wearing real fur!!!!

Karen Berry said...

Four cards! Love all of these. You amaze me! Thank you for sharing.
Karen Berry

Geri S said...

Truely art deco cards - amazing! Love them all and this HA kit!

Kaye Thrasher said...

Love your very colorful and unique take on this kit. Of course I happen to love anything different and am a big fan of the style of this age. You really to this and made it your own. Thank you so very much for sharing your art.🐧

Unknown said...

I really love your color choices and how you blended the colors together. The musical one makes perferct for a party invitation.

kiwimeskreations said...

Loving all the cards I am seeing made from this fabulous kit, and your cards are amazing - love them all
Blessings
Maxine

Pam Johnson said...

ALL your cards are gorgeous. The colors are stunning!

Unknown said...

I love the birthday cards. They can be used for either male or female. Need lots of male card ideas. Gorgeous!!!

Andrea Hastilow said...

Fantastic cards Julee, everyone is so unique. I love your mix of colours, so soft & pretty. Thank you for sharing.

Jmarienelson said...

Very unique. love it.

Shari Czerwinski said...

Gorgeous! Love the colored backgrounds, and the negative image background!

Shanna said...

I really love your cards!

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

All of your cards are fabulous, just like this kit. I especially like the Mr & Mrs card, the way they fit into the curve of the die cut. Thanks for the great inspiration!

Rhonda R said...

Your cards are so beautiful, can’t wait to get my kit.

Purple Princess said...

Very nice cards! I love the dancers!

Linda S. said...

The music note background with the dancers is definitely my favorite from this set of cards but it was hard to choose since they're all quite beautiful.

Stacey Kowbel said...

Beautiful cards! I love the party like it's 1922 card - gorgeous!

Arianna Barbara said...

Fabulous cards!!! Really cool!!!

Betty said...

wonderful array of cards, Julee - love the fun colors you chose!

jeanneragan said...

I just LOVE this kit and your cards are BEAUTIFUL! I need this kit.....LOL!

Jane Luxem said...

Beautiful creations! Love this kit!

Karthikha said...

Fantastic set of creations! Each one is so fun :)

JoAnn said...

Love all of your beautiful cards. This is a great kit and you used it beautifully.

Florida Babe said...

Lovely cards and ideas. Appreciate your ideas.

Christine Kiehl said...

Oh my goodness you crafted some amazingly beautiful cards for the hop! So classy your creations! So loving this new stuff! I can't wait to get my hands on this release and do the same! Thanks for sharing!

Sandy said...

Love the way you added color to your cards - your cards are beautiful.

Laurie said...

I absolutely love the stained glass look of Ain’t Misbehaving card. Gonna try that with something from my stash

Nox said...

Wow - wonderful cards! I love the use of colour and pattern behind the deco die cuts - they are gorgeous on their own, but the addition of rich colour and pattern that complement them just adds even more oomph!

Susan said...

Amazing cards! Thanks for sharing your "mistake" - but the card turned out so well!

CatherineD said...

What gorgeous cards! I love all the different ideas.

Jeanne Beam said...

Beautiful cards! Love the Art Deco style.
Thanks for sharing...

Heather DePasquale said...

Absolutely love your cards! Gorgeous! This HA kit is awesome. TFS!!

Cheryl P said...

Great ideas! Love the vibrant backgrounds.

Deb Selby said...

Your cards are amazing and the Art Deco design is so appealing.

Tindaloo said...

absolutely love your cards! awesome coloring and color combos. I was curious about why the top of their heads were not complete too. They do fit very well inside the fancy bg die! :)

Rebecca Ednie said...

Love the cool ombré backgrounds! So pretty.

Ruth L said...

what a great shaker card!

Lagene said...

Awesome new Kit, I love the Art Deco style! Gorgeous creations! I especially love the 2 cards with the beautiful blues & greens blended backgrounds (MR & MRS and AINT MISBEHAVIN)

Mary Holshouser said...

Love the color choices for the
first card. Beautiful.
The dancing card is fun.
thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Annette Reed said...

These are very pretty. I love the blues. It's a lovely change from all the black and gold that I've seen. It gives a new look to these products. My favorite is last one. That stencil looks great. I love that frame and the butterfly is lovely. Thanks for sharing your great ideas.

Evy said...

Hi Julee! I love your cards. The blues are so exciting; this kit is so exciting. I love what all of the artists have created with the kit but the last few blog stops have been rich in color and I just love that! Thanks so much for your inspirational cards and and also for showing me a way to use the music frame cut die. It really didn't spark a light in me until I saw how you used it. Best to you and all of the team!

Lisa Moline said...

Gorgeous cards! I love that you used different colors. There is so much that can be done with this kit - I love it! Thanks for the inspiration!

Apryl said...

I just love the cards! Thank you for the inspiration

Apryl said...

I just love the cards! Thank you for the inspiration

mindy1414 said...

I am so in love with this kit and all the add-ons, I do believe this kit is going to be "THE" kit of the year lol - it's all just fabulous! Miss Misbehavin reminds me of my Sister so that is going to be a blast to make cards for her all year and the Deco-rations.....swooooon! All of your cards are fabulous, I love the colors - such fun. Thank you for all the great inspiration! (mardy14@bellsouth.net)

Sue D said...

I like your creative and colorful card designs.

Beth Merrill said...

I am excited about the potential this kit offers to make cards for so many occasions. Inspiring! I love the blue tones in all your cards!

Unknown said...

All of your cards are beautiful. Such brilliant colors! I had been wondering the same thing about the heads of the stamp! 😂 Thanks for coming up with a reason.

Dana M said...

Gorgeous, vibrant, playful and energetic cards! Fantastic!

Helen said...

Wonderful cards, Julee! I love the gorgeous colours you have used on your cards! So bright and happy! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful inspiration!

karenajo said...

Amazing cards - the designs and colors are Wonderful! Thanks for all the super inspiration for using this great kit!

Gerrina said...

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

Wendy Lambert said...

I love, love, love your cards. I adore the colored backgrounds! Your second card is so fun!

Kris in Alaska said...

Simply fabulous!