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Hero Arts Anniversary Blog Hop Day 1 + GIVEAWAY

Hero Arts is celebrating 45 years in business! What an amazing company that has had a strong impact in the lives of so many artists! I'm so honored and excited to be a part of their  Day 1 Anniversary Blog Hop to celebrate both their 45th anniversary and their new catalog launch! If you've already been hopping along, you should have arrived from Jessica Frost-Ballas' blog. If not, be sure to head to the Hero Arts blog to start at the very beginning (a very good place to start)!


Hero Arts is truly a rock solid family owned business that could be synonymous with the word generosity, both in stamp land and the community beyond. I feel so blessed to be able to work with them! My first memory of Hero Arts was a tiny little stamp that had little hearts surrounding the words handmade with love. For years and years, I stamped the back of each card with that stamp. And I think practically every birthday card I sent from 1999 - 2007 was stamped with the May your birthday be as special as you are script sentiment stamp. Truly classic stamp designs that I saw last week are still sold at my local JoAnn Fabrics. A testament to their timelessness!

It's an epic three day blog hop with more than $1400 in prizes up for grabs from Hero Arts and their industry friends and partners! Plus an amazing list of artists to visit, so be sure to check out all the hop and sponsor info at the end of this post!


The Summer 2019 Catalog products officially launch today. I literally squealed in delight when I saw that an entire line of reactive inks was being released! As many of you know, I was smitten with the ones included in the March My Monthly Hero kit. For my post, I immediately thought about creating a galaxy background with the new inks, so selected some colors and stamps that I thought would work with a galaxy theme and got to work.

And no sutprise, I absolutely LOVE these reactive inks! I made several fantastic backgrounds in a matter of minutes, just playing around and testing them out, then got to work on my galaxy using Berry Smoothie, Pool Party, Blue Hawaii and Grape Slush. These inks blend so easily and I loved the way my galaxy came together.  I used water, as well as black and white liquid watercolors and some pewter glimmer metallic ink to give that starry illusion. Here's the finished background before I started adding stamps. Love how that glimmer metallicink shines!



The girl and balloons images are from the Dream Big set. I quickly did another galaxy background and embossed the balloons in silver onto it, then cut with the coordinating Dream Big Frame Cuts. The girl is watercolored with the same colors of reactive inks. I always smile when I drop my boys off at school and see so many kids their colorful hair styles, so decided to give her a fun hair color.


The sentiment is from the beautiful Dreams Are Made set. I embossed it in silver on vellum and cut it out with the Circle Infinity Dies for a moon kind of feel.


I continued on with my space theme, this time choosing to make a galaxy background with just the blue hawaii and pool party inks. I loved the there's always space in my heart for you sentiment from the Dream Big set, so embossed the sentiment in white and cut with Nesting Oval Infinity Dies. I then cut another oval from the same background and decided to pull in the heart constellation image from the Lucky Star set.  To finish off the sky scene, I embossed star images from Dream Big and Dreams Are Made, then sponged around the edges of both ovals with navy and matted with nautical cardstock.



The background for the card is smooshed with the same two inks, then I finished off with the boy image and some stars from the Dream Big set.


I still had one more background left from my earlier play, so decided to make another card.


The dreamy purple and aqua combo made me think of the Fairy Window Fancy Die, so I pulled it out, cut from Paradise cardstock and then coated with the new Clear Embossing & Watermark Ink and embossed with Sparkle embossing powder. I then embossed the to sleep perchance to dream sentiment from Dreams Are Made directly on the background and layered it together on dimensional foam to finish things off.

I hope you've enjoyed the cards I've shared today. All the product links are at the end of this post. But wait, there's a whole lot more in store along the hop! Check the sponsored prize list and the Day 1 Hop List below.

I couldn't find any of my old Hero Arts wood stamps, and didn't take photos of my early cards, but some of my very first cards posted online used Hero Arts stamps.  Just for fun, here's a little slide show of some of my  Hero Arts cards from the past, circa 2006-ish. From humble beginnings, right?




Your next stop is the queen of coloring, Kathy Racoosin.

Sponsors and Prize Info:

Winners will be drawn from people who leave comments along the blog hop over the three days - comment all three days for more chances to win! Comment by Sunday, June 2 at 11:59pm PST. Winners will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.


Hero Arts: 3 $145 Gift Certificates, 3 $45 Gift Certificates
Altenew: $50 Gift Certificate
Art Impressions: $25 Gift Certificate
Ellen Hutson LLC: $50 Gift Certificate
Gina K: $100 Gift Certificate
Jennifer McGuire Ink: $100 Hero Arts Gift Certificate, 5 Share Handmade Kindness goodie bags
Laurie Willison: 2 Card Hanger Dies
Lawn Fawn: $50 Gift Certificate
My Sweet Petunia: 1 Prize Bundle (Original MISTI, a set of Creative Corners, a Cut-Align, and a bar magnet)
Online Card Classes: 5 spots in the Stamp Happy In Good Company: Hero Arts class
Pink Fresh Studio: $45 Gift Certificate
Scrapbook & Cards Today: 3 copies of Scrapbook & Cards Today Summer 2019 Issue
Scrapbook.com: $50 Gift Certificate
Simon Says Stamp: $50 Gift Certificate



Day 1 Hop List



Thanks for stopping by! Happy hopping!

Compensated affiliate links are used where possible. When you place an order after clicking one of my links, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much for using my links and supporting this blog. 💙

346 comments

1 – 200 of 346   Newer›   Newest»
cdjcape521 said...

Love them all, but the third is my favorite!

SmilynStef said...

Love those rich colors, I'm going to have to try some of those inks

Tami B. said...

Oh my, the background/sky on the first card is absolutely gorgeous!

Kelsey Thomas said...

These are amazing cards! :) I love how those inks look.

Shari Czerwinski said...

Oh my goodness! Your backgrounds are so stunning! They really look like a vast night sky!

Carol said...

Love these dreamy cards. So wonderful to give to young people. I like the first one the best. Great background!

Chris Handy said...

Gorgeous backgrounds. Love the colors. Gorgeous cards.

Gardenrose said...

Love the backgrounds - so celestial!! Thanks for sharing!
Happy 45th anniversary to Hero Arts! A favorite company with a great product line!

Laraine R said...

Pretty cards! Love the backgrounds!

L. Young said...

What dreamy cards!

GKA said...

Love the dreamy colors of this card.

Sandi MacIver said...

oh goodness those backgrounds are AMAZING,

Karthikha said...

Wonderful cards! I love the galaxy backgrounds :)

Kathy J in Ellicott City said...

I love your backgrounds!

Nan0807 said...

Your backgrounds are awesome! Cards are beautiful!

MadeByMeghanK said...

Your backgrounds are INCREDIBLE! I need you to teach me how to do splatters!!!!

Sheri said...

Such nice work but you had great things to work with - the stamps and inks are amazing!

Dee Earnshaw said...

OMG your panache for color blending and creating awesome backgrounds is impressive - thanks for sharing:)

Deb Selby said...

Fantastic looking galaxies.

JoAnn said...

Love all your cards with those gorgeous backgrounds you created.

mary beth said...

Now I want to try some reactive inks! Such creative cards!

Amy Lombardo said...

Julee, these cards are wonderful! The backgrounds are just beautiful!! Thank you for sharing!

pamboe said...

Your cards from the past have many familiar stamps . . . the bird with long legs and especially the flowers. I especially love my box sets of four coordinating flowers.

Jennifer Roach said...

That galaxy background is phenomenal!

Donnalee Boisseau said...

Love the backgrounds!

Unknown said...

I love, love, love your ink work on these cards. It's just gorgeous!

Pam MacKay said...

Amazing cards love the backgrounds!

Jeanne Beam said...

Beautiful cards! Loved the slideshow.
Thanks so much for sharing...

Morgan said...

I love the galaxy cards!!! Wonderful cards!

SD pooja said...

Wonderful cards!

Jo Malicoat said...

Such beautiful cards, really love the colors you used. Very, very nice!

Ellibelle said...

These are so amazing!! Loving all the gorgeous colors and wonderful stamps!

Sharon Meyer said...

love the color combos of these! Thanks

Em said...

So happy to see the Dream Big stamps in this commemorative hop. Those solar system balloons are a favorite of mine. I'm looking forward to trying those new reactive inks.

Cathy Loveless said...

What beautiful cards. I am always in awe of someone who can do such great galaxy backgrounds. Thank you for celebrating Hero Art's 45th Birthday with us.

Kelly Massman said...

So fun

Cynthia Cole said...

Your cards are lovely and looks like you had lots of fun playing with the reactive inks!

Dorthy said...

Wow! What a wonderful collection of galaxy cards, the backgrounds are great!

Carole said...


Gorgeous backgrounds. Lovely cards.

Mirella said...

These are all such beautiful cards! I especially love the first one - the colour combo is mesmerising!

Jim Kinsinger said...

Love them all, especially the fairy one.

Martha Herrera said...

WOW.. such gorgeous cards!
Thanks for sharing.

Laura P. said...

Thank you so much for sharing your cards and how you made your gorgeous backgrounds! You used some of my favorite sets and dies and your cards are stunning. Loved seeing your oldies but goodies in the slideshow, too!

sharon g said...

Your card with the girl holding planets as balloons--makes me want to get that stamp set. It is so different and wonderful.

Cindy Downes said...

I am fascinated with the fairy card - been wanting to use my die and now I know what to do with it!

Debbie said...

Beautiful backgrounds, can’t wait to try the new inks

Barbara said...

Great backgrounds and color choices.

Debbie Rumpza said...

Love your sky background!

Sugar Land Scrapper said...

Love your backgrounds with this card! It turned out lovely!

Melissa McNeil said...

My favorite colors! Stunning backgrounds.

Becky Thomas said...

I love these cards! Thank you for your wonderful inspiration!

Jackie said...

Such gorgeous cards! I love the way these new inks look.

Lieve said...

3 beautiful cards on amazing backgrounds !
The first one is my favourite.
Fun overview of your "old cards".
Thank you for sharing your creativity !

Janet D. said...

Beautiful backgrounds, and I love your card designs!

Becca Yahrling said...

Stunning backgrounds, Julee. Love those balloons! That's a really
nice set. Loved your slide show of past cards. So fun to look back.

Sandy said...

Your galaxy background is beautiful

Maureen Reiss said...

Fabulous cards!!!

Debbie Walter said...

I must try the reactive inks!! Love your cards. They are stunning.

Titus Debbie said...

Such great inks for your background these are beautiful.

Sanju said...

Lovely card!!

Dayle said...

Your backgrounds are gorgeous! Love all of your cards!

Toni said...

How wonderful that these older stamps are coming back in Clear! I am excited, and you did such a beautiful job on every one of them. The reactive inks are such an invitation to ramp up my stamping. Thank you for a job well done.

Lindah said...

Love the blues and purples and especially the fairy card.

porterm said...

I just love your bold use of color, Julee. Can't wait to try the new reactive inks!

Mary Holshouser said...

Fantastic cards.
The backgrounds are amazing.
I have the angel die - need
to get it out and use it again.
thanks for reminding me.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

vickie said...

Oh my word! Love, love, love these cards!

Beth H said...

Love these cards

Josmary flores said...

One of the things I love about this inks is how vibrant they are. They are amazing can't wait to collect them all.

SJS said...

Love all your cards, but especially that first one! Those are my colors. :)

Janet said...

WOW! Love your fun backgrounds! Thanks for the inspiration. :D

Lisa K said...

Beautiful cards! Your galaxies are spectacular. Love the cards from your early days.

KimC said...

Beautiful cards; looks like I will need to invest in some new inks!

Good Kardma by Jules said...

Love all your cards! The backgrounds you created are beautiful. I love that splattered look. (And I liked your reference to The Sound of Music)

Michelle said...

Wow, these are awesome!!

Sue Rosa said...

Great Background! Love the cards.

Joy Meadows said...

Beautiful cards, Julee! Love those backgrounds.

Nina Houghton said...

OH...MY...WORD!! I can't get enough of these three cards. They are absolutely gorgeous. I just have to get some of these inks. The colors are so rich! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us!

Colette said...

Your blending technique is absolutely beautiful! Brings out the life of the image!

Nicole Spann said...

Your Galaxy backgrounds are amaze balls!!!!! I love all your cards!

Cyndi said...

Beautiful cards. I love the products you used and your backgrounds are spectacular.

Lizzie said...

Julee, I love what you've done with your blending. These cards are totally fab!! Your colors are among my favorites. Thanks for sharing your creations !!

Macimbalo said...

So gorgeous! Those new inks look so amazing, thanks for showing how you did these! So pretty!

Jan Schauer said...

These are so gorgeous! Love the colors!

Bernadette Bliss said...

I love the backgrounds you created with these inks. I see some arriving in my mailbox soon!

Tami said...

Beautiful backgrounds! I love all your cards!

Erica Loscalzo said...

Background is very good

Deborah Smart said...

WOW! Your backgrounds are amazing - I can't wait to try out these new inks! Thanks for sharing :)

shamela said...

Those colors of the inks look really rich! Your blending is fabulous.great color combinations

Linda S. said...

Love the colors and images on your cards. The plant balloons are some of my favorites.

Laetitia Lisa said...

Awww, galaxy backgrounds are my favourite of all ! Very lovely cards :)

MerryMerlin said...

Terrific and inspirational sky backgrounds!

Kathy Krug said...

Beautiful backgrounds. I really like the fairy die cut panel

Beth Buss said...

Julie,
I love the insight you put into your cards. So thought provoking with the celestial theme and cute stamps. Love them.

Sherry Butcher said...

Wonderful cards, the new inks make the best backgrounds and your designs are perfect for them. Thanks for sharing.

Amy Martin said...

Your cards are Stunning!!! Im in love with the galaxy backgrounds. I would love to try these inks someday.

Chelle said...

Love the color combination and silver embossing sets off the details! Oh my! What a great variety of techniques and options using these vault stamps! Can’t wait to renew my collection and hero arts supplies!

ljcasselman said...

Without looking too close I already loved your cards because you used my favorite color combo! But upon closer examination I see that all of these cards are fabulous!

Amanda said...

Happy Anniversary Hero Arts! 🎉

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

I LOVE those colors of ink! Great cards!

Susanbcards said...

I love what you've done with the Hero Arts inks! Great examples of what will make a card pop! Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Brebda said...

Beautiful backgrounds on these cards! Wow, I've been looking at all the wonderful cards backgrounds. Yours were really wonderful. Brenda West

Mary-Anne V said...

Wow you did a fantastic job with these new inks...these space themed cards are amazing.

Jan said...

I love the look of the purple and blued blended together. Makes it all look so elegant.

Cindy said...

I can't pick a favorite here - I love them all. The galaxy is beautiful! And the fairy window. And the balloons. And.....

Robyn said...

Love your backgrounds. Those Reactive Inks look like they are fun to play with.

Stef Perry said...

Those backgrounds are amazing, what terrific inks! All three cards are lovely and I enjoyed your slide show of your card made with HA products as well.

Cindy Finn said...

Lovely card and shades you used of ink

Renee V said...

The distressed paper card is my fave!!! DIVINE distressing!

FD91354 said...

Congrats to Hero Arts on 45 years! Amazing for a company to be able to say!

theboysmommy said...

Love the colors. Great blending.

gabriella said...

Oh I am so glad you played with the new inks. I am so enjoying seeing whatever one is doing with them

Jeanne H said...

Your girl with the balloons card is particularly stunning. Love it!

AuntC said...

I also love galaxy backgrounds. Yours are fantastic! I need these ink pads!

littlen said...

Amazing backgrounds.

Julia said...

Love your skies!

Carol said...

What lovely projects, thanks for the inspirational idea! Hero Arts products are always so fun to use.

Carol B

Carmela said...

Julee,
These are amazing backgrounds with the new inks! Love them. Your cards are beautiful!

Lynn L said...

I live the colors you used on your cards. Great job in creating those backgrounds!

Natalie said...

Thank you for sharing your cards, news and old.

Unknown said...

Love the backgrounds! So colorful.

Wavejumper said...

I LOVE the Dream Big set!!! And what you did with it is so cool!
That was a fun vid. Thanks for sharing that.

Kristen Snoozy said...

Perfect name for this set, these cards are definitely "dreamy"!

Monika/Buzsy said...

Fantastic backgrounds Julee. Love the colors and the heat embossed images over the background... oh, that fairy scene die-cut! So pretty! I'm sure I have some OLD, OLD, OLD Hero Arts images! :)

El said...

Beautiful cards, love those backgrounds. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

Connie G said...

Pretty backgrounds!!

Andre M. said...

Such wonderful background created with the new inks, the galaxy themed cards are spectacular. Thanks for showcasing these lovely products.

Rachel W said...

Thanks for the great card ideas. Love the reactive inks and the use of color inspiration.

JoAnn Girimonte said...

I'm in love with all of these galaxy backgrounds. Your cards are absolutely stunning. Thank you for the inspiration 💕💕💕

Leanne in Cali said...

Beautiful cards and backgrounds! Thanks for sharing with us on this great Hero Arts blog hop!!

Diana Johnson said...

Great cards!

Savannagh Kacey said...

Boy, you really showed the Hero Hues to great advantage. I'll get put in Relationship Jail if I need to buy another full set of inks - but it might just be worth it! ;-) Just kidding.

Kathy Jinkins said...

Love the colors. Looks like you had fun playing with the new inks.

Madeline said...

I love the beautiful backgrounds you made with the reactive ink!

IS said...

Love all the colors on your cards! They are beautiful!

Kailash said...

Such cool ink blending, the backgrounds are all fabulous!

Judy Inukai said...

What super cards.I love how you've created the backgrounds. The planet balloons are awesome.

Viola Leary said...

I really love your galaxy background. I’d love to see a video of how you did that.

Unknown said...

such a pretty cards . happy 45th anniversary hero arts .. such great products heres me hoping to win

sweetcheeks said...

Wonderful inky skies.

Betty said...

Great colors and starry backgrounds! I love the girl holding the planet balloons!

AlohaDiane said...

Beautiful cards. Love your color combination. So pretty! Nice blending!

Unknown said...

Night skies are quite popular and can be done in so many different ways

Lindsey said...

Those backgrounds are stunning! Love the colors!

Karen Hasheck said...

Love your cards! Thanks for the inspiration!

Brenda said...

Love all your cards. Your backgrounds are amazing! TFS

Nancy-Anne said...

Love that colour combination. Great card!

Suebee said...

Great sky/outer space backgrounds. Shows off new inks.

Frances said...

Love these colors together. Great blending

Anna M. said...

Beautiful colors! Love it! Happy 45th anniversary Hero Arts!

Jodie L. said...

That galaxy you created with blues and purples and silver, oh my gosh! I loved it. Congrats Hero Arts for 45 years...love the oldies but goodies too!

Violet said...

I really like the color choices you made. Your cards are beautiful.

Janelle said...

Wonderful colors and details. I like that sentiment on the 2nd card the best.

Unknown said...

Love the cards! They invite me to become a stargazer...

Anna said...

Wonderful backgrounds and cards ♥️

Teri S. said...

Okay Julee, I am totally in awe of the first galaxy background you created as well as the little girl holding the balloons. Oh my, I want that stamp set!! It would be so very versatile & that's important to me. All of your cards are wonderful & thank you for the little slide show. I wouldn't show any of the cards I made for likely the first four years, maybe five. lol Thanks!

Miriam Prantner said...

Your backgrounds are just so pretty! Loving these cards!

Susan Carlson said...

Love all your cards - especially the idea of using the planets for balloons! Stunning backgrounds - clever compositions. Thanks for sharing your creativity with these gorgeous products! (Hopefully this comment will post this time!)

slbt17 said...

what lovely backgrounds - love your color combinations!

Deborah345 said...

Wow! I love the ink effects on these three cards beautiful. Thanks for sharing these

jkmathis34@gmail.com said...

These are amazing cards. I love the galaxy backgrounds!

Kathy H said...

Beautiful backgrounds! I agree with your testament to Hero Arts!

Stanlee Runner said...

Beautiful cards, your color blending is gorgeous.

B Lawson said...

I love the beautiful, bright colors of the inks. I like the way you blended the backgrounds together. They are great cards.

Kim Klinkovsky.My Kraft Kloset said...

Just stunning backgrounds. Love your colors and designs. And thanks for sharing your journey from past cards. Just lovely cards. Thanks for the inspiration!

Theresa Williams said...

Love the galaxy card!😍😍😍😍

Geri S said...

Great cards - I love galaxy cards and the Reactive inks are perfect for them.

NanW said...

gorgeous backgrounds and Happy 45th to Hero Arts!

Sharron said...

Thanks for all the inspiration! Love seeing your wonderful designs using the reactive inks!!

judy said...

I love the reactive inks and your beautiful backgrounds and cards!

Denise Bryant said...

Beautiful cards with gorgeous colors! Can't wait to try out some new inks!

Art Conquers said...

All cards are beautiful.. Galaxy background is awesome..

Arlene said...

Great backgrounds and fun cards.

Super Stick Chick said...

Beautiful cards. Love all your Hero Arts cards, present and past!

Nancy May said...

I'm definitely going to need to try some of these new inks! I recently purchased a Hero Arts on ombre pad and I love it! I also love your little throwback video 😍

Boiler Up! Amy said...

Love those backgrounds!

Rebecca Ednie said...

Love the fairy card. So gorgeous!

k ostgard said...

Love all the cards can't choose a favorite. Nice blending.
Hero arts one of the leaders and best companies in the industry.
Thanks for sharing.

Kathy Ferguson said...

Your reactive ink backgrounds on all of your cards are sensational. I wish I were as good as you in making them look so realistic. Beautiful cards. My favorite is the fairy die cut card. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Lovely backgrounds!

Deb Hardy said...

Your cards are gorgeous! Love your color combo's.

Hummingbird said...

Great bright cards! Thanks for sharing.

Susan King said...

Oh I love how you made galaxy backgrounds and used so many of the stamps from Hero Arts! This is my favorite dreamy type of card!

kiwimeskreations said...

What amazing inks these must be Julee - love all your 'space/galaxy' cards, they are fabulous!!
Blessings
Maxine

ionabunny said...

Amazing colours and your cards are awesome. Hugz

stempelfrida said...

Thank you for sharing your step by step tutorials to follow the make of your beautiful cards.
Kind regards from stempelfrida
http://stempelfrida.blogspot.de

Stacey Kowbel said...

Gorgeous cards! Your first one is absolutely stunning!!

Viki Banaszak said...

Beautiful cards! I am so in love with these inks!

Lana said...

Love all three of them! The colors are stunning 😍

Scraphappygrammy said...

Such a lovely night sky background! I love your color choices

Shanna said...

I love all of the new ideas!

Teri Wilson said...

Wow! You chose such deep and rich colors! I am a purple girl so the first card caught my eye!

Amber Jean said...

I love the girl with balloons. The galaxy sky colors are fantastic.

DJ said...

Gorgeous! I love your galaxy background. These inks are amazing!

Dawn said...

What a wonderful palette of colours. The sentiments from the Dream Big set fit perfectly. I can't wait to try these!

Kristin said...

You really knocked it out of the park with these cards. The backgrounds are GORGEOUS! Thank you so much for sharing!

Stacy K said...

Your backgrounds are out of this world! This ink does look like so much fun!

Wendy Lambert said...

So many gorgeous cards. I love your galaxy backgrounds! I haven't perfected mine yet but now I have new inspiration.

Beth said...

Thank you for the lovely inspiration! Congrats to Hero Arts!

Renita S said...

sweet, sweet cards, thank you for sharing.

Helen said...

Wow! Julee! You have created a wonderful set of cards celebrating Hero Arts! I love the beautiful backgrounds on all your cards! The fairy card is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring us all!

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