Hero Hues Promotion and some Springtime Blog Candy

ETA: I am SO very sorry - I programmed the code wrong and instead of it taking off 15% it was only doing .15%. Please accept my apologies and use the new code - HeroHues15

Our product focus this week in the CLASSroom is Hero Arts. We have had so much fun with this "new to us" product line and today I would like to share a little insight into the "Hero Hues" portion of the line.

First though I would like to announce that for the next seven days we will be hosting a promotion in our store to offer you the opportunity to purchase the Hero Arts line at a savings of 15%. Please see the notes at the bottom of this post for further details. Simply place the items you would like to purchase in your cart and upon checkout enter the following code in the promo code window - HeroHues15

Be certain to read to the bottom of this post to also learn how you can participate in our blog candy drawing!

Hero Hues is a coordinated collection of papers, inks, mixed accents (pearls and gemstones) and printed paper flowers. They come in a wonderful spectrum of different Hero colors. Shown below are the different elements you can select from the Sunshine collection. (Sorry for the funky spacing and alignment - Typepad is giving me fits - LOL!)

• Poppy Chalk Ink Pad
• Sunshine Folded Card Set
• •  these are A2 size - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" 
  • (4) four each of the following three colors are included in each set
  • •  Daffodil
    • Poppy
    • Mandarin
Daffodil Notecards - (10) ten A2 size cards are included in each package
• Poppy Notecards
• Mandarin Notecards
• Daffodil Envelopes - (10) ten A2 size cards are included in each package
• Poppy Envelopes
• Mandarin Envelopes
• Daffodil 8 1/2" x 11" Cardstock - (10) ten sheets
• Poppy 8 1/2" x 11" Cardstock
• Mandarin 8 1/2" x 11" Cardstock
• Sunshine Art Flowers - three different colors of flowers and numerous shapes and sizes are included in this packet
• Sunshine Mixed Accents - these packets include both Pearls and Gemstones. Select from three different colors of pearls and/or three different colors of gemstones in a variety of sizes. This is an amazing value, that offers so much versatility!

There are six color palettes to select from (see the photo of the Art Flowers below for a representation of the colors, click on THIS LINK to see a chart of all the colors):

• Floral - the purple color family composed of - Aubergine, Iris and Lilac
• Sunshine - the yellow/orange color family composed of - Mandarin, Poppy and Daffodil
• Foliage - the green color family composed of - Pine, Grass and Celadon
• Sea - the blue color family composed of Azure, Cerulean and Powder
• Blush - the red color family composed of Grenadine, Punch and Carnation
• Earth - a neutral color family composed of Eggshell, Latte and Mocha

 

Hero notecards and layering papers are what we refer to as "duplex cardstock." Duplex cardstock simply means that it is two colors. It is a white core paper - so there is no need to line your cards if you want to write in the interior. The result is a crisp, beautiful appearance!

As you can see from the color comparison above they coordinate beautifully with the Memory Box papers we already carry. The only significant difference is the subtle variance in the shape of the envelope flap. The biggest reason I am sharing this information is because each line has a unique color palette, and it is incredible to me how well they coordinate. Please read on if you would like to help me answer a question I have and win some blog candy by doing so!

You know me - I can't just talk about something without creating a project. I must admit that I feel TOTALLY rusty though. Returning from Ranger U I was sicker than I have been in years and it is just now that I am finally getting back up to speed. So today I am going to share a little of what I learned thanks to Claudine and Tim. I still hope to do a blog post on my experience --- it was absolutely marvelous and the women I met... AMAZING!

Now on to the creativity!

SNOWCAP DABBER PAINT RESIST - Shabby Chic Look

For this technique I used the Snowcap Dabber. Ranger has reformulated these and they now work like a dream. Using my Clear Design Hero Arts stamp I "inked" it with the dabber. My bottle was fresh from the factory and so to start it out I turned it upside down on my craft sheet and gave it a slight squeeze until I could see the ink peek out from the edge. I should have taken a picture of this --- sorry about that, hindsight is 20/20.

Stamp the image and repeat until the notecard front is covered. Be careful because it is a little "slick", but if you stamp gently you should not have any mishaps.

I wanted to "shabbify" the cardfront to coordinate with the Basic Grey Green at Heart paper I had selected prior to starting. Gently heat set the ink. Then using Tattered Rose and Worn Lipstick Distress Ink and the Ink Blending tool I sponged the ink overtop the stamped designed in a circular motion. Leaving some portions of the cardstock bare brought the look of the notecard in to accordance with the decorative paper.

STUDIO PAINT WATERMARK RESIST TECHNIQUE

Another new toy --- oops I mean tool --- I have been wanting to play with are the new Alterations dies. I realize that they take up more storage space than the Nesties but there is an advantages to this product that I love. The depth of the blade allows me to cut all sorts and manners of things that are thicker than the depth of the blade on the Nesties. Today I used it to cut the Sticky Back Canvas.

It is a good thing that I always like to try the tools that I am recommending. What I came to realize today is that my label didn't immediately pop out of the die. Using a long thin needle I was able to pull it out of the die after cutting, but realized that perhaps I was missing something. I contacted Tim and he immediately replied letting me know that a "fix" is in the works. He put me in contact directly with Ellison and I was able to get an immediate resolution to my little quandry.

If you have purchased one of the new Sizzix dies that have an "open" middle - as in the new dies that Tim has designed that have the magnetic component, and are having trouble with getting your piece back out after it has been cut, then please give Ellison a call at (877)355-4766. They will be shipping out a "center piece" to help solve our problems as quickly as possible. These have been ordered and they hope to have them available by the end of this month/beginning of next month.

The die cuts perfectly, and works perfectly as designed, but wouldn't you know it - there are people like me who want to use the die without the keyhole - LOL! Ellison was most gracious and accomodating and I trust that we will be well taken care of. So forge ahead ladies - this really is a marvelous little tool!

OK - now back to the technique at hand...

This is an absolutely lovely technique that Claudine taught us at Ranger U. If you ever have the opportunity of taking a class from her you must! She is witty, sweet, knowledgeable and passionate. I could just hear her words as I mixed up my paint mixture for this technique.

To begin paint the StickyBack Canvas with Painterly Pink paint. (Just a sidenote - this color is PERFECT with the Hero Arts Carnation color.) Allow the canvas to dry completely - yes, I cheated and carefully used my Heat It tool :-D

Now I hear Claudine's voice as she instructs us to have our thinned paint ready for the next portion. You want to have this paint watery, like the consistency of "skim milk" (yep, I can relate to skim milk :-D) I mixed Sky Blue and Dab of Yellow as shown in the wonderful chart she created and has shared with us here. Then using a mini mister I spritzed this mixture with water and stirred.

The green in this photo is the correct consistency, the pink is a mixture of Painterly Pink and Dash of Red (to coordinate with the Punch color) before the water is added. I use either the end of my paint brush to dab just a dot of paint onto my craft sheet and then wipe it with a paper towel before dipping into my second color to avoid mixing the colors in the pots.

Once you have your colors mixed you will then ink your stamp with a Watermark or Resist Ink. Immediately (do NOT allow the ink to dry) gently paint your wash over the canvas surface. You can see how the paint beads up and "resists" the area that is covered with the resist ink!!! SO COOL!

SANDING DUPLEX PAPER (Both Hero Arts and Memory Box are duplex, or white core)

Another element that I adore with whitecore or duplex cardstock is the ease of creating lovely texture with the embossing folders. We are thrilled to announce that we have brought in some beautiful textured folders from Sizzix. These are essentially the same as the Cuttlebug embossing folders, but perhaps just a little "crisper" in the appearance of the finished embossed design. Tim's folders are still not available, but we hope they will arrive soon! Today I used a beautiful new Damask style design.

Please note that when you emboss on duplex papers it is important to think about which side is "up." The picture above helps to demonstrate this. I put the color side of the paper facing the side that has the Sizzix logo on it. This ensures that the positive design will pop upwards on your paper. Sometimes it is desireable to have the reverse, but typically this is the most attractive appearance.

As you can see just by running it through the Big Shot the details begin to appear in white. By gently sanding the surface with a Lucky Squirrel sander, or a Tim Holtz sander the design is enhanced even further.

In trying to figure out how to utilize this element in my card I came up with the little tag above. Utilizing the one-sided embossed notecard above I was able to stamp the sentiment on the smooth portion and use the textured portion to add some flair to the little tag. Cutting it into a "flag" shape, sanding the edges to shabbify the tag and then putting a little curl and affixing with glue dots completed this portion of the project.

Last, but certainly not least was the addition of the Hero Hues Art Flowers. There is a huge assortment in each package. I decided to share how you can use these little one layer flowers to create a glorious blossom. If you would like me to show a step-by-step photo technique on how to create these please let me know. Essentially all you need to do is to begin with the largest size, then select the next size down, and finally select another blossom that is similar sized and cut out two of the five petals. Use these elements in the center of your flower. I used a Jenni Bowlin stick pin to hold it all together.

stamps: Hero Arts Stencil Art, Essential Messages, DesignBlock Silhouette

ink: Snowcap Dabber, Distress Ink Pads - Tattered Rose and Worn Lipstick, Studio Line Paints - Painterly Pink, Sky Blue, Dab of Yellow and Dash of Red, Watermark Resist Ink Pad

paper: Blush Hero Arts Folded Cards, Basic Grey Green at Heart

accessories: Blush Print Art Flowers, StickyBack Canvas, Jenni Bowlin Stick Pin, Sizzix Damask Embossing Folder, Tim Holtz Alterations Styled Labels, 1 1/4" Moss SIlk Ribbon

BLOG CANDY OPPORTUNITY
 

This selection of goodies could be yours - please leave your answer to the the following question in the comments section below. Comments will be eligible for this random drawing if left before Saturday, April 10th at midnight.

Would it be helpful to have a color comparison of the Hero Arts cardstock collection and the Memory Box collection? Also add if you have ever used either of these collections and if so, which one? Being one who does not mind doing the work if it is helpful to our customer base I would be happy to do so, but I do not want to spin my wheels if there is no need for this comparison. Please let me know your thoughts and ask any questions regarding this line below in the comments section to be entered in our random drawing.

 

Once again we would like to encourage you to try the Hero Arts line of products by offering you a 15% discount for the next week. The promotion code HeroHues15 will be valid on all orders placed between now and midnight April 14th. Please enter this code upon reaching the checkout page. Note that upon completion of your order the discounted price will be listed on the individual product line and not at the end of the invoice.

This promotion is valid on all in-stock Hero Arts products only and cannot be combined with any other coupon code (frequent shoppers please place two separate orders and notify us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com immediately upon completion of both orders so that we can combine your orders for shipping if you would like.) For the best selection be certain to shop early!

Comments

[Vicki R (OH)]

Coincidentally I had just received some of the Hero Hues paper & chalk ink today for the first time, and Very impressed!
I like the weight, and the white core.
I've never used Memory Box, but Loved seeing your comparison of Hero Hues Daffodil to the MB Squash, and would like to see more color comparisons -- I may decide to use both of these Fab cardstocks togehter in the future!
Thanks for the chance to win some candy

[Rebecca Ednie]

I've not used either of them. I would be interested in a sampler of both!

[Kim C.]

First let me say what a beautiful card this is. I too haven't used their cardstock but I can see how helpful a comparison chart would be. I am very envious of your time at RU.

[Diane Welch]

I would love to have color samplers just so that coordination with other paper and materials such as ribbon and embellishments that I have on hand already would be more accurate. Great idea, Ellen!

[Amy]

I have not used either the Memory Box or Hero Arts papers (yet!), except for some Memory Box patterned paper. I would not need an online color comparison, but I agree with others who would like a sampler of the papers from each line.

[cards4u]

Thanks for another great tutorial! I have used the Memory Box paper I purchased from you and enjoyed it! Personally I would love to buy a color sampler from both companies and have it in my own little hot hands. Color is tricky enough let alone over the computer : ) But if there was a computer comparison I certainly wouldn't turn it down. Thanks for the chance to play!

[Linda]

Love your step by step instructions, very clear and easy to follow. The idea of the cardstock comparison would be very helpful and I do like using card stock that is white on the inside. After seeing your technique of sanding so the impressions show through makes it even more exciting to use this brand of cardstock. I will definitely need to purchase some additional colors. And who doesn't love the chance to win some "candy"!

[Michelle In Mi]

So much good information on today's blog- and then a chance to win some Candy? WooHoo!Love all the new Hero Arts products-you showcase them well with your creations!

[Terri]

Love that paint resist technique I am going to have to try that.

[Jane T]

I have only used Hero Arts stamps in the past, but would welcome a comparison chart. I am not to good at putting colors together and any help is appreciated.

[Cindy Holshouser]

I rarely use either line of paper. I do, however, love both company's stamps and own several. Thanks for sharing such great techniques and for the discount.

[rebecca keppel]

Gorgeous card and I love the techniques you showcased. I've only used the Hero Arts collection so far.

[Ann I.]

I have both Memory Box and Hero Arts stamp collections. I have some older sets of the HA card packs and the same with the MB cards. I like the thickness and quality of both companies' papers. Color comparison? I just buy what I like :)

[laura Webb]

I have been eye balling the Hero Hues paper and ink but haven't used them yet. I wouldn't need a comparison chart but it may be useful to some people. Thank you.

[Avital]

I only used the Hero Arts collection, so I guess for me it won't be helpful... Thanks for the chance to win this colorful prize. :)

[Judith Cobb]

A comparison would be great! Thanks.

[C Burke]

I haven't used either company's papers but would like to see a color comparison which I think would be useful for anyone who wants to order them.

[AnneSATX]

I've only used Hero Arts and Memory Box stamps. I haven't tried either company's papers yet. I'm sure plenty of people would find a color comparison useful, although as has been pointed out, the colors on the screen are seldom accurate. But it would give us an idea of what the colors might be. Thanks for the chance to win some of these wonderful products!

[Carol B]

I think it woul be wondeful to have color comparisons of the Hero and MB cardstocks! I am always making my own, but I would't mind buying one instead.

[Nellie Schuurman]

I have used the Hero Arts Stamps and love them lots. A comparison chart would definitely be helpful. Thanks so much Ellen. Hugs, Nellie.

[Verona H]

I have used some of the Memory Box Cards, but only Stamps from Hero Arts. Don't feel it necessary to do the comparison. As most say, it is different on the computer screen. Colors are even different in different rooms of my house, depending on the lighting.

[Linda C.]

I use Memory Box papers & would not be interested in a comparison chart.

[Tricia Dee]

Great card, Ellen! I've only used the Hero Arts stamps, not the paper.

[Cathy A.]

Hi Ellen...thanks for asking about the color comparisons. For me, this would not be necessary. I have some of the Memory Box colors and intend on also getting the Hero Arts colors. I can never have enough! Thank you for carrying both of these lines, especially the Memory Box, as they are not easy to find. Also, thank you so, so much for listing all of the coordinating Memory Box colors that go along with the 6X6 pads. Now, if we could just get Dave B. to put together color swatches for sale then color matching for some of the older or retired 6X6 pads (which I have many and still use) would be easier.

[Karen]

Yes, Ellen, it would be helpful to have the color listing/coordination. Also I would like to know the weight of the cardstock. Some are heavier and make good card bases while others do not. I have not used either of the two brands. Thanks!