2017 Hero Arts Catalog Blog Hop

*ETA: This is the second hop for today. If you’re looking for the Katy’s Kindness Blog Hop, click HERE.

Hello there and welcome. I’m honored to be joining the Hero Arts Blog Hop celebrating their 2017 Catalog release that is available HERE. I fell in love with THIS Koi Fish Layering Stamp Set and created this card with it…

I started with a Google search on Koi fish for coloring. I was surprised with all the beautiful colors that popped up. I didn’t go for 100% realistic, but I had fun experimenting and choosing colors that I like. Remember, you don’t have to follow any rules when creating…just have fun.

I used an acrylic block to stamp each layer. The MISTI tool would be perfect for lining up each layer, but I wanted to show that if you don’t have the tool, you can still achieve great results. Here’s the color combo of inks I used for each layer (all Hero Arts). I used a lighter shade for the base color and a darker shade for the next layer. The number one represents the first layer and the number two represents the second layer.

Red Fish     
1.Bubble Gum     
2.Raspberry Jam
Orange Fish
1.Butter Bar        
2.Orange Soda
Green Fish 
1.Green Hills   
2.Lime Green
Blue Fish   
1.Pool                  
2.Navy
Purple Fish
1.Passion Flower
2.Grape Juice

I stamped the eye layer with black and then stamped the base layer again on top with VersaMark ink and added clear embossing powder. This adds shine and a realistic wet look…

After cutting out each fish with THIS coordinating die, I applied THIS Distress Ink on to a piece of watercolor cardstock. I applied water drops on top to give a realistic water look and cut a large oval out of the center using THESE dies. I adhered the fish inside the oval and stamped some bubbles from the stamp set in the center. I finished off the card by adding a sentiment from THIS stamp set and adhering a few of THESE clear drops.

I also stamped on the inside of the card using a sentiment from the Koi stamp set

I plan to add a scratch off lottery ticket inside to tie along with the theme of the card.

KEEP HOPPING
There’s lots more inspiration to check out. Click HERE to go to the next stop on the blog hop and visit the wonderful, Libby Hickson.

Here’s the complete Blog Hop order…
The Hero Arts Blog

Jennifer McGuire

Laura Bassen

Wanda Guess

Amy Tsuruta

Clare Prezzia

Yana Smakula

Kathy Racoosin

Debby Hughes

Kelly Purkey

Lydia Fiedler

May Park

Jessica Frost-Ballas

Heather Ruwe

Libby Hickson

Michelle Short

Jana Millen

 
GIVEAWAYHero Arts will be giving away three $25 shopping sprees, drawn from comments left across all blogs in the hop. For a chance to win, leave a comment by Tuesday, February 21st at 11:59pm PT.

Click HERE to see the 2017 catalog. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day.
LINKS TO SUPPLIES USED: 

213 Comments

  1. Jackie
    February 22, 2017

    Love the beautiful colours you used to colour the koi. They look so lovely all together

    Reply
  2. Cyndee
    February 21, 2017

    Love the collection of rainbow koi! Looks like they are gathering to share the lastest gossip or to munch on some fish food.

    Reply
  3. Gail Plaskiewicz
    February 21, 2017

    I love the colors you used for your fish. I've only seen a few orange ones up close and personal and they are beautiful. I could watch them swim for hours. The stamps in this set look so real like they could swim off of the page. Great job on your care and thanks for giving us the chance to win something!

    Reply

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