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Hero Arts 45th BD Blog Hop

Hello Friends! Can you believe that I am back so soon? May has been a super crazy month but, I couldn’t say no to Hero Arts 45th Birthday Blog hop. Celebrating 45 years in business is huge and Hero Arts was my first stamping love. A true stamping crush! I have so much love and respect for Aaron and the Hero Arts family! I credit Hero Arts for saving my life when my kids were in their teenage years by giving me beautiful stamps to focus on instead of everything else that goes on when you have teens. Waiting up late at night and crafting was easy and fun except for my children weren’t happy that I was up and wide awake. They would have preferred that I was in bed! So thanks Hero Arts!

Happy 45th birthday, Hero Arts!  To celebrate, you are invited to a 3 (yes, three!) day party to include eye candy for all who hop along and an introduction to the new Summer 2019 Hero Arts catalog.  Who else is invited?  These fabulous Hero Arts industry friends and partners … each of which have donated prizes to be won! Woo Hoo!

Hero Arts and friends are donating the following birthday party gifts:

Winners will be drawn from people who leave comments along the blog hop over the three day hop – comment all three days for more chances to win! Comment by Sunday, June 2.. The winners will be announced on the Hero Arts blog.

Today is the first day of the three day hop. To start at the beginning of the hop go to the Hero Arts blog. If you arrived from Julee Tilman’s (Poetic Artistry) blog, you are in the right place.
I am thrilled with the new Hero Arts release and it was really difficult to decide what images I wanted to watercolor … so many lovely choices.  As much as I have an affinity for beautiful floral/plant images, I also enjoy tea cup images.  It was so much fun to mask the images from the new “Spill the Tea” and a bit from “Hang in There Pots“…tea cups with flowers?  Yes, please!

My favorite part of this wall art is converting the bird lemon squeezer into a small potted plant with this stamp set.

If you follow my blog you know I have been into making wall art instead of a card thanks to my new bff the large misti.

For today’s post I decided a bonus card was a must and I was really wanting to use these beautiful plants as a focal point from the “Hang in There Pots“stamp set.

This is the paper of my choice for the weight and the texture and the ink I love using is not only great for watercolor but, copic markers too.

After my watercoloring was dry and I was happy I grabbed a few pencils and darkened a few areas on the plants.

Usually my pencil colors of choice are black, deep navy, dark brown or dark grey. Adding a smidge of dark really enhances your coloring.

This is my wall full of projects that I painted. I can pop them off the wall and give them as a gift.

This particular composition took some masking but, it’s always worth the effort and fun to watch it come together. I do have to admit I wish I didn’t paint that background?

When I was inking the Spill the Tea stamp I tried not to ink up the back edge of the cup. When I use a mask I don’t fussy cut the mask perfectly that is to time consuming.

The cups and saucers on the right are enhanced with pencil in some areas. Keep in mind especially with textured paper you need a really sharp pencil.

Here’s a closer look. I decided to paint the sugar cubes something other than white. Once I was finished with the blue background I felt it didn’t look right … needed something so I drew a pattern with a ruler and painted some of the diamonds for more interest. I would love to hear what your thoughts on that background.

Card Supplies and Links: Affiliate links are used to support 100% of my Coloring Challenge Road Trips at no cost to you.

Since Hero Arts has been in business for 45 years I wanted to share some of my oldies that are favorites. I will keep them forever. LOVE these birds and owls!

Thank you so much for hopping by. I truly appreciate your time and I hope you are enjoying Hero Arts birthday celebration.  Your next stop is the awesome Libby Hickson (Libby’s Little Addiction). Good luck and don’t forget to start at Hero Arts and hop along tomorrow (and Friday too!)  What a wonderful way to start the long weekend.  I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Hugs, Kathy

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Comments

  4. Tami B says

    The houseplant card is my favorite. It’s so pretty, and all the details on the teacup card are spectacular.

  5. SHARI CZERWINSKI says

    Gorgeous cards! I love the hanging baskets, and the fact that macrame is back in style 🙂

  6. Carol Krup says

    Love the coloration of the flowers and the flowerpots. Unusual colors. You have a great eye for coloring!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am grateful for your kind words, Sharon! You make my heart smile 🙂

  9. L. Young says

    I love how you created your background and the tea cups are lovely. I will be following your blog I want to know more about creating wall art!!!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thanks so much, Sandi! I hope you have as much fun with your set as I have had with mine 🙂

  12. Katie K. says

    I love the hanging plants card! The wall art is a great idea for making those mini-masterpieces last.

  14. Meghan Kennihan says

    Your coloring is OUT OF THIS WORLD AWESOME! I love it! Great masking and I love the pics of the older Hero Arts stamps!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thank you, Sharon! I am sure your wall hanging gifts are greatly appreciated 🙂

  16. Sheri D says

    Both cards are amazing and I appreciate all the work on the tea cup card but those flowers just spoke my language I fell in love with them! Beautiful work as always and love the old set you showed!

  17. Dee Earnshaw says

    these cards are delightful – love the wall hanging idea and your masking technique -!!

  19. Pam Boedeker says

    Your project with Spill the Tea is one of my favorites you have made. It deserves to be framed. I love the loved set from Hero Arts. it reminds me of the catalog parties and seeing/ordering from the catalog hot off the press.

  21. Barbara Chmura says

    Love the beautiful flower pots! Love the collection of birdies, too. I have a great collection of HeroArts wooden block stamps. Such fine quality!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      That is so sweet, Barbara! I love the quality of those HA wood block stamps too 🙂

  22. Jackie S says

    Always learn from you – didn’t know you “could” use pencils over watercolor. I use one medium or another, so must explore more! Love the hanging plants and the tea cups. Thanks for sharing.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are so kind, Jackie! Play with all of your color mediums and mix as you like 🙂

  24. Rachael Shedeed says

    Typically I would not have given these stamps a second look. Thanks to your cards, I will

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      LOL, Rachel! I am just here to enable 😉
      Thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂

  25. Pooja says

    I loved the whimsical looking cups and the bg you have created around them..that sentiment on hanging pots card totally took me !! Loved the clean and crisp look of the card a lot!!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am grateful for your sweet comment, Jennifer! Thank you so much 🙂

  27. Mary Holshouser says

    Love the idea of crafting rather
    than sitting worrying about where
    the kids are until they get home.
    Get lots of “work” in while waiting.
    Beautiful projects. thanks for
    sharing.
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are so thoughtful, Mary! I hope you get crafty while you wait up 🙂

  28. Laura P. says

    Hi Kathy! I do like your background! The watercolor gives a nice, subtle effect. Such cute cards, and wow a lot of masking! I can totally see you having all of those owl and birdie HA sets. They look like the type of images you use often! Thanks for sharing your cards today and all the coloring tips, too.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are so sweet, Laura! I am so happy that you find my tips and tricks helpful 🙂

  30. Wendy says

    Oh my! I always love your coloring! My summer goal is buy as many Copics as I can and really get good at using them. I can’t wait to watch your video to see how you made this beautiful tea cup card!!

  36. Lagene says

    WOWZERS!!! Great cards, I absolutely love the stack of coffee/tea cups!!! It makes me feel like I’m in an Italian bistro in Rome or Venice!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      What a lovely compliment, Lagene! Your kind words have me grinning ear-to-ear 🙂

  37. Jo Anne Malicoat says

    Both of those cards are fantastic, but I really love the “let’s hang out” bonus card you did. Love the way you combined watercolor and pencils, I’m going to have to try that out!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You brightened my day, Jo Anne! I hope you combine your coloring mediums and like the result….just have fun 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am grateful for your kind comment, Sharon! Thank you very much 🙂

  39. Ellie S. says

    I am just in awe of your painting/ coloring! I’ll have to try pencils over watercolors! Loving all these projects with the wonderful stamps! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration and tips!

    • Evelyn Larson says

      Well I can’t keep pants they just die. I can’t water color. Your wall hanging is amazing. Your plants coloring look so real. Beautiful job.

  40. Carole says

    Love the cards Kathy. The diamond background is so appealing. Thanks Kathy for sharing.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am so glad you like them, Carole! I appreciate your comment very much 🙂

  42. Nan Mack says

    Just stunning! The teacups are wonderful and I love the perfectly colored simplicity of the hanging planters.

  43. Anne Sturgeon says

    45 years, oh my… time goes by so quickly. Both of these sets are so wonderful. I do believe the blue around the cups is pretty dark. I love the details on the cups and the darkness of the blue close to the cups kind of takes away those details. I don’t hate it but I think if it were lighter it would be a little softer. You know I love your work Kathy so you could paint with mud and I would still love it. This Hero Arts anniversary hop is so fun and what wonderful prizes are to be had!! Thanks for hopping along on the one.

  44. Kelly Massman says

    Your cards are always special. I’m glad you “found time” to participate

  45. Cathy Loveless says

    AAhhhhhhhh a blast from the past! I love the card with the macramé plant hangers. It brings back memories of making those with my sister. Happy 45th Birthday Hero Arts!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Cathy, it is a walk down memory lane, isn’t it ? Thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂

  46. Conniecrafter says

    I love those hanging plants stamps and the way you have colored them. The stack cups are fun too, they look great with your whole wall of art!

  49. Em says

    Two great stamp sets. Hero Arts has had such a vast range of themes and designs through the 45 years. It is nice to revisit some of the older stamps with today’s stamp positioners and new inks and techniques. Great to have this wonderful hobby. Thank you Hero Arts.

  50. Dorthy Barber says

    Thanks for the detailing of your wall art piece, I really enjoyed seeing how it came together. The hanging plants were a walk down memory lane.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are most welcome, Dorothy! I loved macrame back in the late 70s 🙂

  51. Carole Strawn says

    Oh, Kathy. Your coloring is always AMAZING! Love these cards and your fabulous coloring techniques.

  52. Mirella Rogan says

    Anything you touch, dear Kathy, always turns into a masterpiece, no matter how big or small 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing the whole process with us!

  53. sharon gullikson says

    You really brought the stamps to life. I love the coloring of the plants and pots.

  54. Brian Poteraj says

    The cards are so different, and both are very cool. The colors you used on the tea cups are sort of Nordic. Nice

  55. Viola Leary says

    I can’t watercolor worth a darn, but I’m going to make a point to keep trying. I can’t believe what a difference the colored pencils make in the side by side photographs. Great job with both examples. The plant card is my favorite.

  56. Dot Freel says

    Kathy! Those cups are bold and beautiful and I love your diamond background! But those 3 hanging plants are so perfectly colored and beautiful that I must try to recreate it. You have such a knack for making me buy stamps and try to do what you do but it never turns out as beautiful as yours. You are a one of a kind amazing colorist!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are too kind, Martha! I am grateful for your sweet and lovely comment 🙂

  60. Debbie christensen says

    Loving this hop with so many creative projects. How cool are your designs, thanks for sharing

  64. Jana Yeager says

    Loving that they are doing a hop with old sets. I am looking over my old wood HA stamps!

  65. Melissa says

    Great cards! I love the look if watercolor but I haven’t been able to get mine to look that great.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Melissa, thank you! I am sure your watercoloring is lovely. Sometimes you just have to walk away and let it dry 🙂

  66. Becky Thomas says

    I love these cards! So very creative! Thank you for your wonderful inspiration!

  67. Dayle Schenk says

    Your watercoloring is just so realistic! Thanks for sharing your talent, as usual.

  69. Jackie Parkins says

    Your coloring is always so amazing. Those hanging plants are simply gorgeous and so lifelike!

  70. BECCA YAHRLING says

    Ooooh, I am so jelly of your birds & owls oldies stamps!! LOVE!!!
    And your coloring goes without saying, is sweet perfection and the
    perfect eye candy. 😉

  72. Janet Durbin says

    These are lovely, and I love the background on your teacup painting! The hanging plants are colored to perfection! I feel the same way about my older HA stamps, I will never part with them! 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thanks, Janet! And I couldn’t agree more…love all of my HA stamps, vintage and new 🙂

  74. Nancy Wilcox says

    I love the vibrant colors of the tea cups and the diamonds in the background. For me the blue is a little too dark and takes away from the cups. Love the card too.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thank you so much, Debbie! And you are most welcome for the video…I’m glad someone appreciate the hours I put in to creating a video 🙂

  76. Beth says

    Love your water coloring of these two images. I will have to add the stamps to my wish list.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are so kind to say so, Debbie! I am so glad you found my post helpful 🙂

  79. Toni McKelley says

    You are truly a master of coloring. The detail in each piece is amazing. What an inspiration you are, and don’t we all wish we had your abilities with the pencil! (or whatever method you use at the time. Gorgeous. I love the tea cups of course, but the beautiful, fragile and sweet hanging plants really captured my heart. Thank you for sharing.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You make my heart smile, Toni! Your sweet comment means the world to me 🙂

  81. Lieve Stoffels says

    Both your wall art and your card are beautiful !
    When you see the detail of the cups, the background seems very dark, but when you see the total image, it is not — probably thanks to the added pattern. The use of your colour pencils makes a big difference – thank you for showing and explaining.
    Beautiful colouring of your plants-card too ! It looks so real.
    Your oldies are great !

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thank you so much, Lieve! I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback 🙂

  82. Mona Porter says

    I love absolutely everything about your piece! The background really adds another element of interest. Absolutely stunning!

  86. Josmary says

    Omg you have quite a collection tien of oldies. I’m in love with the tea cup card I’m going to try and make one. You rocked both stamp sets

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Josmary, I hope you have as much fun with it as I did! I hope you share it too, when you finish 🙂

  89. Janet Sisk says

    WOW! Love your Wall Art and card! So fun. I have several older Hero Arts stamps that I will keep forever, too. 😀

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I appreciate your kind words, Janet! The quality of these HA stamps will last us years and years 🙂

  90. Lisa K says

    Gorgeous wall hangings! I have many older Hero Arts stamps that I love. I will keep many for years also.

  91. KimC says

    Your work is always so beautiful. Must say I am totally smitten with the flower pots! Thanks for so much for your tips and directions.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Judy, I am grateful for your sweet comment! It means a lot to me 🙂

  95. joy meadows says

    Your wall art piece and your card are both simply beautiful, Kathy! Love both of them. Also, thanks for sharing the birds and owls!!

  96. Colette says

    The Hero Arts colors are gorgeous! You prove that! Even watercoloring they pop out at you! Beautiful cards!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Your kindness makes me smile, Colette! I appreciate your thoughtfulness 🙂

  97. Nina Houghton says

    Absolutely beautiful cards! You have inspired me! Hero Arts takes me back to my beginnings as a stamper.

  98. Nicole S says

    Your teacup art is beautiful! Thank you for showing us how to make it in such detail!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are so sweet, Nicole! I am thrilled that you found my detailed post helpful 🙂

  99. Virginia L. says

    Beautifully done on this post, BC! I am right there with you on HA ! What a wild and fun time we have had with Hero Arts! Stamp on!

  100. Cyndi Morris says

    Gorgeous projects. Your home decor pieces always inspire me — so beautiful and colorful.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Cyndi, you are always so good to me 🙂 I appreciate you so much 🙂

  102. Angie says

    Love your blog post and your creations! I really like those hanging plants – on the wish list they go! Thanks for the inspiration!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Angie, I’m just here to enable LOL! Thank you for your sweet comment 🙂

  104. Liz Bailey says

    Kathy, Kathy, how does your garden grow? Obviously very well 🙂 I would be overwhelmed to receive any one of your cards, knowing the work that a goes into them.
    These cards are beyond beautiful one gives a serene feel and the other makes me want to call a friend and go out for coffee. Thanks Kathy ( a regular viewer)

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      What a lovely compliment, Liz! You really brightened my day with your thoughtfulness 🙂

  107. Leslie Parks says

    I love your work!
    I’ve been a Hero Arts fan ever since I started paper crafting. Almost like an old friend.

  108. Joyce Casaldi says

    What a great weekend. Sounds so fun! I had no idea hero arts was around so long. Love everything about this post.

  109. Veronica Klatt says

    I love your cards, especially the one with the plants. Got to get those plants !

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      LOL, Veronica! I am just here to enable 🙂
      Thank you for stopping by my blog.

  111. Nancy Ketcham says

    Love the hanging baskets. You did a great job with the masking on the cups. And I love how you painted them

  112. creatingincolors says

    Once again, wonderful painting. Those gorgeous tea cups just reminded me I have that set but haven’t inked it up yet. I loved your story about waiting up late at night and crafting – yes, the crafting helps!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I really appreciate your loyal following! And I hope you ink up that tea cup soon and have oodles of fun 🙂

  113. Dolly LaBelle says

    Adore your work! Really love your hanging plant watercolor. Must have that set now.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      LOL, Dolly! I am here to enable 🙂
      Thank you for stopping by my blog.

  115. Shamela says

    I’ve been a subscriber 5o your blog for ages…amazingly beautiful as always

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Shamela, thank you so much! I appreciate that more than you know 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      What a sweet comment, Janice! I appreciate that more than you know 🙂

  117. Phyllis Freese says

    Your coloring is fantastic, as always. I have those same bird stamps and love them, too.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are most welcome, Lisa! I am so glad my hours of work to create a video are appreciated 🙂

  120. Barbara Schmitz says

    Your teacups just leap off the paper! Gorgeous. The birds are keepers in my stash, too.

    I’m not sure about the background – to me, it’s a little distracting. I’m kinda wanting polka dots, but not sure how you’d execute that. Just my thoughts, since you asked. I always love your eye for color!

  121. Laura Casselman says

    Kathy, these are simply beautiful! I keep watching you and trying to improve. You are an inspiration!

  122. Beth Buss says

    I like the idea of making the squares in your background, and it looks great by the way.
    Beautiful prints. I need to do more of fun things like these. Thanks.

  124. Sherry Butcher says

    Wonderful! Love the cups and colors you used. Happy anniversary Hero Arts!
    Thanks for sharing.

  125. Amy Martin says

    Beautiful projects!!! I love how you frame everything!! Make them that much more stunning!!

  126. Carolyn Pokorney says

    The vibrant colors of the teacup has me mesmerized and how masking can make a whole new look. Also the stamps from this catalog are so needed!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I appreciate your kind words, Deborah! You are so very thoughtful 🙂

  131. susan babcock says

    Beautiful water coloring. The tea cups have so much detail, thanks for adding the tip that you shade with pencil, that’s helpful to know. Also, love the matting on the plants stamp, vibrant colors!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thank you so much, Susan! Ian so glad you found my tips and tricks helpful 🙂

  132. Teresa Doyle says

    These are both great Kathy, the background on the first one is great. It is a fun way to finish off a framed piece. Its nice to have a ‘vague’ background, esp. for a wall hanging. The plant card looks like something I would give my BFF because we have been BF’s since early childhood. I love that one.
    Happy 45th birthday to HA’s! They have been around for that long for a reason!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I appreciate your kind words, Teresa! You are such a loyal blog friend and I am grateful 🙂

  133. brenda west says

    Beautifully done watercoloring. I loved the stacked cups. Wow! Thanks for sharing. Brenda

  134. Mary-Anne V says

    Just fabulous and amazing seeing what you create with HA or any product. Love that plant set so much.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Mary-Anne, what a wonderfully sweet comment! You make my heart smile 🙂

  136. Cindy Graham says

    Your cards are beautiful. The patience you must have for all the detailed masking is amazing.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Cindy, you are too kind! Maybe I’m just a little crazy…but I really like to color larger pieces and not just cards 🙂

  137. Michelle Bylaw says

    My youngest just turned 13. We now have all teens in the house. Crafting is a sanity saver! Love your artwork!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      LOL, Michelle! Thanks for the giggle…truer words were never spoken 🙂

  138. Robyn Running says

    Both cards are amazing. Thanks for sharing how you did the masking for the tea cups. Love your coloring.

  140. Stef Perry says

    Your creations are gorgeous as always, Kathy! Love that you added the bird and teaspoon of sugar cubes at the bottom of the stack of tea cups, and the hanging plants are is a very eye catching CAS card!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Stef, thank you for noticing the details! That means so much to me 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      LOL, I am just here to enable! Thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂

  148. Julie L says

    Thanks for sharing the before and after pencil work on the teacups. Really makes a big difference. I, too, have lots of old favorite HA stamps and they still get lots of use.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Julie, I am so glad that you found my tips and tricks helpful! I am also happy to hear that you keep your HA stamps inky 🙂

  150. Carmela Douglas Hubler says

    Kathy, love the colors in your teacups. The little potted plants are sweet! Both projects are beautiful!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Carmela, I am grateful for your sweet comment! Thank you so much 🙂

  151. Carol B says

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

    Carol B

  152. Carolyn Keierleber says

    I was really drawn to the stack of cups. The colors are pretty together and the subjects are so charming together. I think the lighter background showed off the pretty cups more. I like the drawn lines as they were subtle and light. This wall art inspires me! I love your watercolor card also. Plants are lovely.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Carolyn, you are so thoughtful! I really appreciate your wonderful feedback 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Mary, your sweet comment has me grinning ear-to-ear! Thank you so much 🙂

  154. Natalie s says

    Love your hanging pots card. I especially like how you chose to overlap the sentiment on the leaves.

  155. Sheri Kempke says

    Love all your beautiful cards made with lovely Hero Arts stamps! I have several of my “golden oldies” HA stamps, mine were mostly cat and flower images!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are always so sweet, Sheri! I have my share of floral images too…great minds, right? 🙂

  156. Lynn Lahti says

    I think the diamonds added a lot of interest to the background and I love the choice of green. Wish I had your talent!

  157. Amy Lombardo says

    Kathy! I love all your things. The watercolor on these plants and tea cups is just amazing! Just beautiful!

  158. Margot says

    I have a bunch of the old Hero stamps too-some from then and some from over the years thanks to ebay.
    Your work is beautiful as always. Clever about the bird planter. I am always jealous of people who “see” things like that.
    Love that the industry gathers together to congratulate and lift each other up.
    Cant wait till you come back to NYC!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Margot, we crafters have to stick together and inspire each other! So glad YOU are a part of lovely crafty ladies 🙂

  159. Carmela Hubler says

    Kathy, I love both your cards. The colors on the teacups are great! The hanging plants are just very sweet!

  162. Andre M. says

    Lovely pair of projects and thanks for sharing the technique video. The diamond background is a fab match for the style of the tea cups. The hanging plants card is darling. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

  163. El Ivens says

    Beautiful cards. Love those tea cups. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

  164. Monika says

    Amazing water coloring Kathy… those tea cups are so, so pretty! I love the design on them… great layering! Such a great wall art! The hanging plants are so sweet! The coloring… is… amazing… again!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      What a lovely compliment, Monika! I am grateful for your sweet comment 🙂

  169. Leanne in Cali says

    Beautiful creations and Hero Arts is such a great company! Thanks for sharing on this blog hop!!

  170. Kathy Jinkins says

    Like the hand drawn diamond background with random diamond placement. Creates interest.

  171. Savannagh Kacey says

    I think the green diamonds really elevated your wall art. I seemed to bridge the gap between the cups in the foreground and the blue background that was a bit like a picture of infinity. The diamonds brought them together.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You make my heart smile, Savannagh! I really appreciate your sweet and thoughtful comment 🙂

  174. Madeline L says

    Your work is always amazing! I love both the tea cups and the hanging flower baskets!

  176. Viola Leary says

    Your water coloring is fabulous. I need to practice more. I love the card with the plants.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thank you, Viola! Just have fun and play with your coloring mediums 🙂

  178. JoAnn Girimonte says

    You are definitely the queen of coloring. Love anything with teacups. Your wall art is absolutely stunning

  179. jill allard says

    such a pretty cards the hanging plants i would frame it . happy 45th anniversary hero arts .. such great products here is me hoping to win

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Me too, Cheryl! HA continues to go strong, and that makes me happy too 🙂

  181. Betty Sue says

    Wow! I love the teacups, but those hanging plants are perfect! Your background on the teacups is perfect for the cups!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am grateful for your sweet words, Betty Sue! You brightened my day 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Thank you, Latoria! Just play with your coloring mediums…and have fun 🙂

  185. Diane T. says

    Such a pretty wall art! So much work went into it and it came out so nice! Love the hanging plant card too!

  189. Nancy-Anne Rockwell says

    Fabulous cards. Normally I would like the baskets more but your colours on the teacups are stunning!!!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are most welcome, Sherri! I hope you find it inspiring and helpful 🙂

  194. Jodie L. says

    Those plants looked so real! Amazing coloring. Congrats to Hero Arts for 45 years of great products!

  196. Kim Miller says

    Will try to use your tip about adding dark colors to my coloring to enhance the images!

  197. Janelle H. says

    AMAZING DETAILS. on your wonderful creations. Thanks for sharing your talent,

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You brightened my day, Janelle! Thank you for your thoughtful comment 🙂

  198. Carrie says

    My favorite card was the potted plants and I love this stamp set. This will be a must have set with my next order. Thanks for sharing your cards.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am grateful for you sweet words, Carrie! I’m just here to enable LOL 🙂

  200. Marjorie E. says

    Your cards are over the top gorgeous. Love the tea cups and the hanging baskets. What an inspiration you are.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You make my heart smile, Marjorie! What a wonderfully sweet comment 🙂

  202. Linda BL says

    Love the Hang in There card. As a plant person, it is my favorite. Love your coloring as always.

  203. Teri S. says

    Oh, I’m with you Kathy in that I love drinking tea & stamps with images of tea cups &/or tea pots on them. I actually like the dark blue of the background as all of the colours are so rich that they stand out against it very well. Mind you, I’m not saying I have an artistic eye by any means… lol The card is beautiful to my eye. Thaks.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Awww, Teri, you are the best! I am thrilled that you like the tea images and the blue background. You totally made my day 🙂

  204. Miriam Prantner says

    Love that piece with the harlequin like background! The card is so perfect too. Love the placement of the images, so CAS and pretty!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      You are always so kind, Miriam! Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙂

  205. Lynda White says

    I like your stacked teacups. Reminds me of Mary Englebebreit dishes! Since you asked about the background, I do question it like you. I think the different colors & patterns distract me from the focal point tea cups. Everybody has their own opinion though!

  206. Susan says

    Skillful coloring – both in choice of colors & in execution! Beautiful cards – thanks for sharing in the celebration!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      That means so much to me, Susan! It was entirely my pleasure to participate 🙂

  209. JOANN MATHIS says

    I love your wall art. The teacups card was beautiful as well as the hanging baskets.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am so happy that you like my projects, Joann! I am grateful for your lovely comment 🙂

  210. Kristine Johnson Gifford says

    Your card is so clever and “artsy” and colorful! I love the look!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Kristine, that makes my heart happy! I am so glad that you like them 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      So glad you like them, Barbara! Thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂

  215. Kim Klinkovsky says

    Just wonderful projects. Love the teacups, love your coloring and designs. Thanks for the inspiration!

  216. Betty Dean says

    Love the watercolor done by you in these cards! They are truly art! I can’t wait to try these colors too!

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am so happy that my process is a help to you, Geri! Thank you for that feedback. It means so much to me 🙂

  220. Jeanne H says

    Love how you decorated the lovely teacups. The colors are wonderful as is your coloring!

  221. Rikki Scott-Morgan says

    As always Kathy your creations are amazing, you continue to inspire me everyday. Thank you for sharing your talent with everyone. So blessed my friend, love and hugs.

  224. Yolanda F. says

    Stunning. I love the diamonds in the background. It makes it homey , like we a be invited into someones kitchen for tea.

  225. Carol H says

    2 Great cards. Excellent to have the images of how you did the cup card. Thank you.

  228. Beverly Pevarnick says

    As always, your colors are fabulous. I love the Hero Arts images, especially the tea cups.

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      Beverly, I am thrilled that you like my color choices! HA does a great job with their images, don’t they ? Thank you again 🙂

    • Kathy Racoosin says

      I am so happy that you like my projects and watercoloring, June! Your sweet comment made me smile 🙂

  230. Susan Kaiser says

    I love the card! The tea-cup wall art is great, I agree that the diamond background helps buffer the blue . The card is lovely in it’s clean simplicity.

  233. Nancy May says

    Oh Kathy, if both of your offerings today are absolutely special! The teacups in the hanging plants… So very sweet! I love you, and I love what you do! I get so very excited when I see you have posted something new and I’m going back and I’m watching everything you’ve done. Where have you been all my life?! ♥️

  235. Kimberly Ostgard says

    Love your cards the hanging pots are cute the tea cup wall art so amazing great gift idea.
    Hero arts great company in the industry.

  236. Kathy Ferguson says

    I love the picture your designed using Hero Arts stamps. Your right about framing this as artwork. It does give it more importance and would make a great gift to give someone very special. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us

  240. Susan King says

    Kathy -Stunning as always. I just drooled over the tea cups! How amazing it would be to get this card!

  241. Luana Stark says

    Your coloring is fabulous..the hanging flower pots kind of look the ones on my patio..tfs

  242. stempelfrida says

    Oh my god!!!! i love those cards you have created! The design, colours and colouration and gorgeous!!! Absolutely stunning. Both should be put into a frame and be placed so that lots of people can enjoy looking at them.
    Kind regards froms stempelfrida

  243. Stacey Kowbel says

    Fabulous projects! I love looking at what you colour – always so gorgeous!

  246. Gail T. says

    Love love your coloring! You know what colors to put together to make your art pop

  248. Teri says

    Kathy you are truly the queen of coloring! Love the bright colors! The teacups are amazing! Than you for sharing your talent!

  249. Amber Scholtz says

    I liked those hanging plant stamps since they were released. Great job with the coloring on those.

  250. DJ Doss says

    I love the teacup card. All that masking! And the background just adds so much. It was a great idea to add the diamonds.

  252. Pat Abel says

    Your tea cups are quite beautiful. You are very talented, thanks for sharing your work
    with us. Maybe I will keep practicing —-

  253. Kristin R says

    Very cute cards! I especially love the hanging pots! I would normally have no idea what to do with those stamps, but thanks to you…now I know and want them! Thanks so much for sharing!

  254. Dawn says

    Framing creations is a great idea. I’ve done two pictures for friends, and received such positive comments that I want to try more. It is reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who changes her mind about backgrounds. thanks for the inspiration!

  256. Stacy K says

    I love your plant card! Very cool that you have expanded your crafting into wall art!

  257. Wendy Lambert says

    As always your creations are just fabulous. I love teacups so this is a favorite. Combined with the background it is just so fun!

  260. Helen F says

    As always your work is amazing Kathy and I love your helpful hints and tips! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring us all!

  263. LaNell Taylor says

    Lovely cards. Your are so generous to share your process, products and techniques with your followers. You are special!

  264. lee says

    Beautiful and inspiring work! Thank you for sharing. Love those cute birds and owl stamps!

  267. Retta Lutte says

    These projects are indeed special!!!! I have been working for months trying to improve my coloring. You are the coloring queen, for sure. Simply amazing!!!!!

  271. Carol Workman says

    Beautiful cards! Loving the ‘Hang In There Potted Plants’ set. Thank you for sharing.

  272. Suz Gray says

    Beautiful coloring. I love the vibrant color of the cups and the plants are gorgeous. I had to smile at your collection of older bird wood stamps. They are all on my inspiration cubby shelf.

  275. Terrie D. says

    I love the card you created with the potted plants! It’s also really cute how you turned the bird with the tea cups into a little planter. 🙂

  280. Jackie A says

    I really like it, I just can’t remember the name of the style it reminds me of. But I love it.

  283. Vicki Kroll says

    The teacup wall art is a masterpiece. A lot of work masking, but so worth it. Love all the details and the background is very cool. So nice that you give them as gifts. I just love the hanging plant card. The coloring is perfect! I enjoyed the pics of your owl and bird stamps. I have not seen those.

  285. Jennifer Petersen says

    Beautiful! I love the tea cups they remind me of my mom’s collection.

  287. Kathy Dippner says

    Love the card and the project. The new plant stamp set reminds me of my moms living room growing up. She had 4-5 hanging plants and big pots of plants underneath. I may just buy that stamp set for the memories. Thank you for sharing.

  288. Emma Sleppy says

    Amazing tea cups, that you can really see the shading. Love the flower pots. I REALLY need to practice after seeing these cards!

  293. KathleenA says

    Those teacups are amazing! such detail! And I love the pencil coloring on watercolor to darken some areas on your plants. Great idea!

  300. ionabunny says

    Oh, I love that background. The diamonds are wonderful and I really like that area where the blue is all swirly behind the cups. Very cool card. Hugz

  301. Lisa Byers says

    I love your pictures, they always inspire me. They are fabulous!! I love your birdy stamps!! So cute!! I have a few old Hero Art stamps, I need to get them out and use them. Thank you for sharing, I always enjoy it!

  303. Barbara-Jean says

    Your cards and coloring are just fantastic! How I’d love to be in a class with you!

  304. Joan says

    Beautiful watercoloring! I have all the bird stamps and a couple owl stamps that you showed.

  305. Bonnie King says

    Both pieces are lovely – the hanging plants are truly amazing. I love the feel of the stacked teacups. I’m not sure about the “blueness” of the background – I like the addition of the diamond pattern – but somehow it all comes together and seems to fit. I like it!

  306. Pam says

    These cards are just to kitch and quirky – I just love them. I always enjoy colouring in the detail on my cards so these just hit the spot for me.

  310. karenajo says

    Love the stacking tea cups and that you made the bird into a planter! The colors are gorgeous and I like the background! Thanks for sharing!

  311. Karen says

    I know this blog from the coloring challenge, but I think you are a stamper extraordinaire too!

  313. Patt H. says

    I still have those very same birds, Kathy, and they have a prominent spot on my display shelf. You wall of art is fabulous & Such a great idea! The hanging plants with the cute saying really caught my eye as did the beautifully colored teacups. Thanks for all the inspiration!

  317. Denise Kitts-Wadlow says

    Fantastic cards, although I MUST confess that I have a favorite. The hanging baskets are it for me. Brings back childhood memories of not only my mother’s many gorgeous flower beds, but all of the beautiful hanging baskets of brightly colored flowers, as well. Thanks for sparking those memories for me. Have a great weekend.

  324. Amy Cairns says

    You have done such a beautiful job, Kathy. Those pot plants are super cute and so beautifully coloured. I have to get me that stamp set!! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

  326. Betty Bywater says

    Thanks for sharing pics of your progress. The hanging plants was a nice C&S card, I never thought of adding a bit of colour pencil to enhance shading.

  328. Michele W says

    Your coloring never ceases to amaze me. Normally I prefer backgrounds that are a solid color but I must confess that I really like the diamond pattern with the teacups. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

  331. Bonnie Eng says

    GORGEOUS watercolouring!!!! I love your plant card but I ADORE your tea art piece – I love anything tea related and that is a fabulous stamp set and I love what you did with it!

  335. Sandra D. says

    I always enjoy hearing your thought process as you create and color. Just AWESOME!!

  337. _chevron2 says

    The colors are beautifully realistic on these cards! LOVE–You outdid yourself!!:) Hero Arts is a fav company of mine. I’ve especially have loved their MMHkits –so much product for the price, with free shipping too!

  341. barbara lassiter says

    Please don’t make me choose! 🙂 I love both of these just as they are. Your coloring skills are amazing and I love your wall art idea! Isn’t this fun….celebrating 45 years of creativity with Hero Arts.

  344. Melissa Schreifels says

    As always, your coloring is incredible! I especially love those little plant hangers with plants in them. So cute!!!

  345. Karrie Lasater says

    I dream of being half as talented as you are! These are so beautiful! I am a long time stamper and have loved Hero Arts for many years too! They are a great company with great intrigrity!

  348. Henriëtte says

    Gorgeous card and great wall art Kathy. Love the video you made and the little birdy where you stamped the plant inside… I had a tiny pot like that for years, it was for flowers but I used it for a small succulent, unfortunately it broke last year
    What a great collection of “oldies” do you have, love the owls.
    Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful artwork in this great Hero Arts 45th Anniversary blog hop.

  349. Jenrescuemama says

    Oh my! I have my own bin of wooden stamps! Many I still go to. Thanks for sharing!

  350. Tami R says

    Gorgeous coloring, as always! I think the background on the tea cup art piece contrasts nicely with the vibrant colors of the tea cups. I love the colors you used in the hanging plant card.

  351. Gail Young says

    I liked what you did with the background…it gives your project some depth and dimension!

  352. Marianne Huber says

    What a good idea with the colored pencils. It sure made a difference.

  353. Darlene DeSario says

    Lovely art piece. Really great to see stamps used for a bigger decor project. Beautiful work.

  354. Melanie Barrett says

    I can see why you had difficulty deciding which stamps to use, but I love what you selected and what you did with both of them! I truly appreciate the details on how you did those cups, and I love that you are framing your work!

  355. karenladd says

    You can take any stamp and turn it into magic kathy!! Gorgeous cards and technique as always

  356. Debbi Smith says

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful watercolors with us! Wonderful inspiration!

  357. K. Eley says

    Oh my, lol! I hope stamping helps get me through the teenage years as well!
    Beautiful cards and coloring, thank you for sharing!

  359. Lauryne Cunningham says

    Beautiful watercoloring, as always! I love the colors you chose and they way you stacked the teacups!

  360. Krystal Showalter says

    Such beautiful cards! I am new to watercoloring so am always inspired when I see someone as talented as you doing it.

  361. debbie d says

    WoW! just beautiful. I am pretty sure I have those bird stamps too! got to go back through all those first Hero Arts stamps and see what I do have.

  362. Caroline says

    Congrats to HeroArts and best wishes; congrats & thanks to you for the gorgeous inspiration! BTW: I love those bird stamps as well.

  363. Kathy McCluskey says

    Your wall art is so amazing, Kathy! I love the background you painted for your awesome teacups….it all works together beautifully! Happy 45th Anniversary, Hero Arts! I have always loved your products!!

  364. Denise Ward says

    You have created really pretty cards to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Hero Arts’ amazing company! I especially like the hanging baskets. They are so lovely and they make me think of my mom who has a phenomenal green thumb & deep love for all plants. 🙂

  365. Nancy T. says

    I love this blog hop. I never would have seen your fantastic coloring. I’m learning so many new things.

  366. Valencia B says

    Hanging out pots project is cute…my craft room was also my “waiting” spot!

  370. Sandee Lunneborg says

    Your cards are amazing! Your ruler background turned out awesome what a great idea!

  373. patpw says

    Kathy, you and Hero Arts are one of a kind. Your projects are beautiful. Thank you!

  374. Gail S says

    Happy celebration of 45 years Hero Arts – wonderful art work here – love the hanging baskets of art – beautiful!

  376. rachel duong says

    OMG I can’t believe how beautiful the potted plants are. I never would have thought about this set until I saw your card. You are a true talent!

  379. Rose Mary Smalley says

    I love your cards!!! What a nice way to showcase some of the Hero Arts goodness. I love all of the stamps that I own and treasure. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work. Awesome blog hop!

  380. Sue D. says

    Beautiful card projects. I especially like the hanging plants… an all-time favorite.

  381. see mary stamp says

    I always admire your beautiful coloring. Love your wall art display too. So pretty.

  382. Andrea B says

    I love how you created the little bird planter on the wall art, and the plants on the card are just gorgeous!

  383. Margaret R says

    Your plants hanging in macrame hangings gave me a walk down memory lane! I like the cleanness of that card! I love all the detailed, rich coloring on those tea cups — Wow! That must have taken you quite a well to do that! I love the diamond background behind those tea cups! Two gorgeous cards! Thanks for sharing your ideas and talent!

  384. Lisa Norstrom says

    Love your wall art tea cups – the addition of the diamonds to the background is just the stroke of genius that it needed – especially coloring some of them green – it makes all of the other green from the cups and the spoon just pop nicely!! Also love in the second project how you shaded some of the areas with pencil on top of the watercolor – I often forget to mix mediums like that for that added special effect!!! Thanks for sharing your “vintage” stamps – I have a few as well that I will never get rid of because they are too dear to my heart!

  390. MandaLJ says

    Your stack of teacups is beautiful! I like the background you painted too. The card is so lovely as well.

  395. Peggy Pighetti says

    WOW love the tea cups and hanging plants, the colors are great. Love the step by step and the helpful hints. Thanks for sharing!

  396. Aimee Phillips says

    I love your “Hang in there pots”….its my favorite. Colors are so bright. Happy 45th Anniversary Hero Arts

  397. Giselaine Ellison says

    I love your cards! I do like the painted background on the teacups.
    Happy 45th Anniversary Hero Arts.

  400. LC Lamothe says

    I always love admiring your gorgeous works of art. Your coloring skills never cease to blow me away!

  402. Nina says

    Oh I love your bonus card! Such sweet plants and colored to perfection!
    Congrats to HeroArts for 45 years in the biz – really impressive!!

  403. Nina says

    Oh I love your bonus card! Such sweet plants and colored to perfection!
    Congrats to HeroArts for 45 years in the business, always bringing us inspiration and great products! 🙂

  405. an says

    I really have to echo all the previous comments: Your color skills are amazing! I discovered Hero Arts when I was a new college graduate. I didn’t know rubber stamps could be so beautiful (or pricey, especially on my entry-level income). Here I am, still stamping 20 years later, albeit inconsistently. I do my crafting late at night or early in the morning because of the kids. 🙂

  407. PHYLLIS DUNN says

    I absolutely LOVE the tea cup art. Such beautiful colors, and…I drink tea all day long! I really need this stamp in my life. Thank you for sharing.

  408. Lori Rasmussen-Murray says

    I love flowers! So pretty on the cards!great color combinations!

  409. Kerry Myers says

    I love the idea of framing the piece! Always love to watch you color (your progression & the pencil details)

  412. Karen Kirkman says

    Very nice cards! The hanging plants are so nice and the card on the clean and simple side. Your teacups look great along with the bird and sugar cubes. Maybe a bit to dark on the blue around the cups. Thanks for sharing your “old” Hero Arts stamps.

  413. Andrea B. says

    I love that you made something other than a card with these stamps. Your painting is so vibrant and colorful, and brings a smile to my face. Also really enjoyed your card and how you painted and colored it, and also how you had one on the ground with the other two hanging. Very clever. Thank you for sharing your artistry!

  415. Linnea Sundstrom says

    Kathy, I think the background of the cups piece adds “whimsy” and fun! luv the blurb about saving you during the Mom of teens years! 😀

  417. Roni says

    I’m enjoying reading all of the stories about Hero Arts and how they helped pioneer the stamping community while supporting & promoting many other mom & pops small stamping/crafting companies. Such a joy to support everyone.
    I love the teacup card, adorable!

  418. Aimee Gill says

    Very unique cards. Thanks for including a video. I always learn better with them

  419. Lee says

    Love the tippy cups, love the hanging pots, LOVE the old Hero Arts birds! Wonderful work and inspiration, as always, Kathy and so glad to see you a little more. I miss you when you’re gone but certainly understand ; family first. Please come back to Cape Cod some time soon.

  420. DeAnn O says

    Thanks for sharing your process – I love to see how people work with their stamps. I love the plant card – such sweet images.

  422. Denise Mlady says

    The plants look so realistic. I love the background with the teacups! Looks like a backsplash and the cups are sitting on a counter. So pretty.

  423. sandy M says

    I have seen your wall before and it is so beautiful. I love the pattern one directly under I heart my tribe. It looks like you could feel the texture if you were to touch it. You asked about the tea cup background. I wouldn’t change a thing. It is beautiful. I think the plant card would make a wonderful wall hanging too. I envy your friends who receive the wall art when you take it down and send it to them.

  427. Marilyn says

    Kathy,
    Such a lovely card display. The diamond background on the teacup card is very eye catching. Thanks for inspiring and sharing.

  428. BeckyHL says

    Congrats Hero Arts! To be a business with integrity these days is nearly unheard of. You have much to celebrate. Kathy, you are a phenom! What you do with a stamp is incredible. Thank you both for sharing your talent with the world!

  429. Marianne says

    Love the idea of creating wall art. Your wall is looking just fabulous, Kathy, and I love that CAS flower pot card.
    Marianne x

  430. Aisha Roberts says

    You are so creative. I love how you use stamps to create wall art. Your bonus card is adorable as well. Thank you for sharing.

  431. Rene says

    Both projects are fabulous!
    I like the way you stacked and coloured the cups. The lines and diamonds do add some interest to the background, like worn wallpaper. It completes the picture in my opinion.
    Thanks for the inspiration.
    Hugs
    Rene

  432. Connie says

    Hi Kathy 🙂 Beautiful card and wall hanging! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

  433. Janet Swanlady21 says

    Simply beautiful colouring! What a wonderful set of cards. You have made an amazing showcase of Hero Arts stamps and products.
    I have my birds too!

  435. Robyn Ikemoto says

    Your watercoloring is knock-your-socks-off beautiful. I love the vibrant colors. Love what you did with the Hero Arts images!

  437. Carol Jones says

    Beautiful piece of art Kathy! I love the background with the diamond shapes, it makes it look like tile. Your fabulous wall of your handmade beauties is just gorgeous and so inspiring!

  439. Robin Buchholz says

    Your work is amazing! I really like the creativity and colors of the wall art cups and saucers. Thanks for sharing.

  440. Nikki S says

    Just stunning Kathy!! I just love how amazing those tea cups look. They look so life like! Thanks for your great inspiration!

  441. Dawn Jones says

    I love your coloring! I really like the wall art. I have a frame in my craft room that I hang my current cards, and my friends have adopted this idea to hang the cards I give them. I would love to create something as beautiful as this to frame for them as well.

  443. LucieG Cards says

    Gorgeous cards, stunning colouring as ever, Kathy! I have all those wood-mounted birds and owl stamps too! I will never part with them!

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