I am very happy to be sharing a day on the blog with Nicky Hsu. I first noticed Nicky’s cards on the Flickr group. She showed an amazing sense of color and a very creative use of accessories and coloring techniques. Since then her cards have continued to make me smile and I am sure they will continue to do so.

What a fun day I had creating cards from Nicky’s supply list! I had such fun looking at Nicky’s intricate cards and deciding how I could adapt her beautiful designs into my simple style. I have been making cards for over 20 years. My first years with Posh Presents (now Posh Designs) were based on the limited supplies available at that time, black ink pads, colored pencils and some markers. 20+ years later with Hero Arts my style reflects the many options for coloring, layering and accenting. As most crafters look back on their art they see the different stages of life reflected in their cards and projects. I love Nicky’s fresh perspective and innovative use of supplies.

Here are some more facts about Nicky:

Q:What is your favorite stamping technique?

My favorite stamping technique will be embossing. You can do so much with it. Simple emboss, using different color embossing powder, emboss on different material or do emboss resist technique. There is endless possibility. I just love the magic powder.

Q:What is your “go-to” color combination?

My go-to color combination is everything with kraft, especially pink+brown+kraft or white. It’s funny that I am not a girly girl but in love with this color combo.

Q:What are your favorite Hero Arts embellishments?

A:Definitely gems and pearls. Can’t finish a card without them.

Q:What inspires you?

I am inspired by all the Artists on Hero Arts blog and all the amazing entries on Hero Arts Flickr pool. I am so glad to join the Hero Arts Flickr group . It’s a warm and super talented family. If you are not join yet, what are you waiting for?

Q: What is your favorite dessert?

The Hsu’s family signature Pistachio Green Cake. We had it on birthdays, holidays and the best part–My husband makes them all the time.

The white embossed tree on blue paper is a beautiful celebration of the holidays. I love the combination of the soft brown and deep blue and I am sure all who receive one of Nicky’s cards will too. Although Nicky used a different tree for her beautiful blue card, either tree can be used for both cards…just another example of how card makers can be flexible and make use of holiday images to mix and match.

Card by Nicky Hsu. Get full supplies and instructions here.

I know you won’t believe this card is as easy as it sounds, but it is. Embossing is sort of like riding a bicycle once learn how you never forget.

Card by Nancy Taylor. Get full supplies and instructions here.

This sparkling ornament on pink satin ribbon is so lovely against the light pink ink, I had a hard time coming up with colors as innovative. I went back to my old standby - gold ink on cream paper with green accents, I think I will leave the innovative combinations to the young stampers that are very inspiring.

Card by Nicky Hsu. Get full supplies and instructions here.

Card by Nancy Taylor. Get full supplies and instructions here.

Nicky’s beautiful use of color against the white embossed flourish was breathtaking. Using the brown colors on Nicky’s card, I decided on a photo card using the same colors. I was so glad Nicky chose to use the Fabulous Flourish, and I used her brown tones to pick up the brown branches in the picture. By changing colors of paper and ink to match your photo you can make a made-to-match card for your favorite holiday photo.

Card by Nicky Hsu. Get full supplies and instructions here.

Card by Nancy Taylor. Get full supplies and instructions here.

Here is a message from Nicky:

I have loved playing with paper and coloring ever since I was a kid. I believe I got this from my mom. I love stamping because this is another way to expand the fun even more and the best part is I get to share the joy with my friends and family. I love seeing people smile when they open the card or receive a message from a friend. A gift I didn’t expect when I first joined are the many friends I have made from the Hero Arts Flickr group. People are super talented and so nice in this group. Not only am I inspired but I also get lot of encouragement. I am proud to be a part of the Hero Arts Flickr family.

Thank you Nicky for an adventure in color I will not soon forget.

Filed under: winaday

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 at 5:00 am and is filed under Watch It Wednesdays. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.