Puttin' On The Glitz! "A Blog Named Hero" November Challenge Inspiration!

 Hello!

I'm back with more inspiration for the current challenge.  I hope you will enter as it's a lot of fun and you could win one of two gift certificates!

I went full on glitz with these leaves which are diecut out of Hero Arts glitter paper!  The supplies are linked below (AFIL-Thank you!)

All I really did was layer a gold rectangle a little smaller than the card black card base using a mini slimline die.  I then diecut a another black piece and ran it through an embossing folder, then shimmer spritzed for more interest.  I took a black scrap and heat embossed the sentiment and lined up the leaves.  Easy peasy!

I will be back very soon with some holiday inspiration!  The deadline to enter the challenge is 11/26/21.  Just post your project on Instagram using and tag @ablognamedhero and #abnhnovemberchallenge!

Take care!

Gale

Fun Fall Foiled Leaves-- "A Blog Named Hero's" November Glitz Challenge Inspiration!

 Hello!

October flew by!  I know you don't normally think of November as glitzy, but I like to be a bit different:)

The "A Blog Named Hero" challenge this month is "Glitzy."  Be sure to enter your projects that uses Hero Arts products at @abnhnovemberchallenge and tag @ablognamedhero by November 26th!  The team will choose a winner for the $50 Hero Arts gift card and then there will be a drawing from the rest of the entries for a $25 gift card!  

The full Youtube tutorial is here:

I thought it would be fun to try Cosmic Shimmer foil flakes.  They are gorgeous, however one has to be careful to contain them (and definitely turn off fans, possibly stop breathing LOL!)

I used a fairly heavy cardstock and applied a double sided adhesive panel.  I laid it in a cardboard box, then carefully pulled off the release paper a bit a time and added flakes, burnishing at first with fingers.  

Next, I laid the release paper back on top and burnished with a bone folder.   Finally, just ran it through my diecutter to get the pieces (saving extra bits for later.  I hate waste!)  The supplies are all linked below (AFIL-thank you!)

After that it was just simple layering of the panels on top of a Z-fold copper base.  A Z-fold is simply an A2 base, with the front folded on back to itself.  

Here's the inside:

Here are the supplies I used:

I will be back soon with loads of holiday inspiration!  If you haven't already, please visit/follow my IG account @darbycreekdiaries as I don't always post everything here or my Youtube channel  Https://youtube/c/GaleThompson

Take care!

Gale

Clean 'n Simple Halloween Card For "A Blog Named Hero's" September 2021 Challenge!

 Hello!

Seems a little early for Halloween, but Fall is only a weeks away! 

This month's challenge is "Clean 'n Simple" truth be told, I am cheating a little bit.  My understanding is a clean and simple card is one layer, mostly white (or lots of empty space) with little or no adornments.  I simply can't wrap my head around it! 

Most supplies are linked below (some aren't available and are left out.)  All I did was mask off the center of my Hero Arts Spider Web stencil and applied orange ink.  Since it was showing the positive area as white, I applied Ranger's Halloween glitter using a fine tip glue along the strands.  Let dry before removing excess.  (Pro Tip:  this glitter is awesome, but super fine and super hard to clean up.  Ask me how I know!  It's so full of static it sticks to my water mat and everything else.  So contain the bling carefully!

I heat embossed blank ink with clear powder for the sentiment (from a past MMH kit that's sold out.)  I added a couple googly eyes and a few spider confettis I had in my stash.

The "A Blog Named Hero" challenges are now held over on our Instagram page @ablognamedhero so be sure to enter there for a chances at a $50 and $25 Hero Arts shopping spree!  The challenges go from the 1st through the 26th of each month.

Here are the links (AFIL-Thank you!):

I hope you are beating the heat and enjoying what is left of Summer!

Until next time,

Gale

Repeat After Me! "A Blog Named Hero's" July Repetition Challenge!

Hello!

I'm finally back crafting a bit!  Hope you are doing well!  The complete tutorial is at my YouTube Channel linked below.

Our "A Blog Named Hero" challenge this month is "repetition."  When I started in the 1990s (horse and buggy days for stampers) repeating was a daunting task.  Although there are other ways to repeat now, the MISTI tool was a game changer for me and most every other stamper I know.  So may new techniques!  A higher price point than some tools, but save up because it's worth it!

Today I used a tiny stamp from Hero Arts "Color Layering Sea and Sky."  I'm not great at scene building, so was glad to find a use for this Adirondack chair!  Once it's set up (I'll show you on YT tutorial--hard to explain here) it's easy, peasy!  I stamped on the smallest Trinity Mini-Slimline Die rectangle, then layered on the medium one with yellow cardstock, then layered onto the largest black rectangle and adhered to a mini-slimline base.  I added a few embellishments and I was done.  One of the cards is actually a salvaged boo-boo!  Guess which one!  The answer will be in the tutorial!  

Be sure to enter the challenge for a chance to win one of two generous Hero Arts gift cards!!!

The supplies are linked below (AFIL-Thank you so much!):

Take care,

Gale

Big Hugs For A Blog Named Hero's Monotone Challenge!

 Hi there!

I've been a wee bit busy here at The 'Creek!  This card was quick to put together because I already had some backgrounds made.  All I had to do was diecut, glue and mount everything!  (Well, for this card...the first one I made, I wound up pitching:(lol!)  If at first you don't succeed...

The supplies I used are linked below (AFIL-Thank You!!)

Just Channeling My Hippie-ness! "A Blog Named Hero" Shaped Card Challenge Inspiration!

 Hello!!

We're nearing the end of the current challenge, so hurry and get entered for a chance to win!  I chose to do a "hippie hexagon" with a rainbow of inks!

I die-cut 3 of the largest hexagon panels and scored one at 1/4" from the top.  I added Scor-tape to make a hinge.  Then I ink-blended randomly the last panel.  I stamped the Marble cling stamp with Versamark and used clear embossing powder.  I ran over the whole top with my darkest ink (Peacock Feathers- Everything is linked below--AFIL Thank you!!)

I layered the panels and added a thin black frame by using the two largest dies together.  I die-cut the sentiment three times and stacked for dimension.

Lastly, I added some hippy looking flower sequins and placed a jewel in the middle.  Super simple!

Here are the supplies I used:

I'll see you in a couple weeks with a brand new challenge!  (Of course, I hope to have a YT tutorial before that:)

Gale

Fun Flip Flop Shaped Card W/Free Template--"A Blog Named Hero's" Shaped Card Challenge!

Hello!!

It's a sunny day here in Ohio, but too cold just yet to go to the beach.  But I can dream!!

I don't have a flip flop die and decided not to "cheat" and use my Scan 'n Cut because many folks don't have them.  So, I made an "old-fashioned" hand drawn template!  You can download it free below.  I also have all the supplies linked below for you convenience (AFIL-Thank You for your support!)

All of the instructions are included on my Youtube video also linked below.  I hope you will enjoy it (and if you do...please like, subscribe and hit that bell for notifications!)  

 Flip Flop Template

Supply List:

Happy 9th Anniversary "A Blog Named Hero!"

 Hello!

I'm back again with yet another anniversary card!  This is part in conjunction with an Instagram Hop celebrating "A Blog Named Hero's" 9th anniversary on April 1st-April 2nd.  There is a gift card drawing so visit as many stops as you can both days for more entries and please follow your favorite designers too!  (I'm @darbycreekdiaries)

Here is my project: (Supplies linked below AFIL-Thank you!)

The butterfly was die cut from leftovers from an earlier project.  Here is the link to that Youtube tutorial with supply list (it was done with alcohol inks/foil):

The background is the water ripples stamp.  It was a happy accident as I inked it up with a few distress inks, then sprayed it with too much water for the image to be crisp.  But I kept it in my background pile and it's perfect for this!

I die cut the art deco cover out of gold card stock then stacked it on four white ones for dimension.  I laid it on the blue background, added it to a card base, then added the butterfly and sentiment.

The lesson here?  Save those scraps and imperfect backgrounds!

Here are the supplies I used:

Once again, Happy Anniversary "A Blog Named Hero!"  I'm proud to be a small part of your history.  Here's to many more years!  Don't forget to hop over to IG and comment to enter in the drawing!

Happy Easter,

Gale

Easy Vellum Copic Coloring-- "A Blog Named Hero's" 9th Anniversary Celebration!

 Hello again!

In April, "A Blog Named Hero" turns 9!  I'm so happy to be in my third year of participating to inspire folks to create and enter our monthly challenges!

April's challenge is anniversary cards.  Here's an "old-timey" way to use vellum that is very forgiving for us coloring-challenged folks.  

The supplies are linked below (AFIL-thank you!)  I started with a piece of Hero Arts heavy vellum and heat embossed the image.

Next, I flipped it over and colored it on the back.  This is great as it's not a big deal to stay within the lines.  You must use alcohol inks for it to dry.  They are easy to blend on this slick surface too!

Since even the clearest of glues may show through the vellum, I folded it over the top of a metallic silver background and glued it.  Then I glued that panel to a top folding card that is larger than I normally do--approximately an A7 (ish).  I will have to make an envelope to send it, but I hated to cut off any of the flowers!

Stay tuned to Instagram (I'm @darbycreekdiaries if you'd like to follow me) as April 1st and 2nd we are having a giveaway hop with tons of Hero Arts folks participating!  Then we'll have another giveaway as usual with the anniversary themed challenge on the blog.

Supply list--

Take care, Happy Spring and I'll see you again soon!

Gale

Elegant 'N Easy Get Well Card-- "A Blog Named Hero" Challenge Inspiration!

Hello!  

Spring is here if only in my dreams!  It will be here soon--turning back our clocks this Sunday...

Here is some floral inspiration for the current "A Blog Named Hero Challenge."  Hurry and enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card!

So shiny:)

This card is pretty simple and quick (my favorite kind!)  The supplies are linked below (AFIL-Thank you!)

I chose several shades of pink/coral Distress inks and smooshed them, drying between layers.  I stamped the bold script background in white pigment ink.  I used the second largest rounded rectangle die to trim panel.  

I added it to an A2 top folding base, then carefully glued on my vellum envelope and flowers from a My Monthly Hero kit so popular, they now sell the dies!  I added a little ink and glitter pen to the flowers to add some interest. 

I stamped the sentiment strip and laid it over the foliage to hide glue I used to apply them.  Then added a few sequins for some additional shine.

Here are the supplies I used:

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I'll see you again soon!

Gale

See Through Card--CASE A Hero Arts Creative Team Member Challenge!

Hello & Happy New Year!!

So glad you stopped by for my final post of 2020.  Hoping 2021 is much better for everyone!  Today I CASE'd fellow "A Blog Named Hero" Facebook Creative Team member Michelle Lupton's see-through card...

The supplies I used are linked below (afil--thank you for your support!)

Here is Michelle's original card:

This simple card starts with a pre-made Hero Arts acetate card base.

I ink-smooshed a panel of distress heavystock with distress inks.  Next I cut two Hero Arts Greenery edge diecuts on white card.  I cut a strip of the inked paper and positioned the edge diecuts underneath leaving about a 1/4" border.  After gluing together, I glued to the acetate based and trimmed excess.  

I added some silver foil pearls to accent the diecuts.  Inside the card, cut 3 rectangles the same size as the middle strip in plain white card.  Glue one to the inside front to cover up glue, etc.  Next, flip over and place another strip on the back lining up with the front strip.  

Finally, position the last white strip over the one on the back of the card and glue down.  This is where you can stamp a sentiment or write a message.

I'm off recovering from surgery and doing well.  I am hoping to get some Youtube projects uploaded for you before I return to work.  So please check there and on instagram @darbycreekdiaries!

Fingers crossed!!

Here is the supply list

Glitter 'N Sparkle Glass Ornaments: "A Blog Named Hero's" November 2020 Challenge Inspiration!

 Hello!

Happy Thanksgiving! Welcome back to my blog!  Hope you are doing and feeling well!  I made some "old school" glitter ornaments for the current challenge "Glitter & Sparkle."  Hurry and enter for a chance to win a generous shopping spree at Hero Arts!  

I've made ornaments like this before, so if you can't wait for the forthcoming Youtube tutorial, here is a link.  But I promise to have the tutorial posted by December 10, 2020!  If you don't want to miss it, please visit youtube.com/c/galethompson to subscribe and ring the bell to get notifications!  

I will also put the link here when available:)

These are fun and super easy.  Kids can do them with adult supervision.  You can get the glass ornaments anywhere very reasonably priced right now.

Here are the other supplies I used (AFIL links--thank you so much for your support!)

Here's a previous blog post you might enjoy too!

Take care and I will be back soon!  

Gale

See-Through Wish Ornament For Current "A Blog Named Hero Challenge!"

 Hi there!

Hope all is well with you!  The current challenge is See-Through at ABlogNamedHero.com  You could win a $50 shopping spree!  Hurry to enter!  

All I did was diecut the wish ornament in white several times to layer (cutting out the wish part.) Then once in holographic cardstock (supplies are linked below-afil thank you for supporting me!) Then I flipped the paper to die cut another holographic one that would be the reverse to finish the back.

I channel Jennifer McGuire and laminated some glitter and embossing powder for the middle of the "sandwich."  I added the hanger and bow and was done!

I hope you give it a try!

I'll be back soon!  Stay safe!

Gale

See Through Element-- Inspiration For The Current "A Blog Named Hero" Challenge

Hello!  

My computer is temporarily working, so I wanted to quickly get this posted, though the card was posted a few days ago on Facebook.  Technology is great when it works.

Here is a card featuring the Hero Arts greenery wreath.  It is pretty simple, yet festive.  The camera didn't capture the red rhinestones.  The wreath die comes with both the inner and outer edges, to use separately or together to completely cut out circle.  (Supplies are linked below (afil-Thank you!!)

I used the dies together and cut out wreath our of shimmery green cardstock, then I cut out the circle only on the white card.  I layered it on to a red card base, then cut out the center circle.  I diecut another white circle and layered it on the inside of the cardbase.  I gold heat embossed the sentiment in the center, diecut a bow out of glitter cardstock.  I layered the smaller sentiment below and rounded the corners.  Added the rhinestones and finished it off.  

I have several videos shot and hope to be able to edit them soon, if the iMac cooperates!  I hope you will stop by again asap!

Here are the supplies I used:

Take care and stay safe!!

Gale

Clean and Simple Spooky Halloween Tree- "A Blog Named Hero" Challenge Inspiration!

 Hello again!

This month's challenge is Clean and Simple and this card "mostly" is!  I wound up having to glue the scene to the background, but that's our little secret:)

I stamped the tree on white cardstock with black ink (supplies are linked below--(AFIL-thank you!!) and clear heat embossed it.

Next, I stamped the bird from last month's My Monthly Hero Kit in various spots and embossed as well. Then, I blended distress oxides in Halloween night colors.  Wipe with a dry cloth to brighten the black embossing.  I diecut the panel with an oval die and placed on my cardbase (clean and simple cards are supposed to have a lot of white space.)  

Finally, I took the sentiment from that same kit and white heat embossed on pitch black cardstock.

That's all there was to this!  Easy, peasy lemon squeezy!!

Hurry to enter the challenge at ABlogNamedHero.com as there are only a few days left until the drawing!  Stay tuned for the next month's challenge coming soon!

Here are the supplies I used:

Hope you are staying well!!

Gale

Beach Please! -Clean & Simple "A Blog Named Hero" Current Challenge

 Hello!

I'm so glad you stopped by! For me, clean and simple cards (aka, CAS) are the hardest to make.  You really can't cover the boo-boos and that scares me!  Today I'm using the Hero Arts "Beach Please" Stamp'n Cut set, some distress inks, colored pencils and plain 'ol sand.  The supplies are linked below (afil--thank you!!)

First, I cut a circle out of masking paper (regular paper would work too!) and diecut the dog on the towel to use as a mask as well.  I stamped the dog, then placed the mask over it (trimming it down a hair.)  I blended the distress inks a little to make a blurry beach, water, sky scene.  

I inked up the sun and misted water over it and the background, patting with a paper towel in a few seconds for droplet effect.  I colored the dog with pencils, using Gamsol to blend.  I added shimmer to the sun and water line along with sand on the beach.  To finish I stamped the sentiment and added Glossy Accents to the sunglasses and necklace.  

To finish I put a few clear sequins to brighten things up!  That's it!  Here are the supplies I used:

Be sure to enter your project at Ablognamedhero.com for your chance to win a gift certificate!!

Take care and see you again very soon!

Gale

A Blog Named Hero Challenge Inspiration: Combining Old and New!

Hi there!

Here's a bright and cheery get well card using Hero Art's Fresh Citrus Bold Background Stamp and a sentiment from 1995... I am old... the supplies are linked below (afil- Thank you for your support!)

There isn't a ton of technique involved.  Just fun playing with coloring the fruit!  I used original distress ink smooshed on plastic as a pallet for my water brush.  I white heat embossed the fruit stamp.  Then diecut the panel with the Nested Postage dies.  I diecut a slightly larger panel of glimmer cardstock from a previous MMH kit with a Rounded Rectangle die and added to a white base.  I wrapped the panel with the sentiment on vellum and added some iridescent jewels in the centers of the flowers and lemons.  Easy peasy!

Here are the supplies I used that are still available:

 Have a great week and I'll see you again soon!  I also will be posting some video tutorials shortly:)  
Take care,
Gale

Playing With Distress Embossing Glaze: A Blog Named Hero "Hugs From A Distance" Challenge Inspiration

Hello!

It's not too late to enter this "A Blog Named Hero" monthly challenge "Hugs From A Distance!"  This time I used an older Hero Arts Flower Stencil and Distress Embossing Glaze for an "artzy" look!  The supplies I used are linked below (afil-thank you!)

I am a bit behind on my video tutorials, but one that includes this will be up soon, I hope!  It was really easy and fun!  Update:  Here's the tutorial! https://youtu.be/ziismNyHkQs

I white heat-embossed the word background on white cardstock, then laid my stencil over top and pounced Versamark clear ink on top.  I pulled off the stencil and heat-embossed again with the Distress embossing glaze.

Then I covered the entire front with gray dye in to make the words pop.  Gently, wipe off excess over embossing with a paper towel.
Next, I just used an infinity die to cut out the piece and layered over a white card base.

Finally, I white heat-embossed the sentiment (from a Hero Arts previous kit) on gray card cut with a die from that same kit.  I cut out several white strips from scrap and stacked beneath the sentiment for added dimension.   

I placed a few Hero Arts pearls (retired) for a little added interest, but not so much as to take away fromI the background! 

Here are the supplies I used:  Way below is the supply list to the "6 Fun Stencil Techniques You've Gotta Try!"

Take care everyone and come back soon!

Gale

Easy Diecut Floral Bouquet!! "A Blog Named Hero's "Anything Goes Challenge"

Hello!

Hope all is well with you!  I love the Hero Arts January kit and was sorry that it sold out so quickly that many folks missed out.  :(

However, this card can be made with whatever you have around if you think outside the box a little ---I didn't have the correct size tag die, so used a flip door die and added the stitching to the bottom.  Really easy!

The rest of the supplies I used are linked (afil) if you want to check them out.

All I did was use pattern paper for the flowers and added ink to the edge and white pencil to the cut parts.  No coloring needed!

I will be back soon with a new You Tube tutorial!  FYI-- "Save the Crafty YouTubers" will be hopping again the last week of March!  Mark your calendar as we have prizes at every stop (there are at least 60 of them!)  My prize is sponsored by Hero Arts.  Join us for fun, crafting tips, prizes and show your support by commenting, subscribing and thumbs ups for us as we bring you ideas for free!!! 

Until next time,
Gale

How to Make a Christmas Card That's Sew Easy! A Blog Named Hero "Muted Tones" Challenge!

Hello!

Here is my first project inspiration for the November "A Blog Named Hero" Challenge of "muted colors."  This project may look familiar because the background is a leftover piece from an earlier card.  Always save those scraps!  This was simple to make and quicker than most.  The stitching to me is quicker than coloring and easily mass-produced on the go!  The supplies are listed below.  For the full tutorial, please visit my youtube link also below (and I hope you'll consider subscribing!)

I die cut the scrap from a rounded rectangle infinity die, but my tape wasn't secure and the paper shifted.  So, never throwing anything out (Never give up!  Never surrender!) I just recut to straighten out, but it does leave an odd size compared to the rest.  Oh well, our secret!

Next, I die cut the stitched tree in the center and stitched with hand-dyed muted green embroidery floss.  I added a garland of red floss with gold glass seed beads.  Next I added a star brad and cut a square of corrugated cardboard for trunk.  

I layered this with the muted red & green paper on top of the Neenah Desert Storm top fold card base.

Easy, peasy!

Hope you will give this a try!  I will be back very soon!
Gale